St. Margaret's School - Student Review #2

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St. Margaret's School

Alumni Review #2, Class of 1991

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College Enrolled

Olivet College

Home Town, State (Country)

Years Attended Boarding School

Activities During Boarding School

That's easy, looking back everyone needed to participate in something at all times during the school year. Although, I was never Captin or anything, I played basketball, softball, soccer and even participated in aerobics. I was also involved w/the Current (yearbook) and some other things that I can't recall. It was great, if you never played before it didn't matter - I had never played softball prior to SMS and it was so much fun, had I remained in the public school system I would of never had the chance to participate.

1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?

Looking back, I really enjoyed the small class atomsphere at St. Margaret's (SMS). Teachers really interacted w/their students and if additional tutoring was needed, there was no problem finding a teacher to spend a couple of extra minutes going over a particular assignement. Unlike, larger schools you didn't feel like a number. Just like selling a house - LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! Growing up in a Detroit neighborhood, Grosse Pointe Farms, being close to the water was extremely important to me. It was one of the final deciding factors that helped me in my decision to attend SMS. SMS is located along the banks of the Rappahannock River, in historic Tappahannock, Virginia. The water front campus is something I feel is unique, not every school is located next to water.

2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?

Looking back, I have only positive things to say about St. Margaret's. Like many things in life, you are only going to get as much out of something as you are willing to put into it! I met so many wonderful people and many friendships still exist today. Yea, there were things that happened that I didn't understand why like having to a signout sheet and having to sign out every time we left campus. Now I know why, at the time I was like - geesh, this is really stupid! The honor code is another thing that sticks in my head, I can still recite it today! If I could do it all over again, I would do it in a heartbeat!

3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?

Looking back, I don't think I would of done anything differently. As far as advice for anyone considering boarding school, I would say if you have the means to do it, do it! You will never experience anything like this again in your life. As far as missing your home, family and friends - you will go through periods of time where you are going to be homesick, but don't let it get to you. Look at it this way, by the time you get to college - being away from home will be a piece of cake!

4.) What did you like most about your school?

That's easy, EVERYTHING!!!!

5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?

There have been so many wonderful changes to the campus, I am jealous!

1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?

Looking back, academics was very important. A couple of memeories that still stick in my head include summer reading and evening study hall. Things that one would never experience in a public school setting.

1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?

Personally, looking back when I was at SMS in the late 80's/early 90's, I don't think we were a very athletic school. Then again, I am not a very athletic person. Now in 2004, for me to say that I would be wrong. SMS is highly competitve and the SMS varsity soccer team actually defeated every team in the league during the regular season.

1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?

n/a

1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?

ISSAC events were always my favorite. Also trips to Washington D.C., Baltimore, MD, movies in Richmond, and of course what girl didn't love to shop - shopping trips to Williamsburg, Richmond, Potomac Mills and so on.

1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?

One thing I have to commment on this is the transition to college was easy! The dorm rooms where nice, furniture from This End Up - typical dorm room furniture.

1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.

I really liked the fact that we ate with our teachers. Every week or two we would rotate tables. Even the family members of the teachers attended certain meals.

1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.

Unfortunately, there wasn't really anything interesting in Tappahannock. However, we were only 45 minutes from Richmond and a couple of hours from Williamsburg and D.C. - so that was nice!

2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?

Please reference my response for Extra-curricular (student organizations and volunteer opportunities)

Weekday

7:30 AM	breakfast
8:00 AM	church
8:30 AM	class
9:30 AM	class
10:30 AM	class
11:30 AM	lunch
1:00 PM	class
2:00 PM	class
4:00 PM	afternoon activity
6:00 PM	dinner
7:00 PM	study hall
9:30 PM	lights out!