Torch - 2021 Edition

A s a member of the Havergal Rowing Team since Grade 9, Emma McCurdy-Franks wakes up at 4:30 am every day during the winter and spring seasons. But at an hour about which many teenagers might complain, she instead finds the upsides: the camaraderie that she feels with her teammates, the stress release and energy that she finds in training and the fun of competition found at regattas, held both nationally and across the border. She’s even stoked about starting practice under the stars at the docks of Lake Ontario. “I’ve always loved the spring Rowing season. At the end of March, we take the boats out onto the water when it’s still dark. Then, after a tiring practice, we watch the sun rise over the lake, which is quite remarkable,” says McCurdy-Franks. From the Lake at Dawn to the Top of the School If you think that’s the kind of attitude that might translate well to student leadership in a global pandemic, you’re right. This year, McCurdy-Franks has taken on the role of School Captain, leading the Prefect team, organizing school events and acting as a liaison between Staff and students. Not only is she undaunted by the fact this year’s logistics look a bit unique, she’s enthusiastic about the challenge. “I’m extremely honoured to have this role and to have an incredible Prefect team at my side. Although this year is different from those in the past, we are working together to carry on the Havergal spirit and to make this historic year one to remember in a positive light,” says McCurdy-Franks, adding that she’s already thrilled about some of the activities that have emerged. “In uncertain times, it’s really important to find new ways to connect and new ways to do things. So, as a Prefect team, our mission for this year is centred around creating connections,” she says. After all, she points out, connection is an important part of overall wellness. “Being kind to one another, respecting our differences and staying true to yourself are all qualities that I strongly value. This year, I hope to foster a school environment where students feel comfortable reaching out. We all have an inner strength and, although it’s sometimes hard to find, it’s there. I hope that each individual at Havergal knows they have a community of support around them.” In practical terms, staying connected means recreating school events, having different clubs over Zoom and seeking out ways to maintain connections between the different grades. They’ve organized Wellness Week and tried outdoor activities, like “Footloose Friday,” which is an outdoor student concert where students sing and dance. Yet another substantial initiative was the creation of the Instagram account “Gator Buzz,” where McCurdy- Franks and her team of Prefects post updates on what’s happening in the school, including photos from their various events. Reflective in Her Final Year From McCurdy-Franks’s perspective, while socially distanced activities may be new, they are all in keeping with the kind of community she’s come to know at Havergal. As a Havergal student

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In uncertain times, it’s really important to find new ways to connect and new ways to do things.

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since Junior Kindergarten, she’s made the most of her time here by getting involved in activities such as the Symphonic Band, the Rowing team and the Swim team. She’s also been head of the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) club and even co-founded Study Buddies, a peer tutoring and mentorship program for Middle School students. It’s not lost on McCurdy-Franks that all of these roles and activities have helped her build many important skills. That’s especially apparent in this year’s role as School Captain, which she says has pushed her forward as a leader, helped her in developing organizational skills and given her lots of practice at public speaking. She is already confident these will help in her future as she heads toward health sciences at university and medicine as a career. Already, the idea of leaving Havergal puts McCurdy-Franks in an even more reflective mood. “The most significant message I will take with me is from our First Principal Ellen Knox, who asked her students: ‘What will you do?’ This quote really resonates with me. Over the last 14 years at Havergal, I’ve learned how important it is to use the resources available and to seek out opportunities, because you never know what you might like until you try it.” Besides this sense of confidence, McCurdy-Franks adds that she’ll miss the community, not only in the big events like Hockey Day, but also in the small moments. “I am so grateful to have had Havergal as my home away from home. I believe that it’s our little traditions like music in the hallways, the competitive nature of Spirit Week and the sense of community found in Prayers that make Havergal such a special place,” she says, noting that she looks forward to becoming part of the alumnae network.

2021 EDITION • TORCH 11