Torch - Fall 2014

School Captain

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Whatever I do in the future, I want to do what makes me happy and keeps me busy; Havergal has opened my eyes to this.

Meet School Captain Tessa Buchan 2015 T essa Buchan is a leader who accomplishes her goals and shares the joys of life through friendship and laughter. As Havergal’s School Captain for the 2014–15 school year, Tessa works hard, plays hard and creates an upbeat atmosphere within the school. No matter what the situation, she says there is always something to laugh about during the day. She had always dreamed of attending Havergal. “My mom was a student here and a Prefect in her graduating year [Class of 1985],” says Tessa, who joined the school in Grade 7. “Growing up, I admired the photos of her wearing her white blazer. I knew that I wanted to have similar experiences.” Tessa loves Havergal for many reasons, including the school’s beautiful campus, close-knit community and all of the outstanding opportunities to explore new interests and activities. “I found my passions at Havergal: music and sports,” she says. Tessa plays the trombone with the Symphonic Band (and on occasion with the Symphony Orchestra) and is a member of the Senior Choir. She plays on the Field Hockey Team, the Ice Hockey Team and the Rowing Team. “I love starting the day with a workout, seeing my crewmates and friends and watching the sunrise over the city,” says Tessa of her passion for rowing, which began in Grade 9. Tessa and the Prefects have established this year’s motto: One-Four-One-Five, Find Your Jive . “It means find the fun in life,” Tessa explains. “We developed this year’s motto after we had a conversation with my mom during the Prefect retreat in late August. She was telling us about her glory days as a Prefect in 1984–85. Their motto was Eight-Four-Eight-Five, Get Down Boogie Jive . It made us laugh and we thought it would be fun to make this year’s motto light-hearted.” To help people find their jive and discover the lighter side of life, Tessa and the Prefects are organizing special activities throughout the school year. At Upper School Prayers, they are honouring Super Spark Students and Star Staff Members—inspirational people who bring joy to the community. They are also posting new jokes of the week near the Expression Wall and playing music in the Dining Hall on Thursdays at lunch to inspire outbursts of dancing and singing. “My peers recognize that there is no benefit to being upset or grumpy around other people. We should focus on expressing our joy because it’s contagious,” she adds. As graduation draws near, Tessa wants to fulfil everything on her HC bucket list. To her, this means taking advantage of all the activities and opportunities available at the school. As for her future, Tessa is considering studying either business or medicine at university. For now, she is keeping herself busy with an eclectic mix of activities, which includes participating in sports teams and making music. “Whatever I do in the future, I want to do what makes me happy and keeps me busy; Havergal has opened my eyes to this.”

—Tessa Buchan 2015

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TABLE OF CONTENTS | FALL 2014 • TORCH 9