Seniors at Sharon Academy Give Diverse Presentations

Seniors at Sharon Academy Give Diverse Presentations

On Monday, April 9, traditional classes at the Sharon Academy were suspended to give all students the chance to listen to senior presentations.

The topics are chosen by the individual seniors. Each must then write a paper at least eight pages in length, and give an oral presentation on their topic, complete with visuals. Subjects cover a wide range of topics.

On the political and international scene, Willy Ruiz discussed China’s possible emergence as the next superpower, while Eli Doughty explained "The Fallacy of Foreign Aid." Phineas Ellis looked at the Darfur crisis in Sudan, and Leigh Riley shared "The IRA: Struggle for Independence." Zannah Pierce studied "What the Government Didn’t Tell Us. . . US Involvement in the Civil War in El Salvador," and Chad Jacobs presented "The Nature of Islam: Shedding Light on a Peaceful Religion."

Not all topics were as global. Tobin Krieg-Huntley shared "The Development of the Steel Pan" as a musical instrument, James Howe looked at "Bruce Lee’s Effects on American Culture," Logan Sears discussed the "Safety Features of a Stock Car," and Zach Nugent presented "The Grateful Dead: Guitars and Gear of Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir."

On a more local note, Max Dybvig explored "Micro-Hydro Power and Its Use in Ladakh, India and Vermont." Kylie Miller explained "American Sign Language, Its History, and How it Affected Me," and Sarah Colton shared "The History of Development in Williston, Vt."

Jeff Colburn’s exhibition focused on "JFK: The Lone Gunman Conspiracy," while Rosina Cleland looked at "Tango and Its History." Hunter Whitaker discussed "The Ethics and Morality of the EMS System," and Alli Diehlmann shared "The Impact of Physical Arousal on Athletic Performance."

Rounding out the day’s presentations was Tim Luckey with "The Future of Military Aviation," Kane Sherlock’s arcane "Can Binaural Beats Be Used for Significant Cognitive Alterations?" and Alex Runnel’s portrayal of the history of Indian education entitled "Kill the Indian and Save the Man."

Randolph’s own Hannah Roberts presented an exhibition simply entitled "Photographic Invasion." Roughly 25 students view each presentation, and they are able to ask questions afterwards. The oral presentation is evaluated by two staff members, who meet with each presenter to discuss the evaluation that same day. The senior exhibition, as well as a similar junior exhibition, are required pieces of the TSA curriculum for graduation, and a regular highlight of each school year.

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