Whittall

6 August 2013Ted S

Through thick and thin, Whittall House is a brotherhood; we have practiced athletes, talented artists and brilliant academics, but that isn’t what makes our house unique. We coexist, from our orchestra members to the rugby squad. Throughout the year, Whittall watched as the Grade 9s dealt with homesickness, the 10s wrestled in the hallways, the 11s had girlfriend problems and the 12s stressed about deadlines. We’ve all made it through together, and become stronger as a result. Most of us changed from the beginning of the year. The Grade 9s are almost unrecognizable from the sheepish and unwashed boys that we saw stumbling out of Mom’s SUV during Orientation. Our soon-to-be Grade 10s are confident, friendly, academic, and, most of all, clean. Each and every one of them has made a niche for himself in the house, and can look forward to a thoroughly enjoyable Grade 10 year, as long as Mohit can learn to stay in his room during prep. It is hard to believe our Grade 10s are soon to become seniors in their own right, halfway through their stay in the house. Although they may be the most rambunctious group the house has ever seen, Kevin Dada works hard enough to keep all of them in line. Next year they have a host of new challenges to overcome, but if this year is any indication, they will be more than equal to the task. Grade 11s, we hand you the house, and all the responsibility that entails; you guys are more than ready. Next year you will take over our duties, and guide Whittall through another year, with your own set of students, new and old. Don’t let petty differences part you, the younger grades already look up to you: make next year a good one. This batch of Grade 12s had a year full of changes. Not only did we have to help out the usual new students during orientation, we also helped a new Head of School to get his bearings, watched our Houseparent take on new responsibilities in the athletics program, and endured inspection of the Grade 10 three-man rooms. Thanks to John, however, the clocks ran smoothly for the first time in years. We had our difficulties, but by working together and giving up a bit of sleep, we worked as a team and figured it out. There’s something special about living under the same roof that forges bonds that are stronger than simple friendship. There’s a reason we keep our ties; they are a little piece of this place that we take with us. When we say that we’re brothers, we mean it in the truest sense; we may squabble, wrestle, and cuss, but in the end, we’re family. If you mess with the bull, you get the horns. Ted Schokking, Assistant House Captain

Where Students Choose To Be