Torch - Fall 2014

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| FALL 2014 • TORCH 9
Meet School Captain Tessa Buchan 2015
Tessa 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.”
“
“
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
School Captain