She is Indeed a Problem Solver for Our Complex World

Saturday was an exhilarating day which once again reinforced how vibrant the Duke School community is.  My day started at 7 a.m. watching Chris Marshall put three pigs on three separate grills for the end of the year party.  While Chris tries to minimize it, the planning that goes into the party is extensive.   I was back at noon to see the pigs’ progress and then back at 3:30 to help with the feed the millions food packing.  At 4 p.m., I slipped over to the preschool playgrounds to meet new families who were meeting with ambassadors and preparing to enjoy the picnic.  Three great things at the school in one place.

However, my favorite part of the day had yet to start.  At 9 p.m., I headed to Casbah to see the first part of two day extravaganza to raise money for the Children’s Upliftement Programme of Sri Lanka.
These events were organized by 8th grader Olivia Simpson as part of her 8th grade project.  Saturday was a cultural music benefit and Sunday was a play produced and directed by Olivia.  

The Saturday night benefit featured La Bete Magique, a musical duet featuring fellow 8th grader Tahila playing original music and her 11 year old friend singing her own original lyrics.  And it was excellent.  At the end, Olivia raised enough money to build a library in a Sri Lanka village.  Kudos!

So a weekend of new friends, service and celebrating old friends.  Most exciting of all a Duke School 8^th grader has illustrated she is indeed a problem solver for our complex world.  Good for her!