Contact: Jenni Brockman Beginning next month, Katie Farmer, a senior day student at St. Margaret's School, will carry out a three-week independent study project in Australia. Katie, a National Honor Society member and tri-sport athlete, will investigate the similarities and differences between the Australian and American St. Margaret's Schools. After comparing and contrasting the missions and philosophies between St. Margaret's School, Berwick in Australia and her own high school, St. Margaret's School in Tappahannock, Katie will compile her findings into a user-friendly handbook that students of both schools will be able to use to learn more about the unique customs and traditions of each institution. Inspired by an international exchange program currently run between St. Margaret's School, Berwick and her own St. Margaret's School in Essex County, Katie challenged herself to mesh her spring break with a two-week period preceding break in which seniors have the option to conduct a two-week off-campus independent study project (ISP). Last year, students completed independent-study internships in the areas of advertising in New York City; naval defense; small-business; environmental quality; teaching; and newspaper journalism in Washington DC. A student's project is limited only by her imagination and interest. "ISP's allow seniors to work as interns in fields which interest them," explains college counselor Mollie Conklin, of Warsaw. "Katie exemplifies the spirit of the Independent Study Program...the sky's the limit." Katie will leave Tappahannock, Friday, February 18 and return Thursday, March 16. A family in Berwick, Australia, nearby St. Margaret's School, will host Katie during her three-week stay. Her first week, Katie plans to shadow a senior SMS, Berwick student to learn about student life in Australia. In addition, Katie will give a power point presentation to the SMS, Berwick student body showing a typical school day in America. Next, Katie intends to assist a lower school teacher where she will show pictures and talk about the American St. Margaret's School to Australian lower school students in the classroom. Katie will conclude her research the final week meeting with each program director at SMS, Berwick to help her develop a comprehensive hand book that will capture everyday life at both St. Margaret's schools. In addition, Katie, a tri-sport athlete, plans to practice varsity tennis each afternoon. A standout athlete on St. Margaret's field hockey, basketball and tennis teams, Katie was named a 1998 LIS All-Star in field hockey. Currently Katie plays basketball; this spring, she will play No. 1 singles for SMS varsity tennis coach Katie Spiegler, of Tappahannock.
Once home, Katie will complete the guide book and share her experience with faculty and friends. "Katie is truly carrying out the worldwide mission that we, at St. Margaret's, are so proud of," says SMS headmistress Margaret Broad. Katie, who plans to work in a "people profession" one day, hopes her personal skills will be enhanced by her global travels. "Although I do not envision my future to be in education, I think the sisterhood of these schools will be with me for the rest of my life," admits Katie. "I think this once in a lifetime experience traveling abroad and living in a foreign country will help prepare me for college and encourage others to do similar internships or exchange programs." Katie is the daughter of ViAnn and Joe Farmer of Millers Tavern; she has one younger brother, Joe, an eighth grader at Aylett Country Day School.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Farmer to Spend Three Weeks Studying in Victoria, Australia
Australia Bound - St. Margaret's senior Katie Farmer will spend three weeks abroad studying independently next month. She will compare and contrast the American and Australian St. Margaret's schools.
