Contact: Jenni Brockman
Telephone: 804-443-3357
Fax: 804-443-6781
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gifts Enlarge the St. Margaret's Fleet
Tappahannock, VA (October 28, 2000) - Thanks to the generosity of three local residents and a current parent, the River Program at St. Margaret's School is sailing along - both figuratively and literally.
A 24-foot pontoon boat donated by Bobby McGeorge of Naylors Beach, 25-foot Coronado given by Charlie Reichert of Tappahannock and 16-foot Sidewinder from Buddy Washington of Tappahannock now provide unique learning and recreational opportunities for students. An additional gift by current parents Rock and Patricia Houstoun of Houston, Tx., also made it possible to purchase eight kayaks, complete with paddles, life vests and trailer.
SMS River Program Director Andrea Robinson skippered this 25-foot Coronado on the Rappahannock one recent afternoon. The boat was donated to the school by Charlie Reichert of Tappahannock.
"It makes such a difference to be able to get the girls not just into, but onto the water," said Program Director Andrea Robinson. "They quickly discover an entirely different aspect of the river."
Students use the new watercraft in physical education classes, for weekend recreation, and to support such community service projects as river clean-up days. The kayaks also are ideal for nature study and getting closer to marshes and other animal habitats.
As the River Program grows, St. Margaret's will continue to welcome donations of "gently used" watercraft and related equipment, Robinson said. Current needs include Laser sailboats for physical education and afternoon activities, a deadrise or Boston Whaler for marine biology and a 15-horsepower motor for the large sailboat. Local residents also are invited to participate in the River Program by sharing their knowledge of area history or maritime culture at an SMS "Town Meeting," or by hosting a student intern in their water-related business. For more information, contact Robinson at (804) 443-3357.
St. Margaret's is the only girls' independent boarding/day school in the country to offer a river program. Learning from the river, students discover the rich interrelationships between science, history, and culture. The SMS River Program also helps girls build confidence through outdoor adventures, encourages them as they explore environmental science careers, teaches them water sports they can enjoy for a lifetime, and shows them the value of volunteer service.
Every student participates in the River Program, working with her advisor to tailor program offerings to suit personal goals and interests. The program is an integral part of the St. Margaret's experience, from the curriculum and student activities to residential life.
