Jacob Fishbein and Jackson Buckley, two Prep juniors, run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the same steps Rocky Balboa climbed in his now legendary training session.  It’s cold, but they still feel the burn of the workout, as well as the warmth of the Philly Cheesesteaks in their stomachs.

It may be hard to believe, but cheesesteaks weren’t the main focus of this year’s Philadelphia journalism conference.  Six thousand kids, including eleven of our fine Prep Griffin journalists, attended the event.  During the day, they learned a range of journalistically focused skills from trained professionals, and at night the city became a vibrant playground for these small-town Santa Fe kids.  There was a 76ers game, a visit to Chinatown, to the National Constitution Center, the Liberty Bell, South Street, lots of shopping and teen dances.  by Jackson Buckley, ‘09

Note:  After this article was published, we received news that Wade Payson-Denney ‘09 earned honorable mention in news writing during the Write-off Competition at the conference.  Congratulations!

The final date of the annual Peyote Bird Designs Wholesale Holiday Trunk Show is Saturday, December 15th from 9 am - 5 pm.  Handcrafted sterling silver and semi-precious stone jewelry will be available at wholesale prices, and 15% of the proceeds will be donated to Santa Fe Prep.  The show will be held at the Peyote Bird showroom, 675 Harkle Rd., just behind the Residence Inn off St. Michael’s Drive.  All Prep families and their friends are welcome.  In its 9th year, the event is hosted by Prep family Mark, Martha, Amanda ‘09 and Jackson ‘12 Alexander.

The curtain goes up on the Performing Arts Department’s fall play, “The Heidi Chronicles,” Friday, November 16th at 7:30 pm in the Santa Fe High School Theater.  The play is the story of a baby boomer’s long, hard road from 60s confusion to 90s self-assured woman.  An ensemble cast of seven women and three men cover the multiple roles. 

A second performance is scheduled for Saturday, November 17th at 7:30 pm and the show concludes Sunday, November 18th with a 2 pm matinee.  Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and will be sold at the door before each performance.  Please note that this play contains strong language that may not be suitable for young children.

Due to the renovation of Prep’s Driscoll Auditorium, the play is being held at Santa Fe High.  From Yucca Street, turn into Santa Fe High School.  Stay straight and enter the student parking lot.  The performing arts center is visible from this lot.

This Sunday, November 11th, marks Prep’s annual Admissions Open House.  All parents and prospective students are welcome to attend and tour our new library, attend classes taught by Prep’s engaging and enthusiastic teachers and meet members of our diverse student body.  Staff members will also be on hand to answer questions about tuition assistance, college counseling and service learning programs.

The program begins promptly at 2:00 pm in our newly renovated auditorium.  There you’ll receive a schedule and information packet, and begin your admissions adventure, visiting classes, touring the campus and meeting faculty.  Admissions forms will be available at the open house and are also available to Admissions Forms from our website. 

This is the only admissions open house scheduled for students interested in starting school in the fall of 2008.  The school does offer tours every Tuesday at 10:00 am.  For more information, contact , Admissions Assistant.

Last week’s Halloween celebration was more than costumes and candy.  It was also a serious fundraising activity for the students, and they raised more than $1,600 for local youth shelters.  Parents and faculty helped Student Council members set up a Halloween carnival that included activities ranging from a cake walk to donut bobbing to fortune telling.  The students sold tickets to each event, with proceeds earmarked for the youth shelters.