Exceptional in Every Way
Foxcroft School’s Exceptional Proficiency program was invented in the mid-1990s when rising show jumping star Alison Firestone Robitaille ’95 spent the winter in Florida to train and compete. The unique program has been associated with the School’s standout riders ever since, but it really isn’t just for equestrian athletes — or just for athletes, for that matter.
Kenzie G. ’20, who aspires to be a physician, is on her way to becoming a certified Emergency Medical Technician thanks in part to her ability to miss some required Foxcroft events to serve a weekly 13-hour shift at a rescue squad. Violinist Shea H. ’21 rehearses with the Ashburn Youth Orchestra after school and swimmer Teddy S. ’19, who has availed herself of the program for twice-a-day workouts and major competitions since arriving as a freshman, recently signed a letter of intent to swim at Manhattan College.
There are eight non-riding EP participants this year. Here’s what they have been up to this fall:
First Responder-in-Training: from Kenzie G. ’20
Over the summer, I took major steps towards becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in the state of Virginia. I spent the majority of the summer in the classroom, reading the EMT textbook cover to cover, or practicing for practical testing. After the course ended, on the first day of school this past fall, I sat for the National Registry Exam and became a recognized EMT in Virginia.
Back
Over the summer, I took major steps towards becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in the state of Virginia. I spent the majority of the summer in the classroom, reading the EMT textbook cover to cover, or practicing for practical testing. After the course ended, on the first day of school this past fall, I sat for the National Registry Exam and became a recognized EMT in Virginia.
Certified EMTs must be 18 years old but younger individuals can train, test, and, under supervision, answer calls. I can do almost everything that other EMTs can do, but I cannot be alone with the patient, as I am unable legally to provide definitive care. Once I turn 18, I can train to become an Attendant in Charge, who can be alone in the back of the ambulance being the sole person providing care.
Since the beginning of the summer, I've dedicated Friday nights to volunteering at my local rescue station, the Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad. I work a 13-hour shift, from 5pm Friday nights to 6am Saturday mornings. During my shift, I respond to emergencies in Leesburg and the greater Loudoun County area. The cases range from seizures to strokes, fall injuries to illnesses, car accidents to cardiac arrests. While the work is demanding, it has granted me some of the most rewarding moments in my life.
Piano Player: from Chloe G. ’19
This year, I have been focused on preparing for music auditions for college. I have recorded five prescreening videos for the music schools I am applying to. I am also continuing to practice for my exams with the Royal Conservatory of Music.
This year, I have been focused on preparing for music auditions for college. I have recorded five prescreening videos for the music schools I am applying to. I am also continuing to practice for my exams with the Royal Conservatory of Music.
I teach piano lessons weekly for the MusicLink Foundation, where I volunteer to provide free, individualized musical instruction to students in financial need, increasing inclusivity in arts communities. In addition, as a member of the Kennedy Center Youth Council, I am inspiring social impact through art by increasing accessibility for underrepresented groups in America’s foremost national cultural center.
Violin Virtuoso: from Shea H. ’21
Thanks to the EP program, I have been able to play with both the Ashburn Youth Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Strings section. This fall, I attended weekly rehearsals to prepare for our big concert on December 15th. I also take weekly lessons with the conductor of my orchestra, Gabriela Bohnett EdD, during the afternoon athletics time.
Also, I played music at the Christmas pageant in December and at Convocation in August.
Thanks to the EP program, I have been able to play with both the Ashburn Youth Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Strings section. This fall, I attended weekly rehearsals to prepare for our big concert on December 15th. I also take weekly lessons with the conductor of my orchestra, Gabriela Bohnett EdD, during the afternoon athletics time.
Also, I played music at the Christmas pageant in December and at Convocation in August.
Giving Girl: Anne K. ’19
Anne oversaw the seventh year of the Sweets for Soldiers program that she founded, collecting approximately 3,000 pounds of candy and 1,300 cards. She and her volunteers filled 2,000 USO bags and mailed about 50 boxes.
Anne oversaw the seventh year of the Sweets for Soldiers program that she founded, collecting approximately 3,000 pounds of candy and 1,300 cards. She and her volunteers filled 2,000 USO bags and mailed about 50 boxes.
In October, Anne was named to the Youth Advisory Board of Harvard Graduate School for Education's Making Caring Common project, one of just 25 students from across the country selected. Through this group she is working on "Kindness By Design," a project that promotes empathy in high schools.
Gymnastics Gem: from Jordan M. ’22
I moved up a level this year to compete on the Xcel Diamond team, the the highest competitive level in USA Gymnastics Xcel. That season officially began training in August and my first competition was on December 9, at the Chantilly Winter Island Getaway meet. I placed in three events — bars, floor, and vault — and finished sixth All-Around. There are seven more meets between now and June when the meet season ends with States at Hampton Roads, VA, and Regionals up in Pennsylvania.
I moved up a level this year to compete on the Xcel Diamond team, the the highest competitive level in USA Gymnastics Xcel. That season officially began training in August and my first competition was on December 9, at the Chantilly Winter Island Getaway meet. I placed in three events — bars, floor, and vault — and finished sixth All-Around. There are seven more meets between now and June when the meet season ends with States at Hampton Roads, VA, and Regionals up in Pennsylvania.
I continue to practice year-round three times a week at APEX Gymnastics in Leesburg for two and a half to three hours each day. During the summer, I usually attend a week of intensive training at Woodward in Pennsylvania where we practice for up to seven hours a day. This is when I typically gain a new skill and perfect ones I already have.
Livestock Lady: Quinna M. ’21
A 4-H Club member since she was nine years old, Quinna is passionate about raising and showing livestock, and has been working hard training and competing this fall.
A 4-H Club member since she was nine years old, Quinna is passionate about raising and showing livestock, and has been working hard training and competing this fall.
At the State Fair of Virginia in October, she placed in the top four in hog, beef, and lamb skillathons, and was the third Overall Intermediate Premiere Hog Showman out of a field of around 70 finalists. Quinna collected more honors at the North American International Livestock Expo in November, including ninth in the All-American Overall and third in the Team Overall.
Quinna and her team have also been practicing for a busy schedule ahead. “The winter is the jackpot show season for cattle, so I will spend lots of time working with my cattle and getting them show ready,” she reports. “The winter is also when most of the state contests for stockmens, livestock judging, and meats judging contests are. The team and I have group practices two or three times a week to prepare for these contests and also study in our free time. This year we are hoping to win the state meats judging contest and compete at nationals this summer in Kansas City.”
Skier May S. ’19 is the eighth student in this group; her season is just getting going. Look for a report on her accomplishments later this year.
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An all-girls boarding and day school in Northern Virginia, Foxcroft prepares young women in grades 9-12 for success in college and in life. Our outstanding academic program offers challenging courses, including Advanced Placement classes and an innovative STEM program. Our premiere equestrian program is nationally recognized, and our athletic teams have won conference and state championships. Experience the best in girls' boarding schools: visit Foxcroft.
