GFA’s 12th Global Symposium was nothing short of inspiring. Formerly known as the World Perspectives Symposium, the event featured over 140 Upper School presentations, demonstrations, and performances. From subjects in STEAM, sustainability, global studies, English, arts, athletics, and sciences, stemmed the opportunity for the GFA community to witness a grand display of excellence.
Throughout the academic year faculty shifted into the role of collaborator, mentoring students on their projects, while also learning something new themselves.
"I learned a lot from the students during the poster presentations. Flies can get Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease? What?! As if the life of a fly wasn't already short enough,” said Jon Matte, Department of Mathematics. “Every student with whom I spoke was excited, well-rehearsed, and downright eloquent.”
After opening remarks from Associate Head of School Sue Teyan and Head of School Bob Whelan, the event kicked off with a beautiful vocal performance by Daniela Galik ‘23, and an empowering presentation from Keynote Speaker Ratmir Timashev P ‘23. Following the keynote, students showcased their research at the Inquiry Fair in the Coyle Gymnasium.
Throughout the day, students then got the opportunity to present in the classrooms - both solo and in groups - to their peers, faculty, staff, family, and trustees. A few topics presented included, Regulation and Reputation: How Big Pharma Affects The Perception of Homeopathic Treatment in the United States, The Supreme Court’s Downfall: The Overlap Between Personal Ideology, Rhetoric, and Constitutional Interpretation, and Fight Club: The Process of Developing Stage Combat Choreography.
Symposium closed with a moving performance and speech by Elizabeth Jones ‘23 playing a portion of Elgar’s Cello Concerto, with her mother on piano.
It was truly a day to remember.
Take a glimpse at the day here.