By Lindsay Dougan ’11, Contributor, Kathryn Black ’11 and Kate Taylor ’11 The Lens Section Editors
Every year each grade donates a gift to be auctioned off at Country Date. In the past these gifts have usually taken the form of themed baskets full of small presents. But this year, to go along with the new name, Rock the Date, the gifts have become more creative. Paula Brock, Director of Alumni Relations and Special Events, offered up the “Three Words” idea as an alternative to the more traditional senior photo collage. “Three Words” is a popular video compilation featured on Good Morning America. Each week, the show asks the nation a question which people can answer to with only three words. For the Country Date project, seniors were asked, “What is the most valuable gift you take with you from County Day?” The final product will be a glossy coffee table book containing an image of each senior and their “Three Words.”
The assignment didn’t get off to a great start. “I have to say I was concerned at first, because I wasn’t getting anything from the students,” said Kathy Paff, one of the craftsmen of the ‘Three Words Project’. “No pictures or even questions about the project,” she said.
Fortunately, after an extended deadline and a threat of suspended senior privileges from Senior Dean Fred Carey, all 53 members of the senior class turned in a picture, each alluding to the best of what CCDS has to offer.
Gabby Richardson ’11 chose “My First Stage” as her three words. “CCDS introduced me to musicals and I’ve done them ever since,” Richardson said. Recognizing the close-knit social aspect of the school, Jamie Fisher ’11 took a picture with cupcakes spelling out “The Sweetest Friends.”
Lori Smith, one of the project leaders, said that “some of [the pictures] are truly profound.” “I guarantee you will be moved,” Mrs. Smith said.
Multiple copies will be available for purchase at a set price on March 5 at Country Date. For a preview of some of the most interesting contributions, take a look at the slideshow below.
