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5
B
ishop Seabury Academy science chairman Christopher Bryan,
along with the entire student body, boarded a bus to the tiny town
of Powhattan. The uncle of a student offered up his farm, just south of
Hiawatha, as a viewing spot for his niece, Marie Brockhoff '22, and
her 200-some classmates.
Conditions there were rainy and overcast, right up to the point of
totality. "Right as the moment was about to happen, there was a break
in the clouds, and we were really able to see the moon passing in front
of the sun," Bryan said. "It was a magical moment."
Students, he said, erupted into spontaneous cheers and applause — all
for science. From their location, Bryan said, his students were even
able to see the corona of the sun.
Parents tagged along, and kids who normally don't spend time with
their siblings during school hours, he added, stood together and
watched in awe. The whole thing lasted less than two minutes, Bryan
said, but was memorable enough that he'd "love" to do something
similar in future eclipses with students.
"There was really a sense of family, and also a sense of shared
humanity," Bryan said of the experience. "It's so much more than a
scientific event — it's something that connects us to all people at all
times."
Dr. Schawang, head of school, noted, "I especially want to thank
Mr. Bryan and Ms. Schrader for doing the lion's share of planning
today and for suggesting we make this journey in the first place. They
are heroes! Thanks also to BSAP for helping to cover the cost of
the buses!"
SeahawkS travel to See Great Solar ecliPSe
Excerpts from LJ World article "Making a Day of It"
