We are pleased and excited to announce the inaugural class of Fellows. A group of strong applications was submitted detailing a wide range of projects. Together, Mr. Bowden, along with faculty members, and Associate Head of School John King, who chaired the committee, reviewed criteria for the Fellowships and read the proposals carefully and enthusiastically over the course of several meetings on campus this spring. Mr. Bowden’s contributions to the deliberations especially helped keep the essence of the humanities at the center of the conversations and convinced the committee of the importance of courage in creating outstanding scholarship. Not surprisingly, the work of the review committee was enriched by Mr. Bowden’s critical approach, keen insight, and sense of humor. After extensive discussions, the committee submitted its recommendations to Head of School Penny Townsend based on the following criteria:

 

1. The potential of the project to advance the study of the humanities and/or make an original and significant contribution to knowledge.

2. The quality of the proposal with regard to its plan of action or methodology, scope, and/or theoretical framework.

3. The potential of the proposal to contribute to learning in the humanities at Ransom Everglades.

4. The feasibility of the project and the likelihood that the applicant will execute the work successfully within the proposed time frame (and before being graduated from Ransom Everglades School). 

 

Fellowships were awarded to projects that, in the words of the review committee, demonstrate “a passionate exploration of what makes us human.” Furthermore, the committee favored proposals that demonstrated elements of originality, maturity, and/or risk-taking.  Since they were identified as Fellowship recipients earlier this spring, each of the Fellows has been working with members of the Fellowship committee to refine their methodologies and research questions, their logistical plans, and their appreciation for and understanding of the challenges of humanistic inquiry.  With an eye toward a public presentation of their work in the fall, all of the Fellows embark on a summer of full of inquiry, creativity, hard work, and making new personal connections.   

 

The 2017 Bowden Fellows are rising seniors Stephen Kaiser, Andrew Lorenzen, Noa Richard, Gaby Jadotte, Violet Handforth and Megan Zou.

 

Stephen will travel to China to continue his research on the 1940s migration of Jews to Shanghai with an emphasis on the role played by Ho Feng Shan, whom Stephen refers to as “a Chinese Schindler.” Andrew will further consider the nature of teenage hopelessness and ennui, extending the themes of the play he wrote and directed, “How’s A Man.” This summer Andrew anticipates writing two additional vignettes and making a film to be titled “To The Moon” with a multi-strand plotline that will be submitted to a variety of film festivals. Noa plans to explore the humanity of women living in shelters and temporary housing, seeking to make their voices heard by conducting a series of interviews and ultimately a documentary film. Gaby will intern with the artists of the Prizm Art Fair, and then share the powerful messages of these artists with the students of Jesse J. McCray Elementary School and Ransom Everglades School by staging interactive exhibits for students of both schools. Violet will deepen her passion for art and creativity in the Pre-Collegiate Summer Program at the Rhode Island School of Design, gaining experience in drawing and expanding her developing portfolio of work for a presentation at Ransom Everglades. Megan, already a recipient of several state and national accolades for her artistic creations, also will extend her study of art, taking the course “Scrutinizing the American Environment: The Art, Craft, and Serendipity of Acute Observation” in the Harvard Summer School. Megan intends to apply what she learns this summer to a series of works she intends to create based on the landscape of the Ransom Campus of Ransom Everglades School.

 

We are proud of the diverse interests, commitment, and humanity of the 2017 Bowden Fellows. A requirement of all Fellowship recipients is that they enrich the Ransom Everglades community, enhancing the engagement of the community with the humanities; we look forward to experiencing their work and sharing their passion for humanistic inquiry in the fall.  

John A. King, Jr.
Associate Head of School