Foxcroft School Welcomes Teen Victims of Terrorism from Around the World

MIDDLEBURG, VA – Led by Assistant Head of School Sheila C. McKibbin and Student Head of School Samantha Nelson, Foxcroft School this weekend welcomed 77 teenagers from nine countries who all share a terrible experience: losing a family member to an act of terrorism.

The youngsters, who come from as far as Sri Lanka and as near as New Jersey, have gathered to participate in Project Common Bond, an eight-day program that teaches peace-building, media-tion, and conflict resolution skills, and promotes understanding and community among diverse individuals. Now in its fourth year, Project Common Bond is organized by Tuesday’s Children, a non-profit organization serving the needs of the 9/11 community. It runs through July 30.

McKibbin kicked off the week Sunday morning at Audrey Bruce Currier Library with ice breakers and the keynote speech in which she welcomed the group to a program – Project Common Bond — and a place — Foxcroft School — that together offer a remarkable opportunity for them to share, heal, grow, transform and be transformed.

“You have an opportunity through Project Common Bond to get to know and appreciate each other, to combine individually to create global community,” she said, noting that sharing one’s story can be daunting.  “You are at Foxcroft. Know that Foxcroft is a magical place that helps people to find their voice and to become known.

“It is essential in today’s world that we get to know one another to embrace our differences, share our humanity and celebrate the joy that comes from forging common bonds with people,” she added. “It is my hope that every one of you will make connections to each other and form relationships that last a lifetime. You will be here for a while and when you leave, you will have the tools and the voice to validate others who are struggling.”

With its scenic 500-acre campus and outstanding facilities, Foxcroft hosts numerous summer programs each year; its involvement with PCB, however, goes deeper. The School provided a scholarship for one teen to attend the program. Several Foxcroft faculty members are teaching and Foxcroft students welcomed Project Common Bond participants over the weekend.

“Project Common Bond speaks to Foxcroft’s mission of every individual being known and valued,” says McKibbin. “We both bring kids from around the country and the world and create a level playing field where community, understanding, and a sense of commonality flourish. That is urgently needed in today’s world. It is an honor and a privilege to be part of the wonderful gathering of gifts that is Project Common Bond.”

Last Friday, Nelson, a rising senior and Student Head of School-elect from Oak Hill, VA, and a dozen other Foxcroft students and recent graduates assembled and distributed goodie bags to the PCB participants’ rooms, greeted and escorted them to the dorms, and provided tours and information. Foxcroft girls will also participate in a special Thanksgiving Banquet next Friday.  “Foxcroft is our home and we are excited to share it with you,” Nelson wrote in a letter welcoming the PCB teens.

Faculty members Michelle Woodruff, Karin Thorndike and Jennie Wills are conducting daily sessions in sports, music and dance, respectively. Woodruff, Foxcroft’s athletic director, and two of her coaches, Jessi Coil and Kathy Gonzalez, are organizing the “PCB Olympics” – competitive games that promote teamwork and provide opportunities for conflict resolution. I addition to speaking at the opening session, McKibbin will assist with a variety of special events.

“Project Common Bond offers a great opportunity for Foxcroft to partner with and support an organization not only through the use of our facilities but by sharing the very ethos of the School,” said McKibbin, “I am delighted that some of our girls and faculty can be a part of it.”

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Posted by admin on Jul 26 2011. Filed under Loudoun County. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.