By Christopher Davis ’12, Editor-in-Chief

Schoolchildren around the world find an extra spring in their steps, and an uptick in their heart rate when the very notion of summer vacation enters their minds. The idea of free time, fun in the sun, and real-life adventures appeal to all of us, and are what makes summer the euphoric season that it is.

Although originally conceived of because it was too hot to learn in the summer months, in the 21^st century, (and with the advent of central air conditioning) summer is by design meant to be restorative. It is meant to be a time to remove oneself from the hustle, bustle, and toil of a full academic year. While some of us may wish to go to school year round and knock out high school in 3 years, for the majority, the summer serves as much needed break. With the end of AP/IB exam season, when classes turn to “projects”, “movies”, and “discussions” nearly every student is burnt out.

And that is OK. That is what summer is for.

So as we look back on the accomplishments of 2010-2011, we all can feel good as we slide in to summer.  Whether on the course (The Unforgiving Game of Golf) or courts (Men’s Tennis: A Winning Machine), or the diamond (Softball Team Looking Finish Strong), NA students have much to be proud of. On stage, this Spring saw not only the work of IB choreographers in the Dance Concert , but even Mr. Jacoby’s return to the spotlight in Beyond Therapy. Couple all that with the hundreds of exams taken over the course of three weeks of testing, and our community’s productivity is undeniable.

But, as much as our community’s culture is one of “Go-Go-Go” and “Score-Score-Score,” the time is drawing near for us to step off of the racetrack and enjoy life and ourselves on our owntime and our own pace. Despite the onslaught of internships, jobs, summer courses, college camps, sports camps, and trips we all embark upon each year, The Minuteman sees the importance of taking a few weeks for yourself. Yes, you. Take time to sleep late, and stay up even later. Time to just sit and think. Time to stare at waves on a beach. Time to read a book – because it interests you or had really cool cover art. Time to sit and read a newspaper cover-to-cover because you can. Time to be you, for your own sake.

For the majority of us who will leave the educational world after college and seek gainful, year-round employment, we have fewer summers left than we think. As much as the impulse may be overpowering to schedule and overschedule, because that is what we do doing the school year, resist it. Let the good times and experiences roll, because you never know what you will end up doing, with whom, or where. In the sage words of an NA senior, “Enjoy the present”!

On behalf of the editors and staff of The Minuteman, have a great summer & see you in September.