Jane Goodall Helps Riverfield Dedicate High School & Gym
RIBBON CUTTING: Dr. Jane Goodall, center, cuts the ribbon at Riverfield School to dedicate the High School and gymnasium. Helping Dr. Goodall are Riverfield sophomore Derek Dodson and science teacher Pam O’Halloran.
MATT GROSS for GTR Newspapers
Riverfield Country Day School celebrated its 21 years of educational excellence on November 5 by announcing and dedicating its Upper School and Gymnasium expansion. Dr. Jane Goodall, internationally known for her Roots and Shoots School Programs, which are school-based groups that implement service learning projects promoting care for animals, the environment, and the human community, was the honored guest and a participant in the ribbon cutting.
Dr. Goodall helped dedicate the Science Lab in memory of Tim O’Halloran, Riverfield’s first Upper School Head and colleague of Goodall. Goodall also spoke on the topic of her current international tour, “A Reason for Hope,” to a full audience during the afternoon celebration.
Goodall’s scores of honors include the Medal of Tanzania, the National Geographic Society’s Hubbard Medal, Japan’s prestigious Kyoto Prize, the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Life Science, and the Gandhi/King Award for Nonviolence. Secretary-General Annan named Goodall a United Nations “Messenger of Peace,” and Queen Elizabeth II named her a Dame of the British Empire. Time magazine’s European edition named her as one of its 2004 heroes in the magazine’s special “tribute to 29 dazzling people who shine a light on the world.” She also holds honorary doctorates from numerous international universities.
Her list of publications is extensive, including two overviews of her work at Gombe, three autobiographies, and many children’s books. She has also been the subject of numerous television documentaries and films.
“It is an honor and a privilege for the city of Tulsa and Riverfield Country Day School to have Dr. Jane Goodall visit our community,” says Ann Wilkerson, director of development. “And yet, Goodall is simply a wonderful person who personifies what Tulsa and Riverfield are all about.”
Riverfield’s 21-year foundation of educational excellence in a supportive environment continues as students progress into a more rigorous curriculum.
Close relationships with faculty ensures each student is held to a high standard and is encouraged to achieve his or her potential. It is the only nonsectarian, independent high school in Tulsa. Currently Riverfield has 9th and 10th grades and anticipates expanding to the 11th grade in the fall of 2005, and to the 12th grade in the fall of 2006.
Riverfield, located at 2433 West 61st Street, was founded in 1984 and is a nonprofit, independent school with no religious affiliation. It offers school all year and summer programs; children may attend from preschool through Upper School. In its 21st year, Riverfield achieves academic excellence through personalized instruction, integrated and innovative curriculum, and an enriching arts program, all presented in a family-oriented atmosphere. For more information about Riverfield Country Day School, call 446-3553 or go online to www.riverfield.org.
Updated 11-24-2004
READER COMMENTS
About Post Author
