Middle School Fellowship in Creativity
Old Trail's innovative Middle School Fellowship in Creativity offers select Grade 7 and Grade 8 students the means to pursue a yearlong, independent study in the area of their choice, while being supported by a faculty member.
Through this approach, students have the opportunity to design their own learning while pursuing their passions and interests. Past topics have included a scientific study of Down syndrome, an exploration of Cleveland’s architecture and a full orchestra composition.
"When working on my fellowship project, I felt a sense of power," recalled Lauren Stephens '21, whose project is listed below. "I was overjoyed by the success of the project, not just because of the finished look but also the journey I took to reach that point. It is one of my proudest accomplishments in my Old Trail career."
Old Trail is devoted to creating interactions, experiences and opportunities that ensure that all students have the means to pursue their interests and passions. The areas of study chosen for the Fellowship in Creativity are as varied and interesting as the students who chose them.
Erik Korvne, Fellowship in Creativity Director
Regrettably, the school closure and general unpredictability created by the pandemic forced the program to pause in 2019-20. However, we were thrilled that three of our original Fellows were to able to complete their projects despite the monumental disruptions. Their completed projects can be seen and hear below.
Keith Hancock '20 – "Four Seasons in Four Minutes: A Year at Old Trail from Summer to Summer"
Listen
Keith envisioned a string quartet piece entitled “Four Seasons in Four Minutes: A Year at Old Trail from Summer to Summer.” Keith’s “Four Seasons” takes a page from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in that the fall and spring themes share similar melodies. Because Keith’s composition chronicles the school year, it starts at the tail end of summer and cycles back to summer at the end. The composition came together during the early months of the pandemic (the spring of 2020), bringing music to life during a time of isolation.
Alex Newman '20: "Welcome to Old Trail"
Alex Newman was always a constant ambassador for Old Trail and engaged people outside of the community on why Old Trail was her home. Combining her love of the performing arts, storytelling and Old Trail, Alex produced an engaging video about the arts at Old Trail for prospective families to view and understand the important role art plays at OTS.
Lauren Stephens '21: Diversity at Old Trail School–A Mural"
After a significant amount of research, thought, and conversations, Lauren Stephens spent months creating a mural that represents the many faces of Old Trail, makes a bold statement about our larger community, and honors the core values of the school: responsibility, kindness, service and goodness.