News Articles & Feature Stories

One of the benefits of attending a preparatory school like Hoosac is the exposure to guest lecturers and the occasional visit from a college or university professor. Most recently, Ms. McLenithan's AP Language & Composition class had the pleasure of hosting Penn State Professor of Aeronautics, USMC Col. Lewis Watt. Col. Watt, a published poet, is the author of the book The Ol’ Cowboy Makes His World Rhyme, which is now in its 3rd edition.

"April is one of my favorite months because it is Poetry Month, so I had an idea that perhaps Lewis Watt would be interested in returning to Hoosac's campus to teach a poetry workshop" Ms. McLenithan exclaimed. "Yes, he was happy to come and he would teach a one day workshop on poetry... COVID had kept my students from field trips this year, but now I could promise them a special guest."

While in the classroom he read some of the sonnets from his novel, but what was most special was that he wrote a sonnet for our class as if he were a student excited about attending Hoosac School:

I was reluctant to come to this school.

Was happy at home; did not want to leave.

I’d been told Hoosac was a jewel.

Was not certain I should believe.

I whined a lot, but my parents stayed firm.

How about finding some compromise?

Can I give it a try for just one term?

They helped me pack; that was no surprise.

Wow! I was wrong; I do love this place!

And I'm pleased to admit that I was wrong.

I’m sure you’ll see a smile on my face,

As I am singing a Yule Log song.

So we reconciled, my parents and me.

Some days I ask: “How good can life be?”

Dominic Metro '21, a prefect and standout student in AP Language & Composition wrote a sonnet as well:

Writing poems is surely not my best

I ponder and ponder rhyme and meter.

These rules truly feel like a daunting test,

Some of my peers write works of cheaters

I slouch in my chair itching for the end

The clock ticks as fast as my pen will move.

On the blank sheet lies no sort of friend.

Oh Lord! My poems need to improve.

The ticks echo in my deserted head

And I write about writing for the heck

of it. Thinking of what my teacher said, 

I am creative. I just need a peck.

We’re reflecting, I do not hate writing,

I just need more ideas to keep on vibing.

During his career as a Marine Corps, Officer Col. Watt was a test pilot. He has flown just about every type of aircraft known.  For his valor in combat, he was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross, the highest honor that can be bestowed on an aviator. Thank you Col. Watt for visiting Hoosac School time and time again!