Randolph Academy Inducts Timber Wolf Club Members

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RANDOLPH - Joining the ranks of the Timber Wolf Club is a high honor among students at the Randolph Academy. The Timberwolves are a select group of students who have worked hard to achieve this top rank and they must follow normative culture and be willing to help others.

On Thursday, a dozen more students upgraded their status by being inducted into the Timber Wolf Club. Many parents travelled a long distance to witness their children being inducted into the Randolph Timber Wolf Club; some as far away as Long Island. The ceremony included more than 200 students, staff, families, alumni, and guests who shared in the success of the select group of students.

Keynote speaker, Narda Gatgen, Clinical Director of Randolph Children's Home, congratulated students and relayed that ''National Good Samaritan'' day would be celebrated the next day and did they know what a ''good Samaritan'' was. One member of the Timber Wolf Club stated that it was ''doing good for others, even when there is no personal gain.''

Ms. Gatgen explained that Timber Wolves take on a ''positive leadership role in the community that is much like that of a good Samaritan.''

Members of the club perform community service projects at locations such as the St. Susan's Soup Kitchen in Jamestown, the ASPCA in Jamestown, and also for organizations in the Randolph Community.

A highlight of the ceremony took place when staff members previously selected by the student inductee took a position on stage to ''stand behind'' the inductee in a literal and figurative place, to act as a spokesperson on behalf of the inductee giving testimony of their accomplishments.

Gary Learn of Randolph spoke on behalf of Caroline S. of Westchester County. He stated that after an initial meeting with Caroline, Learn and his wife enrolled in the mentor program to serve as mentors to Caroline. He stated how she has shown that she is ''very focused and goal directed.''

He praised her use of her artistic talents for several Timber Wolf projects.

''It's really all about relationships. My wife and I think we'll have a relationship with Caroline for many years to come,'' stated Learn.

Alan Scott, a teacher at the academy, spoke on behalf of Joseph N. of Randolph. He applauded the effort he has put into the horticulture program.

''Joseph works very hard in the program. He is tireless in the work he has done to maintain gardens in the community and on our campus. This work ethic will certainly lead to future success.''

Newly inducted Timberwolves signed their names on a banner which bears ''the campus norms of respect, safety, responsibility, and goal direction.''

Inductees were congratulated in a receiving line after the ceremony.