The eraser toss is a long-held and beloved tradition at the Paideia School, occurring on the first day of each school year. As legend has it, when the eraser is thrown into the crowd of high school students, the lucky student who catches the eraser is destined to become a teacher. Because the auditorium is dark, sometimes rather than a student catching the eraser, it will hit them in the head – that less fortunate student is destined to become an administrator. Head of School Tom Taylor has continued the tradition that began with founding Head of School Paul Bianchi. This past August, 11th-grader Ruhi Patil ’26 caught the eraser. When asked if she would like to become a teacher, Ruhi was less than enthusiastic, but she did say if she were to teach any subject, she would like to teach science or music.
Last Thursday, a new sculpture memorializing this tradition and the legacy of Paul Bianchi was unveiled at the Paideia Alumni Back to School Night. The Eraser Sculpture was commissioned by a group of alumni, created by sculptor Walker Jernigan '08 and gifted to Paul to express the gratitude of Paideia’s alumni community. The sculpture, most recognized as a symbol of the tradition Paul started, symbolizes Paul passing the baton to the next generation of leaders and teachers, who will continue to develop and improve the Paideia School.
A special thank you goes out to Mike Walbert '03 for organizing this creative effort.
The plaque’s inscription reads:
"Paideia is not just an accumulation of curriculum and facilities, programs and achievements. The magic sauce is a school culture that regards children optimistically and joyously, as well as celebrates the teachers who create the school every day." - Paul Bianchi
