The Paideia School
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Recent News

Paideia Alumnus Hosts the Pythons

The boys basketball team was one of 25 teams from across the United States invited to play in the Kevin Brown Memorial Tournament of Champions in Peoria, Illinois. “The boys grew closer together from the game experience, but more so from our team outings and time together off the court,” shared coach Eddie. Paideia alum Joey Metzloff ’98 hosted the team and their parents for dinner and lunch during their time in town. “The boys saw a real life example of the bond and love that Paideia alums have for the Paideia community. It was a great experience for the program, as well as myself."

Paideia Alumna Accepted into Prestigious Fellowship Program

Congratulations to Zoe Searles '16 on her acceptance into the University of Georgia's Council of Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Minority Fellowship Program (MFP). Funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), this program seeks to reduce the effects of substance use and mental health challenges on America’s communities by increasing the number of individuals trained to work with underrepresented and underserved persons at risk for mental health and/or substance use disorders. Keep up the good work Zoe!

Former Head of School Paul Bianchi memorialized in a sculpture of one of Paideia’s most beloved traditions

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 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.

2024 eraser toss recipient: Ruhi Patil ’26
Paul Bianchi and Eraser Toss Sculpture

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

Alumni Paul B. and Eraser toss sculpture

 

Paideia Alumnus Wins Two Heartland Emmy Awards

Cole Sullivan ‘14 won two Heartland Emmy Awards for his work with 9News in Denver. The stories chronicle the major flaws in the regulation of the Colorado funeral home industry. Following Cole and his colleagues’ reporting, state lawmakers made sweeping legislative changes to work to ensure atrocities like these can’t happen again. WAY TO GO COLE!

Alumni Spotlight: Eva Zamarripa '05

As a school that celebrates excellence, Paideia has always recognized its alumni in countless fields of endeavor, throughout the world. When we learned about Eva Zamarripa '05's family business, Doghobble Wine Farm, we wanted to learn more about what led her to this pathway of building connections and community. Read the full article here.

Paideia Alumnus Emory Brittain Award Recipient

During his time at Emory University's School of Medicine, Paideia alumnus, Alan Amedi '15 prioritized service and leadership while maintaining a demanding academic load and engaging in research and scholarship. In the Spring of 2024 Alan was named the graduate student recipient of the Marion Luther Brittain Award, considered the highest honor presented to an Emory University student.

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