Nick Smith, a recent St. Paul’s graduate, came back to the school this winter to discuss homophobia through a chapel talk as well as at a speech at a meeting for prefects and team captains. He was both forceful and approachable, and he made quite an impression on our students. >More

Sunday nights typically find many St. Paul’s students in the library, hunkered down in study carols or in quiet corners, trying to finish a seemingly endless pile of homework. The evening of February 14 found the library packed as usual, but on this particular Sunday, work was far from everybody’s minds. Instead, the crowds were drawn to witness the festivities of (S)PS, I Love You, Orhstrom Library’s very own Valentine’s Day show. And in keeping with the words of the Beatles, all Ohrstrom Library needed to make (S)PS, I Love You a hit was love.

(S)PS, I Love You was a Valentine from the library to the St. Paul’s School community, combining music, poems and short dramatic pieces to create a lively, energetic performance for the enjoyment of all in attendance. With the help of Mr. Lynch and Mr. Valdez, the event was organized by Mr. Barry, who did everything from choosing the performers to selecting the poems that were read. In total, twenty-six students and faculty members participated, as well as five musical groups.

The show contained poems, song lyrics, and four short student-acted passages from plays. Everything revolved around the theme of love. Chi Chi Davis ’12, who participated in the show, appreciated how teenagers were easily able to relate to the various elements of the performances. “It was like real love, but with teenagers,” she commented. (S)PS, I Love You also featured renditions of many Beatles songs from the three a cappella groups on campus, Madrigals, and the faculty rock band, the Fletchtones. From sad to funny to toe tapping to touching, all of the pieces kept the audience in the packed Baker’s Reading Room engaged and entertained throughout the hour-long program. “I really enjoyed the skits,” said Nicole Weismann ’13. “The [actors] were really into their parts. It wasn’t like they were just acting out a role. I had a good time.” Susannah Cooley ’13 agreed, saying, “I was very sad when it ended.”

One of the highlights mentioned by many members of the audience was the performance by the Fletchtones, the faculty rock band, comprised of Mr. Wardrop, Dr. Bassi, Mr. Williams, Mr. Fletcher, and Mr. Holland. Their versions of the Beatles’ “I Feel Fine” and “Love Me Do” gave the audience a glimpse of the latest form of the faculty band that has been in existence for many years. “It was cool to see teachers playing in a band,” Charlotte Cooley ’13, said. “I loved Mr. Holland’s awesome dance moves.”

From the first poem read by Mrs. Matthews to the final, rousing chorus of “All You Need is Love,” when the crowd was showered with red and white balloons, (S)PS, I Love You was a good time for performers and audience alike. It transformed what could have been just a normal Sunday night into one of laughter, music and festivity. Anna Belk ’13 summed it up well, “It was a great way to spend Valentine’s Day, and I hope they do it again next year.”