Assembly 2023: Summary Celebration!
The Prosperos held its first live Assembly in 5 years at the Sheraton Hotel in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, over Labor Day weekend 2023.
Our weekend began on Friday evening with a warm welcoming reception, featuring alohas, hugs, good conversation, tasty snacks, and clever “swag bags” containing (among other fun items) colorful Western-style bandanas to help us dress in our cowpoke best.
We welcomed students who came to their first Assembly (l to r): Barbra “Bobbie” Harris and Lana Pennell from Independence, Missouri; Dott Jackson from Denver, Colorado; Darci Stotts and Jeri Anderson and from San Angelo, Texas.
Saturday and Sunday brought the real work of the gathering, offering a slate of interesting and informative talks, as well as smaller group discussions where we could exchange our own thoughts, insights, and concerns.
HughJohn Malanaphy, H.W., M. presenting at Assembly 2023
Students participating in a lively discussion (Assembly 2023)
The Sunday night banquet gave everyone a chance to enjoy food, drink, and each other’s company, while listening to lovely live music by the Louise Goldberg Duo.
After the meal, an enthusiastic, ad hoc trio sang a rousing parody of the song “Oklahoma!”; Calvin Harris, H.W.,M. then gave a short, entertaining speech.
Following this, our Dean, William Fennie, H.W.,M. presented this year’s awards, including a number of Angel Award certificates and several beautiful gold pins in the shape of The Prosperos “Man in the Flame” logo.
Our Dean, William Fennie, H.W.,M. then presented this year’s awards: The assembly planning team (John Atwater, H.W., Janet Cornwell, H.W.,m., Richard Hartnett, H.W.,M., Mara Pennell, H.W. and Sara Walker, H.W.) each received Angel Certificates for their wonderful effort in putting together this year’s Assembly. John was not able to attend – his award was mailed to him.
Alana Fennie received an Angel Certificate for her work with the Communications Team and The Prosperos web page.
Left to right: Richard Hartnett, Janet Cornwell,, Mara Pennell, Dean William Fennie, and Sara Walker
Alana Fennie and Dean William Fennie
Calvin Harris, H.W., M. receiving award from Anne Bollman, H.W., M. and Dean William Fennie
Calvin Harris, H.W., M. received an award for his various “road runner” presentations over the years. Anne Bollman, H.W.,M. and HughJohn Malanaphy, H.W.,M. were given jeweled stick pins for their assistance to the Dean throughout the year.
Left to right: Anne Bollman, H.W.,M., Dean William Fennie and HughJohn Malanaphy, H.W.,M.
Dean Fennie also gave special recognition to Rick Thomas, H.W., M., a longtime Mentor with a history of commitment to The Prosperos teachings and governance, for bringing his skills and straight thinking to a variety of School tasks, projects and conundrums over many years. As Rick steps away from the duties of President of the Board of Trustees, we now welcome HughJohn Malanaphy, H.W.,M. as our new President.
Sara Walker, H.W., receives certificate from Dean William Fennie
Sara Walker, H.W., our newest High Watch Member, received her H.W. certificate.
Monday morning we gathered together for our Aloha Farewell.
All in all, it was a great weekend.
Again, thanks to everyone who helped make Assembly 2023 a wonderful experience. We look forward to seeing you at our next event.
Left to right: Lana Pennell, Calvin Harris, H.W., M., Alana Fennie, Mara Pennell, H.W., Jean Malanaphy, Alex Gambeau, H.W., Sara Walker, H.W., Anne Bollman, H.W., M., Maureen Malanaphy, H.W., m.