Speakers Enhance the Classroom Experience

Potomac students benefit from meeting and hearing from a wide array of guest speakers who are industry leaders and subject-matter experts. Learning from distinguished guests enhances the curriculum and gives students opportunities to explore interesting topics in greater depth. These experiences also provide leadership opportunities for students, who may be invited to research and introduce the speakers or moderate Q-and-A sessions following the presentations. While Potomac continues to host virtual speaker programs – bringing in guests from around the world who cannot be here in person – it has been wonderful to be able to welcome more speakers back to campus for in-person programs this fall.

 

Earlier this week, our IS and US chorus students met with Broadway actor and opera singer Jonathan Christopher, who spoke about his experiences as a lead performer in the national tour of Hamilton. (See the article in the IS section below for more details.) Next week, author, actor, and activist Maulik Pancholy will return to Potomac to speak to the Middle School about his second book, Nikhil Out Loud. Mr. Pancholy, a founder of the Act to Change anti-bullying campaign, is best known for his television role as Jonathan on 30 Rock. When he visits schools, he looks to inspire children to know that their voices matter.

 

Also coming up: A visit by Potomac alumnus Drew Durbin ’04, CEO of Wave, a mobile money company, who will speak to our juniors and seniors about his career as an international entrepreneur. Mr. Durbin’s company aims to make Africa the first “cashless continent” – and it already has more than 10 million users in West Africa. His visit is being hosted by Potomac’s Alumni Office, with support from the Upper School’s Career and Professional Skills Committee (CAPSC).

 

To close out Hispanic Heritage Month, NASA engineer and Deputy Director for the Astrophysics Division in the Science Mission Directorate Sandra Cauffman will speak to Middle School students about her personal journey and passion for science and space. The Costa Rican scientist will share insights into her work at NASA and how she rose above a difficult upbringing to hold the leadership position she has today.