A compilation of the eclipse from the campus of Tallulah Falls School. (photo/Brian A. Boyd/Tallulah, Falls School)
It became less about science and more about wonder as the moment of totality inched ever closer during the Aug. 21 eclipse event at Tallulah Falls School.
Programming related to the eclipse, led by Dr. Stuart Jefferies of Georgia State University, provided students, faculty, staff and guests with the facts needed to better understand the astrological phenomenon.
Gathered on the baseball field, more than 400 attendees could learn more about solar eclipses and view the progression on special instruments during the build-up to the moment of totality.
Jefferies, with colleagues Dr. Gary Bamford and Dr. Amanda Bamford, of Manchester University, England, were quite enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge. Jefferies has more than 30 years of experience in solar research and has built several instruments to study the sun.
“The excitement of our presenters was quite contagious. We couldn’t be more pleased with how the day unfolded,” said TFS President and Head of School Dr. Larry A. Peevy. “While we followed public safety recommendations to cancel classes, we still had a good attendance with our boarding students, faculty and staff and many of our day student families.”
To prepare the school community for the eclipse, Jefferies visited the school in the spring to introduce students to the science behind the solar event. Additionally, the school hosted an assembly on Aug. 19 to further enhance the experience for students.
“[TFS] sets the gold standard for hospitality,” Jefferies said.
Adding to the day was a performance by a group of orphans from Haiti visiting the area to sing for various churches and organizations. The group, Love Him, Love Them, captured the hearts of the audience with a robust version of the national anthem, among other song selections.
“Having the choir on campus certainly added a poignant element to the event,” Peevy said. “We were happy to be able to provide a memorable – and fun – experience for the group and were also happy to host them prior to their visit to the White House.”
