jeff warren (Class of 1974)

As one of the students who took part in the protest against Margaret Thatcher when she visited the school in 1971, I would like to add to the story that appeared in the Spring '13 issue of Accents. In about 1999 or 2000, I met, by chance, the man who was head of the school in 1999 or 2000. I don't, alas, remember his name. We were interested to hear from each other: him about my time at the school in the late 60s and early 70s; me about the school under his headship. I recounted my tale of our protest and, more interestingly to him, about the aftermath. His reaction was one of incredulity. He couldn't imagine that an enlightened school management would suspend students for a non-disruptive and youthfully principled protest. Where was freedom of expression? Where was the pleasure and pride to be had in children's wakening interest in the world outside of school and family? As recounted in your article, we teenaged activists were indeed suspended. Whether we would be expelled was apparently also a question. I say 'apparently' because I'm working from a 41 year old memory of a 15 year old child's understanding of what was happening behind the scenes. That there were undercurrents in the aftermath, however, is certainly true. As we were being suspended, the head of the upper school (whose name, sadly, has also deserted me) was also being disciplined, by Jack Harrison, the then Head of School. The upper school head was being punished, we believed, because he would only suspend but not expel the protesters. He was popular with us students. His punishment (sacking is what we believed at the time, but I can't vouch for that) inflamed many more of us than did Margaret Thatcher's visit. Inflamed is perhaps too strong, but following on our little walk out, student protest was in the air. We, the student body of the upper school, went on strike, coming to the school building but occupying the school theatre rather attending classes. Much is hazy, but that I trembled my way through a prepared speech from the stage to my assembled fellows is not. I was in 10th grade, in my fourth year at ASL. Fully formed and articulate as I was certain that my political views were, I was given invaluable assistance in my speech writing by two seniors, Dan Rubin and Steven McCoy. Dan was my political mentor at the time; Steve went on, for a while anyway, to write speeches for Washington politicians. What I spoke about, trying to chasten the assembled students as much as anything else, was freedom of expression. We should be on strike in favour of that and against our impending suspension. Our action against the sacking of our upper school head was not mistaken but misplaced when there was a more important wrong, the stifling free speech, being done in the school. Suffering as I was from stage fright, I could not gauge the reaction of my audience. My chums would have loyally praised my efforts. For the rest, very possibly, I just helped fill the time as we sat in the theatre and wondered what next. The sit-in petered out after two days. I didn't return to the school. It was a condition of doing so that each protester write a letter of apology to Margaret Thatcher. I wouldn't, and for some reason my parents stood for it and I finished my schooling elsewhere. The episode remains with me in later life as a matter of some small pride and of greater amusement. It wasn't, though, an edifying moment in the school's history and I was gratified to learn that the head of ASL a generation later took the same view.

Reilly Cirenza (Class of '09)

ASL was the best experience of my life. I got to move over seas and spend my 4th grade year in a fantastic school and I meet some of my best friends there. I went to ASL in 4th grade and now I am in 8th grade. I still see my friends from london and I email and chat them all the time. For the ones who have moved it is awesome to hear about their new lives at their new school and home. For my friends still in london it is awesome to hear about what is new over there and how every one is doing. I am asking my parents if we could move back to london. I miss it so much over there. Hopefully for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade we can return to school there! :) I love ASL. It is such a fantastic experience to enjoy with such lovely people!

John Bynum (Class of 80)

My brother Thom and I often talk about our time in London and how we are much better for the experience. Looking though the entries, I remember a couple of you (Alan and Melinda). My best memories were Camp Cornwall, soccer, horseback riding, Elton John concert, Wimpy’s before 1972, school trips to the mainland and the freedom to travel around the city at that age.

Alison McBride Butler (Class of 77-79)

Spanish with Senora Trenhale, Math with Mr. Chadwick Studying with friend in the library Laughing with friends at lunch ASL trip to Russia

Bryan Newton (Class of 1979)

My time in ASL from 72-79 was an excellent experience, I hated to leave London and the Friends I had made there. The one thing I did get out of going to ASL was my ability to understand the different cultures and life styles...

Mary A Love (Class of 1978)

I spent 6 years at ASL. I basically grew up there. The memories and friends I made there are countless. I remember the daily train ride to ST. John's Wood. Playing volleyball on JV and Varsity teams. I still remember the cold morning trips to Regents Park to play field hockey for PE. ,the Elton John concerts and working at McDonalds at Baker's Street when if first opened. I remember ASL and I always smile when I do.=)

Motria Chaikivsky (Class of 1983)

Jubilee Line, St. John's Wood stop walk to ASL, zebra crossings, not knowing which way to look when crossing the street, the gargoyles in Ms Guests art class, learning calligraphy, dissecting a rabbit in Mr. Tener's class, not understanding much of Keat's poetry in Dr. Gregory's class, taking endless notes in Mr. Corrigan's History class, singing in choir with Georgia Bassett and the Berlin trip, the Israel/Egypt trip, the Austria trips with my parents who have passed on....I'm so fortunate to have had a father who worked for Exxon and was transferred to London when Boy George was on Top of the Pops. What an education, no one can take that away from me! I came back to visit in '94 alone but will be back. Keep on teaching ASL.

Colleen O'Hare Hyman (Class of 1980)

Parachute Boot camp training @ Royal Airforce Academy, Alternatives week with Cindy Melk and Mr. Lockwood. The thrill of that first jump...unforgetable! Winning 100 quid for landing in the bullseye...Priceless!

Jimmy (Class of '19)

Summer Camp, so much fun. I can do everything in London I love!

(Editor's note: Jimmy, you can learn all about this year's camp at www.londonsummercamp.co.uk)

karen friedman (Class of 72)

Playing opposite kevin brown in "The Summer Tree."

Georgina Scoville (Class of 2018)

'Me' Presentation (with family) in K2.

Noa (Class of 2018)

Canons Park and Little Canada. ASL was a great school :)

Ann Maxwell (Moore) (Class of 1973)

Learning to drink warm beer; protesting Margaret Thatcher in '71; recreating Abbey Road album cover; visiting Tate and National Galleries; seeing Jethro Tull premier Thick as a Brick at Royal Albert Hall; watching Kathleen Turner take the lead in every play; feeling grown-up riding the Tube after midnight; discovering Russian Literature; hitch-hiking around southern England; fish n' chips wrapped in paper; Earl Grey Tea and Digestives.... I was there for 11th grade only, but wish we hadn't had to return to Oregon! Now living in New Mexico, I'm still trying to get back to London.