Rebecca Lesser ’06 is working on a documentary with two close friends about drug violence and music in Honduras. According to her Kickstarter campaign, the feature-length film will search for the band Los Plebes de Olancho to ask the musicians about whether their music presents injustices or glorifies the drug culture of the country. “By documenting our journey,” the filmmakers write on their page, “We could show the world the problems that plague the country as well as the beauty and resilience of the Honduran people.”
Category Archives: Alumni News
Robbins ’10 on “Tonight It’s Me” Short Film
Jake Robbins ’10 is working on a short, independent film to be set and filmed in Los Angeles. According to his Indiegogo campaign, the 10-minute film will be about two men meeting and agreeing to play a game that eventually reveals uncomfortable secrets and hidden truths. Mr. Robbins will be one of the principle actors and is the writer of the film.
Wiener ’06 to Host ESPN Radio Show
Starting on August 1, Jon Wiener ’06 will host a radio show on Jackson, Mississippi’s 105.9 The Zone. You can tune in to Mr. Weiner’s show, “Home Cookin’,” which airs weekdays from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., here.
5 Questions for…
Ali Potasky ’08
Our “Five Questions for…” is a regular series featuring alumnus/a interviews. This month we chatted with Ali Potasky ’08 who recently received a grant from The Dressage Foundation to work with renowned horse trainer Morten Thomsen in Denmark.
How did you first become interested in riding?
My mom liked animals so much that she would take us to riding lessons when I was really young, like seven years old. Now I am considered a professional rider.
How did the riding program at Williston make a difference?
If I hadn’t been able to ride everyday at Williston, then I wouldn’t be where I am now. That time in the saddle was really crucial; there were really good instructors, and access to really good facilities and horses.
How did the opportunity to work with Mr. Thomsen come up?
Morten Thomsen, the man I’m going to be working for, has ridden in the Olympics for Denmark and is the coach of several U.S. Olympians. I received a grant from The Dressage Foundation to have a lesson with him, because the lessons are pretty expensive. He knew that I was looking for more of a riding position. Right now, I am the barn manager and I do a lot of horse care, the not-so-fun work. A week after our lesson, he called me asked if I wanted to come to Denmark and work for him. Mr. Thomsen travels to the U.S., Italy, and Germany to teach, so I’m going to be riding and helping out with his horses while he’s away. I am so excited!
So you’re going to be doing a lot more of the training of the horses?
Right and that’s kind been my goal for the last four years. Right now I’m sort of an assistant trainer in the way that I’m shadowing this very seasoned professional.
What are your career goals in terms of training horses?
Well, I want to have my own training business, and clients, and horses that I compete. I love competing – some people don’t really love competing, but that’s my favorite. To me it’s really exciting and it makes it easier to set goals. It is sort of like playing soccer without ever having a game.
Ms. Potasky has been in Denmark for the past two months. You can follow her on her blob as she competes in European horse shows: http://www.apdressage.blogspot.com/.
Tanner ’07 on Teach for America Service Trip
Steph Tanner ’07 emails that she’s fundraising for a trip that will help students in Appalachia see more of the world.
She writes, “Hey Williston! I’m an ’07 alumna and a teach for America teacher in Appalachia. I’m bringing my students on a service trip to Honduras in eight days. We have raised over $13,500 for this trip, but still need $15,000. Because of the opportunities and experiences Williston provided me with, I am in my current position. I want to make it possible for my students (who have an average household income of $20,000/year) to have the choice to make the same types of choices I was privileged to. The first step is helping them to become global citizens is to enable them to see the world. Could you please reach out? We are currently $1,450 away from what we need to leave in eight days for our trip. The website is: http://kyhelpinghonduras.com/fundraising/donate-now/
Thanks Williston!
Steph Tanner”