House Audacia – Boldness, Daring

Motto – “Viva audace” (Live courageously)               Colors – red and gold              Mascot – Lion

Core Values – Chivalry, Service, Leadership, Authority, Bravery, Courage, Nobility, Initiative, Respect, Love

Audacia Origin Fable

Once upon a time, there was a noble lord, who ruled over a large province. This lord was greatly loved by his subjects, for he was a benevolent and compassionate ruler.  He did have one noticeable flaw, however, and that was this: the lord was a coward. He had seen battle, but only from far away, and whenever he ventured into the hill country to hunt, he made sure to bring a large company of courtiers, knights, and servants with him.  While on one of these hunts, which the lord greatly enjoyed and went on often, the company spotted a fox, which they all pursued. After a while, the lord found that he was lost, and no amount of calling and searching for his comrades was helping. Suddenly, he realized that he had come across clearing full of ancient ruins. Upon closer inspection, he realized that they were pagan Roman ruins, and looked like the remains of a once-grand palace or temple.

While wandering through the ruins, he began to hear a noise, like the padding of feet, steadily approaching. Rounding a corner, he suddenly came face to face with a large panther. Terrified, the lord could only stand still, paralyzed with fear. Suddenly, the panther began to race across the space in between them, aiming straight for the lord.  The man dove to the side, preparing for his doom, just as a lion flew over him towards the panther. The man, struck with confusion, turned to look at the two beasts to see them engaged in a vicious battle. As he watched, the panther struck a heavy blow to the lion, who now lay on the ground, unmoving. The dark beast turned his gaze onto the man, who had felt courage rising in him at the sight of the lion bravely defending his home. Just as the panther leapt at the man, he drew his sword for the first time and swung at the dark shape moving towards him. The panther’s severed head fell to the ground beside his now lifeless body. Just when he thought he was safe, he saw the body of the lion rise up; the lion turned his gaze to the man, who returned it steadily and without fear.

After a moment of uncertain silence, the lion turned and padded off, disappearing into the cavernous ruins. The man realized that the lion, when he could have taken his life, had instead saved it. The man’s eyes moved upwards towards the sky and as they did so, they caught sight of two words inscribed in an archway: Viva Audace.  The man, inspired by the words of the ancients and the bravery of the lion felt courageous for the first time. The lord eventually made a safe return to his castle, and upon doing so, he immediately decreed that his house should forevermore be known as the Courageous House of Audacia, with the motto “Live Courageously” inscribed on the walls of his castle, and the image of a lion engraved onto his shield. From then until the end of his day, the lord never failed to live boldly and bravely and was therefore known as Lord Lion-heart.   

Kirby Thigpen, Braeden Gann, Sara Beth Jewel – 8/23/16 (Slight revisions by Lydia Lawing 9/5/17)

House Captains:

2014/15 – Dawson Hardie

2015/16 – Joe Mulligan

2016/17 – Kirby Thigpen

2017/18 – Lydia Lawing

2018/19 – Michael Merrill

2019/20 – Tyler Hicks

2020/21 – Anna Cooper

2021/22 – Jack Henry

2022/23 – Jack Henry

2023/24 – Lilly Allen

2024/25 – Ian LeJeune

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House Fides – Faith, Loyalty

Motto – “Pactum serva” (Keep the Faith)

Colors – yellow and black         Mascot – Wolf

Core values – Loyalty, Caring, Service, Mercy, Family, Faith, Reverence, Covenant, Justice, Teamwork

Fides Origin Fable by Daniel Haycox 8/23/16

In the far North lands where the earth is frost,
And underneath the mountains wrapped in snow,
A wolf pup roamed the woods, alone and lost.
This is where our tale begins, long, long ago.

The wolf pup cried out in a shallow voice
Seeking and yapping for his long-lost kin.
If it had not been for a child’s choice
Winter’s cold embrace would have been his end.

The young lad had come upon the poor beast
While scavenging for food strewn on the ground.
Instead of returning home with a feast
Clutched in hand, he returned home with the hound.

The boy nursed the pup back to hearty health
He gently raised the wolf like his own son.
But his every action was done in stealth,
For in his village he could tell no one.

For his proud clan had a custom, twas cruel,
That foretold when a boy became a man.
“Each man is a king, over beasts he rules.”
Boys must slay wolves and grant them to the clan.

So the boy’s wolf was hidden, tucked away
In the woods, but he could not hide from Time.
After many years came the fateful day
The boy must hunt – for he was in his prime.

The boy and the hunters traversed a glade,
Each man armed with a swift bow and short spears.
The wolf rushed playfully out from the shade.
Across the young warrior’s face streaked hot tears.

The young warrior was goaded by his friends
To quickly dole out a finishing blow.
Rarely does fate grant such fortunate winds.
But a timely wound he did not bestow.

“I never will slaughter something I love,”
Spoke the warrior as he defied his band.
He dropped his spear and removed his right glove.
“I’ve fed this wolf from my own tender hand!”

The wolf and the warrior scattered back fast
From the onslaught of spears and stinging words.
The warrior, sad in heart, had seen the last
Of his clan, of his family and his herds.

So the wolf and the warrior traveled far
And founded a new clan on distant shores.
They grew, they loved, they gained many a scar,
And they fought bravely in long, grueling wars.

Whenever the warrior was soundly beat
When he was wounded, when death hovered close
The wolf would rush to him on padded feet,
To shield and guard the man he loved the most.

After years of friendship they grew quite old,
The warrior’s hair, like his wolf’s, glistened grey.
Thence came a ship from Valhalla, so bold,
And from his wolf, took the warrior away.

The warrior’s wolf never left that cold ground
Expecting his master’s return with haste.
The warrior’s clan was named after that hound
They christened themselves loyal House Fides.

In the far North lands where the earth is frost,
And underneath the mountains wrapped in snow,
The old wolf Fides searches for the lost.
This is where our House began, long, long ago.

House Captains:

2014/15 – TJ Arensman

2015/16 and 2016/17 – Daniel Haycox

2017/18 – Weston Cregger

2018/19 and 2019/20 – Jonathan Haycox

2020/21 – Maggie Faircloth

2021/22 – Hannah Gromis

2022/23 – Andrew Lechner

2023/24 – Julia Jones

2024/25 – Julia Wheeler

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House Sapientia – Wisdom

Motto – “Consequere sapientiam” (Pursue wisdom)    Colors – blue & white/gray   Mascot – Owl

Core Values – Wisdom, Wonder, Awe, Truth, Respect, Reverence, Faith, Hope, Humility, Generosity

History of Arthur and The Owl:

        A young man, Arcturus, or “Arthur,” lived in an age when the magicians that brought forth the world still thrummed and pulsed through the veins of the land. In his youth, Arthur would venture through the dappled sunlight and gabled woodlands of Albion like a child, unaware of forces, powerful and deep, which would one day pour forth from stone and etch a kingly sword into his hand. One pregnant day, while practicing his swordplay with imaginary foes, dancing from tree to tree, Arthur stumbled over a mossy root into a ravine, his headlong slide stopped abruptly by a bare foot. Arthur raised his mud laden eyes and beheld the foot, then the worn and dirtied hem of a once magnificent robe interwoven with what must have been silver, or something very to starlight. The tall figure, nearly encompassed by an enormous silver beard, leaned upon a knotted and twisted staff which seemed to hum as though hiding a great and secret power from within. Peering out from under a wide brimmed hat, a wisened countenance marked the young man, as though taking his measure. A man, yet, more. His name was Merlyn. Ancient in countenance, yet young and bright of eye, Merlyn, the last of an ancient line of kings of old whose figures have been etched in stone, steel, and even gold, took to his breast one last pupil, and the boy soon discovered that the man was a magician. Every spare moment of Arthur’s life was now spent at the side or the feet of the magician who was often accompanied by Archimedes, his owl.  Merlyn’s method of teaching was quite unique, for he would often turn Arthur into different animals. This method of teaching allowed Arthur to gain knowledge by experiencing many different ways of life. When a lesson had been competed, Arthur would often make friendly talk with Archimedes and eventually decided that he wished to be an owl, at least for a night. Merlyn granted Arthur’s wish, and Archimedes became his guide for the night. As the night ensued, the two grew close, and as Arthur learned from the great bird, his wisdom expanded like the rising sun. That night, a lasting bond, stronger than the one between a student and his master, was formed between the two friends. Years later, Arthur was crowned King and Archimedes continued to be his trusted companion even when both were long of face and years, and few of feathers. In honor of his dear friend, Arthur gifted Archimedes with a great house in the wood known as the house of “Sapientia.” The house was located in the thickest part of the cut, where the ancient trees bridged the earth and the heavens, and was grander in spirit than Arthur’s castle itself. Its splendor drew all the animals of the forest to it, and Archimedes generously welcomed them all. He did not only allow company but also instilled his knowledge and wisdom into those who desired. As the years passed, Archimedes had raised countless owlets who had faithfully joined him as the wise of the wood. This group of owls that became learned under Archimedes became known as the Sapientia. The Sapientia now joined Archimedes in his efforts to spread wisdom to those who traveled to and dwelt in the wood. Amongst those who came was a great wolf who went on to be a leader and teacher himself, founding an order based on principles of loyalty and friendship. Also among those growing in wisdom at their feet was a great lion, whose courage and strength inspired many followers. Many more of all kinds would travel far and wide, across the vast expanses of sea and land, up the deep valleys, and down from the lofty mountaintops, to the magnificent house that lay in the wood for the pure joy of being able to learn from the Sapientia.

We invite you, our new owlets, to join in this ancient and sacred order, to devote your lives to the pursuit of wisdom, to embody those virtues which Archimedes of old taught his followers, and which we now embrace. To be a Sapientia means to love wisdom, to pursue the best possible state of your soul, to harmonize your heart, mind, body, and soul through ordo amoris (ordinate love). – Mr. Morton and Anna Johnson, 2016

House Captains:

2014/15 – Sam Hale

2015/16 – Mitchell Larrabee

2016/17 – Anna Johnson

2017/18 – Lauren Cox

2018/19 – Erin Davis

2019/20 and 2020/21 – Lee Williamsen

2021/22 – Parker Rose

2022/23 – Levi Richardson

2023/24 – Thomas Way

2024/45 – House Paused

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House Constantia – Steadfastness, Endurance

Motto – “Constanter Memoria Tene” (Constantly Remember)

Colors – White and Green                      Mascot – Elephant

Core Values – Hope, Nobility, Freedom, Patience, Endurance, Unity, Family, Strength, Memory, Peace

History Fable:

House Constantia would like to share an ancient tale which legend implies has been told since time immemorial. But we of Constantia, the last of the ancient tribe of Yaad, have long memories, for we take to heart the moral of the tale you are about to hear.

The Yaad Tale
Long before man ruled the world, the jungles were wild, the deserts unruly, and the great elephant tribes sought to bring order and stability to the chaos. One dry summer, a proud son of Yaad set out to seek new waters for the creatures in his valley. In spite of his father and mother’s warning, he sought this new water in a valley ruled by humans. Though many elephants had been enslaved by man (as his parents pointed out), he was convinced that he was immune to their snares. On the eve of his departure, his father exhorted him to caution: “Beware, my son, the humans and their ways. Don’t forget who you are, don’t forget what you are doing, and don’t forget why you do it. You are a son of the Yaad, you seek water, and you seek it to save your tribe.” The son, as all young ones do, knew all, and didn’t listen carefully. “Of course, I won’t forget,” he scoffed.

He traveled day and night through the driest of deserts and loneliest of valleys until he arrived in the town of Magati. There he met a well-respected traveler, “Good sir where could I find enough water for many? My tribe is dying of thirst!” With a chuckle, the man replied through weathered lips, “You poor, poor elephant. Surely you must be dying of thirst. There is water near, enough for you. Stop worrying about your herd, provide for yourself, after all, that’s what I do and it seems to work. You will find what you need in the nearby town of Solur.” And so, weary with thirst, the son of Yaad forgot why he was searching for water.

Upon arriving in the nearby town, he was greeted by a merchant of wine. “Excuse me,” he said, “ I was told there was a water hole in this town, could you point me in its direction?” “Water, why are you searching for such a bland unsatisfying substance when wine exists, I sell the tastiest wine in all of the land. I assure you once you taste my wine you will never want water again.” Intrigued by the thought of wine, the son of Yaad asked: “Well, good merchant may I have some of this wine you speak of.” With a belly laugh and a sip from his canteen, the merchant replied, “silly elephant, the best things in life come at a cost, my wine is not free. I know a fellow in Chhal that loves elephants, see if he will give you some.” And so, forgetting that his search was for water, his heart set on wine, the elephant hurried to Chhal.

“I have heard that you are in search of wine, I have what you want but I want to help you even more.” Said the merchant of Chhal. “Allow me to put this collar round your neck. You will never have to search again, everything will be provided, you will want for nothing! I will dress you in the most ornate, splendid garments, feed you the most delicious delicacies, and of course, you may drink all the wine you wish. All you have to do is say yes.” . . . Although he had forgotten why he was searching and what he was searching for, his father’s departing words continued to haunt him, “Beware, my son, the humans and their ways. Don’t forget who you are, don’t forget what you are doing, and don’t forget why you do it.” For the final time, the son of Yaad chose to diminish his father’s voice and forgot that he was even a free elephant. “Yes”. It was the last word he ever spoke. Having become captive by his own will to the merchant of Chhal, he ceased to be. When members of his tribe were sent to recover him, he knew them not, for he had become as a dumb beast, and could hear in their entreaties only grunts, gusts, and trumpeting.

And so, we of Constantia have told this tale year after year, and stand as a testimony to the importance of memory. Keep the words of truth always on your lips; meditate on them day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything they command you to do. Only then, will you be prosperous and succeed in all you do. Beware, lest you forget and become a dumb beast.

House Captains:

2019/20 – Andrew Faircloth

2020/21 – Ryan Gasparrini

2021/22 – Sam Holman

2022/23 – Christian Coan

2023/24 – Ethan Mathes

2024/25 – Ethan Mathes