Post by Marli on Feb 26, 2013 20:00:54 GMT -5
OT: First off. Sorry this is so embarrassingly late. Life happened and I'm hoping I haven't compormised game flow with the gap.
Ian McKinley
Ian breathed deeply, hands resting on the edges of his pockets and his eyes scanning the bleachers in front of him. He had given the orientation speech once before, but this time his heart beat rapidly with anticipation and excitement. Last years fearful uncertainty was gone, replaced now by a pronounced sense of purpose and adventure. Last year he'd been a reluctant leader, unwillingly thrust into the position by the sudden death of his father but this year he was ready. Still uncertain of course, many new challenges would come with the institution of Ride for Hope, as well as other changes he'd made to the program, but for now it didn't matter. Bayley was no longer just a place, it's trainers no longer just coworkers, it's students no longer just clients. Bayley was his chance to give back, to his family, his friends, his home.
He knew each one of the students by name and as he allowed his gaze to touch briefly on each student he found himself repeating those names in his head. Michael. Chelsea. Samantha. Brad. Nikki. Sigismund. Kade'Jah. Zooey. David and 21 others. Admittedly, there was really only a handful that he knew well past the role of 'coach' but still he thought the effort was important. He'd made a point to get pictures of all the new students or meet with their families personally before they enrolled. Even with the other trainers present, Ian felt personally responsible for the kids at Bayley. He wanted them to be more than just a number, a name, or a face, he wanted them to know that they belonged.
Ian stepped forward, "Alright. Alright, everyone settle down. Let's get this started." He waited a moment for everyone to finish talking. "To our new students, Welcome to Bayley Academy. To our returning students, Welcome back. I'm gonna try to keep this pretty brief so yall can enjoy the rest of this beautiful day, but I need your attention for just a few minutes, understood?"
He paused for a few 'yes sir's and a number of nods.
"My name is Ian McKinley, and I am the program director and head trainer here at Bayley. My mother, Robin Bayley, owns the property, manages the barn, and sometimes helps with training. We also have four more academy trainers here," He nodded towards the mounted trainers standing a few yards away, "As well as several other staff members. You'll get to know all of them in time, but just know that all of the staff here at Bayley are dedicated to making your experience here the best it can possibly be. If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ask one of us. My vision for Bayley is that it be more than just a riding school. Here at Bayley we strive not only to produce exceptional riders, but to produce wholly exceptional people. At Bayley it's more than about skill, it's about character, integrity and just plain grit." Ian smiled, sure that some of the kids would be tuning him out at this point. "It's about loyalty, family, and finding out who you are and what you stand for and if we can help you do that in any way, we will. However, you should also realize that with this in mind you will be held to a higher standard while here at Bayley."
"As you are all aware, students at Bayley attend classes at Hilton Head Academy up the road. This year, students will be expected to maintain a 2.5 GPA in order to compete. In addition, any finding of academic dishonesty will be considered grounds removing show privileges. This has always been a rule at Bayley, but you should expect it to be more strictly enforced this year. The same goes for stall duty and volunteer hours. You'll need at least six volunteer hours to compete in regional shows or the Winter Showcase. You can get these hours working on the Bayley Fall Festival or get them independently. I'm not going to go into Fall Fest or the Winter Showcase right now, but New Students can ask any of the returning students or staff if they have questions. All students are also expected to pitch in with stall and feed duty periodically. Everyone helping each other out."
"Another new rule is that all students will be required to get permission from their cottage leader to leave the property unescorted." As expected, this decree was met with several groans. In previous year, the rule had been that upperclassmen could leave the property at will, provided their parents had signed a form. "Guys, this is for your own safety. We had a few incidents last semester that convinced us that this was necessary. It's a non-negotiable. Also, Bayley has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy." His eyes shot up to a particular group of seniors, who fidgeted uncomfortably. "Anyone who has an issue with this should talk to me or their cottage leader."
He'd wanted to get the unpleasant news out of the way before introducing the Ride for Hope students. "All right, now your parent's all received information about this but just in case you wern't aware, I'd like to introduce a new program starting at Bayley this year. Ride for Hope is program here at Bayley that will allow a small group of high school students to attend on scholarship. These students will take lessons with Jewels as well as additional horsemanship and leadership classes with me. They'll attend the first show as grooms, but after that they will be competeting on the high school team." Ian met the few exclamations of suprise and disdain with a stony glare. "Listen up. I understand that these students haven't been riding as long as yall have but I fully expect you to treat them as your equals here at Bayley. They're students here too and you'll show them the same respect you would to any other Bayley kid. Is that understood?"
A weak 'yes sir' filled with grumbles came back at them.
"I said, is that understood?"
"Yes sir!"
"Good. Right. So as for shows, everyone here will be expected to compete on the school team provided their not on any sort of probation. Most of you will also compete as individuals, but I don't want you to forget that you are a team, and as such are working towards the good of the entire barn. Our opening show will be at Willow Creek this year and our first recognized show will be at Elliot Acres." A few whistles and cheers rose from the crowds, and Ian smiled. Though the Elliot kid's were one of Bayley's top rivals they had always been friendly and their trips to Elliot were always enjoyable. "We'll discuss the other shows as the schedule becomes finalized. As a reminder, you are not required to compete in every show, however, you do have to have a certain number to participate in the summer tour or compete as an individual."
Ian checked his watch, "Right, so in a few minutes I'm going to release you all. I need the Ride for Hope students to stay here with Jewels and I for a few minutes after so that we can go over some basic horse safety and run riding skill evaluations. Anyone else who wants to stick around and help out with that is free to do so. The rest of you basically have the afternoon to yourselves. If you want to get yourself moved in, your room and roommate assignments will be listed on the front door of your cottage as well as outside the main door there." Ian pointed, "Your luggage will be sitting on the front porch of your assigned cabin. Right now it's not an issue, but remember that there are no members of the opposite sex allowed in your cottage after 8pm unless the house leader is present. Again, if you have any questions please ask someone."
"The large outdoor arena will be available for free-riding with Will overseeing. Your also allowed to ride the manicured bridle paths if you have at least two people, one of which must be a returning student, in your group. Stay on the property. Keep safe. Everyone wears a helmet. Alright, unless anyone has any questions yall are all free to go."
Ian McKinley
Ian breathed deeply, hands resting on the edges of his pockets and his eyes scanning the bleachers in front of him. He had given the orientation speech once before, but this time his heart beat rapidly with anticipation and excitement. Last years fearful uncertainty was gone, replaced now by a pronounced sense of purpose and adventure. Last year he'd been a reluctant leader, unwillingly thrust into the position by the sudden death of his father but this year he was ready. Still uncertain of course, many new challenges would come with the institution of Ride for Hope, as well as other changes he'd made to the program, but for now it didn't matter. Bayley was no longer just a place, it's trainers no longer just coworkers, it's students no longer just clients. Bayley was his chance to give back, to his family, his friends, his home.
He knew each one of the students by name and as he allowed his gaze to touch briefly on each student he found himself repeating those names in his head. Michael. Chelsea. Samantha. Brad. Nikki. Sigismund. Kade'Jah. Zooey. David and 21 others. Admittedly, there was really only a handful that he knew well past the role of 'coach' but still he thought the effort was important. He'd made a point to get pictures of all the new students or meet with their families personally before they enrolled. Even with the other trainers present, Ian felt personally responsible for the kids at Bayley. He wanted them to be more than just a number, a name, or a face, he wanted them to know that they belonged.
Ian stepped forward, "Alright. Alright, everyone settle down. Let's get this started." He waited a moment for everyone to finish talking. "To our new students, Welcome to Bayley Academy. To our returning students, Welcome back. I'm gonna try to keep this pretty brief so yall can enjoy the rest of this beautiful day, but I need your attention for just a few minutes, understood?"
He paused for a few 'yes sir's and a number of nods.
"My name is Ian McKinley, and I am the program director and head trainer here at Bayley. My mother, Robin Bayley, owns the property, manages the barn, and sometimes helps with training. We also have four more academy trainers here," He nodded towards the mounted trainers standing a few yards away, "As well as several other staff members. You'll get to know all of them in time, but just know that all of the staff here at Bayley are dedicated to making your experience here the best it can possibly be. If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ask one of us. My vision for Bayley is that it be more than just a riding school. Here at Bayley we strive not only to produce exceptional riders, but to produce wholly exceptional people. At Bayley it's more than about skill, it's about character, integrity and just plain grit." Ian smiled, sure that some of the kids would be tuning him out at this point. "It's about loyalty, family, and finding out who you are and what you stand for and if we can help you do that in any way, we will. However, you should also realize that with this in mind you will be held to a higher standard while here at Bayley."
"As you are all aware, students at Bayley attend classes at Hilton Head Academy up the road. This year, students will be expected to maintain a 2.5 GPA in order to compete. In addition, any finding of academic dishonesty will be considered grounds removing show privileges. This has always been a rule at Bayley, but you should expect it to be more strictly enforced this year. The same goes for stall duty and volunteer hours. You'll need at least six volunteer hours to compete in regional shows or the Winter Showcase. You can get these hours working on the Bayley Fall Festival or get them independently. I'm not going to go into Fall Fest or the Winter Showcase right now, but New Students can ask any of the returning students or staff if they have questions. All students are also expected to pitch in with stall and feed duty periodically. Everyone helping each other out."
"Another new rule is that all students will be required to get permission from their cottage leader to leave the property unescorted." As expected, this decree was met with several groans. In previous year, the rule had been that upperclassmen could leave the property at will, provided their parents had signed a form. "Guys, this is for your own safety. We had a few incidents last semester that convinced us that this was necessary. It's a non-negotiable. Also, Bayley has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy." His eyes shot up to a particular group of seniors, who fidgeted uncomfortably. "Anyone who has an issue with this should talk to me or their cottage leader."
He'd wanted to get the unpleasant news out of the way before introducing the Ride for Hope students. "All right, now your parent's all received information about this but just in case you wern't aware, I'd like to introduce a new program starting at Bayley this year. Ride for Hope is program here at Bayley that will allow a small group of high school students to attend on scholarship. These students will take lessons with Jewels as well as additional horsemanship and leadership classes with me. They'll attend the first show as grooms, but after that they will be competeting on the high school team." Ian met the few exclamations of suprise and disdain with a stony glare. "Listen up. I understand that these students haven't been riding as long as yall have but I fully expect you to treat them as your equals here at Bayley. They're students here too and you'll show them the same respect you would to any other Bayley kid. Is that understood?"
A weak 'yes sir' filled with grumbles came back at them.
"I said, is that understood?"
"Yes sir!"
"Good. Right. So as for shows, everyone here will be expected to compete on the school team provided their not on any sort of probation. Most of you will also compete as individuals, but I don't want you to forget that you are a team, and as such are working towards the good of the entire barn. Our opening show will be at Willow Creek this year and our first recognized show will be at Elliot Acres." A few whistles and cheers rose from the crowds, and Ian smiled. Though the Elliot kid's were one of Bayley's top rivals they had always been friendly and their trips to Elliot were always enjoyable. "We'll discuss the other shows as the schedule becomes finalized. As a reminder, you are not required to compete in every show, however, you do have to have a certain number to participate in the summer tour or compete as an individual."
Ian checked his watch, "Right, so in a few minutes I'm going to release you all. I need the Ride for Hope students to stay here with Jewels and I for a few minutes after so that we can go over some basic horse safety and run riding skill evaluations. Anyone else who wants to stick around and help out with that is free to do so. The rest of you basically have the afternoon to yourselves. If you want to get yourself moved in, your room and roommate assignments will be listed on the front door of your cottage as well as outside the main door there." Ian pointed, "Your luggage will be sitting on the front porch of your assigned cabin. Right now it's not an issue, but remember that there are no members of the opposite sex allowed in your cottage after 8pm unless the house leader is present. Again, if you have any questions please ask someone."
"The large outdoor arena will be available for free-riding with Will overseeing. Your also allowed to ride the manicured bridle paths if you have at least two people, one of which must be a returning student, in your group. Stay on the property. Keep safe. Everyone wears a helmet. Alright, unless anyone has any questions yall are all free to go."