Whom You Know's Response to the July 2009 Vanity Fair Article: The Code of Miss Porter's School

In a rare moment, Whom You Know would like to draw your attention to another publication, in particular: Vanity Fair. We almost never quote or consider other publications, however, this is one topic we care about immensely.

Specifically, we believe this article is notable:

http://www.vanityfair.com/style/features/2009/07/miss-porters-school200907

If you are a loyal Whom You Know reader, you will see that we commented on another pertinent article recently regarding a similar topic:
http://www.whomyouknow.com/search/label/Higher%20Education

However, contrary to the New York Times, Vanity Fair presents Miss Porter's School in a more positive light and emphasizes that Farmington is indeed a PREPARATORY school, and that its graduates are prepared for life. Isn't that the point? Of course! In the interest of full disclosure, we repeat and quote Vanity Fair acknowledging that the author of the VF article is the daughter of an ancient, so that may have helped with the upbeat tone. Peachy Deegan is an ancient, and at Whom You Know, we are entirely nonobjective as we only write about what we think is the best. We firmly believe in higher education, and in doing the right thing always. Miss Porter's School is the best educational institution anywhere for girls in grades 9-12, and the accomplishments of its graduates, the several states, countries and backgrounds represented by the current students and graduates, and the unbreakable bond among ancients will always ensure that the excellence of the school endures. Kate Windsor, current head, has shown in the times that Peachy Deegan has met her that the school is in top form, and in capable hands.

We quote Vanity Fair:

"Students and loyal alums, who call themselves “Ancients,” were beside themselves—not because they doubted Bass was hurt by her classmates but because she had the audacity to whine about it, and to use it as an excuse for cheating."

We agree. The lawsuit news item will not shake this institution that is legendary in higher education for young women. We do not endorse whining! We do not endorse excuses!

We quote Vanity Fair again:

"Bass cheated, which was bad enough, but in the eyes of the school community she was guilty of something worse: weakness. From its very start, in 1843, Miss Porter’s has been committed not just to the old-fashioned values of charm, grace, and loyalty but to another, unspoken value as well: the ability to tough it out. Deeply ingrained in the school’s DNA, it makes the school a kind of upper-class, social Outward Bound. Throughout its history, Miss Porter’s has tested girls’ personal fortitude in a variety of ways: through academic rigor, strict rules, and rituals designed to produce anxiety and intimidate...The system worked for many. Having to tough it out at Farmington prepared them for the world they were entering, both academically—after Farmington, many Ancients found college to be a breeze—and on a more personal level."

Miss Porter's School is the furthest place ever from a "Mean Girls" movie; it is a close, nurturing community that truly CARES about its girls. In fact, it cares so much about them that it teaches them how to tough it out while taking the high road. Being weak is not an attribute Whom You Know can remember any graduate possessing, whether she graduates this year or she did graduate fifty years ago.

At Whom You Know, we embrace the pursuit of excellence and having the proper education is a key component to the foundation of being able to live your life to reach your highest potential. All need to know that Miss Porter's School is a place where a foundation for this happens, and there could not be a better place.