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Author William Kamkwamba to Speak at New Hampton School’s 191st Convocation
New Hampton School is thrilled to announce that it will welcome William Kamkwamba as the Guest Speaker at the School’s 191st Convocation on September 11, 2011. Kamkwamba is the co-author of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope, the all-school summer reading selection that the New Hampton School community has embraced over the last few months.
“As a school that has a global focus and is dedicated to creating an educational setting that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, we look forward to hearing from a man who embodies the curiosity and passion that we try to inspire in our students,” says New Hampton School Head of School Andrew Menke, who is entering his seventh year at the School.
A native of Dowa, Malawi, the 24-year-old Kamkwamba grew up on his family farm in Masitala Village, Wimbe, two and half hours northeast of Malawi's capital city. His story is a remarkable tale of the wonders of experiential learning. By teaching himself physics and following his curiosity, he used a windmill made of assorted parts to bring electricity to his family farm and then his village. The inspirational tale was applauded by critics and educators alike. And now, New Hampton School students and faculty can add to their reading experience of the book when Kamkwamba, who is currently studying at Dartmouth College, officially kicks off the 2011-12 academic year with his visit to the School.
New Hampton School faculty member Jon Shackett, who teaches science, said he read the book in one sitting.
“It evoked so much reflection,” says Shackett. “It made me think ‘globally’ on a new level and affirmed my gratitude for simple things (for Americans) like access to food and medicine. It made me want to build something.”
Convocation is open to the public and will also be broadcast live on New Hampton School TV, beginning at 5 pm.
Arrangements for the appearance of William Kamkwamba were made through HarperCollins Speakers Bureau, New York, NY.
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“As a school that has a global focus and is dedicated to creating an educational setting that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, we look forward to hearing from a man who embodies the curiosity and passion that we try to inspire in our students,” says New Hampton School Head of School Andrew Menke, who is entering his seventh year at the School.
A native of Dowa, Malawi, the 24-year-old Kamkwamba grew up on his family farm in Masitala Village, Wimbe, two and half hours northeast of Malawi's capital city. His story is a remarkable tale of the wonders of experiential learning. By teaching himself physics and following his curiosity, he used a windmill made of assorted parts to bring electricity to his family farm and then his village. The inspirational tale was applauded by critics and educators alike. And now, New Hampton School students and faculty can add to their reading experience of the book when Kamkwamba, who is currently studying at Dartmouth College, officially kicks off the 2011-12 academic year with his visit to the School.
New Hampton School faculty member Jon Shackett, who teaches science, said he read the book in one sitting.
“It evoked so much reflection,” says Shackett. “It made me think ‘globally’ on a new level and affirmed my gratitude for simple things (for Americans) like access to food and medicine. It made me want to build something.”
Convocation is open to the public and will also be broadcast live on New Hampton School TV, beginning at 5 pm.
Arrangements for the appearance of William Kamkwamba were made through HarperCollins Speakers Bureau, New York, NY.
Date Posted 
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Madeline Blais8/15/2011 @ 11:48 PMI think it is an absolutely brilliant idea to have Mr. Kamkwamba speak with us students after having read such an inspiration book as "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind"! I couldn't be more excited to learn more about this man after being so amazed by his curiousity and then achievements! I'm really looking forward to it! Thanks NHS!!
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