A Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Sciences Flag found its way across the world in Antarctica. Dr. Kristin Mitchell, director of the Sleep Laboratory at Central Peninsula Hospital, embarked on a 20-day journey along the coast of Antarctica with Homeward Bound, a leadership initiative that aims to heighten the influence and impact of women in making decisions that shape the planet. On the largest-ever female expedition to Antarctica, Mitchell found room for the school’s flag in her limited luggage.
Debbie Boyle, a teacher with Kaleidoscope, said she thought it would be an incredible opportunity for the students to have a connection to Mitchell’s expedition.
“Maybe Dr. Mitchell could bring a flag with her to represent our school on this scientific mission?” Boyle said. “After all, our yearlong theme this year is ‘From our Backyard to the Universe.’ Wouldn’t it be great if she would take a photo of our Kaleidoscope flag in Antarctica?”
The flag was created in September as part of the school’s Lens Time, which is an opportunity for students to explore art- and science-based activities during the last hour of school every Friday. During a fiber arts lens class taught by Stacy Tronnier, the school flag was created.
“That lens came up with some really amazing fiber arts projects and that got us thinking,” Boyle said. “We should have our fiber arts lens group create a flag for Kaleidoscope. That idea was in the back of my mind when I had a conversation with Dr. Kristin Mitchell during rehearsals for Ballad of the Kenai.”
As long as the flag fit in her suitcase, Boyle said Mitchell was happy to take a piece of Kaleidoscope to the world’s southernmost continent.
Each student in the lens group created a square for the flag that was glued and stitched. The final product was ready before winter break, just in time for Mitchell’s January departure.
While in Antarctica, Mitchell took photos with the flag in various locations, including on the ship, at the scientific research stations, on islands nearby and on the main continent, with plenty of penguin photobombers.
After Mitchell returned, she gave a special presentation about her trip to the students at Kaleidoscope.
“When she returned, everyone was so excited to hear the story of the flag’s epic adventure,” Boyle said. “We held the presentation in the library with the flag on display as Dr. Mitchell relayed the journey from Kenai to the frozen continent of Antarctica. The students were in awe as they listened. So many thoughtful questions were asked from every grade level.”
Mitchell told the story of the flag’s journey and taught the students about penguin species. The local doctor also touched on the importance of keeping the environment clean so trash doesn’t end up in the oceans, Boyle said.
“Most importantly, she empowered the students to think about what they each could do here on the Kenai Peninsula to help keep the environment in Antarctica safe and clean for the wildlife there, and that they each can make a difference,” Boyle said. “We are all grateful for Dr. Mitchell’s kindness and her willingness to take our flag to the other end of the world. Most of all, we are thankful for her insightful and thought-provoking presentation to our school.
Parts of the presentation can be seen on the school’s Facebook page.
The flag is now on display in the school’s library, however, Boyle said the students would like to send the flag on another journey, this time, into space.
Dr. Kristin Mitchell holding the Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Sciences flag while visiting Antarctica. (Photos courtesy of Debbie Boyle/Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Sciences)
