News

Eight Laguna Blanca Upper School students recently had the honor of meeting privately with Author Philippa Gregory to discuss her newest novel, The Boleyn Inheritance, prior to a local literary luncheon sponsored by The Northern Trust.

After engaging in a lively discussion and hearing Gregory's compelling speech, the group was also moved to raise money for a charity effort, which provides water for wells in the gardens of rural schools in The Gambia.

The Boleyn Inheritance is told in the voices of Jane Boleyn, and the two Queens she served and betrayed: Anne of Cleeves and Katherine Howard.

"It is so enlightening to be able to meet with the author of a work and discuss the concepts behind their genius,” reflects Junior Felicia Palmer. “I especially liked the chance to be able to sit in a small group setting. It felt like we got to know the author personally."

After their lively literary discussion, the students learned about Gregory's passion for Gardens for The Gambia. To date, the charity has dug 56 wells along a stream providing water to irrigate school gardens where children learn the skills of sustainable agriculture.

The food they grow helps feed the school children who otherwise would have nothing to eat. The surplus is sold to support the school's garden and educational needs. Laguna Sophomore Willy Chotzen-Freund is spearheading an effort to enlighten fellow students and to raise enough money for a well.

Philippa Gregory has written over 20 novels, including The Other Boleyn Girl . To learn more about this new friend to Laguna Blanca School , her works, and Gardens for The Gambia, readers can visit www.philippagregory.com.