News

This summer, Dr. Robert Conn collaborated with Professor Rhodora Vennarucci (Denison University) and Research Assistant Nguyen Nguyen at Vassar College Libraries to expand Caveat Emptor, an innovative virtual reality (VR) project designed to improve Latin language acquisition for K-12 students. Combining Dr. Conn’s living Latin pedagogy with Professor Vennarucci’s expertise in Roman archaeology, the app creates a "choose-your-own-adventure" simulation where students step onto the streets of Pompeii.

Initially developed in late 2024, Caveat Emptor first cast novice Latin students as shoppers negotiating prices with and trying to purchase goods from a Roman shopkeeper. After early testing showed significant gains in language retention and student enjoyment, the team was selected to attend the Institute for Liberal Arts Digital Scholarship (ILiADS) this July at Vassar College. There, they drafted a considerably longer "second episode" for advanced learners—this time placing the student in the role of the shopkeeper with specific objectives as they interact with a variety of customers.

Drs. Conn and Vennarucci have presented their initial findings to enthusiastic educators at several academic conferences, backed by strong feedback from student testers. “The VR experience granted me an interactive form to communicate in Latin,” one student reflected. “It allows students to learn new vocabulary by having a conversation in an ancient Roman setting.

With further field testing planned for the upcoming school year, the Caveat Emptor team continues to explore how modern technology can deepen student engagement with ancient languages.

Congratulations to Blair A. ’33, whose artwork, Splash-tastic Otters, was named Best in Class for Grade 5 in Arkansas as part of the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts’ 65th Young Arkansas Artists exhibition.

Now, Blair’s artwork is continuing its journey beyond the museum. Splash-tastic Otters was selected by Arkansas Children’s Hospital for the Young Arkansas Artists traveling exhibition and will be displayed in the Sturgis Building in Little Rock from August 2026 through August 2027.

We love seeing Blair’s creativity recognized across the state—and knowing her work will bring a little joy to patients, families, staff, and visitors throughout the coming year.

This summer, Jimi L '28 participated in the Wharton Global Youth Program in Cambridge, U.K., where he spent two weeks studying Strategy and International Management alongside students from around the world. Through real-world case studies, Jimi explored how companies such as IKEA, McDonald’s, Costco, and Tim Hortons differentiate themselves, navigate challenges, and expand into new markets.

Students put that learning into practice through a two-week competition, working in teams as expansion consultants for a company of their choice. Jimi’s four-person team developed a strategy for Mediterranean restaurant chain Honest Greens to expand into new European markets. Jimi led the Q&A as the team presented and defended its strategy before a panel of judges and peers, ultimately earning first place among 10 teams.

But one of Jimi’s biggest takeaways came from working with students from East Asia, Central Europe, South America, and beyond. He found that the strongest ideas often emerged when people approached the same question differently. “There is so much critical thinking that comes from people disagreeing with ideas and dissecting the ‘why’ behind it,” Jimi reflected. The experience not only expanded his understanding of international business, but also sparked a new area he is interested in exploring in the future.

Theo S. '35 recently visited Congressman Steve Womack’s Bentonville office as part of Breakthrough T1D’s Together We Can advocacy campaign. During the visit, Theo met with Keri Wilkinson (Thaden Alumni Parent '25 '24) from Congressman Womack’s staff to discuss insulin affordability, access to diabetes technology, continued funding for the Special Diabetes Program, and a message central to his advocacy: Type 1 Diabetes should never keep someone from living a full and adventurous life.

For Theo, the visit was personal. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes shortly after his first birthday, he has already spent years using his own experience to advocate for others living with the disease. This marked Theo’s third meeting with Congressman Womack’s office. In 2023, he was selected from a competitive national pool to represent Arkansas at Breakthrough T1D’s Children’s Congress in Washington, D.C. He has also served as a Breakthrough T1D Youth Ambassador and shared his story at major fundraising events and through radio and television interviews.

Through each opportunity, Theo continues to demonstrate that young people don’t have to wait to make an impact. By sharing his experience and advocating for others, he is using his voice to help create change while showing that life with Type 1 Diabetes can still be full of possibility and adventure.

This summer, three Thaden students were selected to attend the Arkansas Governor’s School (AGS), a four-week residential program that brings together rising seniors from across the state for intensive academic and artistic exploration. Violet B. ’26 studied Visual Arts, Eden-Bell R. ’26 explored Social Sciences, and Millie S. ’26 immersed herself in Drama.

While students spend much of their time deeply engaged in their chosen discipline, AGS extends learning beyond a single subject. Students also explore how we think and understand knowledge, consider different perspectives, and develop skills related to leadership, personal responsibility, and community. For Millie, that combination—and the opportunity to learn alongside students with shared interests—made the experience particularly meaningful.

“I loved AGS because I got to meet so many people who share the same passions as me,” Millie said. “Getting to immerse myself in drama every day for a month while also learning about leadership and problem-solving was an incredible experience! I highly recommend it!”

This summer, seven Upper School Thaden students (Bella F., Bella W., Finley K., Sloane R., Amaya L., Sonakshi D., and Jesse C.) joined teens from across Northwest Arkansas in completing over 50 hours of training to volunteer with AR Teen Connect, the Arkansas Crisis Center's peer support text line for teens. Debra Capps, Director of Advancement and Strategy at Arkansas Crisis Center, shared that the Thaden cohort "brought a strong sense of community to the group - empowering others, contributing thoughtful ideas, and fostering a space where everyone felt valued and comfortable contributing." 

Now trained to support teens across the state of Arkansas, these students are putting empathy, leadership, and community into practice in a meaningful way.