Ambassador Nicholas Platt '50 Visits RCS

Mr. Platt’s day at Rippowam was a full one, beginning with a seminar with the ninth graders followed by a master class with the sixth graders, who had just completed a unit of study on ancient China. Throughout the day, Mr. Platt shared his passion for history and writing and he told stories about his RCS English teacher, Mrs. Paddock, who introduced him to the value of good writing skills. Above all, Mr. Platt spoke about the importance of discovering and pursuing one’s passion and talents. Entering the Foreign Service and studying Chinese in the 60s was not an easy, or common, choice five decades ago. However, Ambassador Platt remains guided by the RCS motto “Dare to be True,” and found that following a dream, and working hard toward realizing it, makes for a rewarding path, albeit not the easiest one.

His time with the students culminated in a full Upper Campus assembly, during which all students and faculty had an opportunity to meet, and learn from, Ambassador Platt. He highlighted the historical impact of the 1972 visit to China and showed students a brief movie which included his personal impressions, memories, and details on his role as part of the American delegation. He answered many of the students’ questions about the present-day nature of the US-China relationship, as well as the economic and political challenges and advantages both countries encounter today. At the end of the Assembly, Alumni Association Chair, Christopher Wirth ’94, presented Mr. Platt with the Distinguished Alumni Award for outstanding achievement and leadership in his profession and service to the community. Also, ninth grader Georgia Morley, on behalf of the entire ninth grade, shared with Mr. Platt a plaque that has his name engraved as the newest recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award, which will hang on the wall outside the Upper Campus library.

The day came to a close with a luncheon where Mr. Platt was joined by a group of alums and faculty. The alums included Roger Vincent ’59 (an earlier recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award), Alden Prouty ’57, Marilen Tilt ’57, Linda Denison ’50, Penny Brouder ’51, Jim Renwick ’63 (also a current member of the RCS Board of Trustees), Kirtley Cameron (current parent and member of the RCS Board of Trustees and also the wife of Seth Cameron ’88), and Niko Viglione ’02 (also currently an Intern on the Lower Campus); RCS Alumni Association Board members included Christopher Wirth ’94 (Chair), Elly Dwyer Rice ’94, Randy Hall ’94, Susannah Sard ’58, and Cynthia Mas ’71; faculty members included Matthew Nespole (Head of School), Bill Barrett (Upper Campus Division Head), Bob Whelan (Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement), Elizabeth Messinger, Michael Kober, Thomas Morrissey, and Charlie Duveen. Mr. Platt was happy to engage in conversation and sign copies of his book for all in attendance.

Ambassador Platt was a student at Rippowam in the late 1940s, attended St. Paul’s for High School, and holds degrees from Harvard and Johns Hopkins University. His last visit to Rippowam Cisqua was two years ago when he and his classmates celebrated their 60th Reunion. Mr. Platt thoroughly enjoyed his time with the RCS students and was most impressed with their curiosity, poise, and eloquence. As he got into his car to leave, he paused for a moment, turned, and said, "Boy, I was so impressed by those kids." A nice testament indeed.