The Green and Gray, May 3, 2019

VOL CIX, No. 2

INSIDE NEWS

• Proposed 2020 Pro Vita Trips • Saying Goodbye to Ruben • Global News Briefs

Sheffield, Massachusetts

May 3, 2019

2019-2020 ALL SCHOOL PRESIDENTS Gigi Brown ’20 and Nate McShane ’20 Elected

SPORTS

• Profiling Ugochukwu Achara • High Expectations for Berkshire Baseball

ARTS

• A Myriad of May Music • Students Take on Spring Theatre

OPINION

• The Truth About What We Purchase • Reflections of a Head Prefect • On the Value of our High School Education

ARISE Coming This Spring

by William Warlick ’20

by Gohta Aihara ’19 and Darran Shen ’20

2020: Chris Branch ’20, Gigi Brown ’20, Madi Gomez ’20, Annie Hauser ’20, Nate McShane ’20, Logan Renneker ’20, and William Warlick ’20.

Each of them gave excellent speeches, making it difficult for the community to select one female and one male student to fill the immense shoes of Martin Dimo ’19 and Sherry Yang ’19. As we heard in their speech, there were several common themes that were shared among almost all candidates.

As a group, they resonated to the idea that Berkshire School is a thriving place and can

On March 25th, Berkshire School students and faculty chose the next coAll School President (ASP) from seven profound members of the class of ty. Says Elias Sienkiewicz ’19, “I am looking forward to ARISE so that I may present to many of my peers and teachers the hard work we have been doing in Advanced Humanities Research (Elias is investigating the role of natural light in architecture).” In conversation with other students, Jay Schoudel ’19, who centered his Black Rock Scholar project around Berkshire School’s use of water bottles, echos the evident appreciation for the opportunity of ARISE: “ARISE presents Berkshire students a unique opportunity to really engage in a conversation with people who they haven’t spoken to enough before but want to learn more about their research”.

ARISE will happen on May 17th. All students are encouraged to attend and explore the amazing work that Advanced Humanities Research, Independent Study, Advanced Math Science Research, and Black Rock Scholar students have put together.

be evolved even further.

Perhaps Annie put it most eloquently: “Here at Berkshire, we talk a lot about what it means to be a community and how great it is for all. And you know what, it is a strong community. But… we know that it can be even better.”

The candidates also expressed their open mindedness and willingness to get out of their comfort zone and take risks for the benefits of the society. Said Chris: “the most important step in forging progress is harvesting ideas, and I am more than willing to listen to every detail, big

or small, any of you have to say.”

A few days after everybody had made an extremely tough decision, Mr. Quilty announced that Nate and Gigi had been selected as All School Presidents for the 2020 school year.

The Green and Gray sat down in a round table discussion with Martin Dimo ’19, Sherry Yang ’19, Gigi Brown ’20, and Nate McShane ’20 to honor the legacy of our current All School Presidents and to discuss the future of Berkshire School. (continued on page 4) Matea Beadle/The Green and Gray

On May 17th students in Advanced Humanities Research, Independent Study, Advanced Math Science Research, and Black Rock Scholars will come together for ARISE to present their academic efforts to the community.

This student showcase is known as ARISE, Advanced Research Independent Study Expo. The night provides students displaying a full breadth of academic studies and abilities, to present their own research.

The aspect of one’s independently pursued research is really key to ARISE and is what Dr. Davis, the musical department chair, identifies as unique about the program: “What’s cool is that it’s all a student-initiated project, you get to hear not just the project they did, but why they did it, where they stumbled, and where they got help. That what’s it all about, not just finishing an assignment, but learning about something they believe in.”

This sentiment seems to be a recurring theme

for those in the Berkshire community who see ARISE as an exemplification of our school’s motto: Pro Vita Non-Pro Schola Discimus — Learning not just for school but for life. Students are learning about what they are passionate about and leaving a lasting impact on their interest and the world around them.

Take for example what Gigi Brown ’20 recalls from last year’s ARISE: “I had a great time last year and vividly recall Daniel Tian’s ’19 passion for his new app, Rash Baby. It was a really great research project that was basically able to recognize ten common baby rashes like chickenpox using an AI computer algorithm.”

This year, Daniel has something else in mind: “I’m planning to present a heart rate variability based sleep staging algorithm.

Basically, I’m using AI to analyze heart rate variability and predict an individual’s sleep stage across the night.”

ARISE gives each student the opportunity to showcase their research to the rest of the communi-

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Sheffield, Massachusetts

May 3, 2019

Global PRO VITA Lessons–

GLOBAL NEWS BRIEFS

Bears Propose 2020 Trips

The Tom Wolf Society Brings a New Standard of Giving to Berkshire Berkshire School

The class of 1944C at their 50th reunion. Back row (from left to right): Henry White, Dick Cole, Lee Weil, Tom Blair, John Schofield, Tom Richardson, Tim Harris; Front row: Jim Geier, Parker Handy, Tom Wolf, Rusty Alger.

by Elias Sienkiewicz ’19 When Tom Wolf first came to Berkshire, Seaver Buck was still headmaster. Since his graduation, he has given every year to his high school Alma Mater. This August marks his class’s 75th reunion and in recognition of his extraordinary loyalty and generosity, a new giving society is being founded in his name: the Tom Wolf Society. To remain a member, alumni must, like its namesake, donate each consecutive year after their graduation.

The Berkshire Class of 1945 was split apart because of World War II. With their draft age fast approaching and their education not yet finished, eleven members of the class of ’45 decided to accelerate. These select few became ’44C, and graduated not in June of ’45 but in August of 1944.

This noble choice meant

summer classes and a heavier course load, but it also fostered a friendship and a bond which still ties them together to this day.

Every night of his senior year, Tom Wolf joined his classmates and ate milk and crackers with then-Berkshire-headmaster Delano De Windt and his wife. To many of the boys of ’44C, De Windt was a father figure, and over the years the small class of eleven came to be known as “Del’s Boys.”

During their senior year and especially during that final summer, Del’s Boys grew closer and closer together. Nightly gatherings in De Windt’s house were just the physical manifestation of a relationship many came to describe as “father-son.” For Wolf especially, De Windt was like a father.

Tom Wolf ’s own father died when he was six. He came to Berkshire on the advice of Frank Boyden,

by Tyler Swirbul ’19

Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Germany.

“There was definitely a diversity of experience in the trips submitted, and it will be really hard for the Pro Vita Committee to narrow everything down.

I know everyone put in a lot of hard work and hope that some of these trips are submitted again next year.”

To hear Mr. Anselmi put it, Pro Vita is just a turn away. Just 309 days in fact. But who’s counting?

The Green and Gray sat down with the student leaders of two proposed trips to talk about their process and what they hope to bring to Pro Vita come next spring should their trips get approved.

Claire Borchers ’20 and Angela Ansah ’21, along with faculty advisors Callie Carew-Miller and Sam Maher have initiated a domestic trip to Hawaii, where they will take in the natural beauties that Hawaii has to offer through

hiking, snorkeling, surfing and more. They will also work with students from Hawaii Preparatory Academy, a boarding school based in Waimea, to learn more about Hawaiian culture and our different boarding school experiences.

Harrison Chapin ’20 and Darran Shen ’20, with faculty advisors Clive Davis and Sandy Perot, have initiated an international trip to Germany to study German arts and culture before and after World War II. They will explore Munich and Dresden through its artistic history, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Neuschwanstein Castle, photographing the picturesque Bastei Rocks, and experiencing the horological revival of Glashütte, the watchmaking heartland of Germany.

Deerfield’s headmaster of 50 years. Boyden told Wolf in his admission interview that he had “the perfect school” for him, and sent him and his mother down for an interview.

Wolf credits the extraordinary loyalty and generosity of ’44C to De Windt’s father-like relationship with the whole class. Graduating with Wolf were also Jimmy Geier (of the Geier Library) and Leon “Lee” Weil (of the Weil Speaking Prize). Says Wolf: “During this period we all became not only very very close with Mr. De Windt, but we became very fond of Berkshire. For our 50th reunion, all eleven of us came back.”

De Windt remained a large part of their lives after Berkshire; Wolf more than any other.

Wolf was so close with De Windt that later in life he brought his bride-to-be up to meet him to ask for his approval. A few years later he named his first child after De Windt: Paul Delano Wolf bears the name of Tom Wolf ’s adopted Berkshire father. When asked whether De Windt

influenced his loyal giving to Berkshire, Wolf replied “absolutely.”

Almost every member of the class of ’44C was a part of the inaugural year of Berkshire’s “Education with Wings” program (now known as Aviation Science). They received their diplomas in August 1944 (rather than June 1945) before heading into the armed forces. Wolf did the same and was honorably discharged in 1945 when the Japanese surrendered. He would later be called back to active duty during his sophomore year at Princeton.

As alumni, ’44C met every five years after their graduation. At first, when they all had young children to look after, they would gather at Lee Weil’s house in New York, but soon began to gather on campus, a tradition they have kept for decades.

The recent formation of the Tom Wolf Society is as much in memory of Del’s Boys and the class of ’44C as it is for Wolf himself. Says Wolf of the new giving society: “I am very honored to have it be named after me.”

BRITAIN - Political turmoil engulfs the nation even after a long-term extension of Brexit. The European Union agreed to move the April deadline to October 31, with German Prime Minister Angela Merkel assuring further extensions if necessary; however, with the Conservatives repeatedly trying to pass the same rejected deal through Parliament while the opposition remains united in resistance but still unable to agree on any alternatives, the stalemate over the withdrawal from the European Union seems likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Alternative proposals by PMs include a second referendum, the unseating of Prime Minister Theresa May, a unilateral withdrawal of Brexit, and a manner of alternative deals. Instability has also arisen in response to the growing climate crisis. Protestors blocked streets and called for civil disobedience in what has been dubbed a “climate rebellion.” Tired of government inaction and worried about the future, citizens took to the streets in protest, facing arrest but further pressuring the May ministry.

John Cameron/Unsplash

Pro Vita is an integral part of Berkshire School and its experience because it offers a unique window into the outside world, for students to try new and exciting things. A signature part of Pro Vita then, is not just the classes offered on campus, but also the opportunities students have to venture beyond it.

From learning about the impact of tourism in Thailand to community service in Morocco, Berkshire students have traveled around the world to tackle exciting challenges and address existing ones.

Because of the scale and scope of this program, crafting a memorable Pro Vita experience is a yearlong effort that begins even before the previous one ends. This year, that

process began with a call for trip proposals; an opportunity not just for students to embark on adventures, but for them to design their own.

While Pro Vita has been going on for over a decade, this program of student-initiated trips has only been active for three years. For students to do so, they not only need to engineer the experience from the ground up, conducting research and reaching out to travel companies, but go through numerous rounds of auditing and voting to ensure that the trips are safe, inclusive, and most importantly, of the Pro Vita spirit.

This year, in a field of thirteen proposals submitted, only seven will be chosen. Said Mr. Anselmi, the Pro Vita director,

Rachel Davis/Unsplash

by Darran Shen ’20

(continued on page 4)

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Brexit protesters standing outside the Palace of Westminister in January, 2019 FRANCE - The Yellow Vest protests continued for the 22nd consecutive week on April 14, reflecting the continuing anger over widespread and growing wealth inequality in both France and the world as a whole.

According to the French Interior Ministry, 31,000 protestors turned out across the nation, showing an increase in participation from recent weeks and revealing no signs of the movement’s abatement anytime soon. The movement, which began as a non-unified entity with no common political alignment has increasingly taken the shape of anti-capitalist leftism.

Despite small concessions by President Emmanuel Macron, the majority of the French people resent his government. Many reject the government’s continued support of the few wealthy elites over the French people as a whole, and in a time of rapidly growing wealth inequality, this may be only the first of many similar movements to come.

As the flames of protest died out in Paris with the end of the weekend, new ones arose in the historical Notre-Dame Cathedral. The fire engulfed the upper portion of the landmark, destroying its iconic spire, roof, and historical artifacts before being put out by firefighters, saving the main structure along with important works of art. Efforts are underway to restore the Cathedral and determine with finality the origin of the fire, although it was likely due to an electrical short circuit. The restoration efforts are aided by the financial support of the rich, who have donated over $1 billion despite the French government’s financial responsibility. This massive amount of money, donated before the damages could be assessed, easily eclipses donations towards disaster relief causes or aid towards those in need throughout both France and the world and thus has been a subject of criticism. President Macron, in the hours after the fire, vowed to “make Notre-Dame even more beautiful.”

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SRI LANKA - Sri Lanka entered a state of emergency after deadly suicide bombings that claimed the lives of over 350 people and injured at least 500 more on Easter.

Over 60 people have been arrested in connections with the attacks. The nation is in mourning as it tries to assess the damage and figure out the path it is headed on for the future. Many are angry with the government after it came out that certain factions including the police and various intelligence agencies knew in advance of the high threat and the individuals behind it. In response, the Sri Lankan government has issued a formal apology, but it has done little to abate any resentment among the people. There are ongoing investigations into “intelligence failures” and any potential connections to international terror groups. The Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed the attack, and the Sri Lankan government suspects the group’s involvement; however, as of yet there has not been any concrete evidence presented by either side. The attacks reflect a growing trend of religious conflict across Asia and could lead to increased polarization.

LeLaisserPasserA38/Wikimedia

The Notre-Dame Cathedral in flames.

Berkshire students pose outside of The New School during the Climate Action Summit.

by Devon Thompson ’19

global celebration of Earth Day, this event provided a platform for the next generation of climate leaders to come together and talk about the future of global climate action. Additionally, the attendance of this event helped“climate enthusiasts” become immensely inspired about how they could start mo-

On Saturday April 20th, 2019 a diverse group of twelve students along with Mr. Donovan and Ms. Ward from Berkshire attended the Global Youth Climate Action Summit at the New School in New York City. Taking place just two days before the

bilizing climate awareness now. At the event students had the opportunity to converse with each other about potential routes of climate action, along with the change to hear from a series of current climate activists on how to mobilize the future.

For many Berkshire students, this served as an inspiration and catalyst for action in climate change. For others, the conference was an outlet for like-minded students across the nation on the abysmal state of current lack of climate action in the world. For all, the goal was to attend with a open mind and learn more about the Berkshire students role in climate action.

Says Emily Liu ’20: “Taking the Sustainability class at Berkshire has made me so much more aware of both the complexity and the urgency of the climate issue. However, it can be easy to forget that second part - the urgency - when we live on such a beautiful and secluded campus. I seized the opportunity to go to the Climate Summit this weekend because I wanted to meet kids my age who are fighting for Climate Action, who come from much different situations.

I want to participate in the energy of the movement.”

In the days since the group attended the Global Youth Climate Action Summit, there has been plenty of time to reflect on the apparent issue at hand. The event made it clear just how dire the state our climate is currently in: less than two years until our final chance to change the destructive trajectory our planet.

As a part of the day’s events, each participant was lead to make a pledge on how they could directly impact the effects of climate change. For many the choice was to not consume meat at least three days a week.

Reflecting on his experience, Harrison Chapin said, “I pledged many things, including to avoid long showers and plastic water bottles. But we still have a ways to go and have to reach out to more people - it’s the only way we can induce meaningful change.”

Overall, the group is looking forward to sharing what was gained at the summit with members of the Berkshire community, along with continuing the conversations on campus throughout the spring.

Ruben:

Darran Shen/The Green and Gray

SUDAN - Uncertainty has gripped Sudan after former president Omar al-Bashir was overthrown and arrested by a faction of the Sudanese military earlier this month following weeks of protest against his oppressive government. After a 30 year reign filled with war, corruption, genocide, and crimes against humanity, al-Bashir’s removal was initially met with widespread popular support; however, as details arose about the military’s plan for the nation, the support quickly turned to concern. After the arrest, a transitory military government was declared; set to last for two years before a supposed transition to a more democratic form of governance, the military council’s authoritarian behavior has led many Sudanese to fear a potentially permanent military dictatorship. They have already suspended the constitution, instituted a curfew, and begun to crack down on disobedience. Hundreds of thousands of protestors have taken to the streets demanding the end of the council and an immediate transition to citizen rule. The protestors have organized numerous forms of resistance, civil disobedience, and direct action, including a mass sit in directly outside of the Defense Ministry in the capital, Khartoum. Resistance groups have rejected the new government and have vowed to continue the struggle against the military council until the establishment of a democracy that represents the ideals of the revolution and is directly controlled by the people. Sudan’s unrest follows a similar movement in Algeria, leading some to believe that this could signal the beginnings of a new era of popular uprisings in the region.

Global Youth Climate Action Summit @NYC Caitlin Ward/Berkshire School

ISRAEL-PALESTINE - As this year’s Israeli elections drew to a close, it was the incumbent, Benjamin Netanyahu, who emerged victorious, leading his right-wing religious Likud party to a slim majority in parliament for a fifth consecutive term despite three independent indictments of corruption against him. Likud’s aggressive policy in regards to expanding internationally illegal settlements and their harsh anti-Palestinian position is a growing cause for concern for many in the area as the conflict is increasingly brought into the international spotlight. Tensions have also arisen between the United States and the European Union over the conflict, as Trump’s proposed peace plans are not likely to include any form of Palestinian state. European officials, citing human rights abuses, breaching of international treaties, and increasing aggression by the Israeli government and IDF, have reaffirmed their support for a two-state solution as outlined by numerous international agreements.

May 3, 2019

the Man Behind the Counter

by Victoria Gagas ’20 For many students at Berkshire School, there’s a special place for them to relax, get some food, and enjoy a good game of table tennis. Shawn’s place. And for those students, there’s one special man that is the face of Shawns: Ruben.

For twenty years, Ruben has been loyal to Berkshire by serving quesadillas (which is one of his favorite foods to make), wraps (which is one of his least favorite foods to make), burgers, fries, and so much more; but his loyalty isn’t shown through him swiping our Student ID cards, but through his personality.

A Berkshire institution unto himself, Ruben represents what many strive to be; a kind, thoughtful, and inviting person. With Ruben cracking jokes to the new freshman all the way to four-year seniors, he establishes this environment that students feel comfortable in.

This year is Ruben’s final year, and I had the privilege to ask him a few

Ruben stands behind the counter of Shawn’s Place, his post at Berkshire School for twenty years. questions. When asked what his favorite thing about working at Berkshire is, his smile grew big: “I get to meet so many different kids. I learn so many things about different cultures and the lives of people who are so unique.”

Ruben whole-heartedly loves having those little small talks whenever someone is buying an Arizona ice tea or whatnot because then, he’s bringing the community closer together, one conversation at a time. During my interview, Ruben’s laugh was contagious and his words full of sincerity. By asking questions that made him go down memory

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lane, one question really provoked Ruben to look back on his years behind the counter. One particular memory that will always last with him was when the Class of 2010 came back for their 5 year reunion. He didn’t go much into detail, but the short sentences explaining how happy he was when he heard they were back on campus was all the explanation needed to share how special Berkshire has been for him.

Though some students might feel a little intimidated by him, deep down, Ruben is just a spaghetti and meatball loving man who cannot wait to live a healthy (and quiet)

retirement. I really wanted to focus on Ruben, the person some might see everyday yet do not really know much about. Ruben, who is a talkative, kind person who is always ready to have a conversation about whatever, is just an example of the legacy kindness leaves behind. And with that, I asked Ruben to leave some final words for Berkshire expecting a lengthy goodbye speech, but in a classic Ruben response, he simply stated, “It has been a fun journey and I will miss a lot of people here.

And I hope I made a good impact on some kids or anyone here”.

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G&G Exclusive ASP Interviews (continued from page 1) Nate McShane: Where do you two hope to see Berkshire in the next five years?

Martin Dimo: I hope that Berkshire continues its initiatives of respecting diversity and curiosity. We’re going to have a new Dean of Diversity coming in next year; I hope that you guys can pick up on Ms. Great’s legacy and build on it. Apart from that, I hope that the student body becomes more respecting of each other and come together as one.

I’m also really excited for the academics of Berkshire.

We have computer science next year, and I’m hoping that other courses like neuroscience might be introduced.

Sherry Yang: I agree with all of the above. I just hope that kids can branch out into different interests instead of one single group. Hopefully, you guys as student leaders can step up and facilitate that. You can kind of see this already happening, and I hope that this will continue through the years.

Green and Gray: So I have some questions. Sherry and Martin, we’ve heard what you personally are most proud of. But next year after you leave, what is one thing that you wish people would remember about you?

SY: I think something, which I don’t think most underformers see, is that just recently, the head prefects and ASPs have really come together to improve the student life - we’re trying to reshape the culture here. I think it’s definitely hard to do because its established, it’s hard to shake up the foundation. But I think we’re trying new things, so I hope that people can remember us for that.

MD: I think that it’s so important that people know how their leaders came together over the year. I want everyone to see that if you take everything Berkshire has to offer, and you really invest yourself in it, you can go

Proposed PRO VITA Trips Insights with Angela, Claire, Darran, and Harrison

(continued from page 1) Green and Gray: Let’s get right down to business.

How did you guys decide on a destination, and what was the inspiration?

Angela Anash ’21: We wanted to make a trip that would educate students on a different culture, but also not as expensive as most trips. We also wanted something that had an international experience but within the United States.

Harrison Chapin ’20: A few years ago I read All The Light We Cannot See

by Anthony Doerr. I don’t

consider myself a bookworm, but this book was so good that I couldn’t stop. It really enlightened me on the beauty and messiness of the human condition. So when my roommate Darran Shen ’20 suggested Germany as a last second idea on the morning of the trip interest deadline, I was immediately on board.

There’s a certain appeal to understanding a culture by studying how people express themselves creatively - especially through and beyond times of war.

G&G: That’s really cool.

What was the allure in

far and excel.

During Freshman and Sophomore year, it never crossed my mind that I would be ASP. I never thought that I’d be in a musical, singing in Greensleeves, or playing [piano] at every concert. These are things that Berkshire gave to me, that I was never asked for. It was presented to me, and I took a leap of faith and grabbed [the opportunity].

What I see often from boys and girls alike, is that they feel too reluctant to go , feel out of their comfort zone. They feel intimidated, that whatever they’re doing is daunting, out of the norm. So it seems simple, and I say it all the time, but I truly believe you need to take advantage of the opportunity. I don’t want to boost myself up, but I think I embody that well. I’m grateful for all that Berkshire has given to me, and I think that ASP is the pinnacle of that and my way of giving back.

G&G: Last question for the two of you. What is one tip you would give to Gigi and Nate, especially in working in a two-person job?

SY: Jump right into it. Don’t wait. In the beginning of the year, do something and don’t hesitate. There are times now where I’m like “Ahhh I wish I did this earlier so we have more time to plan things out!”

And when I say jump right into it, I mean be honest to each other. Don’t be afraid to be blunt, be honest, because that’s the best way to work with each other. You know, Martin and I had some low-key beef at the start of the year, but I was really honest with him. I said, I want this to be an equal position. So we worked it out really well, and now we’re always on the same page.

Which we have to be, because we’re all on the same boat right?

As leaders, you have to be super open and willing to listen to ideas. Because otherwise, you won’t do well at all.

MD: For sure. We both preached in our speeches to listen to the student body, and how can we listen to the student body if we don’t listen to each other first, right?

And I agree there was a moment in the fall where Sherry had some discomfort and gripes, and she very honestly spoke out, and of course I listened and we came up with a solution. Its fine, because Sherry and I weren’t the closest you know? We weren’t best friends.

SY: Really Martin? I’m hurt. [Laughs] Charlotte Carew-Miller/Berkshire School

Gigi Brown: What is one thing that you’ve done this year that you’re very proud to leave behind?

MD: I think I know what Sherry’s answer is going to be.

For me, I think we did a lot of small things, like wifi, and have been working on parietals (which we hope you guys can continue working on if we can’t finish this year).

I’m particularly proud of, and I thank Sherry and the rest of student government for their support, the complaint forms/suggestion boxes that took shape in the fall. They were used quite a lot, but they’ve died down a bit. I really hope you guys can revitalize that next year.

I think that the suggestion boxes give the student body a bigger voice and challenges us to be better in student government.

SY: I think that Martin and I were very good at listening to people’s ideas, and we worked very hard to communicate with everyone. Really, it’s about reaching out and implementing suggestions the best we can. I think we’ve built a great community around that—I even had a kid email me a few days ago saying “I have a few ideas and I’d like to run them by you.”

May 3, 2019

The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail in Hawaii. designing a custom trip in the first place?

Claire Borchers ’20: I went on a Pro Vita trip to Thailand last year. The experience was life changing and I am so grateful that I had the amazing opportunity to be able to travel abroad and experience an entirely different culture.

Ever since I got back from that trip my sophomore year, I have wanted to help lead a trip. Being able to lead a trip is such a cool opportunity that I think is very unique to Berkshire and Pro Vita. I want other students to be able to have the same incredible experience I did.

HC: I think it’s pretty similar for me. It’s in my blood. Programs like Pro Vita are part of what drew me to Berkshire in the first place.

G&G: That leads me to my next question. Of all you have planned, what are you most excited for?

AA: I’m really excited to get close to the group and experience this beautiful

place with other people.

I mean look at us; Claire, Ms. Carew-Miller, Mr. Maher, and I are already a squad. We’re going to see a volcano, visit a black sand beach, go stargazing, interact with locals in town and at the school, and cook meals together at night. I can’t wait to live my best, Hawaiian life!

G&G: That’s amazing.

Next, let’s shift to a more serious note. Why is what you’re doing important?

HC: I think that we spend so much time in the Berkshire Bubble that we often lose sight of what life is about. It’s not about getting into college but about admiring the world around you, to take advantage of what it can offer. To seek fulfillment rather than success. This ability to be in the present moment, is a skill lost to many students - and one we hope to rediscover on this trip. Germany gives us this perfect opportunity because given the context

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MD: Stop. [Laughs] And I know you guys aren’t great friends either necessarily. There’s not a lot of overlap between me and Sherry, and there’s not a lot of overlap between the two of you. I think that’s great because if you’re too close, you can’t branch out, and if you’re too distant, it’s hard to work well together. So I think it’s great to be acquaintances. It makes everything a lot more productive. You’re going to hear a lot of “Hey all school pres!” in the first few months. Don’t be scared, and don’t let it get to your head.

[All murmurs in agreement] MD: Don’t let it get to your head. Because at the end of the day, you have a responsibility to do something with that title. It’s not just recognition and it’s not for your ego.

MD: To pass it off to you guys, if you could summarize one small thing from them and focus on them first, what would that be?

GB: Community. One hundred percent. And I’ve seen so much of this already starting to happen with the discussion groups, which I mentioned in my speech. I really think that we have a strong community here, but there are still divides, which we have seen this year. My hope for next year is to help bridge the gap between the different corners of the school and have more respect on campus.

NM: I definitely agree with that. For me, my biggest point would be feedback and suggestions. I want to see more student initiatives and student-driven ideas implemented next year. I want to give every student a voice.

G&G: What is something you want the student body to know about you?

GB: I want the school to know that before coming to Berkshire I used to see myself as a follower and nothing more. I never saw my potential to lead until I began to jump on opportunities offered here. Berkshire has helped me recognize a hidden part of myself and I hope it does the same for everyone else.

NM: I want people to know about me that they might not already know is that I love to be outside, whether I’m fishing, hiking, or playing sports. I also never really saw myself being a student leader until I came to Berkshire, so I encourage anyone who is considering running for a student leadership application to do so. of war, we are provided with a very compelling window into the human condition, and how humans express themselves.

CB: We will learn about environmental stewardship from the perspective of a school and from local businesses and also explore unique aspects of island life, using these examples to reflect on our own setting under the mountain in Sheffield. We will also bring back a new understanding and perspective on sustainability and place based learning.

G&G: With all that, I’m sure there were a lot of challenges. Can you tell us more about some of them?

HC: The hardest part was finding the right travel company for our needs.

At one point, we had to part ways with a travel company we were considering because we felt they weren’t giving us enough freedom to tailor the trip to our interests. Creating such a trip is very time consuming and challenging, but so rewarding too.

G&G: There are always a lot of amazing trips planned. What is one thing you want people to know about your trip?

CB: It’s going to be super fun! We have an amazing itinerary and some once in a lifetime experiences planned (including a night snorkel with Manta Rays!).

We want students to know

that they are going to be immersing themselves in a new culture and want to encourage them to think about how they can demonstrate Berkshire’s core values of respect, inclusion, and curiosity while they are in Hawaii.

HC: Don’t be deterred from applying for the trip because you don’t see yourself as an “artist”. This trip is for everyone. We’re going to visit incredible castles, sample traditional Bavarian food, and hike some incredible cliffs.

We’re even trying to get our schedule to line up with a Bundesliga soccer game!

G&G: Well thank you all so much for sitting down with me. Just to end things, what are we doing now for the trips?

CB: Right now we are finalizing the nitty gritty details to provide a safe, yet diverse range of experiences on the trip.

HC: I think we all still have a bit to go before everything is fully ready. But we’re hoping for the best and a little nervous about the selection process. Stay tuned!

Editor’s Note: The interview has been edited for length and clarity. All trips are still in the proposal stage and have yet to be confirmed for Pro Vita 2020. More information to come May 9th.

VOL CIX, No. 2

Sheffield, Massachusetts

May 3, 2019

ARTS

Spring Theater:

theater before but never directing, and it is very different. I think directing will be the most rewarding thing I have done in theater. ” The Hansel and Gretel play is meant to be funny, and Tad hopes he can bring out all the comedy he can.

Since students are directing the plays, Mr. Howard is taking a hiatus from directing. His job this spring is to help mentor the students by giving feedback, and providing the conditions they need in which to succeed. Mr. Howard also helps oversee logistics, like the schedule, set, and budget.

Students Take the Reins

by Peggy Stansbery ’20

These student-written plays are also directed by students. Emily Liu ’20 is directing Somewhere, and Tad Koenigsbauer ’20 is directing The Facts: Hansel and Gretel, which is a reinterpretation of the classic Brothers Grimm tale Hansel and Gretel.

First-time director Tad is excited about the prospect of the new challenge of directing: “I have done

Peggy Stansbery/The Green and Gray

This spring at Berkshire, the theater department is putting on student-written and directed plays on May 10th in the Student Performing Arts Showcase.

The plays are Somewhere

by Alex Gibian ’20 and The Facts: Hansel and Gretel by Sydney Wray ’19 and Elizabeth Rowland ’19.

Alex, inspired by the people he has met in his own life, explained that his play explores how a person’s relationships develop over the course of their lifetime, and shows two people discovering what love means to them in a car.

Alex shared, “I hope my play makes people have that moment where they have a realization, and take a moment to reflect and rethink what they are doing. I really hope people feel touched and that tears are brought to their eyes.”

Charlie Bour, a Berkshire Soccer Coach, Spanish teacher, and now an actor, shared his experience acting in Alex’s play

Somewhere. Bour plays Older Tommy, the older version of the main character, who is a conflicted teenager.

Bour expresses, “I have always wanted to try acting and acting in a student written play is a unique opportunity. The main challenge is having to create a character that is truly believable and seems natural.”

Charlie Bour works with Michelle Rhee ’21 on Alex Gibian ’20’s play.

AP ARTS INSIDER

by Jackson Chapin ’20 AP Art is a course that allows dedicated artists with years of experience to test their work on the college level and lets students investigate a concentration of their choice. The concentration, or theme of focus, is the meat of the portfolio because it is completely student chosen and reflects the artists interests. This year, Berkshire had thirteen artists take on the challenge of designing their concentration and rounding out their portfolio with work that shows a broader range of their skills.

Reflecting on the range of mediums and strong efforts, art department chair Paul Banevicius commented that this year’s AP exhibit is “One of the most consistently strong AP shows we’ve had at Berkshire.” The Green and Gray sat down with Daniel Tian, who is currently wrapping up his second AP portfolio (which will

be judged in May).

Green and Gray: Why do you think photography grabbed your attention?

Daniel Tian: I started because of photographic roots in my family. The hobby was passed down from my grandfather to father to me.

away and he noticed me.

It turns out this guy is Vee Cord who has an Instagram account dedicated to strangers he caught shooting him. When he approached me I was scared

Interview with Daniel Tian ’19 that I was in trouble but he was very cordial. Out of all the people in New York City I was naturally drawn to this mysterious figure.

Mr. Howard explains, “Taking a step back from being the director is awesome. Over the season I get to see how much the kids who have done theater have learned. I see them applying techniques and doing warm ups on their own. These plays are the student’s voices, and it’s great to see them honing the skill of express-

ing their voice through theater.”

On May 10th in Allen Theater, the Berkshire Community will have the opportunity to come watch Somewhere and The Facts: Hansel and Gretel, and support the talented and creative students who were a part of the process of putting these plays on.

Berkshire Students Compete in First Annual Songwriting Competition

by Emily Liu ’20 This spring, the music department held a Songwriting Contest for students to showcase their original songs. This competition, held on April 27, provided both an exciting opportunity to those who are venturing into music performance for the first time and challenged student musicians to stretch their potential.

“I think the Songwriting Contest allowed kids who aren’t in music class or the a cappella groups to find an outlet for [their music],” says Caroline Hogan ’19. After all, a desire to express yourself through words or song is nearly universal.

Logan Renneker ’20 echoed that, saying that many are drawn to songwriting because they can “express themselves and their emotions without seeming pretentious or selfish.”

Since this was new creative territory for many of the participants, Berkshire faculty offered their help and expertise along the way. With AJ Kohlhepp as lyrics consultant, Tasia Wu answering questions about

composition, and Clive Davis offering his help with technology, students were well supported.

As for the contest itself, the music department invited qualified judges connected to the Berkshire community. The panel included Rachel Norton, a singer who studied at the New England Conservatory, Grisha Alexiev, a composer, and Will McGovern, a touring artist. Each had their own different background and musical expertise.

While the judges deliberated on their final decision, Logan Renneker ’20 and Luke Nguyen ’21 led the audience in a rousing sing-along of classics songs such as “Country Road,” “Sweet Caroline,” and the “Berkshire Hymn.”

Luke reminisces, “It was a memorable experience. We had a lot of fun jamming…we were really able to see the different talents come together at Berkshire School.”

Congratulations to all of the participants for their accomplishments, and Lydia Wu-Davis for winning the final prize.

G&G: Do you go into a shoot knowing what you’re looking for?

DT: For portraits, which is my concentration, I prefer to take shots where people don’t really know I’m photographing them.

I do this because people are less self-conscious when they don’t know someone’s watching. I think this lends to the best photos when the subject is acting naturally rather than trying to make themselves look a certain way.

G&G: What is your favorite shot you’ve ever taken?

DT: I was shooting this older guy with a beard in New York City, from far

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Daniel Tian

VOL CIX, No. 2

Sheffield, Massachusetts

by Eleanor Ahn ’22

Jazz Band performs at the Spring Concert earlier this year.

Berkshire School

Chamber Music performs at the Spring Concert.

Berkshire School

Alex Ross ’19, Colin Vincent ’19, and Cavan Brady ’19 are leaders on the Boys Varsity Baseball team this year (see next page).

Featured Student Athlete: UGOCHUKWU ACHARA Berkshire School

As the year draws to a close, we take our final bow. In the midst of college decisions, progress reports, and promposals, Berkshire’s music department persists, presenting us with three final concerts: the Spring Concert, Capriccio, and the Outdoor Concert.

All three concerts are a celebration of students’ musical achievements. Prior to these three concerts, Berkshire held its annual Vocal Cabaret and participated in the Millbrook Golden Lips A Cappella Concert. With this deluge of musical talent, Berkshire is sure to end its 2018–2019 school year on a high note.

The Spring Concert is the first event lined up – organized by Dr. Wu, it was held on Friday, April 19th at 7:30 pm in Allen Theater. Chorus, Ursa Minor, Greensleeves, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Music, and Digital Music were all performing, as per usual.

The Jazz Ensemble opened the concert, performing three high-energy and musically dynamic pieces.

Chorus followed up with

an equally impressive performance, singing their own arrangement of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”, and “Jeg Gik Mig Ud En Sommerdag”, a song that some will remember from this year’s Winter Carnival. Chamber Music played a piece by Vivaldi and their String Quartet played a piece

by Mozart. These performances were interspersed by compositions from Digital Music, and the whole concert finished with performances from Berkshire’s two A Cappella groups: Ursa Minor and Greensleeves. Ursa Minor did “When I’m Gone” (also known as the Cup Song, choreography by Danae Williams ’21) and their own rendition of Beyonce’s “Love on Top” (arranged by Giang Le ’20, solos featuring Giang Le ’20, Grace WoodHull ’21, and Mia Lake ’20). Greensleeves ended the whole thing with an artfully choreographed dance to “Love me Now” (choreography by Daniel Akomolafe ’19, solos by Kevin Rhee ’21, Ethan Hart ’21, and Daniel Akomolafe ’19). The Spring Concert was a great way

Berkshire School

A Myriad of May Music

to wrap up Grandparents’ Weekend and make some old people very proud.

Moving forward, Capriccio and the Outdoor Concert will follow up in quick succession; Capriccio (which is also organized by Dr. Wu) will be held on May 3rd at 7:30 pm in the Berkshire Hall Atrium. Capriccio is centered around students in Chamber Music and the pieces that their class has prepared throughout the year. This penultimate concert is a great way to showcase months of these students’ hard work and diligence.

Last but not least, the Outdoor Concert is a student-led concert organized

by Logan Renneker ’20, and Caroline Hogan ’19.

It’s happening on Saturday, May 4th, otherwise known as International Star Wars day, and all participants and all acts are welcome.

The Outdoor Concert is a final community gathering to celebrate Berkshire’s musical talent before summer starts. Everyone is invited for an afternoon of frolicking in the grass and listening to music.

The easygoing setting of the Outdoor Concert is a great way to end the myriad of concerts, and an even better way to end the year. Come on down and support your fellow bears while you still have the chance!

May 3, 2019

by Megan Mokriski ’21 Ugochukwu Achara started out playing soccer in the streets of Nigeria with his brother and came all the way to committing to play Division 1 soccer at Northwestern. He never knew that he would end up at Berkshire.

To Achara, it’s “mind-blowing how far I’ve come, which gives me the hope that if I’ve come this far, why can’t I go farther [...] in the end, it is all worth it.” He has always just wanted to have fun playing soccer, and that brought him to the United States and Berkshire School.

The older Achara brother, Ifunanyachi Achara, graduated from Berkshire in 2016, but before he left, he convinced his younger brother to follow in his footsteps. Ugochukwu Achara was torn between Berkshire, NMH, and Milton Academy until Jon Moodey (the varsity soccer coach at the time), the Koopmans, and his brother helped him realize that “it was Berkshire, one hundred percent.”

At first, it was nonstop soccer for Achara, even after the season ended. It helped him transition into the school, make friends, and get comfortable. As he grew older, however, Achara realized that there were more opportunities at Berkshire, and branched out to new sports and other activities. While he has expanded his interests, his true passion is soccer, and his dream has always been to play pro.

In college, he is aspiring to make an impact on his team and his school.

Achara explained that going to college can be

6

Ugochukwu Achara ’19 runs down the wing in a game last fall. “scary sometimes, but it’s also exciting because I’m going to the next level, and I’m good enough to go to that next level.”

Achara has always wanted to go to a big soccer school, but Berkshire helped him realize that education is also important. He is grateful that “soccer helped open that door for me [...] a lot of people make it to the pro level so you need to have a good backup plan and don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”

Northwestern was the perfect balance for Achara because he admitted that “I could get injured and that would be it and done with soccer. So that’s when I reached that point where what if I could use soccer as a means for a great education.”

Outside of the realm of soccer, Achara wants to study the law and justice system, and possibly become a lawyer. He’s always been interested in the role of the law and its effects since he was a kid. In his words, he’s “aiming to get to the highest level I can and play pro soccer, but if I do fall back it won’t be such a long fall.”

Although he is planning to stay in the United States for many more

years, Achara says that his end goal is to go home, explaining that “what’s the point of coming here and living all of these things if you can’t give back to your own community.” He left his home so he could go to an American school, but he continued, “if you could basically bring back what you learned to them that would be my goal.”

When asked what advice he had for younger soccer players, Achara said to work on what factors can be controlled, and recognize that your experiences can help you. A “big part of it is what you do outside of the game [...] every sport is pretty much a mind game, so if you can build your mental resilience and be in game mode.”

He elaborated that “plenty of people can tell themselves that they need to get better, and it’s good to push yourself, but “you also need to tell yourself when you did something right” and build off of that because that’s what makes a player stand out.

Lastly, Achara said to “bring you to everything you do, because everyone can play soccer, but only you can make it special.”

VOL CIX, No. 2

Sheffield, Massachusetts

May 3, 2019

SPORTS

“High Expectations” For Berkshire’s Varsity Baseball Program

by John Fiore ’21 As the spring approaches, that means America’s National Pastime starts: Baseball. The Berkshire Boys Varsity Baseball team is ready to compete for a spot in the Western New England Prep Baseball League (WNEPBL) Playoffs. New additions such as PG Cavan Brady ’19, Michael Lewishall ’20, and Southpaw pitcher Graham Herrick ’20 will join veteran senior leaders Alex Ross ’19 and Collin Vincent ’19 to make an immediate impact.

The Berkshire Boys Varsity Baseball team are coming off a rocky 2018, winning five games and

losing ten while also missing the playoffs. 2018 was a rebuild year according to Alex: “In some regards yes, [last year] was a rebuild year. Our team was predominantly reliant on the four seniors who were thrown into leadership positions.” This year, the team lost those four seniors, one of which, Lucas Atsalis ’18, went on to play baseball at Dickinson College.

Over spring break, Coaches Jason Gappa, Bob Posey ’81, and Jason Keefer took the boys down to Fort Pierce, Florida for spring training. Alex Rosslater said in his interview, “On the other hand, Florida is a big chance for guys

who don’t get to hang out at school to bond with the team and focus on baseball, a sport that they all love. The boys all come ready to play, practice, and compete. It creates that family feel that we believe is key to our success.” The team went 4-1 over spring break defeating West Orange High School, the Otta Knights, the Hun School (Junior Varsity), and Kent School while falling to the Hun School (Varsity). When they were not playing, the team enjoyed time on the beach, laser tag, and even a professional spring training New York Mets game.

On the other side,

Coach Bob Posey already has a goal in mind for the season: “One of the goals is to score six runs a game and I think with the guys we have on this team, it’s not going to be an issue.” Four games into the season, the team has averaged 6.5 runs per game. The Bears exploded for eleven runs in their first game this year versus MacDuffie School on March 27th and scored

Reaching Out To Athletes In Need

by Oumou Doumbia ’20 When discussing Harlem Lacrosse in the past I have often been asked the question “What does Harlem Lacrosse mean to you?” In all honesty, my direct response is that I owe being a student here at Berkshire to Harlem Lacrosse (HL). It was through HL that I even got into the boarding school process during my 8th grade year. That opportunity in itself along with many other reasons is why I strongly believe that HL will continue to prove to be beneficial to many communities.

Where I’m from, the schools around me don’t

have many sports teams with exceptions to basketball and boys football.

Students who don’t play these sports have gym class as their only method of getting physical exercise. Although many schools don’t have HL’s program, the schools that do provide another sports team for students to join: lacrosse. Lacrosse was something that no one at my middle school even knew about before the program was introduced there. That made it even more appealing to students because they wanted to try something different than the usual.

This was the case for me especially. I never was

to be a lot of fun to watch this team.” As the school season starts to wind down, the bears have many more games coming. Games to look out for include Salisbury on May 1st and Canterbury on May 8th. Make sure to go follow “the most handsome team on campus” on their new instagram @ BerkVarsityBaseball. Go Bears!

Harlem Lacrosse

HARLEM LACROSSE

eight on Millbrook on April 10th. Their lowest scoring game was against Salisbury on April 3rd.

The Bears defeated the Scarlet Knights 3-2 on a walk-off walk in the 7th inning by Michael. Hitting and scoring has not been an issue for the team so far. Coach Posey ended our interview reiterating that same idea: “We’ve got a successful team, we have got some hitters. It’s going

interested in basketball and I had no other sport available for me to play.

So when HL came to my school in 8th grade, I immediately joined along with many other friends.

I believe that being in practice for at least an hour after school and on the weekends occupied students’ time in a way that is very worthwhile. It kept many of my friends off the streets and somewhere safe and productive instead, whether it be at practice areas, on overnight trips, or on college visits. And students actually become invested in it so much so that they do better in school so that they can play.

Frederick Douglass Academy

The HL girls’ program has inspired many young girls to become interested in lacrosse.

One of the main values goals in terms of improvcan use as a study hall of HL in my understanding academics as well. to either catch up or get ing is to ensure that There are many stustarted on work. These students are doing their program directors stress to dents in the city that have best in the classroom. The been fortunate enough to their players that if their program directors go so be a part of HL, includeffort in their classes are far as to appoint tutors ing me. In one way or not up to par then they to those who struggle another, HL has positivesimply cannot participate with their academics with ly impacted the lives of in practice or play in a weekly-scheduled meetunderprivileged students. game. And this method ings. In addition to that, I personally will always actually works. At my they make the effort to set have a special connection middle school, I’ve defiup a time either before or to HL because of the nitely seen my classmates after lunch that students countless opportunities I make a greater effort to was given that otherwise do better in their classes couldn’t have been possiever since they joined ble. These include visitthe lacrosse team. Even ing different colleges on in the summer, HL has overnight trips, watching a month long program college lacrosse games, at Columbia University learning about the game that we call “boarding of lacrosse itself, and etc. school boot camp” which What they have done includes many students for many students in the who are chosen or are past will only continue to recommended to start the benefit the students that boarding school process. are soon to become part In this program, we do of this large family. test prep to prepare us for the SSAT required to For more info on HL and go into boarding school. it’s different locations, visit: Overall, HL is not a prowww.harlemlacrosse.org gram solely for teaching lacrosse, but has broader HL boys’ program after winning PSAL championship at Frederick Douglass Academy in Harlem.

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VOL CIX, No. 2

Sheffield, Massachusetts

May 3, 2019

OPINION Why Digital Media is Replacing Traditional Literature, and Why That Might be Okay

by Chris Branch ’20 As streaming services such as Netflix and Youtube continue to dominate other methods of absorbing information, bookstores such as Barnes and Noble and Books a Million are seeing less foot traffic. Is this the end of civilized culture? Are youth finally succumbing to the omnipresent threat of mindless consumption?

Maybe not.

Although much of modern television is indeed mindless sitcoms and lip sync battles, as television evolves in it’s distribution so does it in the complexity of its content. Let’s face it,

House of Cards is not the Brady Bunch, and Game of Thrones isn’t M.A.S.H..

Television is now an experience in which viewers have to actually think about what they are watching.

Consider the Netflix television show Black Mirror, for example. The show is a modern day collection of science-fiction oddities presented as complex commentaries on modern day life. Black Mirror explores subjects such as ethics and human behavior with questions such as: “What would a prime minister do to protect the well being of an important political figure?”, “What is to become of the Ameri-

ASK SENIORS Dear Underformers of Berkshire, I present to you a collection of advice, wisdom, and experiences from the class of 2019. These Berkshire Bears have spent many days of life under the mountain and now share with you how to make the most of every second you have here. Although, you may feel that your days till your own graduation at too far away, let me bestow upon you that, you too will realize that your time as a Bear was truly too short, but at that point, it will be too late.

I hope that you take these odes of advice and use them to help guide you to having the most memorable time under the mountain.

Yours Truly, Devon Thompson, Class of 2019 What class at Berkshire has had the greatest effect on your experience and why?

“APUSH with Dr Perot because she is the best!”

“AMSR has opened my eyes to research and college level study.”

“I loved APUSH, it helped me understand this foreign country so much more, as well as how to develop my thoughts; I also enjoyed AMSR because it trained me to be a logical and rational scientist.”

“AESR, because of the individual experience.”

“Aviation, because I got to find a new passion and experience something I never thought I would as a high schooler.”

“Slave Narratives because I have learned a lot and it has been so much fun.”

“AP English Language because I learned how to be efficient and intentional in my writing. It was challenging, but improved my writing greatly. Also, Mr. Miller rocks.

It’s a life skills class basically.”

“Definitely the class of 2018 because they were the ones that we spent the most time with in terms of our 4 years at Berkshire. Some of my best friends were in the class of 2018 because of their ability to welcome younger students into their groups and rooms and stuff.”

What is a piece of advice that you would give to your freshman self?

“Don’t stay up late watching Netflix!”

“Don’t be intimidated by American culture and just be confident in who you are.”

“Don’t be afraid to voice your opinions, be loud, and put yourself out there.”

“Don’t worry so much about making friends and what people think of you; that will happen naturally over time. Just do the best at everything you do and seek out

convenience and availability, but does the convenience of its consumption act as a detriment to its overall meaning. I’d say no. In fact, I’d venture to say that seeing your favorite characters up on screen acting out the situations that carry such purpose is often more compelling and meaningful then dispassionately trudging through a dense novel.

There will always be a place for classical Literature. In no way am I looking to discredit Shakespeare or desecrate Homer, but there is room for both digital media and traditional literature. It takes all kinds.

The important aspect to uphold when interacting with any information is engagement. Diligently analyzing a Dr. Suess story is infinitely more valuable

can Psyche if individuals continue escalating their use of technology as they are now?”, and “Where should guardians draw the line when surveying their children?”.

These are persisting themes that show up often in popular literature such as Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, and Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck.

Sure, it is infinitely easier to sit through a 45 minute episode of Orange is the New Black than it is to read and analyze Tolstoy’s War and Peace, but is it always less meaningful? Media is escalating to an absurd degree of

things that interest you.

Take advantage of all of the faculty that are there for you from the start. Reach out to people and build those relationships.”

“Live in the moment and enjoy each day at Berkshire because it flies by.”

“Keep working and know that everything will end up working out in the end!”

“Save up your money for Meal Gopher and Roma’s.”

“Meet more new people, try new things early on. It will change your whole life at Berkshire!”

What is an experience at Berkshire that no student should be without?

THE MUSICAL!!

Bistro Box A Pro Vita trip.

Doing the winter musical and hiking up to Black Rock with a group of friends.

RKMP Mountain Day! What is the key to making the most of your time at Berkshire, while also being successful?

Have to prioritize and manage your time. Don’t give in to peer pressure and understand that there are things that must be done.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ALL THE RESOURCES BERKSHIRE GIVES AND BRANCH OUT Taking time to myself to reflect and seeking out Mrs. Adams Time management and scheduling time for each thing, but also if something spontaneous and fun comes up you should do that instead of homework.

If you’re able to continue to build your relationships with your teachers while also continuing to build them with friends you’ll naturally be successful in life.

What do you wish you knew before about the college process?

It’s only stressful if you aren’t on top of it.

Look at colleges and universities as early as possible.

The school that’s right for you isn’t necessarily the “best” school out there, or even the best school you got into.

You will end up where you are supposed to.

Write your damn essays before the fall starts. The deadlines creep up so fast and make sure that you KNOW the deadlines for your schools!

It all works out even though it is stressful. Everyone ends up where they should be.

How important to ED is.

Any regrets from your time at Berkshire?

I regret not doing more things I was scared to do (I regret staying in my comfort zone for too long) None whatsoever!

Not going on a Pro Vita trip, not hiking enough.

I wish I did RKMP.

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than snoozing through an episode of America’s Funniest Home Videos, and exploring the ethical questions behind Sesame Street is far superior to skimming The Great Gatsby. Absorbing information is dependent on intellectual engagement.

If you don’t care to learn, you won’t. That goes for anything you do.

So enjoy your favorite

TV shows (in moderation) and do not wallow in the guilt of missing out on all the wisdom you could gain from the classics. Read those too, but remember that digital media can carry just as much meaning if you care to explore it.

Our Education Should Not Be A Metrics-Driven Obsession

by Andrii Roman ’20 In lieu of celebrating the end of the college admissions season, the general public has been abuzz over the news that 50 people - most of them high-profile - were indicted by the government for the fraudulent scheme that included buying spots for their children at big-name schools through bribery and racketeering. Though the story doesn’t seem that revealing on the surface, it raises concerns about how far one would be willing to go to pave the way into the world of status and perceived success.

After all, that’s what it’s all about, right? Isn’t that why we’re all here, at Berkshire?

See, the problem that the whole “scandal” unveils is that somehow we, as a society, have switched from seeing education as a paradigm of thought, mind enrichment, and a

What Politicians Get Wrong About the Mexican Drug War

by Matea Beadle ’21 Since 2006, Mexico has struggled with a violent war against the drug cartel. This war has been thought of as the most serious wave of violence since the Mexican Revolution. Despite the violence, the cartel still remains, strong as ever. As a result, the people of Mexico have begun to question the capacity and autonomy of the state.

The capacity of a state is the ability to carry out its basic functions such as providing security and reconciling freedom and equality. The drug cartel and the war it spurred has caused the capacity of Mexico to weaken. Because of the high demand

lookout for a sense of purpose to the mere transitional step in the neverending limbo towards success we have all been taught to pursue. Nowadays, high-achieving kids don’t take classes to “endure the love for learning” but rather because “they look good for college,” or “my parents pressured me to take them”, or perhaps more so, “the college office told me to.” Nowadays, teachers are forced to shut down unconventional approaches to learning, such as utilizing the resources available under the Mountain, just because a life-threatening standardized train with future down on tracks is on the way (arriving on Monday, May 6th and leaving on Friday, May 17th). Nowadays, hyper-attentive helicopter parents make sure that their prep-school kiddos engage in the “right” extracurriculars and the “challenging” classes so for drugs, these cartels have vast profits which are then used to neutralize the government and pay off judges, politicians, and the police; the gross corruption runs so rampant that the safety of the Mexican people is threatened, for they can no longer count on their officials for safety. These bribes, however, have affected not only Mexico’s capacity, but it’s autonomy (a country’s ability to run without the influence of public and international actors) as well; they have essentially hampered all governmental controls designed to ensure autonomy. As such, deep distrust of both local and national government festers among the Mexican People.

In 2006, Felipe Calderon began the war against the reigning drug cartels. He used military force to capture, arrest, and sometimes kill the leaders of the cartels, often replacing or moving

VOL CIX, No. 2

Sheffield, Massachusetts

Like many of you, I settled down to watch the championship game of the 2019 NCAA basketball tournament between UVA and Texas Tech.

However, when I saw an Exxon Mobil ad that shed

themselves in an environmentally virtuous light, I became distracted.

Do not be fooled: Exxon Mobil is the largest oil and gas corporation in the world. But Exxon isn’t alone. The carbon contained in the reserves of all fossil fuel companies process, even if it has no empirical measure.

I wouldn’t go as far as criticizing the very own system that currently nurtures me without offering a feasible way to shape the toxicity of the “struggle for success”, which I think is relatively simple: educators, turn away from the exam-driven approaches to teaching your classes (trust us, high-achieving kids at Berkshire can find ways to study for “nitpicky” tests on their own). Students, stop staking up on classes that you aren’t fond of and explore the range of possibilities offered on this campus (gladly, we see new electives coming).

Don’t let fear of the grade or difficulty stop you.

Use that as motivation.

Parents, let your children guide their own pursuits and be willing to support whichever path they choose. After all, what should make the Berkshire experience defining is not what grade you get or what “elite academic institution” you got into, but rather Pro Vita Non-Pro Schola Discimus.

local police forces to do so. While this strategy got rid of many of the top most wanted drug lords in Mexico, it was later said by the current president, Enrique Pena Nieto, and his administration that this strategy only broke major cartels into sixty to eighty smaller splinter cartels. In an attempt to address the issue, Calderon had instead created a much larger one. Once the new cartels had formed, they initiated new wars over territory and succession that only caused the existing violence to intensify. They began to expand from selling drugs to kidnapping and extortion, even taking out political hits in attempts to consolidate political power.

In 2012, Pena Nieto took office and approached the issue with a different focus: less on removing cartel leaders and more on reducing the violence against citizens and businesses. Despite

this, he still continues many of Calderon’s policies, including using the military and police forces to address the violence.

All of this has caused the people of Mexico to become skeptical of the government and their ability to run the state as they should. However, without the support of the people, those in power politically must work harder in order to remain in power. This may cause them to turn to other methods and international actors in an attempt to do anything they can to keep their current positions.

With the government in a weakened state, it becomes much easier for the drug cartels to run and gain more even power.

Mexico is in a constant battle between the government and the cartels with many factors and methods being implemented in an attempt for one to finally gain total control over the other.

Your mouth is not the only thing burning from Doritos Deforestation is an important issue to consider when flamin' hot nacho chips; forests across Indonesia are too. purchasing items. from their homeland. is 2795 gigatons, equal to Sunscreen and Doritos an impulse to consume. the weight of 17 billion For those of you who are products consumed Revolutionized, the modblue whales. on our campus that have enjoy snorkeling among ern shopping experience This is still technically surprising impacts. marine biodiversity, or allows us to “proceed to underground, but energy While sunscreen is seeing Orangutans at checkout” with the click of companies own the plots important for protecting the zoo, I urge you to a button.

So although the cotton of land in which they rest, our skin against cancer take action. According and their rights are traded causing UV rays of sunto Love The Earth, an University t-shirt that and invested in the stock light, check the ingredient environmental news appeared on your browser market every day. Scary, label first. outlet, “whenever you buy during F block class will right? Scientists discovered There are three “bad” something, you vote for only set you back $9.99, chemicals found in that emitting 565 gigatons the company behind the it costs hours of labor is the absolute furthest sunscreen: oxybenzone, product to keep on profor underpaid workers in breaking point at which octinoxate, and butylparducing [and] selling. If we China and Vietnam, 2,700 aben. These bleach and life on planet Earth will stop the inflow of money liters of water, and 3.43 kill coral. According to cease to exist. from going into their bank metric tons in transpor So yes, it would take the National Oceanic and tation emissions for the accounts we basically stop time to use up all of this Atmospheric Administrathem from existing.” little blue dot we call energy, but our planet tion, Oxybenzone is found The age of the interhome. And we only have could be killed five times in over 3500 sunscreen net has made accessible one of those. over with the resourcproducts. When you apply all the products we have es currently owned by sunscreen and go swimcorporations. I would like ming, the lotion washes to sincerely apologize in off your body and pollutes advance to our grandchilthe marine ecosystem.

2. “Recess” - Golden Coast dren.

Coral reefs are imperThis song is perfect for an “Greenwashing,” a term ative to the survival of audience of high school that means “conveying humans. They provide a seniors. Golden Coast a false impression that a protective barrier along sings, “I can hear the company’s products are coastlines from natural sandbox call my name” more environmentally disasters,helping us avoid and “I just wanna go to sound than they really billions of dollars in infrarecess.” Golden Coast are,” is what Exxon Mobil structure damage in the

by Jackson Chapin ‘20 masterfully plays with the is doing with their TV future. Since coral is near kindergarten term “recess” ads. They have invested the bottom of the food As a music enthusiast, and a grown person’s funds with the goal of chain, its end would mean I associate certain songs lessening environmental the end of most seafood. with a memory or a place. desire for free time. impacts, citing research The good news is that In the case of this playlist, in “clean burning natural there are sunscreen brands I grouped songs that have gas, capturing CO2 before that don’t use these harma seasonal connection. it reaches the atmosphere, ful chemicals. Check the The following, spanning and exploring biofuel ingredient label first! alternative, pop, rock, and Similarly, your favorite [options].” However, the indie, all promote inspirsnack is also guilty of actions they don’t proing artists whose songs some not so cool stuff. mote on their televised ad flow with the springtime. I campaign, specifically the While you enjoy those na- chose these songs because cho cheese flavored chips, attempt to open new oil they tread on topics of Doritos is busy sourcing refineries in Russia, shows rebirth, growth and the 3. “Where We Come palm oil, an ingredient the underside of this prooutdoors while also flying Alive” - Ruelle in their product, from paganda. under the radar of someThis song is a perfect If you learn only one unsustainable plantations one who only listens to soundtrack for the longer thing from this article, let in Southeast Asia. charted songs. daylight. Ruelle sings “Out Because of the large it be this: we cannot buy of the shadows, and into our way out of the climate demand for palm oil in the light.” crisis. No matter the green hygiene appliances and 1. “Birthday Party” - AJR tech we use, a product reprocessed foods, rainforThis song pairs with the quires resources to create, ests have been burned season of rebirth, yet it down for space to grow of which there are finite stands out because of its amounts on Earth. palm oil on a large scale. unconventional setting.

Does the Berkshire The destruction of these AJR places us in the community buy falsely ecosystems, primarily in shoes of someone “one marketed “environmenIndonesia, displaces indigminute old today”, that is tally friendly” products? enous peoples and animals born into a flawed world.

Their album “Neotheater” releases April 26.

Rounding out the playlist are: 4. “Growing Pains” Layup, 5. “SAND PEOPLE” - Ashes To Amber, 6. “Warm Glow” - Hippo Campus, 7. “Shotgun” (acoustic version) George Ezra

SEASONAL MUSIC SELECTION

CNN

that there is no way one decides to diverge from the established route to success. An apparent individual good - education - transforms into a loop of bizarre anxiety, perpetuated by high expectations, pressure, and a bunch of numbers.

Let’s face it: grades at Berkshire are not accurate measures of true academic success. Whether it is a regular, advanced, or an AP class, there are a variety of mechanisms aimed to equalize the grade distribution so that everyone gets a “fair” share of the pie. How come? Be it incorporating a curve or even a “double-curve”, having test corrections that boost 25% of the grade, allowing students to rewrite essays, or dropping out the lowest assignment in the quarter, significant grade inflation is out there and everyone knows it.

Yet, even with all of this in mind, we still appraise an abstract measure of academic success as if it’s worth anything after all.

What has a real value, though, is the extent to which one has broads his horizons throughout the

IHeartRadio

crustmania/Flikr

The Truth About What We Purchase

by Harrison Chapin ’20

May 3, 2019

A drug seizure in Mexico being guarded by military police.

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Editor’s Note: The Spring Jams playlist can be found on Spotify by searching “Green and Gray Jams.”

VOL CIX, No. 2

Sheffield, Massachusetts

A Game of Thrones Where The Thrones Don’t Matter

by Tyler Swirbul ’19 Warning: Mild thematic spoilers Game of Thrones is one of the most popular TV shows of the century. It is a cultural phenomenon.

It is beloved. And it is ending.

Often, the first things to come to the mind of one who has not seen the show are violence, dragons, promiscuity, and death. But with contemporary society’s overabundance of TV shows and

media, there exists a limitless supply of competitors that are saturated with action, gore, debauchery, and tragic ends.

So what makes Game of Thrones so popular? Is it its success in portraying these themes? A will to cross lines that other contemporary shows would not? The themes’ heightened prevalence? Simple luck? No. Truly examining the show finds these claims to be resoundingly false.

The show’s success lies

outside of its common first associations. Sure, a casual viewer could watch the show simply for these shallow themes and achieve a modicum of contentment; however, for one willing to go deeper, there exists a whole other world beneath the surface level.

The most obvious factor is its realistic, intricate characters. Game of Thrones has always prided itself on being a fantasy show that goes “light on the dragons, heavy

HBO

May 3, 2019

on the characters.” True to George R.R. Martin’s source material, David Benioff and Dan Weiss’ adaptation places realistic people in an unrealistic world, and from their experiences and decisions, the story is born.

The characters’ heightened realism and impact stand at the forefront of Game of Thrones’ success, but naturally there are other factors, and what would a good story be without its moral message? These characters have their differences, they have rivalries, blood oaths, history, and diversity, but as winter comes, they must learn to put them aside and stand together if they are to survive the approaching storm.

As the Night King approaches, the living of Westeros increasingly realize (with the notable exception of Cersei Lannister) the futility, the harm, and the senselessness of their petty squabbles for power and hierarchy.

They have weakened themselves, caused death, destruction, resentment, hatred, and despair out of personal conflicts, greed, and self-centered philosophy. But now the enemy is bigger than any individual. It is the question of life or death. Survival.

The army of the dead is more powerful than any of the lords, ladies, kings, or queens in Westeros; only together do they have a chance at victory and through victory, life. Uni-

CROSSWORD

ty. Solidarity. Commonalities. Togetherness. Therein lies a central message of Game of Thrones.

But how can these familiar characters in a foreign world, help us, oftentimes living in a familiar world while altogether too foreign with each other? We are not faced with the threat of a horde of wights, dragons, or other supernatural phenomena, yet we still struggle to face consistently present, familiar problems in our own lives.

Some of these problems have become so prevalent in our world that we lost our capacity to critically address them. We may talk about them, we may acknowledge that they are there, but too often we fail to go any further. We fail to put in any meaningful effort towards a true solution. We fail to solve our problems.

In our world, just as in Westeros, we are subject to the selfish ambitions of those in power, the hierarchical nature of our society, and the factionalism that divides the people who should be working as one. These unfortunate and unnatural problems have become so ingrained in our day to day lives that oftentimes we fail to see the damage they are doing, the way to combat them, or even their existence in the first place.

Here, we can learn from our experience with Game of Thrones. We can take

an outside perspective and disassociate ourselves with our problems before readdressing them, for it can often be easier to see flaws from an outside perspective than it is from close acquaintance. Then, we can truly and critically analyze our surroundings both here at Berkshire and in a larger sense around the globe and identify what is wrong with our world and what is right before uniting to overcome these problems together, improving society for all and casting aside selfish ambitions, hierarchies, and factionalism. Because not only does Game of Thrones teach us the importance of solidarity, it teaches the necessity of putting our coalition to work for the common good rather than for individual goals or personal interest.

No matter how deeply ingrained the problems facing us have become, if we can put aside our differences and stand together as one against our common problems with solidarity, acceptance, and unity, we can overcome them. Only if we are able to stop worrying about which monarch is sitting on the throne, and instead work together on an equal basis, ignoring status, hierarchies, and positions, and finding common ground in the unity of our goal, can we win. And when you play the Game of Thrones, you win or you die.

Down: 1. Of Our library 3. Berkshire Aviation Science used to be “Education with __” 4. Mexican President 5. Rachel Norton studied at New England _________ of Music 6. Berkshire uses a _________ grading system 10. Artist of “Where We Come Alive” 12. French populists 14. ARISE on May ____th 16. Nebula Captured by the Observatory 17. “Too Melodramatic” - Mr. Howard, in short 19. Benjamin Netanyahu’s party Across: 2. Claire and Angela’s Pro Vita trip location 7. 2015 Berkshire Varsity Soccer Coach 8. Your seasonally curated G&G ____ 9. Brexit deadline extended to 11. AP Art Students 13. April 22, 2019 15. Lead Single of John Legend’s Darkness and Light 18. Has Instagram of strangers’ shots of him 20. Ruben’s favorite food

10

VOL CIX, No. 2

Sheffield, Massachusetts

GREEN AND GRAY COMIC

The Mueller Probe: Where Do We Stand Now? For the past two years, President Donald Trump has been held under the close scrutiny of Special Counsel Robert Mueller in the wake of the Special Counsel investigation.

Commonly known as the Mueller Probe, it investigated whether or not the President colluded with the Russian Government to win the Election of 2016. Only a few short weeks ago on March 22nd, the investigation concluded, and on Thursday April 18th, Attorney General William Barr releasing the redacted version of the report.

The Special Counsel’s report found “insufficient evidence” that Donald Trump, or anyone involved in his campaign, conspired with the Russian government to win the 2016 Presidential Election. However, while the President was campaigning, his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen was busy contacting Russian businessmen in an attempt to allow Trump to build a tower in Moscow; It is very clearly inappropriate to make business dealings with a potentially hostile foreign nation while you are running for President.

Fortunately for the President, Cohen was unable to make contact with these businessmen because he reportedly typed in an incorrect email address.

This was followed up by a former Russian government official Dmitry Klokov’s ex-wife reaching out to the President’s daughter Ivanka in an attempt to provide aid in

Victoria Pickering/Flikr

by Tad Koenigsbauer ’20

May 3, 2019

Julia Ainsley of NBC reporting on the Mueller Report outside the Department of Justice. the election. When Ivanka written questions with the phrase, “I do not rememinformed Cohen about ber,” or “I do not recall,” this, he ended up meetmultiple times. ing with Klokov, but was While Trump was never unable to set up a meetfound guilty of obstrucing with Vladimir Putin tion of justice (at the very due to Cohen’s belief that least unprovable in a court Klokov was a different of law), the Mueller report person. This proves that states this is mostly due to while Donald Trump had the opportunity to collude his staff declining, or even ignoring, the President’s with Russia, the incomrequests to influence the petence of his lawyer investigation. For instance, ironically prevented that Trump would repeatedfrom happening.

While this report does ly call the White House not find any collusion, it Counsel Donald McGahn does expose a certain level and request the firing of of corruption within the the Special Counsel. Mr. Trump administration, Gahn refused to follow up and shows that while the on the President’s orders, President did not commit and reporting to the then a crime, he certainly tried White House Chief of to obstruct the investiStaff, that the President gation. Even when the asked him “to do craPresident found out that zy s***.” When news of Robert Mueller would these phone calls were be investigating him, he leaked to the press, Trump reportedly said, “Oh my tried to force Gahn into God. This is terrible… denying these phone calls This is the end of my happened, and again, he presidency, I’m f*****.” In refused. This is just one his summary, Attorney instance of the President’s General Barr claimed that staff being unwilling to the President had been follow through on orders fully cooperative with the to obstruct the investiSpecial Counsel, but this gation. While President claim is a little generous.

Trump never covered For instance, the President interfered with the invesrefused to meet with the tigation, the only reason Special Counsel for an that he didn’t was because interview, and replied to his staff refused his orders.

A protester outside the Department of Justice.

Harrison Chapin/The Green and Gray

Reception to this bombshell report has been wide, from renewed calls of impeachment to complete vindication. And to argue that such reactions were highly partisan would be flawed: many on the left conceded that justice had been served while those on the right admitted that the reported revelations were highly disturbing.

But in such widespread anticipation of the Mueller Report and its public fascination, American politics can no longer see the forest through the trees.

In the day after the report was released, the New York Times ran an article reading “Americans Agree on One Thing About the Mueller Report: Disgust With the Country’s Leaders,” arguing that for many, “the report reflected a basic breakdown of functional government and that critically important issues, such as health care and infrastructure, remained ignored.”

Too often in today’s society, what starts out as policy debate or legislation

Victoria Pickering/Flikr

11

turns into finger-pointing and sparring by whataboutism. To the casual observer, the spirit of compromise has collapsed into noisy political theatre.

Disagreement is natural and essential towards developing better legislation and the pursuit of a more perfect union. In many ways though, the respect that remains after debate is even more important.

Differing ideas may be the reactants, but the necessary catalyst is respect.

Somewhere along the line, that was forgotten, and the result of compromise became simmering dissatisfaction; it became impolitic to talk politics.

I urge the students of

Berkshire to not become more involved in squabbles about this. Our state as a school is fragile in the political sense, and I fear that fighting over the outcome of this report will only widen that divide. But if this really does mean a lot to you, as it does to me, than I urge you to participate in marches, donate to charities and organizations you believe in, debate important issues in your classes. And please, if you are 18 or over, VOTE. It doesn’t matter what side of the political spectrum you are on, support your opinions by participating, and prove that democracy works.

Letter to the Editor:

Reflections of a Head Prefect Dear Editor, “All hail to Berkshire set among the hills.” Along with the six unmemorized core values, the Berkshire hymn is something that you are expected to know by the end of your senior year at Berkshire.

Personally, I love Berkshire School and its many traditions, but I feel that our focus and boastfulness around being “such a great community” and smiling at each other has left us unaware of who and what our community is and stands for. For example, as head-prefect, I am known throughout my community beyond my outward appearance. My fellow community members know how I identify, for the most part. I, along with my fellow all school student leaders (Martin, Sherry, and Peter), developed a seminar in which students would be able to identify themselves to a few of their group members, comprised of community members,

while talking about their own identities and what was important to them.

However, through feedback, it became more apparent to me that smiling and holding doors for one another does not mean we engage enough with one another in this community. There were students in my group that I knew by name and face and could even tell you what sport they played but could never tell you about their family or their passions. I couldn’t tell you what was truly important to them.

That is what we need at Berkshire School. We need to learn to recognize and acknowledge one another.

That is the tradition that we need at Berkshire. A tradition of really getting to know people and how they want to be identified and seen at this school and the world beyond our bubble.

Sincerely, Alanna Smith ’19

VOL CIX, No. 2

Sheffield, Massachusetts

THE CLASS OF 2019: SUPERLATIVES

by Mads McDonough ’19

After attending school and living with one another for four years, the senior class has gotten to know each other well, maybe a little too well. We have welcomed many members along the way, some of whom are just finishing up their first year under the mountain.

In the sixth form’s final weeks at Berkshire, the class voted on who was most likely to do what later in life. Here are the responses we received as well as a “create your own section” where some peers felt especially inspired.

MOST LIKELY TO… become a millionaire by launching a bestselling app: Daniel Tian star in their own reality TV show: Danielle Malarney Honorable Mentions: MacKenzie Hatch be a farmer: Alex Barnosky marry high school sweetheart: Elizabeth Bernstein and John Pratt Honorable Mention: Harley Frechette and Thomas Horak join the military: Thomas Sogard

come back to teach at Berkshire: Sophie Reed become the next bachelor: Nick Steed and Will Schultz Honorable Mentions: Max McKersie, Alex Ross and Kenny Burgess win the lottery but lose the ticket: Brooke McLanahan and James Walsh best candidate for the CIA: Maddie Devost and Kent Pendergast get ID’d when they’re 30: Nhu Nguyen Honorable Mention: Anya Singh still say lol when they’re 50: Elizabeth Rowland Honorable Mention: Betsy Driscoll become a comedian: Jimmy Lehmberg Honorable Mentions: Jacob Iwowo and the Fulling twins crash on your couch: David McCrory and Liam Carroll shock everyone at reunion: Tyler Swirbul open a yoga studio: Cami Kittredge Honorable Mentions: Shannon Lee and Kenzie Licata break a world record: Andrew Buckley Honorable Mentions: Ugochukwu (Achara) Achara, Jacob Shaffelburg, and Devon Thompson

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ASSOCIATE EDITORS CHIEF LAYOUT EDITOR FACULTY ADVISORS STAFF WRITERS

STAFF CARTOONIST

May 3, 2019

Letter from the Editor

win the Nobel Prize: Gohta Aihara, Avalon Lebenthal, and Elizabeth Nutting win the super bowl: Rayshawn Boswell become a "Florida Man:" Austin Hoogkamp become a pro athlete: Holley Riva become a famous artist: Ruby Merritt wear sweatpants to a job interview: Ellie Adika become a soccer dad: Sean MacDonald work at Disneyland as a Prince: Aidan Metcalfe wear Vineyard Vines on his wedding day: Carter Allen be voted best dad: Nick Berghold and Brooks Gammill be voted best mom: Haines Corrigan and Mads McDonough live in Colorado forever: Peyton Presutti and Anne Marie Boardman write a best-selling novel: Catherine Farr become goth: Emma Dreher cry when they get a speeding ticket: Nenyasha Shoko become a humble billionaire: Jeff McKee be on Broadway: Caroline Hogan “walk to listen”: Peter Dunbar

Elias Sienkiewicz ’19 Darran Shen ’20 and Emily Liu ’20 Aimi Sekiguchi ’20 Peter Giordano and Sarah Pitcher-Hoffman Gohta Aihara ’19, Mads McDonough ’19, Alanna Smith ’19, Tyler Swirbul ’19, Devon Thompson ’19, Chris Branch ’20, Harrison Chapin ’20, Jackson Chapin ’20, Oumou Doumbia ’20, Victoria Gagas ’20, Tad Koenigsbauer ’20, Andrii Roman ’20, Peggy Stansbery ’20, William Warlick ’20, Matea Beadle ’21, John Fiore ’21, Megan Mokriski ’21, Eleanor Ahn ’22 Ivanna Lagur ’21

12

by Elias Sienkiewicz ’19 At its heart The Green and Gray is a student paper. From pitch meeting to publishing, students drive every action, and as such, its existence depends on students. For my first few years at Berkshire the student initiative wasn’t there, and as a result The Green and Gray actually went out of print for almost two years. This past year we brought it back, and, true to form, it’s life stemmed from student initiative.

The first person I would like to thank for getting the ball rolling on the 2018-19 Green and Gray was Harrison Chapin ’20.

He heroically manned the sign-up sheet at the clubs fair in the fall, and the vast number of Stanley boys who now write for the paper are a testament to his efforts and influence.

The next, and perhaps most critical, step was taken by Darran Shen ’20, our current Editor and future Editor-in-Chief.

Darran took Harrison’s work and turned it into a pitch meeting, a defined staff, and the plan (and articles) for our first paper. His enthusiasm was boundless to the point that it scared some, but it turned out to be just what the paper needed to get off the ground. He’s spent many a long night editing articles, chasing after late assignments, and overall getting things organized.

Without his efforts I can confidently say The Green and Gray would not have been what it is this year, and may never have been revived to begin with. Its newest form is essentially his creation, and I know that under him The Green and Gray will be in good hands.

No paper could exist without its writers, and I would like to thank each of those who contributed to that fateful first issue.

Eleanor, Harrison, Jackson, Victoria, Tad, Mads, Jeff, Will, Peggy, Emily, Tyler and William; each of you were inspiring and all of you were instrumental in our success. To say that we went in blind is an understatement; I would like to thank you all especially for your patience, flexibility, and extraordinary hard work.

The first name in that list for a reason, Eleanor Ahn is the only Third Form member of The Green and Gray to have

contributed to each issue this year. Her loyalty alone is deserving of thanks, but even more laudable is what she brought to the table each time.

On multiple occasions she extended or shortened her articles significantly to accommodate the final layout and her quality of writing in each case has been more than impressive. She has brought her quiet enthusiasm and invaluable flexibility to each issue, and I know I can speak for the whole leadership when I say we are extremely grateful for all her hard work. Thank you.

An unsung hero of our paper and one of the most valuable contributors, Ivanna Lagur deserves a lion’s share of the praise for her contributions to the editorial page on each paper since the beginning.

She and Harrison have produced a new comic for each issue, and their creativity and humor has become a huge part of The Green and Gray’s personality. I cannot thank her enough for her bravery in volunteering to help, and her continued loyalty and support.

The award for most valuable writer goes without a doubt to Tyler Swirbul. Another dark horse in the Green and Gray’s back office, Tyler has always shied from the spotlight.

Nevertheless, this praise is well deserved. Over the three issues we created for the 2018-19 school year, including this one, Tyler has written seven articles.

It is quite possible that the number is higher, or that it will grow, because of his track record of writing articles whenever needed; in one case he wrote an article the night before the paper went to press. Across his seven (or more) articles, Tyler has written almost 5,000 words, but quantity is just the surface. Within each article is a well crafted argument or journalistic review. Tyler, I can’t thank you enough.

I would be loath not to to thank our fearless leaders, Mr. Giordano and Ms. Pitcher, under whose leadership the newspaper has grown into what it is today. They stuck with it through the highs and the lows, and The Green and Gray and its staff are better for it.

Also, to all of those intrepid writers who joined the writing staff for our second and third

issue, I want to thank you as well. The energy and enthusiasm you brought with you kept the spirits of the whole staff high through the winter, and the sheer volume of work you brought to the table is astounding. Gohta, Chris, Gillian, Kevin, Devon, Megan, Matea, Fiore, Emma, Andrii, Alanna, and Oumou; you are all responsible for the dramatic increase in quality and quantity of writing for each consecutive paper.

We would be lost (and overwhelmed) without you. Thank you.

I would like to thank Aimi, our Chief Layout Editor, who has given up countless hours of sleep and study for the paper.

If there is anyone this paper would cease to exist without, it is her. Each issue, and I say this with confidence even before the third has been completed, Aimi spends the better part of 24 hours creating the final design. She has started from scratch twice on two different editing platforms, contributed to the pitch, writing, and editing process on each issue on top of her work on layout, and has been the calculating eye The Green and Gray needed to look and read as well as it does.

To say that she pours her heart and soul into each issue would be an understatement, and I can attest from witnessing her process that she takes great pride in her work.

She and Darran will be officially stepping into larger leadership roles next year, but in all honesty they have been ready to run the paper since the beginning. From their leadership and initiative on this issue alone, I can assure you all that The Green and Gray is not going anywhere anytime soon. I look forward to seeing the wonderful things they will create.

Finally, I would like to thank the entire Berkshire community for your support in our endeavours: Ms. Maher for helping us administration-proof each issue, Mrs. Splawn for her help with communications, and countless other faculty, staff, students, faculty kids, faculty pets, etc. for their help. It has been a pleasure and privilege working with so many of you on this labor of love, and it will remain one of my fondest Berkshire memories. Thank you all.