what’sinside >>
Vol. LXXXVII, No. 9
Page 4 Mr. Miller Talks Global Literacy
Page 5 Look Out! Little Shop of Horrors Opens Tomorrow
Page 6 Asu Bilirgen ’14 Takes on Boys Wrestling
Page 4 The Story Behind the Roihls, Warsaw-Fans
DEERFIELD ACADEMY, DEERFIELD, MA 01342
February 27, 2013
Transparency Key to DA’s Handling of Hindle Investigation BY ANNA AUERSBERG Staff Writer
Genevieve Gresser Nolan Bishop ’13 protests the Keystone Pipeline in Washington, DC on February 17, 2013.
Deerfield Rallies For Climate Change BY RYAN KOLA Staff Writer
Twelve Deerfield students and three faculty members traveled to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to participate in the February 17 “Forward on Climate” rally. The rally, which drew thousands of people from across the United States and Canada, advocated for President Obama to reject the Keystone XL Pipeline proposal that would deliver oil from the Alberta tar sands, roughly the size of Florida, to refineries in the U.S. With the capacity to channel approximately two trillion barrels of oil, the Keystone XL Pipeline raises the issue of environmental safety as well as corporate profits and foreign relations with Canada. The approval of this Pipeline project, which would transport 700,000 barrels of crude oil a day, would destroy habitats and water reserves. This project has galvanized major opposition from the general public and key figures such as Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org; Michael Brune, executive director of the
Sierra Club; and even Obama’s own former Green Jobs advisor, Van Jones. If President Obama rejects the Keystone Pipeline project, there may be potential tension between the U.S. and Canada, a major trade partner, as this pipeline project would provide a boost to the Canadian economy. For Deerfield, this rally was not just a rally for a crucial issue. Nolan Bishop ’13, who arranged for Deerfield community members to attend the rally, said, “Part of being in a democracy is standing up for your values and making your voice heard.” “I think that we need to actually do something about the environment,” said Genevieve Gresser ’15. “We all talk about how global warming is affecting the planet and how it will affect the future, but not a lot actually happens. When I heard about the pipeline, I was enraged. It seemed like we were going in the wrong direction. We can’t just keep talking about these issues.” As the protest will ultimately have some influence on Obama’s decision in March to approve or reject the project, it was a “vital experience to feel what a protest
is like, especially the largest climate rally in history,” Bishop said. The protest consisted of a two-hour rally at the National Mall, followed by a march to the White House. McKibben, whose 350.org is a major opponent to the Keystone XL Pipeline, said, “It’s the people who understand that the fight against fracking and against coal ports and taking the tops of mountains is ultimately the fight for a living planet.” February 13, before the official rally took place, Conor Kennedy ’14 went with his father Robert Kennedy Jr. to a protest organized by McKibben, along with 48 others, at the White House. Taking a more active role in the protest by tying themselves to the White House fence, the group of 50, including Conor, was arrested for not following police orders to leave. “It is in some ways sad,” Kennedy said, “because any time you have to resort to civil disobedience or get arrested for a cause, it shows that there are no other alternatives, for example, to influence the way the oil company thinks about this issue.”
of their clothes.” After several other students also addressed dress code as a critical part of the Deerfield identity, J.R. Maestro ’13 expressed his disappointment in the scope of conversation. “The things that we’re talking about are so minute on the large scale,” he said. “I’m at a loss of words. I’m shaking about the fact that we’re talking about clothes.” Mettler Growney ’13 pointed to the competitive nature of Deerfield as something that breeds insecurity. “Deerfield is a very competitive place,” she said. “We all came from schools where we were at the top of the class. … We live with each other and look at our neighbors. We want to be the best we can be, so it’s hard to boost up others when
you’re trying to make yourself best too. I think that’s where the belittling in the Greer, classroom, and dining hall comes from… Where is [our] self-confidence?” Self-confidence (or lack thereof) became a recurring topic. “Once we’re confident in who we are, then I think we can begin to deal with the socioeconomic differences here, which can be pretty obvious,” Julia Perry ’13 said. On the other hand, Travers Nisbet ’13 traced the negative aspects of student culture back to the Administration. “A lot of these issues stem from the relationship between the administration and the students,” he said. “What I’ve noticed over the four years that I’ve been here is that the disparity between
Head of School Margarita Curtis said that she hopes this Curtis announced on January incident will serve as a learning 28 that retired math teacher experience, and she sees the event Peter Hindle, who worked at as an opportunity to improve Deerfield for forty-four years, employee training and establish has been accused of sexual distinct lines with what is and contact with a former student, is not appropriate in facultyand that the school is conducting student relationships. an investigation regarding the “Part of the issue,” she said, alleged abuse. Dr. Curtis said “is how to renew our efforts that the investigation is slated to clarify for students what is to conclude at the end of the appropriate regarding studentmonth, and she plans to address faculty relationships, and further concerns and questions establishing boundaries without in a follow-up announcement. being paranoid. We want to “It’s my hope that the strong continue to have a warm and and meaningful relationships that welcoming community.” are forged here are not going to When asked about the be undermined by this situation,” events and Mr. Hindle, Head of Dr. Curtis said, “but I do think Communications David Thiel it is a time to show honesty and withheld any comment, wanting humility, and to to maintain the admit that very “Part of the issue is how privacy of the good people and to renew our efforts to investigation, as great institutions clarify for students what well as that of can also make is appropriate regarding the victim and mistakes.” She student-faculty relation- the accused. later said that ships, and establishing “We have she hopes the boundaries without be- r e c e i v e d incident does hundreds of ing paranoid.” not mar any trust emails and -Dr. Curtis phone calls from between current students and alumni, many faculty, and that students can still expressing deep grief,” Dr. Curtis feel safe at Deerfield. continued. “Many alumni have Deerfield has applied a policy supported our transparency and of transparency concerning the approach, but they are also very alleged event and posted a letter sad that someone they admired on the website for reporters and did harm to someone else.” alumni to refer to. Despite the policy of “I think people will trust transparency, the school hopes to us more if we are fully open preserve the privacy of both the regarding the events that victim and the accused. “But, until transpired, and acknowledge that the investigation is completed, it inappropriate behaviors took serves no one’s interests – not place,” Dr. Curtis said. “Deerfield the victim’s, not the accused and is a strong community, and I not the Academy’s – to speculate don’t think this will undermine or comment beyond the letter,” our sense of community. I would Dr. Curtis said. She concluded say that it will make us pay more her statement by saying, “Our attention to the importance of policy has been to decline to boundaries.” comment until the investigation Moving forward, Dr. is finished.”
Student Culture Forum Tackles Self-Confidence, Dress Code BY GARAM NOH Staff Writer
The Student Culture Forum maximized the number of students given an opportunity to speak. While there was a list of eight main student speakers, there was also time between each scheduled speech for audience input. The topics covered were just as numerous as the students who attended the forum, but eventually the discussion boiled down to three main topics—the roles of clothing, competition and the administration in Deerfield culture. “I don’t think looking good is about brands,” Kade Johnson ’14 said. “People can make judgments about others’ appearances that aren’t based off of the price tag
these two groups has grown tremendously. A lot of the things that the Administration does are hypocritical in the battles that they choose.” Teddy Romeyn ’13 asserted that the shortcomings of Deerfield student culture are just a part of the schooling students receive. “I can say I would not be the same person I am today if [bro culture, dress culture and socioeconomic differences at Deerfield] hadn’t existed. In my experience, I have been the best teacher of myself. I think that’s true for everybody. Without the difficulties I’ve experienced here, I wouldn’t have my personal philosophies. It will have to come from us as individuals to deal with the culture here.” The Student Culture Forum
wrapped up with a promise: “We’d just like to remind you that all [Student Council] meetings are open…And anyone who didn’t get to say what they wanted to say, we’re going to set up a Google-docs-type blog where you can share any comments that you didn’t get to say,” said Cleo Siderides, President of Student Council. More than three weeks have passed since the Forum has taken place, and the Google-doc has not yet appeared. “We’ll have all of these great discussions, and so on, but most of us will forget about the things we’ve talked about in this forum the moment we walk out of the door,” Michael Beit ’15 said. “We like to be critical, but what we want to keep in mind is that we’re also often hypocritical.”
VOL. LXXXVII, NO. 8
February 27, 2013
Letter from the Editorial Board
Editor-in-Chief KRISTY HONG Front Page CASEY BUTLER
Graphics TATUM MCINERNEY
Opinion/Editorial SAMMY HIRSHLAND
Online JOHN LEE
Arts & Entertainment MIRANDA MCEVOY
Online Associate DAVE KIM
Features CAROLINE KJORLIEN
Editorial Associates CHARLOTTE ALLEN COLE HORTON TARA MURTY EMILY NG JON VICTOR
Sports SARAH SUTPHIN Photography ASHLEY SO
Advisors JULIANNE SCHLOAT & ADA FAN The Deerfield Scroll, established in 1925, is the official student newspaper of Deerfield Academy. The Scroll encourages informed discussion of pertinent issues that concern the Academy and the world. Signed letters to the editor that express legitimate opinions are welcomed. We hold the right to edit for brevity. The Scroll is published eight times yearly. Advertising rates provided upon request. Opinion articles with contributors’ names attached represent the views of the respective writers. Opinion articles without names represent the consensus views of the editorial staff.
Communal Spaces Solve Gender Divide
In the real world, high school friendships are created in a wide variety of hang-out spots: the movies, the mall, the football stadium, and people’s houses. But at boarding school, our options for socializing are far more limited. Much of the social life at Deerfield happens in the dorms, so it’s inevitable that male and female students won’t necessarily interact as much as they might otherwise. However, if there were more open spaces for students to get to know one another in an unstructured setting, it might be easier for students to have friends of the opposite gender without being labeled as a couple. While the Greer is a wonderful space, the culture that surrounds it discourages students from trying to meet people outside their usual friend groups. Discussions often heard in the Greer include “leaving,” “getting parietals,” and “hooking up” Admittedly, this is a student-created culture, but it comes from only having a few forums in which students socialize with the opposite gender. Doubleday’s open house was a great idea: every dorm room door was open, and students could hang out without the pressure of being specifically invited or getting parietals. Because it wasn’t mandatory, it didn’t feel forced or unnatural, which made it a great opportunity to foster genuine relationships. Small spaces, such as open common rooms, are also ideal for people to spend time together. Perhaps if there were more opportunities like the one in Doubleday, or more small spaces with activities such as foosball or ping-pong, we could start to break down the gender divide that affects every aspect of life at Deerfield.
Students and Staff Clean Up Damage In the winds and snow of Super Storm Nemo, the Deerfield community has once again proved itself to be a respectful and kind community. The Scroll would like to extend its gratitude towards the members of our wonderful custodial, dining hall, security and physical plant teams. Their hard work and commitment in making our campus safe was a great help over the weekend of the blizzard. We would also like to recognize the hardship of not being able to go home and staying on campus overnight, for the roads were difficult to travel. We would also like to thank the students who helped shovel snow along Wells Street and other roads close to campus. Their willingness to help the community has shown that many of our students are what we want them to be:caring, eager, and considerate people.
Uphold Values of the Deerfield Boy BY MATT ROGERS Contributing Writer When I think of the concept of a Deerfield Boy, what comes immediately to mind is the wellrounded athlete, student and person who excels at everything he does. Though this seems entirely unrealistic for the vast majority of us, it is an admirable goal to work towards. But what, in practice, defines the Deerfield boy? Well, among us there are great students, elite athletes and talented musicians, but by Deerfield standards, relatively few of us are two or more of those. Most of us are, to some extent, specialized. Now let me ask this—of the
Corrections
skills that I just listed, what trait do fellow students value most? I would argue that to his peers, the most revered Deerfield boy is the elite athlete who is respected for his talents on the field, court or rink. I would further point out that this is a product of the school’s culture, since a high priority is given to athletics here. Is this an issue? No. On the contrary, I think that since our school’s identity is so deeply rooted in athletic excellence, it would be a mistake to try and change who the Deerfield boy is. Rather, we should keep in mind the overarching values that define him—smart, athletic and decent-—and we should continue to strive to be that way.
The article titled “In the Wake of Tragedy: Could It Happen Here?” (February 6, 2013) erroneously presented William Montgomery’s position on gun control. His quotes were taken out of context. The article presented his views as anti-gun control, while he is actually for it. The Scroll regrets this error.
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OPINION
Dear Reader: From passionate editorial meetings to the long hours of layout week, it only feels right to address this farewell letter from all of us—the senior editors of the 87th volume of The Deerfield Scroll. Since last April, we have produced issues and broadsides on topics such as sexuality, hook-up culture, dominant culture, pace of life, sports successes, Academy Events and socioeconomic class. We developed Scroll Online, changed the layout of the print version and organized open forums. In each issue, we have striven to provide the news and stories our school needs. We have striven to provoke discussion that raises people’s awareness of potential issues and diverse opinions. Most importantly, we have sought the making of a student-run newspaper, a legacy we hope continues in the future.
We believe the ideals of a student-run newspaper are firmly rooted in social responsibility to our student body. We believe The Scroll, or any student-run publication, should be free from the pressure of censorship— whether it comes from ourselves or from external groups such as the Administration, Admissions Office or Trustee Board. We strive to help Deerfield become a school that is willing to talk openly about controversial and difficult topics. We have taken an objective stance in viewing our school, trying to see it as it is and not as we want it to be. We love Deerfield—we love it so much that we are willing to risk our individual reputations for changes that could potentially benefit more of us. We also love our paper— the first writers’ meeting of the month, pizza dinners, pressing
deadlines, waiting for Security to unlock the Scroll Room, the associates. We pulled together as one team with one vision after an unexpected transition in advisorship this September. Thank you to our previous advisors and their powerful legacy. To our current advisors— thank you for stepping up and allowing us to do what we wanted with The Scroll and supporting us. Thank you to the Communications Office for printing our broadsides. Thank you to Ms. DiNicola for helping us develop Scroll Online and being patient with us every moment. Good luck to Charlotte Allen and her board. We have complete faith in you. Scrollio. No regrets. It’s been one heck of a ride. KH. CB. SH. CK. MM. SS. AS. JL. TM.
School Spirit Defines Deerfield BY DEVINNE CULLINANE Contributing Writer Tradition can be defined as a custom or belief that is passed on from generation to generation. I believe that tradition is anything we do from year to year or day after day at Deerfield. Rubbing the nose of the Deerfield Girl or Boy as you walk through the Memorial Building, not stepping on the Seal in the entrance to the gym, eating at sit-down meals and participating in Choate Day rituals are all traditions that define us as a school and community. These are the reasons I decided to come here and commit fully to this community that is unique from any other. I wanted to be a part of the school songs, the class cheers and the green paint
we smother all over ourselves in preparation for slaughtering some swine. These traditions are what fuel our school spirit and student morale. Without Choate Week, who knows how we would be able to make it through the fall term without having a breakdown. We would have nothing and no one to direct our anger toward besides our own classmates and faculty. During Choate Week, we are able to forget all our worries and problems and aim our anger at a common enemy. Try to picture a community without class cheers, the Deerfield Boy and Girl in the Memorial Building Lobby, sitdown meals, without the Seal, a Choate Bonfire or Pep Rally, a Spring Day on the Lower Levels or Carnival Night in the Dining Hall. Our traditions are what make
Deerfield the special place it is. Without them, we become just like Choate, Hotchkiss, Exeter, Andover… the list goes on. Furthermore, having some sense of order and routine in our lives is not the worst thing. In an ever-changing world, it is comforting to know that these traditions will always be there. They are why we miss the school so much when we leave for breaks. We miss our daily routines and our safe bubble where nothing and nobody can hurt us. Our traditions make Deerfield feel like a home. Without them, it would seem like a mental institution designed to destroy our spirit. Tradition at Deerfield from the outside might seem stupid or corny, but our traditions are what make Deerfield a community that students want to be a part of. Ashley So
Balancing Tradition and Progress BY DEVON STOCKMAYER Contributing Writer
Deerfield is steeped in tradition. Even our motto, “Be worthy of your heritage,” is draped in implications of adherence to old ways. Without tradition, we would be an indistinct institution. What would Deerfield be without Choate Day, cheerleaders, sitdowns, dress code, and school meetings? Tradition must be acknowledged as a major facet of campus life—a part of what makes Deerfield unique. However, it is paramount that we do not lose ourselves in the changing present as we cling to traditions. As the years pass, we must inevitably yield to the demands of an adapting world. This willingness to change and temporarily disregard tradition is crucial to the success of the school. We would be straggling today had we not chosen to abandon the all-boys approach and turn co-ed in the 1990’s. At the same time, we are branded with the golden quality of age in our continued observance of traditions, which fade into a collection of venerable schools. These time-honored customs should not and do not singularly define Deerfield, yet they should prevail as an innate part of our identity. Tradition is truly a thriving aspect of life at Deerfield,
shaping the spirit of our code and conduct. In our motto, our rules, and our habits at DA, we express reverence for older values. The school continues to honor the figures that epitomized these values—the esteemed Frank Boyden and the quintessential Deerfield Boys. As we remain moored to these traditions, the new and the old must blend, striking a balance in principles. We will best preserve our “days of glory” when the school bends to the needs of the student body while holding fast to certain customs. Compliance should not be absolute or stifling, as treating tradition in this way would diminish the merit of the school. When applied in heedless practice, certain traditions at Deerfield begin to feel hollowed. I would not necessarily advocate for us to eliminate any traditions, but rather to find some way to reiterate their importance. Many of these practices seem to become so engrained in our routine that their importance subsides. One distinct and long-standing tradition that seems to have become rather unappreciated at DA recently is sit-down meals. While we are set apart from other schools for giving the community this block of time to eat together, within the school, the meals have become empty. We have lost touch with the
tradition and the purpose of this time, rushing sit down lunches into twenty-minute blocks. Many of the tables seem to dwell in a perpetual state of awkwardness for entire rotations, hardly even knowing each other’s names. I love the idea of sit-down meals, but I think because of our busy schedules and multitasking ways, they have lost their value. Noticeably, students seem to appreciate sit-down meals more in the doldrums on winter, when we have regular sit down lunches, but only a single sit-down dinner per week. Perhaps if we were to keep this schedule throughout the year, holding sit down meals on more sparing occasions, they would be better appreciated. If the school were to enact this schedule, sitdown meals certainly wouldn’t be as eagerly anticipated as our annual Choate Day, but there might still be a shift in perception. Tradition is not a constituent of this community that must be constantly pressed upon us, but rather something that should be observed moderately. It is instead an element of the school that defines conduct and character in what we keep and what we efface. Just as we are “bound by song” in the final verses of the Evensong, we are tethered to Deerfield and its legacy through our lives because of tradition.
The Deerfield Scroll
Rethink Stereotypes BY MICHAEL BEIT Contributing Writer Everybody is aware of the stereotype of the Deerfield Boy. There are people out there who really hate the stereotype, and although I see it can be frustrating, I don’t think that there is really a reason to get upset over it. At the Culture Forum, no matter what the subject was, people seemed to get all up in arms, especially when we started talking dominant culture. I was this way too for a while, but recently I have thought about what the Deerfield Boy is, and it’s honestly not that bad. On the surface, the Deerfield Boy is coated in layers of Vineyard Vines and lacrosse, and then we sprinkle some adjectives like “bro” or more specifically “laxbro” on him. Usually people stop here. To all the people who for some reason seem to have a deep emotional connection with this stereotype, I say, “So what?” The Deerfield Boy stereotype is actually fairly good. Once you get past the superficial qualities, the specific co-curriculars and preferred clothing brands, the Deerfield Boy is hard-working, outgoing and, among other things, just a good person. Yes, the significant majority of the world seems to see us as pretentious, but look at other boarding schools. In some form or fashion any school’s stereotype has a negative element. Deerfield is not perfect, so why would the stereotype be? I don’t particularly like the Deerfield Boy, but I also don’t care. If people want to conform, that’s their own prerogative. I have said this before and I will say it ten thousand more times: we can’t go around bashing those who conform. If you don’t like the Deerfield Boy then please, go out and do something about it; don’t just complain. If you don’t like the Deerfield stereotype please don’t just sit down. Because I don’t like it very much, I don’t let it define me. I’m part of a small group of males at this school who take theater very seriously, but I do theater because I want to,. I live my life the way I want to, and as soon as we can get everybody to just do what they want instead of what everybody else does, then we will begin to re-craft the Deerfield Boy.
Common Thread Links All Deerfield Girls BY ELANA VAN ARNAM Contributing Writer On my revisit day, while admiring the splendors of the historic school buildings, towering elm trees and excitement and fun of classroom experiences, I repeatedly asked myself the question: “Can I see myself here?” I closely observed the female students in their spring dresses and pastel cardigans, keeping in mind that to attend Deerfield these collectively beautiful young women must also be talented athletes or artists in addition to being incredibly smart. As I decided on my school, I couldn’t have been more excited to join the ranks of the Deerfield girls. Though I had seen the “prep” life through my brother’s school, I nonetheless felt Deerfield culture shock. Once I entered the system, I became aware of its pressures. During D o r m Olympics I learned of t h e importance of being
bronze, and the many ways of emphasizing this (our dorm color was white, which was great, because it made us look more tan). I recognized the gap between the clothing I’d brought to Deerfield and what many girls were wearing. And I was genuinely mystified at the Friday night Greer scene, which to this day I still think must be a social experiment we’re not being told about. It wasn’t long before I saw the work it takes to be a put-together Deerfield girl. So much time and energy was necessary to appear effortlessly attractive, popular, talented and smart. In retrospect, I see these pressures most often affecting underclassman. After enough “obligatory” Greer nights of forced and incredibly awkward interaction, many girls learn how acceptable and enjoyable a night out in Greenfield or a movie and China Gourmet with friends can be. And after a lot of underclassman pettiness dissipated, I found myself able to discern who I wanted to be:
I followed trends I liked and refused ones I didn’t. With every new Deerfield girl I met, I learned about the great diversity of pasts and presents. Contrary to popular belief, many female students here possess varying priorities and interests, just as male students do. Some Deerfield girls can never fit the strict stereotype because of factors completely out of their control, like race or socioeconomic status, while some who do have the means, monetary or otherwise, to fit the common mold choose to reject the stereotype, viewing Deerfield as a place to escape lifelong expectations they did not choose. I find it hilarious when I hear complaints about girls all looking the same. Aren’t boys, in their mandatory blazers, ties, collared shirts and pants the epitome of identical? However, if one simply tries to see beyond the exterior, he or she will find that two girls wearing similar boots and dresses can, and often do, have
What Our Traditions Say About Us Photos taken by Ashley So
Looking Back Holds Us Back They aren’t all encompassing. It is as though we are saying that we do not promote individuality. Part of the problem behind our portrayal of tradition is our interpretation of Deerfield’s motto, “Be worthy of your heritage.” Because it promotes the past, we as a community are always looking back. We should instead be worthy of our futures and those to come after us because they will be affected by what we do here. I also think that our interpretation of this motto can become easily confused and allow for a degree of apathy. Just because a tradition is a part of
history does not make it good. Tradition can sometimes create an exclusive atmosphere. Because Deerfield used to be an all-boys’ school, a lot of that culture and tradition still runs deep in social life here. From a girl’s perspective, Deerfield can often feel maledominated. I have noticed that there is a sense of entitlement, and even belonging, that does not fully extend to the girl population. If we really want to progress as a community and as a school, I believe that it is imperative that we become less obsessed with the Boyden era, because it makes it seem as though we are promoting the homogeneous culture of that time.
separate occasions that there have been articles published in the Deerfield Scroll that upset a good portion of the community. Just as an example: the socioeconomic class newspaper that came out last week. We all know that there are privileged kids at this school. However, no matter what kind of background people come from, they all have control over the way they act around others. What we should focus on is eliminating any feelings of entitlement in the community, because that is what creates divides. I think in the first week of school, there should be a time when every single student in the school introduces themselves and shakes hands with every other student, staff, and faculty member. This idea may be overboard, but the more familiar we are with people on campus, the easier it will be to eliminate divides. Now on to the things I love about Deerfield: I love that I get to do my own
thing. It’s nice not being told to put on more layers by my mom every time I leave the dorm. Secondly, I love the sense of community here. From the feeds within the dorms to school meeting to Sunday night singing after dinner, I feel I am a part of something. Lastly, I like going to sports events. The school spirit here is unmatched. Every night when lying in bed, I ask myself a simple question: “Today was I the best person I could possibly be?” Some days I say yes and some days I say no. Since September, there have been various times when I’ve given up my values in order to fit in with a certain group of people and as a result, there have been nights when the answer to my question before bed was “no.” But I learn from those times and move on. I am sure that, with a little bit of self-evaluation, our community will come together more so than it ever has in the past.
Although this isn’t case, the BY MIRANDA MCEVOY Deerfield and Girl appear Arts and Entertainment Editor to representBoy one type of person. Tradition to a certain extent is good, but I think that sometimes at Deerfield we have a tendency to emphasize tradition for the sake of preserving it rather than for its actual benefits. For instance, we are constantly being harassed about dress code. What is the message behind requiring students to wear expensive clothing to class? We’re here to learn. I do not really see the benefits of a dress code. I also disagree with the idea of the Deerfield Boy and Girl. I think the fact that we even have symbols of two “model” students gives the wrong message.
Deerfield Scene Receives PG Rating
BY FITZ BOWEN Contributing Writer
This piece is a modified version of Post-Graduate Fitz Bowen’s statement at the student culture forum. Coming from a public high school that had a student body over seven times the size of Deerfield’s, it took me a long time to adjust to this lifestyle, but I really like it. I was asked to talk about a few things I would like to see improved in this school, so here they are: The consequences for making mistakes are far too extreme. In my opinion, it is in people’s teenage years when they are supposed to experiment to find what works for them and what doesn’t. Good kids sometimes make bad decisions. I feel like suspensions and expulsions happen regularly here, which is very different from what happened in my old school. Frank Boyden was quoted in John McPhee’s, The Headmaster: “For one foolish mistake, a boy should not have a stamp put on
February 27, 2013
him that will be with him for the rest of his life…There is no flexibility in a system like that.” I know that all situations are different, but I think students would learn a lot more from being punished with community service hours than a suspension from school. The boy-girl relationships at Deerfield are also pretty different from what I’m used to. Some of my greatest memories from the past four years have been when I was hanging around watching TV with a few guys and girls. Here, I feel there are three options on a weekend night: Go to the Greer which is packed with over two hundred kids, get parietals with your significant other, or stay in the dorm and watch a movie with some guys. I wish it were more socially acceptable here to have group parietals, because from experience I’ve seen that some of the best conversations happen in those small group, co-ed situations. I have noticed on a few
completely dissimilar backgrounds and interests. Through my own personal Deerfield experience, I’ve learned an incredibly valuable and useful lesson: it is infinitely more important to focus on the kind of person one is than to focus on one’s exterior. No amount of designer clothing, jewelry or keratin treatments will solely create success in the long run. Kindness, confidence and a genuine personality generate more friendships than anything superficial. After all, those who only care about hair and what one wears probably aren’t worth the time. Deerfield girls are found in the art studio, on the stage, in the squash courts, volunteering at the elementary school or hiking to the rock. We are a diverse crowd, each young woman an individual with her own talents, intellectual curiosities and aspirations. Though there are undeniable superficial trends, I hope that each Deerfield girl can be defined not by meager exterior similarities, but by the common thread of her well-rounded and unique talents and abilities.
Deerfield Girl Is All of Us BY CATE WADMAN Contributing Writer The Deerfield Boy and the Deerfield Girl embody the traditions that Deerfield as a whole embraces, and they exemplify the students we wish to have represent us. However, Deerfield is a competitive place where one can easily surrender themselves to the crowd. This year, I live on a hall with 13 very diverse girls, and I am not just talking about international students and different ethnicities. They each have different likes and dislikes, but I would consider all of them to be Deerfield Girls. In Connect Four we talked about what we thought the Deerfield Girl and the Deerfield Boy meant, and we got a mix of responses. The stereotype of the Deerfield Girl wore Jack Rogers and a Barbour coat, and it was said that she had to be pretty, athletic, wealthy and socially adept. The stereotype of the Deerfield Boy also wore expensive brands and had to be handsome, muscular, funny and athletic. However, we concluded that it is not about what you wear, how much money you have or how you look, but rather the ideals and values you stand behind. The stereotype of the Deerfield Boy and Girl is not what Deerfield is all about. It is evident that people change when they come to Deerfield, and that is expected. However, some people have a tendency to follow the crowd. “When I came here, I was lost in a sea of similar people in the same brands. It was hard to find those few people that stood out,” Cindy Lopez ’16 said. I would prefer to call our symbols the Deerfield Boys and the Deerfield Girls, because our symbol doesn’t just represent one kind of person. I think one has to be able to stay true to himself or herself throughout his or her whole experience here to be considered a Deerfield Girl or Deerfield Boy. We live in a community where people tend to conform to what everyone else thinks and does. But if you are ambitious, fun, smart, humble, kind and loyal, I don’t see why you can’t be the epitome of the Deerfield Girl or Boy.
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FEATURES The Deerfield Scroll
February 27, 2013
read more online:
Singers Hope A Cappella Fest Rescheduled to Spring
new sophomores, Juniors transition; provide suggestions and reflections by emily ng Editorial Associate
From left to right, wedding photos of Warsaw-Fans and the roihls.
by ayesha Kapur Staff Writer Deerfield Academy is filled with teachers and staff who have decided to dedicate their lives to the school together with their partners. And although it probably hasn’t crossed your mind, your science or English or math teachers might just be real romantics with exciting stories to tell. In the modern world, there are many ways to meet a future spouse. Daniel and Corinna Roihl met, out of all places, on Craig’s List. “I was new in town, freshly single, looking for some furniture on Craig’s List, and I figured, why not throw my profile up there as well,” Mr. Roihl said. A few days later, Mrs. Roihl contacted him and they decided to meet. “I had just come back from living in France for a year and decided, hey, I want to meet someone outside of my crazy, cooking-chef, monkey world,” Mrs. Roihl said. She then asked him if he would like to meet for dinner at a Los Angeles restaurant that has now become a favorite. Three years later, they got engaged. The couple said their most special time together was a trip to Spain. “We had planned this whole trip to Spain around this wonderful restaurant that she
had finally gotten a reservation to eat at,” Mr. Roihl said. He added that getting a seat at this restaurant, which gets over a million requests per year and is open only six months per year, is almost impossible. “I tried to win them over by being funny, in Spanish and in English,” Mrs. Roihl said. The Roihls enjoyed a 26-course dinner, overlooking the Mediterranean on the top of a mountain. Three years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Roihl moved to Deerfield. Mrs. Roihl, who had been working as an executive chef at a very Hollywood-centric catering company called Catering by Field, decided to move with him. “Everyone needs to eat, no problem. He’s a lot more specific about what he does. It had to be a place where they value the arts,” Mrs. Roihl said. Mr. Roihl added, “We had just moved back East and I got a call from Peter Warsaw, who had been my music teacher at high school. He called and told me that there might be an opportunity for me at Deerfield.” Mr. Warsaw, Mr. Roihl’s high school teacher, is just as much of a romantic. Peter Warsaw and Ada Fan grew up in the same town and were in the same spelling bee in middle school. “He won when he was in eighth grade and I was in sixth grade. I didn’t really think it was fair that eighth graders compete
Tatum McInerney
against sixth graders,” said Ms. Fan. Mr. Warsaw’s response: “I didn’t make the rules.” A few years later, they almost met again when Mr. Warsaw went to Exeter. Mr. Warsaw’s sister would find him pen pals from her all-girls school, and he would do the same for her. Usually, he wasn’t too happy with her choices when he would meet the girls. Right when he told her that he would like to end this system, Mr. Warsaw said, “The next suggestion she had was Ada. She said, ‘I met this unbelievable girl.’” But Mr. Warsaw did not take up the offer. When Mr. Warsaw came to see his sister’s graduation, he saw Ms. Fan giving a speech. “She was the star of the show,” Mr. Warsaw said. He said when Ms. Fan went to Harvard, where he was studying, “As fate had it, we were living in adjacent dormitories.” At first they got to know each other as friends, but by the next term they started dating. After graduation, when Mr. Warsaw was offered a job at Brooks, he was told he wouldn’t be able to leave campus during the term –and no female visitors were allowed. “We got married because we figured we could always get a divorce,” Ms. Fan joked. After Brooks, they both went to Rochester for graduate school, then went to teach at Andover for 24 years, before coming to Deerfield in the beginning of 2007.
Jon Victor ’14 Reaches Out to Convocation Speaker Riley Ennis
When new sophomores and juniors arrived on Albany Road this past fall, many of them were immediately faced with a very different culture—Deerfield culture. Many of them felt that this culture was one unlike any other they’ve seen, and that it was the hardest obstacle they’ve had to cross in life thus far. “In the first couple of weeks, I immediately noticed that intergrade friendships weren’t as prevalent, and many friends were in defined, set groups,” Yuri Lee ’15 said. “However, the somewhat challenging social life allowed me to reach out to people.” New junior Keren Alfred ’14 found that the reality she found here clashed with her assumptions. “Life here is different than what was depicted in the brochures,” she said. “I thought that it would be less cliquey, and that it would be more comfortable to talk to people.” Many students felt that some of Deerfield’s social aspects lacked real connection. “I felt like nothing gets done face to face, and some aspects like the hook-up culture are very complicated and not personal,” Hugo Marsans ’14 said. “There was a huge culture difference for me, as it was hard even to transition to daily conversations,” Andrea Leng ’15 said. “A lot of times it was hard to find a common topic.” Some new students, however, quickly grew to love the Deerfield lifestyle. “I love the social life here, particularly because it helps relieve the tension I get from work all the time,” Tyreak Richardson ’15 said. “I think the success of Deerfield’s social events lie in the kids themselves,” Proctor Adam Philie ’13 said. “For a kid who’s rather shy, a dance can be intimidating, but with a little encouragement from the kids around him, it can be an awesome experience.” Some students have found other ways to make culture at
student hangouts like the Greer easier. “If you know one person sitting at the table, it makes it much easier to start conversations,” Ian Kagame ’15 said. “I don’t think it’s hard to be a new sophomore,” Charlie Brahaney ’15 said. “No one really treats the new sophomores any differently than the returners.” Many said one of the problems leading to culture shock was that the Opening Days schedule provided little breathing room for new students. “It was busy with meetings from the start,” Matt Ching ’14 said. “I didn’t even have time to just go and try to assimilate at my own pace.” Some of the struggle could be credited to the apathy that new students such as Sicily Kiesel ’15 felt from some returning students. “The only way to make the transition easier is for the current students to take responsibility and help the new ones,” she said. “The administration can try all they want, but nothing significant will happen until the students themselves change.” At the same time, faculty such as Residential Head Kristin Loftus have put in persistent efforts to break down these walls. “We try to integrate these new students into the community through Connect4, feeds and more,” she said. “But at the same time, we don’t want to single the new sophomores and juniors out.” “We’ve heard loud and clear about the feedback from the bustling opening days schedule,” Dean of Students Amie Creagh said, “and we’re most definitely revamping it to be less hectic for next year.” In transitioning, proctor Hannah Insuik ’13 has offered a solution to adjusting to the Deerfield routine. “It’s easiest to enjoy Deerfield when you know what is going on, so skipping some of those learning steps [for the new students] and just diving in head first would ease them into life here,” she said. “However, the transition never ends,” Marsans said.
Do The Harlem Shake Mr. Miller Talks Global Literacy
views, and the song is now number one on iTunes. Over 4,000 videos similar to the original have been uploaded In a matter of weeks, the per day to YouTube since. dance and video craze called the Typically, one masked person “Harlem Shake” has swept the dances alone until the beat drops, nation. then crowds of people dressed in The Harlem Shake dance has ourageous costumes dance. been around for over 30 years. A wide range of people, In 2003, a man named Al B. told including firefighters, soldiers, InsideHoops.com that the origin office staff, and even residents of the dance move came from in retirement homes, have Egypt. “It was a made these drunken dance, 30-second you know, from imitations, the mummies, as well as in the tombs,” celebrities like he explained. Ryan Seacrest “That’s what the and Kendall mummies used and Kylie to do. They was Jenner. all wrapped up However, and taped up. Filthy Frank So they couldn’t Connor Quinn ’13 opens the senior is tired of the really move, all Class harlem shake at school craze. “I’m they could do was meeting. Photo taken by Ashley So. thinking of shake.” just deleting the Harlem Shake Harry Rodrigues, also known video,” he tweeted recently, “It’s as Baauer, released the song just so pointless and attracts called “Harlem Shake” heard in useless people.” YouTube videos in 2012. The Several “Harlem Shake” song did not become widely videos have been made in dorms popular until Febuary 2, 2013 on campus, including Louis Marx, when a comic called Filthy Frank John Williams and Poc, and the uploaded his video to YouTube. JV girls hockey team made their The video has over 12 million own rendition on the ice.
by Cameron Carpenter Editorial Associate
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by Charlotte allen Editorial Associate
No one understands better than Director of Global Studies David Miller the effect that the Deerfield bubble has on students’ lives. Mr. Miller grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts on the campus of Leslie University, attended Concord Academy and earned his undergraduate degree from Bates College. However, he did not follow the usual progression from high school to college—instead, he chose to take a gap year. During that time, he traveled abroad to teach English in rural Costa Rica, lived on a coffee farm, became a certified scuba instructor and worked at a resort in the Cayman Islands. “Reverse culture shock is one of the most important parts about studying abroad because you come back being able to question things,” Mr. Miller said. “You have completely different understandings of stress and injustice.” Throughout college, Mr. Miller continued to run summer programs abroad and went to
work at the Island School in the Bahamas for three years and eventually became Director of Summer Programs. However, “looking for new mentors and new challenges,” Mr. Miller turned to developing his passion for teaching. He attended the Harvard Graduate School of Education this past year. “I wanted to have more of a perspective on education before moving on and to have more of the skills to understand the bigger picture of schools,” he said. When Mr. Miller saw the job posted for Global Studies Director at Deerfield, he said he “could not have written a better description of what I wanted to do because it is a mix of working with students and organizing trips while still being able to teach.” Although Mr. Miller had a fever of 101 degrees when he visited, he left with a positive impression of Deerfield. “The students and teachers were very engaged,” he said. “The school really wants to be able to teach global literacy.” He also offered his take on steps Deerfield could take. “The first and most important
Jackie Dowling
thing is to celebrate experiences on campus a n d the stories of the people that are here,” he said. “More people need to realize that they could be getting a global education without even leaving the country.” Mr. Miller continued, “A good global education is just a good education. Every day in some way we can all find ways to have perspective on how we fit in the world and the impact we can have, because a lot of people are struggling.” “Deerfield was formed on the pretense of creating people who live worthy lives,” he said. “And it is a different world now than when Frank Boyden was here.” While he said the school is “still defining its strategy regarding global education,” Mr. Miller is on a mission to help the student body gain a better global perspective.
ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT The Deerfield Scroll
Spotlight Shines on Sam “Skillex” Skillings
LooK oUt!
LIttLe Shop oF horrorS opens tomorrow, Feb 28
by KrISty honG Editor-in-Chief
The Little Shop of Horrors, Deerfield’s first musical in the Large Auditorium in 20 years, opens tomorrow at 7 p.m. and goes until Saturday. Performing in one of the school’s costliest shows ever (the Broadway tour plant rentals cost around $10,000), 17 cast members will pay tribute to the Memorial Building before it undergoes renovation in June. Director Catriona Hynds said
she chose the show in response to a “strong campus-wide desire” for a musical. “I chose Little Shop because I think the story is wonderful— dark, funny and creepy,” she said. “I love the characters and above all, I think the music is brilliant.” The show focuses on a demonic plant that grows throughout the musical. Connor Manson ’14 maneuvers the plant, which weighs 180 pounds by Act II. “All I have to do is stand
by anna pettee Staff Writer
betsy alexandre ’13 and Will darling ’15 sing the final note.
up and lift the plant, which is attached to me like a back pack,” he said. “Then I bend my knees and push down on two bars inside the plant to make it speak. I feel most of the weight on my back and shoulders, so it gets difficult to maneuver after a while.” Manson said the biggest challenge was to time movements with Chris Lin, the voice of the plant. “I have to make the plant look like it’s really alive and talking,” Manson said.
Ashley So
Film Club presents... by Jade Moon Staff Writer
Every week, posters around campus advertise the next movie that the Deerfield Motion Pictures Club will screen that weekend. In an attempt to introduce the Deerfield Community to classic movies, Alexzandria Chalmers ’13 and Andrew Bishop ’14 founded the Motion Pictures Club earlier this year. “We felt that a lot of Deerfield students weren’t exposed to classic movies or even modern classics,” Chalmers said. “We thought that if we started a club where people can watch movies
we thought were great, we could maybe introduce another aspect of the American culture.” Chalmers believes that motion pictures hold a special place in our culture. “Film has been around for less than a century, but it has already redefined literature,” she said. “Learning to appreciate movies will do Deerfield students more good than they might initially think.” Some films that the group has screened so far include Pulp Fiction, Citizen Kane, Slumdog Millionaire, The Big Lebowski and Fight Club. “We take recommendations from parents and teachers that know movies better than we do. We try to stick to those that are widely considered great so that a larger audience can appreciate them,” Bishop explained.
McInerney Leaves artisic Legacy by Sharon taM Staff Writer Artist Tatum McInerney ’13 has been published multiple times in Albany Road, and her artwork is displayed in the hallways of the Memorial Building as well as in the Hilson Gallery. McInerney has always been interested in art. “My great grandmother was an artist,” she said. “I’ve always known that it’s what I want to do when I’m older.” She is currently enrolled in Topics Tutorial, an independent study studio arts class. “I really like the fact that you can do whatever you want,” she said. “We have a lot of freedom [in the class], and it makes drawing really relaxing.” Visual and Performing Arts Teacher David Dickinson has played a major role in McInerney’s development as an artist. “He lets us have freedom with our artwork, but he also disciplines and sets guidelines for us,” she explained. In the past, she has worked on a project of a face made out of boxes. “The face project took about two months to finish, maybe longer,” she said. “The time commitment may vary from
tater Mac is an art attack. piece to piece and really depends on the project itself.” McInerney has observed her personal growth and transformation as an artist. “I don’t think people realize how much thought goes into the composition of even something really simple.” she said. “You have to think about how you’re going to utilize the paper and space in general to make it something interesting—make it your own.” Despite the challenges, McInerney remains passionate about art and definitely plans to continue pursuing it in the future. “It’s amazing when you create something out of nothing and fill a blank page,” she said.
February 27, 2013
Other officers of the club include Cody Anderson-Salo ’14 and Tabata Viso ’14. “It would be nice to have a greater turnout in our future screenings,” Anderson-Salo ’14 said. Currently their screenings take place on Saturday nights at 8 p.m. in the Small Auditorium. The officers are still exploring possibilities to improve the Saturday night screenings. “We want to do a mix of modern classics and old classics. Maybe we also want to have more discussion after watching the films,” Bishop ’14 said.
Sam Skillings has been responsible for the smooth running of every Academy Event, Dance Showcase, KFC and School Meeting since 1985. Skillings has served as Deerfield Academy’s audiovisual technician for 28 years, and it is fair to say that without him, our shows would not, and could not, go on. Skillings grew up in Amherst and began his career in the audiovisual field during high school. “I was one of the geeky kids in high school,” Skillings admitted. “[Audiovisual] was a niche that I fell into. It started with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones—everybody had to be in a band when they happened, and there were too many musicians but not enough techies.” Skillings was able to travel around the country as an audiovisual technician for a traveling entertainment troupe called the Ice Capades. “I didn’t get to go to Alaska, but I’ve hit 49 of the 50 states, and putting all the equipment in sea containers for Hawaii was an ugly affair,” Skillings recalled. Directly before coming to Deerfield, Skillings worked as an AV-tech at Amherst High School. Now at Deerfield he has witnessed a decline in the number of students interested in AV work. “There aren’t as many students interested in working on the tech crew as there used to be,” Skillings said. “My suspicion is that this is because technology is much more widespread. Nowadays when you say technology, people think of computers, but in the old days to get your hands on technology you had to be in the AV club.” One particularly fascinating, and occasionally aggravating, part of Skillings’ job is adapting to technological development and learning new techniques.
Annie Blasberg
Skillex sets up the soundboard. “In the new Memorial Building they want to run all lighting and sound control systems over Ethernet,” Skillings said. “How many times have you seen Ethernet fail? It’s digital, and the way the system works right now is analog. For 28 years I have had a failure rate of zero using analog. Do you think I’ll have that rate using digital? I don’t expect that kind of durability from digital.” Although changes in technology can be challenging, Skillings still finds excitement and enjoyment in being an AV technician. “I like doing it. I like working with the students. I’m fascinated by it, and I’m still learning,” Skillings said. “The technology changes I’ve gotten to see are phenomenal, from lighting to sound to video.” Skillings remembers an Academy Event 15 years ago when 70 students helped set up. “Those kids walked away saying they would never look at a concert or performance the same way again, because they had seen the hidden side,” he said. For Skillings, the most rewarding aspect of being an AV technician is not the end result. “By the time you get the show ready to go, that’s the easy part,” he said. “But it’s nowhere near the energy or adrenaline drive that it takes to get there.”
da arts: Calling all boys
by CoLe horton & SICILy KIeSeL Editorial Associate & Staff Writer
“It’s as simple as changing the conversation,” Director of Dance Crystal Nilsson said. “There are many cases of male athletes who crossThe Deerfield arts program, train with dance to achieve especially dance and theater, has optimal coordination, agility been lacking male participation and stamina…Talking about in its classes and projects in the the rigors of dance training last few years. and opens a new perspective of “Interestingly, when I started dance.” teaching at DA in 2000, I Ms. Towle echoed Acadia Brooks sentiments. “The larger similar class, now that’s a rarity,” DA community can explained Director of have a significant Co-Curricular Dance impact on how the Carrie Towle. “A arts are regarded. Do significant body of the advisors encourage technique at an advanced boys to try dance and level of ballet involves arts as co-curriculars?” partnering, and that is an “What I am more area we never teach at all, interested in than as we don’t have enough attracting more males of a critical mass of male is not stereotyping partners.” the arts…Theater has On the other hand, never been the domain Director of Theater of just one gender Catriona Hynds sees and there is plenty of the theater program as John dillon ’13, damien Veiga ’13, Colten dana opportunity for both,” an exception. “The boys ’13 and Jr Maestro ’13 in the Winter Showcase. Hynds said. outnumber the girls three The lack of male to one in Acting 1…I believe end up trying out for a sport participants in the arts program that theater has always attracted instead of signing up for an is what initially convinced a wide variety of individuals, art, because they think that’s a Manson to join the play as a regardless of gender, social more masculine way to go. It’s sophomore in 2011. He hopes status and sexuality.” a shame more guys don’t try the to compel other boys to give “The pace of life keeps a arts.” the arts a shot. lot of people from pursuing “The arts is a chance to In response, the directors in arts, especially drawing,” said DA’s arts program have been become more well-rounded Advanced Visual Arts student brainstorming ways to entice and push yourself out of your Wyatt Sharpe ’13. “It’s a really more male participants and comfort zone,” he said. “It’s time-demanding activity and the change the image of male actors definitely been a beneficial pace of life at Deerfield makes and dancers in our community. decision for me.” it unrealistic for a lot of boys and girls on campus to spend time drawing and painting during their schedules.” Connor Manson ’14, who will be one of next year’s Varsity Football captains and is in his second DA play this winter, feels low male participation has to do with image. “Some guys think that being in the arts is
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SPORTS A Look at the Stockroom Legends
By Emily Mahan Staff Writer Photos taken by Henry Cobbs
For most Deerfield students, afternoons are filled with athletics of some sort—and this often means running into Susie Driver, Norm Therien or Bernie Motyka, staff members in the athletic stockroom. They are responsible for much of the preparations and work that might not come to mind when one heads off to sports. “On an average day, I come in, check voice mails, emails, equipment and meet with vendors,” Bernie said. “It varies a lot day to day. Right now most of my time is taken up by swimming and setting up their equipment. It varies season to season.” Likewise, Susie and Norm spend their time at the windows of the stockroom collecting, cleaning and passing out laundry, uniforms and towels for sports practices. “I’m responsible for all of the girls’ laundry and getting their equipment and uniforms ready for the games,” Ms. Driver said. “I man the window and act as a visiting team ambassador.” With a combined total of over 40 years in the athletic stockroom, Bernie, Susie and Norm not only help athletics run smoothly, but also get to know much of the student body. “I’ve been here for 30 years, and I’ve watched the generations go. There are kids here whose parents I knew, and members of the faculty who I knew from when they went here,” Norm said. Although neither Bernie nor Susie has logged as much time working in the athletic stockroom as Norm, they said they love their jobs as much as if they had. “I love seeing the girls here every day and listening to their stories and talking,” Ms. Driver said. “I would do anything in my ability for them. That’s my favorite part of the job.” “I love the kids,” Bernie added. “I like the student energy from the athletes, even from the first day back on campus. Students are more themselves here than at other places.”
The Deerfield Scroll
February 27, 2013
Wrestling with Turkish Delight: A Post-Season Reflection
By David Darling Staff Writer
One sophomore girl blazed a new trail in campus sports this winter when she chose wrestling as her co-curricular. With the season now winding down and only a few practices left, Asu Bilirgen ’15 elaborated on her experience. “For me, this year was about building up my skills and getting used to the techniques that are associated with wrestling rather than winning, but I hope that next year will be a more fruitful year,” she said. She added that the team accepted her as a female athlete “right away.” “I wouldn’t expect any less from a Deerfield team,” she said. “I made sacrifices for the team and it made sacrifices for me. We are all working together to build up the wrestling program here at DA. As a team, we are all part of something bigger than ourselves. Although we might not be the best team yet, everyone is dedicated and working toward the future. If anything, this team has increased my school spirit, and I am proud to be a Deerfield wrestler.” When asked if she had any gender-related issues and how opponents treated her, Bilirgen said, “I think what people fail to
realize is that when someone signs up for wrestling, he or she signs up for wrestling. So whether it is a girl or boy who appears in front of a challenger, the person will wrestle with the same rigor because they want to win. I have had no genderrelated problems this season and do not anticipate any next season. My opponents have treated me the same way they treated everyone else, like a competitor.” Bilirgen would like to stress that the Deerfield wrestling program is in a stage of rebuilding. Bilirgen mentioned on a few occasions that the team is building a “foundation for the future.” She also said the amount of dedication and perseverance its members have shown is unlike anything she has ever seen. “The most difficult part of wrestling is going out onto the mat, especially if there is a good chance that you are going to lose,” she said. “Everyone on our team put their heart and soul onto the mat because they represented Deerfield and something bigger than themselves.” Bilirgen also described the personal growth she experienced this term. “As an individual, I am proud of the self-control I developed. Wrestling taught me how to push myself athletically and mentally—if I can push myself to sprint harder I can also push myself to complete one more homework assignment at night. I learned how to push myself to get my work done
Caroline Baldwin Bilirgen ‘14 pins Andrew Prosikihn ’13 at practice.
earlier and go to sleep earlier so I’d have energy for the matches or practice the next day,” she said. Bilirgen has an optimistic outlook about her future wrestling career. “I have really enjoyed this season in every way,” she said. “It has definitely been very difficult but worthwhile. I have no regrets in joining the team. I would also do it again—so watch out for me next winter.”
Boys’ Squash Bumps up to Division I success is largely attributed by some to the recent recruitment of talented players. “My freshmen year we weren’t as strong, and it was really last year when we got a couple new recruits in Connor
force in the squad’s accomplishments this season. “Having Khalifa at the top of the ladder helped a lot because it brought everyone down one spot,” Cowan said. Three years ago, Boys Varsity Squash Khalifa himself was quick played in the fourth division not to take sole credit for out of seven at the U.S. High their success this season, and School Squash National stressed the fact that their Championships. Now recent achievements are the outcome success has propelled the of team efforts each match. squad into the top 10 teams in “It has been such a the nation. privilege to be a part of this Its members have been team, and I’m elated that this playing exceptionally this year we will play in Nationals year with a 13-3 record, as a Division I team,” Khalifa earning them an invitation said. “Everyone on the team, to the Division I National from number nine to number championships at Trinity one, has worked really hard.” College (CT). Unfortunately There is a chance the for the boys, this year’s National tournament will be Nationals was cancelled due rescheduled to a later date, but to Super Storm Nemo. even if it isn’t, the boys squash Four-year player and team team looks to have a bright captain Teddy Henderson ’13 future. said the team was disappointed Teddy Henderson ’13 receives a line shot from “I think the team will in the missed opportunity to Cameron Dewey ’14. Photo taken by Alex Tananbaum definitely continue to improve compete. “We were really looking forward to it; Henderson ’15, Tad Huffard ’15 and over the next couple of years. We’ve we all were really bummed when it was Jamie Kjorlien ’15 that we really started to got some great young players, and we are progress,” Thomas Cowan ’13 said. becoming a more attractive school for cancelled,” Teddy Henderson ’13 said. In addition to the three young recruits some of the top young players around the Despite the cancellation, the team has been successful, seeded 5-8 out of the last year, the team’s current number one country and even the world,” Henderson top 16 teams in the country. This spell of seed, Osama Khalifa ’14, has been a driving said.
By Cole Faulkner Staff Writer
DA Coaches: Going Pro? Laps for Miles...Smachlo ’16 By Jon Victor Editorial Associate
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Should Deerfield bring in professional coaches? As of now, the Academy does not regularly bring in outsiders to coach sports who are not also faculty or administration. But professional coaching is something that is prevalent at the collegiate level, and could maybe find its way onto our campus sometime soon. One concern is that professional coaches wouldn’t be able to understand the lives of students off the playing field. This would harm the “Deerfield experience,” as it would cause the coach to place unfair demands on his or her athletes. “I think that for coaches to understand the obligations of students, they need to work here,” said John Burke, who teaches Latin and Greek and coaches boys’ varsity swimming. “I think coming in from the outside they have a tunnel vision on that particular student, to the exclusion of everything else that that student does here. I think that’s detrimental to the Deerfield experience.” “Coaches need to understand the place that athletics have in our lives here at Deerfield and that we have other things to do,” Elana Van Arnam ’13 said. I also want a coach to know me outside of the
sport and care about me as more than just an athlete.” Still, some believe that students and teachers alike would benefit from professional coaches. “I think twe should bring in professional coaches because teachers have too much on their plates with having to teach classes and grade assignments. It would make us better at athletics and would get our players up to par with college level,” Shanya Hopkins ’14 said. In the end, the school would have to evaluate its priorities before it made a decision like this. “If our primary concern is winning games, then we should have professional coaches at the varsity level, but teachers should still be heavily involved to maintain a connection between faculty and students,” Reilly Simmons ’14 said. “You have to look at the purpose of sports at Deerfield,” Nina Sola ’13 said. “It historically has been to supplement education. In that way, it is better to have coaches be your teachers because it is easier to build relationships. But if the purpose of sports is just to win, then professionals are the way to go because they can put more time into coaching and would be more up to date on methods and techniques.”
by brooke horowitch Staff Writer
As Miles Smachlo ’16 concludes his first season on the Varsity Boys’ Swim team, he has established himself as an important asset to the group, which has amassed a record of 5-1-1. A versatile swimmer, he has placed i n the top ranks for a variety of races. In each, Smachlo has been recording best times this season, which are also among the highest times for the entire team. His favorite races include the 100 Fly (53 seconds), 200 Individual Medley (2:00) and the 200 Freestyle (1:48). Head Coach John Burke said, “Smachlo is among the best swimmers in the New England regular season.” Aside from competitive achievement, Smachlo has earned a reputation on the squad for his endurance, as he doesn’t tire easily. His success can be attributed to years of experience in the pool. He has swum since age four and joined the Albany Starfish three years later. In addition to the Big Communications Green, he continues to swim
with the Starfish and has qualified for the 2013 Eastern Zone Select Camp, a threeday program created by the national swim team. When asked about his experience on the team this season, Smachlo acknowledged his fellow team members. “It has been very easy to assimilate into the swimming program with great captains including Oscar Miao ‘13, Ben Wood ‘13 and Taylor Clough ‘13,” he said. Mr. Burke appreciates Miles’s “endearing personality that has become more comfortable with the season’s progression.” Mr. Burke knows the older team members recognize Smachlo’s unique abilities and believes Smachlo feels increasingly relaxed after proving himself with stellar times. The group bonds during practices, in which they often swim 6500 meters, a little over four miles. When explaining why he chose Deerfield, Smachlo said, “I liked the size of this school, as well as the feeling when I was on campus. When I visited, it was a very friendly community where I felt like I fit in.” As his first year winds down, he said, “I hope to swim my best times at New Englands and Easterns, in order to contribute to the success of the entire team.” Mr. Burke believes he can, and that the team, with Smachlo’s participation, can bring home a New England title.