Vol. LXXXVI, No. 5
NEW BONDS FORGED BY CONNECT4
DEERFIELD ACADEMY, DEERFIELD, MA 01342 November 9, 2011
SURPRISE SNOW FOR HALLOWEEN
By MALOU FLATO Staff Writer
The new communitybuilding initiatives, such as an overnight at Camp Becket along with Connect4, a corridorbased discussion program for underclassmen, have made the transition into Deerfield life easier than expected for both new and old students. On opening weekend, ninth graders departed for Camp Becket, an overnight YMCA camp located in the Berkshires. “The retreat is an immediate way to get freshmen to meet each other, and with everyone wearing the same bright green t-shirt it reminds the class that they are all here at Deerfield together,” said history teacher and member of the Residential Program Committee Rebecca Melvoin. The camp schedule included a ropes course, skits, s’mores around a campfire, and other team-building activities. “It broke up the cliquishness I imagined I would encounter and allowed me to meet day students and people I wouldn’t have met before through sports or living situations,” said Heidi Hunt ’15. However, some students feel the program could have encouraged more bonding. Kemi Akande ’15 commented, “Assigned seating might have been nice so that you felt more pressured to sit with people you didn’t know already.” Xavier Salvador ’14 shared his enthusiasm for the Connect4spurred hall conversations. “The discussions serve as great bonding time for the hall to talk about problems together and find ways to solve them.” Despite the positive responses, the Residential Program is “still an ongoing process,” reminded Dean of Students Amie Creagh.
LIMITED TIME AT SCHOOL MEETING STIRS CONTROVERSY By NICKY RAULT Staff Writer
The Gay Straight Alliance asked to allot time for their annual Coming Out Day ceremony at school meeting but could not be accommodated, due to an ongoing attempt to make school meetings more efficient and valuable. “We asked, in late September, for time during a meeting in October, preferably the fifth or the twelfth, as the eleventh was National Coming Out Day,” said GSA secretary Thomas Earle ’12. Sarah Woolf Dean of Spiritual and Ethical Life Jan Flaska, who is in charge Mother Nature played a Halloween trick, sending a premature nor’easter to campus on Saturday, October 29. of organizing school meetings, offered the group a time in December. Although the GSA has accepted this date, members have become so heated—they’re can voice our concerns or our expressed dismay that it could By NOLAN BISHOP funded by millionaires,” she said. questions about what is going not be in October, the month of Staff Writer Other reasons cited by on, we ought to take advantage national Gay-Straight-BisexualTransgender awareness. Hundreds of protesters have protesters for their continued of that,” she said. “We just wish that Mr. Flaska On the other side, Jack Vallar filled the streets of New York presence in lower Manhattan would try to prioritize the events City since mid-September voicing is the trend concerning after- ’12 said, “It perpetuates class at school meeting so important tax income. The top 1% of warfare and blames the nation’s their concerns about economic messages, like those from the inequality. Occupy Wall Street the country witnessed a 275% problems on the top one percent. GSA or any other diversity spike in after-tax income in Also, the rest of the ninetyis an ongoing protest based in alliance, get priority, especially the time period from 1979 to nine percent is being negatively downtown Manhattan. during its awareness month,” According to English Teacher 2007, while the other 99% affected by the protests.” David Keith ’13 believes that stated Earle. Gina Apostol, who traveled to witnessed a decline, according to “It seems that some or Zuccotti Park and throughout a Congressional Budget Office Occupy Wall Street has valid perhaps even most clubs aren’t study. reasons for continuing to protest. Manhattan in order to witness taken very seriously; however, “In the meantime, long- “They’ll stop when they feel the protests, “People are there for clubs like the GSA and the other fought benefits for working-class like the people who caused the dozens of reasons, both specific and wide reaching. Some like Americans are being eroded at 2008 Wall Street meltdown are alliances command more respect Obama, some hate him, some the same time that we fail to tax punished. It’s inexcusable that and attention than the average don’t care about the electoral those who reap the benefits from even three years later some club. Coming Out Day is a huge this inequality,” said Ms. Apostol. of those people have escaped deal and crucial for students to system at all.” have the support behind them... Ms. Apostol believes that, prosecution,” Keith said. Ms. Apostol stated that one The protests, inspired by the [it] allows them to express who concern she most often saw regardless of what the Wall Street protests change, people should Arab Spring uprisings, started they are,” said Trevor Andersonvoiced was over the Citizens United precedent. “The effect voice concerns, especially given about two months ago, but they Salo ’12, another GSA member. With meetings booked of a pro-corporate mentality the role that money currently show no signs of slowing down. on all of the branches of our plays in the politically-oriented Last month, angry protests broke through December, Mr. Flaska government is really a problem. forums. “As a citizen, if there is out in Rome and as many as 70 has filled every minute possible. Opportunity to change the This is part of why our elections a place in our society where we other cities around the globe. “first come, first serve” system is grim, as the schedule is already Results from the packed with announcements. “While I understand that Reaccreditation there should be a timeliness component to scheduling Survey on either end of the dormitory past four years. We are slowly By HENRY LEWIS meetings, there must be a priority and students will live in halls reclaiming them and getting this Staff Writer component, too,” said GSA Vice connecting the two ends. new dorm will allow us to restore President Emma Beck ’13. The rooms will have the these important parts of corridor Construction is well under Others defended the current way on a new dormitory where same light placement and desk- life,” explained Dean of Students school meeting policy. Student Ashley Dormitory stood last styles as rooms in Louis Marx Toby Emerson. Body President Theo Lipsky ’12, Mr. Emerson also said that year. The dorm is slated to be and John Louis. The exterior of who emcees the meetings, said, complete for use at the start of the building will consist of the the new dormitory would include “I trust Mr. Flaska’s judgment, as the 2012-2013 academic year. old Deerfield shingling seen on extra space to accommodate he knows the system better than The yet-unnamed building will Harold Smith and John Williams. exchange students who arrive at Percentage Percentage of of Disagreement Disagreement anybody else.” The building will incorporate Deerfield mid-year. by likely be an underclassman boys’ by Class Class Mr. Flaska explained, “I The dorm was designed dorm, replacing the temporary LED lights and solar-heated think school meeting is a water. A large common room by Architectural Resources Chapin Hall. place to showcase our student and Erland The dormitory will consist in the basement, washing and Cambridge body’s talents and to present of two floors of single rooms, drying machines, and an elevator Construction, Inc. is building announcements about things that it, according to Senior Project 30 rooms total, and three faculty will be part of the new dorm. could apply to any member of The size of the new dorm Manager Jeffrey Galli. Both “Discipline and other policies apartments as opposed to the 30 the student body.” He continued, are applied fairly and reflect students to one faculty apartment does not mean that the school firms have worked with Deerfield stating, “My only agenda is the core values of the school” ratio of Ashley. As in the plans to expand the student body in the past on John Louis, Louis to keep clear our message of “barbell” setup common around size. “Common rooms have Marx, Harold Smith and the timeliness by making sure that Page 2 For more Information campus, faculty housing will be all but disappeared during the Dewey Squash center. the meetings end on time.”
APOSTOL OCCUPIES WALL STREET:
COMMUNITY MEMBER REPORTS ON PROTEST
NEW DORM CONSTRUCTION BEGINS
Let’s Get Rowdy! Page 4
Little White Houses Page 5
Bump, Set, Spike Page 6
2 The Deerfield Scroll
OPINION/EDITORIAL
VOL. LXXXVI, NO. 5
Front Page SARAH WOOLF
Graphics DANIEL HAN
Opinion/Editorial ELIZABETH WHITTON
Online JAKE BARNWELL MARLY MORGUS
Arts & Entertainment HADLEY NEWTON Features DANIELLE DALTON Sports CLAIRE HUTCHINS Photography BEN BOLOTIN
Online Associate JOHN LEE Video KEVIN TANG Editorial Associates SAMMY HIRSHLAND KRISTY HONG CASEY BUTLER
Re: “Letter From the Editor: Censorship” October 11, 2011 There are things I love about the Deerfield community: the close-knit atmosphere, the relationships we develop with teachers, the opportunities to meet new people at every sit-down. But the same enveloping “bubble” can suffocate on occasions. Unlike contributors to city and national papers, students are often reluctant to take stands on issues that may contradict the views and opinions of fellow students and faculty that they must face later that day on the athletic fields, in the classroom, and in the dorms. Deerfield offers no anonymity to its students, and so we limit our own freedom of speech. The idea that others are always watching and judging creates an ironic vacuum of free speech in a community that claims to be based on “open-mindedness.” Sharing contradicting opinions is an earnest endeavor that students and faculty alike should value. An institution cannot know what it is doing right or wrong if no one dares to challenge it. There’s no way for us to know if we’re “censored” if no one bothers to try to publish anything controversial. You’re responsible for your own voice: let it be heard without worrying what anyone may think. If we leave behind a Deerfield society where no one has the nerve or cares enough to let their own voice be heard, we allow our own point of view to decay. -Dani Pulgini ’12
Advisors SUZANNE HANNAY & JOHN PALMER
Letters of Reprimand
Recently, day students were given the good news that they could now park their cars behind the Koch Center. Now however, if day students fail to park in the designated area, they are given a letter of reprimand. There was very little communication about why this change was made, and, in fact, in the online handbook it still says that the punishment for this minor offense is only accountability points. More troubling, though, is the fact that a letter of reprimand was the only punishment given in a few cases of alleged disrespect for others and harassment. What message does it send to the community, especially girls and day students, when the punishment for these alleged actions and parking a car in the wrong place are the same? If there is a reason, the community has a right to know, especially when we speak of trying to be an inclusive community and emphasize our respect for others.
564 students responded
Top 3
Negative
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.
Results of the Reaccreditation Survey Continued...
Positive
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.
November 9, 2011
Letter to the Editor
NOVEMBER 9, 2011
Editor-in-Chief ANNA GONZALES
- Discipline and other policies are applied fairly and reflect the core values of the school. 19% disagreed
- I believe that Deerfield is a safe, clean, wellorganized place. 97% agreed - I find that Deerfield provides a comprehensive program of intellectual, artistic/creative, and physical activities that meets my needs. 94%
- I feel that Deerfield has created a culture of inclusivity where all members feel welcome. 16%
- I feel that there are faculty to whom I can turn for advice both in academic and personal issues. 93%
sis of those w e analy ho d clos isag ree d
- I feel that Deerfield has helped me to develop an ethic of service. 10%
Responses to
the
s t a te
ment about inclusivity
Qaddafi’s Death: Images or Implications? Qaddafi’s death was replayed around the world on televisions, cell phones, and computers. As rebels cornered the former Libyan dictator, several bystanders pulled out their cell phones to record the historic death. Hours later, news stations played the clips, broadcasting violent images to the public. In this digital age, information collection and data exhibition are commonplace, but is it always necessary? Must we venerate images of death and violence? We should not be obsessed with the drama or theatrics of the event, but rather we should consider its implications on the future. The videos of rebels kicking Qaddafi’s dead body cannot help ease tensions in the region. International attention should be focused on rebuilding the government and organizing the rebels.
Percentages among boarding (domestic / international) and day students
Kristy Hong & Daniel Han
VIA DOMUS: The Way Home
Choate Day Cheers
By ANDREW SLADE Contributing Writer
“I smell bacon” and “God made rivers, God make lakes, God made Choate, we all make mistakes” are common cheers for students taking part in the historic rivalry with Choate Rosemary Hall. Recently however, such spirit has been discouraged. Cheering students were told that Deerfield is a community that values respect and that such cheers are insensitive. Students and cheerleaders are now are required to cheer only for Deerfield, not against the other team. We think that a decision that alters a common Deerfield tradition and practice such as our anti-Choate cheers should be discussed between students and faculty before implementation. Students do not actually intend to cook our Choate opponents when we chant “I smell bacon.” Likewise, we do not actually intend to go to “battle” when we yell the beloved Deerfield Battle Cry. The Choate Day bonfire is an important time for the student-body to get a little bit rowdy and to show some exaggerated school spirit. Burning a large C, painting our faces, and eating and chanting about some bacon is all part of the harmless rivalry fun. Every year, on the official Choate Day, Deerfield students and alumni stand out in green and white class dress, rooting on our players with fun and encouraging cheers.
A couple of years ago, I heard a senior meditation about how a student had spent his whole life at Deerfield yet could not call it his “home.” I was a new sophomore when I heard this speech at school meeting, and I didn’t really think hard about it until this summer. A year ago my father was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, and this summer he passed away. This event has acted as a magnifying glass for seeing the good in people, and I am struck by how people have risen to the occasion to help me. Last year I wrote an article about the jv football team. I
wrote about how I had felt comfortable telling the whole team that my dad had been diagnosed with cancer only a few days after we got the news. It was a unique team, and they rallied in my support as brothers. People I know well and not as well here have been compassionate and willing to help me. Friendships have flourished during the past year, with acquaintances becoming friends and friends becoming close friends. Perhaps most important has been how teachers have interacted with me. My advisor made a two-hour drive twice to see me this summer, once when my father’s health took a bad turn and then two weeks later for the
DONATE TO THE FOOD DRIVE BEFORE NOVEMBER 11!
memorial service. I never asked him to do this. He offered. Many of my teachers have opened up to me and shared their deeply personal experiences, some similar to mine. My relationships with many of them have grown into strong friendships. They have supported me and have not treated me differently just because of what was happening in my life. For me, Deerfield has been a home when I needed it, and I find it hard to think that others couldn’t call it home as well. Sure, just like everything, it has imperfections and problems, but overall it changed me and has given me a positive perspective on life when I could have easily assumed a negative one.
The Deerfield Scroll
OPINION/EDITORIAL
November 9, 2011 3
College Recruiting: Is it fair? CONscientious Scholars PROfessional Athletes Sports carry far too much weight in a system supposedly meant to produce the most academically qualified students—people who will go on to be our society’s thinkers, revolutionaries, and problem solvers. Average Deerfield seniors probably meet with their college advisor once a week and discuss SAT scores, GPAs, and essays. And then there are those who talk erg times, race times, or batting averages. These two worlds represent a dichotomy in the college admissions process. The reality is that sports recruiting has become an integral part of the path to college for many American teenagers. But in all the hype surrounding student athletes, perhaps it is time to re-examine exactly what the goals of a college education are. Have you ever heard of a person graduating with a degree in water polo or crew? We certainly have not. When you graduate from college, you do so with a specialty in an academic subject. But instead of being just a hook, sports have become the sole factor for which some students are being admitted. Top academic institutions, choir directors, theater directors, or scientific researchers are not given the opportunity to shape their programs the way coaches are. Coaches have unparalleled leverage within the admissions office in order to build the best possible team. To those who say that sports recruiting promotes a well-rounded student body, we would say that this is a very narrow vision of “well-rounded.” Sure, athletes have to conform to certain academic standards and their other co-curricular interests are probably taken into account, but not nearly to the degree that they are for nonathletes. We believe that a well-rounded student body consists first and foremost of intellectually capable individuals, who also cultivate a breadth of interests outside of the classroom. Sports is just one of many possibilities, and yet it carries the most weight. That being said, student athletes are no less capable or deserving of an education from a top institution. We are simply saying that they should be held to the same academic and co-curricular standards as anyone else in the admissions process. At the end of the day, this is not a debate about who is working harder to get into college. We recognize that both athletes and academic students devote tremendous amounts of time and energy to college admissions. But athletic recruiting makes the current college admissions system an unbalanced scale. -Meghana Vunamadala and Sophie Berube ’12
Like other student-athletes looking to play the sport they love in college, I see the recruiting process as a just way to pursue and be admitted to any school I have the desire and ability to handle. Every college or university in the nation is an academic institution. However, enormous amounts of money come in to schools through their athletic departments. Athletic teams are valuable sources of publicity and revenue. It would be impossible to eliminate the system of athletic recruiting as it stands. Could schools like Alabama, Texas, or Ohio State conceivably be asked to cut their varsity programs, which each bring in separate incomes of over $115,000,000 a year? How about schools like Stanford and Notre Dame that each, through athletics alone, make over $75,000,000 annually? I cannot control the system that dictates college recruiting. I joined the NCAA this summer as a potential recruit for Division 1 rowing and, as the smallest possible pawn in the system, have absolutely no say in what goes on behind the scenes in terms of school television rights, scholarship budgets, coaching salaries, or travel expenses. I defend athletic recruiting on the personal level. Rowing has provided a stable source of personal excellence in my life, which is the most valuable thing that Deerfield has given me so far. Off the water, I stay up later and wake up earlier than anyone I know in order to produce the highest level of class work that I can. However, this grueling effort doesn’t necessarily get plugged into a machine that churns out straight A’s at the end of every grading period. Colleges want well-rounded, intelligent and involved students, but a perfect SAT score does not mean that students will pursue their academics, or any other extracurricular options a college offers, to the fullest. What better way to determine the character of a person than through her dedication to athletics? Many say that as an athlete, I am given admission priority by colleges. I say that I am given priority simply because I will contribute more to a school in the next four years than many of my non-varsity athlete peers. I will attend all of my classes and practices while maintaining a high enough GPA to pass all of my courses. In college I will have to balance the expectations of my parents, academic advisors, coaches and teammates. On top of everything academic that is expected of all students, I will have an additional 20 hours of practice time a week. That’s 20 hours that won’t be spent drinking, Facebooking, sleeping, or eating cheap pizza. I will do all of this while also meeting expectations as the well-rounded student that the college was looking for in the first place.
Of the People, For the People, By the People: The 99% By BROOKE BURNS Contributing Writer “As one people, united, we acknowledge the reality: that the future of the human race requires cooperation of its members of that system… that a democratic government derives its just power from the people, but corporations do not seek consent to extract wealth from the people and the Earth; and that no true democracy is attainable when the process is determined by the economic power.” This quote is straight from the Occupy Wall Street manifesto written by the protestors, and defines the beat that has driven these protestors from day one on September 17, 2011. They are tired of and angry at the fact that large corporations have controlled the way countries are run, and how the government no longer works as a democracy, which is supposed to care for the majority of the people and not just the privileged 1%.
It’s obvious why the Republicans receive 1% of the vote in America when elections roll around, but you will have to explain the vote of the other 99%. In the past decades, the United States has become a country for the rich, by the rich, where every single day our laws cater more and more to the rich and less to the real person, with tax breaks for the rich, deregulation, and much more. These laws and leaders which we vote for constantly coddle the mega-rich, while they cut programs such as Planned Parenthood, the Environmental Protection Agency, college education, Social Security and health care, yet people continue to vote against their common interest and for the interest of the mega rich. Recently though, it seems as if our leaders have failed to lead and are watching the moneyed elite of America kill the middle and lower classes, and what is worse they are getting away with it. It is about time that the 99%
of America started to voice their opinion over the injustice and corruption of the system. From 1982 until today, 80% of the income generated went to the richest 1%, and their average income rose 271%, making the top 400 families in America have more money than the bottom 150 million combined. In the past decade, the lives of the moneyed elite have been too comfortable, while the lives of the average American have rapidly unraveled. While most Americans are struggling to pay their mortgage or basic bills, the top 1% are enjoying the lowest tax rates in the last 50 years. The leaders of the country ask for “shared sacrifice,” yet if you were to ask the top 400 households in America what exactly they have had to sacrifice, I doubt they would be able to come up with a single thing. But if you were to ask the average middle class American struggling just to get by, what they have had to sacrifice, they wouldn’t even know where to begin.
-Claire Hutchins ’12
CLASS OF 2011 RECRUITING BY THE NUMBERS Class Size: 192 Recruited Athletes: 36
The Americans who belong in the 99% and are on Wall Street right now, in the rain, cold, and even snow, know exactly what they are protesting and know exactly what they want. It is time for the richest 1% who control the government to stop being coddled, and it is time for the rights of the real Americans to be acknowledged and addressed. The people are real, as are their struggles, and it is time to
revert to the way government used to be run, and should be run: of the people, by the people and for the people of the United States of America. SOURCES http://occupywallst.org/ http://www.cbpp.org/cms/ http://money.cnn. com/2011/10/26/news/ economy/cbo_income/index
A Closer Look at OWS Protests: The 1% By COLE HORTON Contributing Writer The Voice of Russia, a Russian international broadcasting station, responded to the Occupy Wall Street (OWS) protests gaining worldwide popularity and momentum with “…the ‘Arab Spring’ was just a beginning of an ‘American Fall.’” Who are all of these protestors and what do they stand for? Amanda Fairbanks of the Huffington Post estimated that students “from nearly 150 college campuses across the country will participate” in the OWS protests as of late October. Along with the mass of college students, union members have also joined OWS movements. Members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) support the protests on
their website, seiu.org, and have a comprehensive list of all the OWS protest locations across the United States and Canada. Aggravated Americans have carried signs and camped out along Wall Street and other major locations in cities across the United States for over a month. However, some alarming consistencies have begun to appear among the OWS protests that criticize crucial facets of the American way of life. Homemade posters calling for political and economic ideologies like socialism, communism, and even Maoism appeared on scene from OWS New York to OWS Los Angeles. Guest speakers like Alex Callinicos (professor of European Studies at King’s College London, editor of the International Socialism journal, and author of An Anti-Capitalist
Manifesto) and Arturo Cambron of the Communist Party USA have given multiple presentations at OWS protests in which they demonize capitalism and promote ideologies America has fought wars to eliminate from the global community. More support for OWS protests has come from the leaders of the American Progressive Party. SEIU’s Stephen Lerner, a prominent member of the American Progressive Party, stated at the Chicago Progressive Conference in March 2011 that he was collaborating with others to plan “a week of civil disobedience to destabilize the folks that are in power.” Lerner went on to say that, ultimately, his goal for the movement was to “collapse the American system.” The OWS protestors have
shown tremendous courage and unity by standing for what they believe in and capturing the support of thousands of people. However, we must be careful as a nation to be aware of what they are protesting. We must pay attention and point out the posters promoting socialism, the guest speakers demonizing capitalism, and protestors like Stephen Lerner who are openly trying to “collapse the American system.” Another point we must monitor is the potential violence that could erupt at any time during OWS protests. As of late October, over 1,000 arrests have been made, according to the NYPD, for a variety of reasons including assaulting police officers and resisting arrest. In comparison, the Tea Party movement has held nearly 1,000
rallies nationwide and only one protestor was arrested. In an interview with Keith Olbermann on day six of the OWS protests, Michael Moore ensured that “Occupy Wall Street will only get bigger.” As future leaders of this country, we must understand what we are supporting if we support the OWS movement. Despite our political beliefs, we must understand that the promotion of ideologies that America has fought to avoid is becoming more and more popular among OWS protests. If protestors like Stephen Lerner reach their goals of collapsing the American system, we will all be hurt by its consequences. Sources available at: www.scroll.deerfield.edu
4 The Deerfield Scroll “Pasa el agua, por favor” and More from the Spanish Sitdown Table
By CAROLINE KJORLIEN Staff Writer
Language teachers stress that the only way to become comfortable with a language is to “speak, speak, speak.” The challenge for many students is that they have neither the time nor the environment in which to do so. Is there a way we can supplement what is learned in the classroom, allowing those who don’t spend time abroad to become more confident speakers? Last month, Laura Quazzo ’13 came up with an answer when she announced she would be starting a Spanish sit-down table. With the help of Language Department Chair and Spanish teacher Virginia Invernizzi and science teacher Julie Cullen, Quazzo devised a plan allowing students to incorporate their language into their daily lives. “I remembered a Spanish dorm that I saw when I was visiting colleges, and I thought it would improve everyone’s conversation skills,” Quazzo recalled from when she and Mrs. Cullen, Quazzo’s advisor, brainstormed ways for her to improve her Spanish. Students expressed immediate interest in Quazzo’s idea. One of them, Zatio Kone ’12, explained, “I think the Spanish table will be a great way to work on my speech in an informal and fun way. I’ve heard of language tables before but they’re usually in the context of colleges, and I think it’s great that Laura brought something unique to Deerfield. We’ll
meet often in a non-pressured environment and on top of that there will be food.” Senior Associate Director of Admissions and Assistant Director of Multicultural Programs Debra Dohrmann, the table head, agrees that a Spanish table is “an opportunity for students to engage in an intellectual interest, practice a skill, outside of the traditional academic venue—a classroom.” The Spanish table will meet as regularly as any other table and will call for a rotation. The table is a setting where students feel comfortable taking risks speaking, as everyone at the table is at approximately the same Spanish level, including Mrs. Dohrmann. Mrs. Dohrmann, known as “Dulce” to her fellow classmates, took Spanish at Deerfield for several years, and even accompanied students on the Uruguay trip this past summer. “Because I am also a student of Espanol, and not a teacher, I think that the students will be very comfortable, and comfort leads to risk-taking, and risktaking leads to making mistakes and learning from them,” explained Mrs. Dohrmann. Quazzo recognized that students might feel pressured to speak perfectly while with their own teacher. “I thought that it would be a more friendly environment if our table head was at the same Spanish level that we were, so that it wouldn’t feel like a classroom,” said Quazzo. “An hour a day can really make a difference.”
FEATURES
Ashley So The Community Service Board encourages you to donate items to the food drive, which will benefit our Franklin County neighbors in need. Donation boxes can be found in dorm common rooms.
CAPTAIN DEERFIELD & CHEERLEADERS: DON’T BE SHY! DO THE DEERFIELD BATTLE CRY!
By ELISABETH YANCEY Staff Writer
Though tropical storm Irene inundated the lower levels, inflicting a multitude of bus rides on our sports teams, and last weekend’s freak Halloween snowstorm wreaked havoc in the northeast, it seems the one thing weeks of bad weather cannot dampen is the spirit of the green and white. Though the year began in puddles, our cheerleaders and Captain Deerfield intend to ramp up the energy and excitement of this year’s Choate Day. But what gives these chipper cheerers the inspiration to hop up and down, lose their voices, and slather themselves in green paint? For Head Cheerleader Madeline Melly ’12, the school spirit of Choate Week inspired her audition for cheerleader. “When I first got here, Choate week was something that really got my attention, and being a new sophomore, I saw
DACribz: From Buckingham Palace to Wonderland
school spirit first in that week. Everything came together. I realized Deerfield had a whole life that was hidden—this sense of school spirit. I was so ready to be a part of it and love it.” For Captain Deerfield William Hess ’12, a similar love for the communal spirit of DA not only won him the role of Captain Deerfield but was also the main factor that initially drew him to campus. “Second Visit Day, I remember coming to campus and feeling this incredible sense of community. And I think this community is fueled by school spirit,” he explained. However, a love of school spirit was not the only factor in his decision to cheer. “My two older brothers went to school here, and one of them had a computer background created of him and his friends painted green being driven around by former Headmaster Eric Widmer ’57 in his old Woodie. I wanted to be a part of that spirit. Deerfield does it bigger and better than everyone
Lena Mazel
Still upset about the housing lottery? Take some hints from Luke Aaron, Nolan Doyle, Lilly Elkin, and Lena Mazel on how to make your single the “double” you wish you had.
By JUSTIN SCHLACKS Staff Writer Luke Aaron ’12 and Nolan Doyle ’12 along with Lilly Elkin ’13 and Lena Mazel ’13 continue to re-invent the concept of the double room. Both pairs of roommates have moved their desks into one room and their beds into the other, thus creating a sleeping room and a study room. Aaron and Doyle, inspired by their freshman year proctors, wanted to create the ideal “hang out room” for their Xboxobsessed Field 3 proctees. “As people enter the Buckingham Palace,” quipped Doyle, referring to the sleeping room, “they are struck with its comfortable feel and sheer manliness.” Aaron, who is credited with the layout of the sleeping room, chose to bunk the beds allowing room for the ultimate gaming environment consisting of a two-seater futon, an impressive monitor and surround-sound
speakers. Equally notable is Aaron’s top bunk, dressed in a Toy Story blanket, and described as “the best place to watch a movie.” Doyle was put in charge of the study room, and went with a relatively simple but clean design. He placed the desks at opposing sides of the room, hung a Wayne’s World poster, and left the rest empty to allow room for “active studying.” “Nolan is crazy,” claimed proctee Maximilian McEvoy ’15. “I can always hear him screaming and running around in the study room. I just don’t understand his habits.” Meanwhile, Mazel and Elkin doubled two years ago, and, although this year they signed up for a double, they were given two singles on Poc II. “I missed having Lena as my roommate,” commented Elkin, “and when we were given singles again, Lena came up with the idea to merge the two rooms into a makeshift double.”
Entering their sleeping room, one instantly notes the relaxing vibe of the space. The walls are covered in darker-colored posters. A black rug lies in the middle of the room, and the two beds covered in navy duvet comforters lie in an L-shape against the walls. “People love to come to our room to hang out,” stated Mazel, “and although sometimes it can get tiresome, Lilly and I really enjoy all the company.” In contrast, their Alice in Wonderland-themed study room is filled with vibrant colors. The room contains both desks piled full with books and materials, and exudes the qualities of an ideal creative work environment. Both pairs of roommates, although they claim it can get frustrating to go back and forth between the two rooms, are satisfied with the set-up and believe that dedicating one room to studying and one room to sleeping serves as a viable alternative to doubling.
else,” Hess said. Alaina Belanger ’12 was also influenced by an older sibling in her decision to pursue cheerleading. “I saw my sister Erica Belanger ’09 on stage freshman year and it looked like a lot of fun. I love the tradition here. The moment you step on stage, you get chills,” she recalled. However, stepping on stage is not all fun and games. Head Cheerleader Leslie Francois ’12 joked, “No one ever tells you about the hair on the back of your legs being singed off at the bonfire.” Apart from designing Choate Day t-shirts and discovering elaborate techniques to paint their famous megaphones, the cheerleaders and Captain Deerfield may have a surprise for the student body. “We’re all pumped. Since the hurricane, there’s been a dearth of school spirit,” Hess commented, referring to this season’s lack of home games, before finishing, “Let’s get a little bit rowdy.”
KEEPING “BZZZZZY”: HARVESTING HONEY
By CHARLOTTE ALLEN Staff Writer
Ben Bolotin
November 9, 2011
The greenhouse behind Johnson-Doubleday has never been thought of as a hub of student life or activity, but that stereotype is about to change for the better. Any close friends of Elizabeth Eastman ’13 would be aware of a project she has been working on since spring of freshman year. But many students will be flabbergasted to hear that—thanks to Eastman— Deerfield Academy is home to a hive of honeybees. Eastman has kept beehives at her house since she was five years old, and when she decided to attend Deerfield, she brought them with her. “It’s how I’ve grown up,” she said. The bees have “always been in my backyard, and I wanted to continue what I have been doing.” The Eastmans bought a single hive, also known as a “super,” which Eastman visits at least once a week in the fall and spring, feeding the bees sugar water and covering the hive with a protective coating in the winter so they can survive. This fall, Eastman was able to collect twelve jars of honey from the hive. Since it was not enough to give to the dining hall, she gave some away to members of the faculty and administration, including Head of School Margarita Curtis herself. When asked about the honey, Ms. Curtis exclaimed, “I have been putting the honey in my Greek yogurt every morning,
and enjoying it immensely.” Ms. Curtis even admitted to telling U.S. Poet Laureate and Academy Event speaker W. S. Merwin about the honey. Although when offered honey to take home to Hawaii, he said it would be “difficult to carry,” Mr. Merwin was very impressed. Eastman is not the only one who cares for the bees. Over the years she has brought friends with her not only for assistance, but also with the idea of showing them the ropes. Jinane Achi ’13 commented, “The first time I helped Elizabeth, I was intimidated by her suit, and a little afraid of the bees, but they are actually not hostile at all. I love going along with her and seeing what it’s like to produce your own honey, and the best part is definitely getting to eat it because it’s delicious.” Eastman expressed her wish to getting a bee-keeping group together as well as a few more hives, with the goal of having honey actually make an impact on the school. In a few years, students could potentially have homemade honey on their toast at breakfast, if some take advantage of this opportunity. “It’s a fun experience, and someone is going to need to entertain those bees next year,” exclaimed Achi. With just a little interest shown from the student body, morning meals could improve drastically. Photos of Eastman tending her beehive are available online @scroll.deerfield.edu
5 The Deerfield Scroll
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
November 9, 2011
Where in the World is Ilse Kapteyn? By DELANEY BERMAN section of the Bolshoi. I am so and threw myself completely happy for her,” gushed Shevzov- behind the idea. Ilse needs to and RITCHEY HOWE Zebrun. follow this dream of hers.” Staff Writers
Zoe Perot’s Canal Reflections currently hangs in the Hilson Gallery.
Connecting Cultures Through Round Square Photo Competition By TARA MURTY Staff Writer Capturing moments of symbolism, contrasts, and depth, Zoe Perot ’12, Marissa Morte ’12 and Lindsay Stevens ’12 won the three first-place awards at the Round Square photo competition this fall. The exhibition in the Hilson Gallery weaves together travels and the ideals of Round Square through a collage of unique photographs taken worldwide. Perot said, “During my time in Holland last year, I would look outside my window for inspiration.” Seeing the buildings across the canal and their swirled reflections upon the water, she said, “The whole idea of distorting what was actually there connects to having to discover and dig a little deeper to understand [Holland’s customs] despite cultural barriers.” Competition judge and art teacher David Dickinson echoed the notion of finding cultural metaphors within Perot’s photograph. In the ripples of the canal’s water, he observed, “The symbols are indigenous to different civilizations [such as] the Eskimos and [Native Americans]...The compilation of symbols are civilizations being reflected in the canal.” Morte chose to capture and submit a scene of the Italian seaside because of its contrasts. She said, “The fiery red and orange buildings not only contrasted with the crystal clear
blue water of Italy, but also the brick buildings of Deerfield Academy.” Mr. Dickinson noted, “The tightly-packed buildings speak to the human condition of people stacked on top of each other.” Finding a juxtaposition, he, like Morte, compared the scene to American architecture: “As opposed to Manhattan skyscrapers, [the series of buildings] looks like children’s blocks piled together [with the] playfulness of primary colors.” The happiness that radiated from a South African pre-school boy named Lingomso appealed to Stevens during her volunteer experience in an outreach program this summer near Cape Town. “Lingomso and the other children in the pre-school would take tires and push themselves on the cement because their only toys were the trash around them,” explained Stevens. She added that despite this, “The children were all just so happy.” Mr. Dickinson noted, “The child is clearly from an arid land, but his smile, the rain boots, and his sitting in a tire are like floating on a river in an inner tube.” Holly Taylor ’13, who organized the competition said, “Standing at the front of the gallery and seeing the collection was like looking through a treasure box.” She concluded, “Round Square emphasizes cross-cultural interactions and makes it easier to see how connected we are through proof, like photos.”
“I’ve only seen one or two dancers in twenty-three years of her caliber…and that other dancer was her sister,” said Director of Dance Jennifer Whitcomb of former student Ilse Kapteyn ’12. This summer, Kapteyn journeyed to Russia along with her sister Ingrid Kapteyn ’09, Nina Shevzov-Zebrun ’12, and other dancers from East Street Ballet in Hadley, MA, to study at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy. Kapteyn’s teacher from East Street, Irina Vakhromeeva, arranged the two-week trip. During the visit, some of the school’s year-round faculty observed Kapteyn in her classes and invited her to come back to train for the entire year. “Ilse went to the summer program with the hopes of earning a spot in the Academy’s program for international students. After this year, Ilse can audition with the main Russian
Artist of the Issue: Sierra Janik
Little, white wooden houses have sprung up around campus with quotations from the works of poet Emily Dickinson written on all sides. This massive modern art installation was brought to Deerfield by junior Peter Krasznekewicz. “The idea was to have an interactive art project that is incorporated into the community. I want people to look at the words and think about them. What do they mean? I want to start discussions,” explained Krasznekewicz. Inspired by the artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude, who designed the Central Park Gates in New York City in 2005, Krasznekewicz also found creative stimulation in his family. “My sister has always been a huge Emily Dickinson fan, and she had this cardboard house when she was little. She named it ‘Emily.’ My Dad and I came up with the idea, but it was all thanks to her,” he elaborated.
Bringing everything together to make the exhibit and get it going was not an easy or quick process at all. “I really started working on it during my sophomore year,” Krasznekewicz said. “I had to prepare a proposal and present it to the senior staff to get permission. I also had to contact the Emily Dickinson museum and get permission to use her quotes. They were actually really helpful in picking them out.” Krasznekewicz was not alone. “I had a lot of help from art teacher Tim Trelease and my family,” noted Krasznekewicz. “Also, we got a lot of volunteers from town to help us build them. It took over three hundred pieces of plywood to build all the houses. I’m so thankful to everyone who helped.” The exhibit has not received a wholly positive response. Some students commented negatively on the art. A group of senior boys even moved two of the houses off the “senior grass” in front of the Main School Building. “I knew I wouldn’t get
Kapteyn aspires to be a professional ballerina. “Like many young dancers, Ilse’s ultimate dream is to dance for ABT (American Ballet Theatre) in New York City,” Mrs. Kapteyn elaborated. In addition to daily ballet and pointe classes, Kapteyn participates in more specialized classes focused on historical dance forms, character dance, acting, choreography, and stretching for a total of about seven hours a day. Kapteyn is also studying Russian daily and hopes to be fluent by the end of the year. Although the Deerfield dance program has certainly lost an incredibly talented senior ballerina, Ms. Whitcomb and Kapteyn’s peers are happy for her. Ms. Whitcomb noted that “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Her time is now.” Editor’s Note: Ilse Kapteyn could not be reached for an interview due to internet issues in Russia.
Strolling down Albany Road, you can often hear chattering voices in the distance, but once in a while, if you hear the distinct sound of someone whistling or singing down the road, chances are, it is Sierra Janik ’13. Hailing from the small town of Shrewsbury, Vermont, Janik has been singing since she was in second grade. But before she started singing at the adults’ church choir in third grade, “I had never seen a complicated score, and I learned by doing it,” Janik said. Growing up surrounded by the sounds of her father’s country music radio station, Janik has had a variety of singing experiences ranging from world music in various languages to folk and choral music. However, Janik’s musical background extends beyond the realm of singing. Though her favorite form of music has always been vocal, she also plays
the guitar and the piano. Since she came to Deerfield two years ago, she has been featured as the advanced madrigal choir’s soloist in a variety of pieces, including Fauré’s Requiem and the spiritual “Ride the Chariot.” “A good soloist has to have vocal control, the ability to project and carry, and an expressive voice that has a somewhat distinct color,” commented Music Director Daniel Roihl. Mr. Roihl explained that Janik was chosen to be featured as the soloist for “Ride the Chariot” because of “her comfort level with the range of it,” as well as his confidence that she would be able to learn it quickly enough under the time constraint. The piece had to be finished before the Imagine Deerfield fund-raising event in New York City. At this event, Janik and the madrigal choir performed before more than 800 people. For Janik, singing is not only a passion, but also an important
a hundred-percent approval on them, but I wanted and expected that. I want to start discussions and disagreements. That was the whole point,” Krasznekewicz said. In addition to sparking discussion, the installation is also contributing to the world off campus. Once the exhibit is finished, the houses will be broken down, and the 100% recycled plywood will be donated to Habitat for Humanity, which use the materials to make real houses for those in need. “I really wanted this to be an eco-friendly art project,” said Krasznekewicz. “Everything is going right back into the community. Once it’s done, there will be absolutely no waste from the project.” The houses will remain on campus until November 4, when they will be moved to the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst. From there, the houses will be transported to the Boston Children’s Hospital, before being broken down and donated to Habitat for Humanity.
Louisa Schieffelin One of the Peter Krasznekewicz-designed houses stands on the front lawn in front of the Civil War monument.
By STEFANI KUO Staff Writer
Peter Krasznekewicz Brings Modern Art and Dickinson to Campus
By CASEY BUTLER Editorial Associate
Ilse is the daughter of Kirsten Kapteyn, Bement School faculty member, and the late Jamie Kapteyn, who was a member of the Deerfield English faculty. When Kapteyn’s mother was asked if she was at all hesitant about letting her daughter leave high school to focus completely on her ballet training, Mrs. Kapteyn replied, “Yes, I was worried about her leaving Deerfield and taking time off to train before finishing high school, especially as she probably will not go to college in the near future if this year of training is successful and prepares her to jump right into a career as a ballet dancer in a professional company either abroad or here, as she hopes.” Explaining how she was able to let go of Ilse, Mrs. Kapteyn explained, “With the encouragement of several wise Deerfield faculty members, within a few days of our return from Russia in August, I had overcome my conventional fears
Louisa Schieffelin
part of her life and identity. As she explained, “If there’s an opportunity to sing, I will take it, no matter what.” “I have definitely built up my confidence and Deerfield has helped with that because of all the opportunities I have here. I am still relatively new to soloing, but I truly enjoy it,” said Janik, who was a sophomore declamation winner. When asked about why she enjoys singing so much, Janik said, “I think it’s safe to say I’m a pretty emotional person. So much of singing is about emotions and expressing emotions. That may be partly why I’m so drawn to it.”
6 The Deerfield Scroll
The Ponderings of a PG Part Two: Thuc Phan By CLAIRE HUTCHINS Sports Editor The Scroll sat down with leading football scorer and track star Thuc Phan to talk about the fabulous fifth year of high school. Scroll: Was it difficult to shift your loyalty to Deerfield after playing for a different school for the past four years? Phan: I’m still getting used to all the traditions here. School pride was really big back in North Carolina at my old school [Greensboro Paige] and I find it flattering that kids at Deerfield have so much school spirit. Scroll: Do you find Deerfield more restrictive than your old school? Phan: I do, but I understand why its programs are so rigorous. At times it’s been an insane adjustment, but that’s why I came here. At my old school it seemed like there wasn’t enough time in the day to get everything done, but it’s really helpful that everything here is scheduled for you. Scroll: Why did you decided to become a PG? Phan: I have a great family friend from home who is like a second dad to me. He graduated from Deerfield in the class of 1979. Even in my sophomore year of high school he encouraged me to research going to boarding school. I really wanted to pursue football in college and Deerfield seemed like a great place to combine both the academics and athletics that I needed to be recruited.
SPORTS
Scroll: What do you like the most about Deerfield? Phan: I really like Deerfield’s inclusive community that combines the importance of sports and classes. I get really good academics with great teachers and more playing time here with great coaches. Scroll: How have your parents reacted to your decision to come from North Carolina to Deerfield after graduating? Phan: They’ve been incredible. They always have my back and never put too much pressure on me. They want me to be the best that I can be and support all of my interests. My dad calls me up a lot to remind me of how lucky I am to be here and to take advantage of every opportunity I am given. Scroll: What do you want to study after Deerfield? Phan: Last year I did an intensive project where I shadowed doctors, physicians and trainers. I really enjoyed it so I’ll probably pursue sports medicine in college.
November 9, 2011
SPEX SOCCER: TAKING CHOATE BY STORM
By JON VICTOR Staff Writer Deerfield’s Special Exercise or “Spex” program has been preparing all season for the single moment in which they will come together as one team for the annual Deerfield-Choate Spex soccer game. The tradition is about ten years old, and a game has taken place
every year since its inception. The Spex squad consists of approximately forty senior boys and girls who work out together in the fitness center after classes, Monday through Thursday each week, usually doing off-season training for their main sports. Ben Masella ’12 anticipates the match with intensity and determination. “Choate Day is one of the most celebrated
BODY BY MITCHELL By CARLY REILLY Staff Writer Whether bringing out the invaluable, freshly- laundered gym towels, resetting the equipment, or working in her office, Fitness Center Manager Emma Mitchell is a widely recognized Deerfield figure and a wonderful asset to the community. Ms. Mitchell has already made a significant impact on sports teams and individuals alike by customizing workout plans for those interested in better meeting their fitness goals. “Students come to me with a range of requests,” Ms. Mitchell explained. “Some want to improve on something as
specific as hockey pivots, while others are simply looking for general fitness.” Her programs offer something for everyone, which might explain why she has devised over 35 programs so far this year. “Ms. Mitchell rocks. She has helped us focus on what our sport needs,” winter diver Marina Vranos ’12 explained. “She likes short, quick, repetitive workouts, and has definitely given us a challenging, but baseline program which we will build on.” Patrick Koch ’13, who is training for hockey, noted, “I haven’t been working with Ms. Mitchell for very long, but already I’ve seen some major improvements.” Part of Ms. Mitchell’s success comes from
Deerfield traditions and takes competitiveness to another level, Masella explained. “Playing first thing in the morning, our Spex team is looking to help set the tempo for the rest of the day.” To prepare for the event, the athletes are continuing to follow their regular workout programs. “We don’t want to over-prepare,” said Spex advisor Brendan Creagh. “We have to make sure
we’re fresh and ready”. T-shirts to be worn as team uniforms on Choate Day were ordered, printed with the intimidating title “Spex Fall 2011.” “We’re excited for the game and really pumped to play,” exclaimed Spex’s prospective goalie, Marina Vranos ’12, while pumping iron (above right with Danielle DeNunzio ’12 .
her understanding of the hectic Deerfield lifestyle. She begins by finding out how much time each individual realistically has to devote to the gym—how many days a week and for how long— while requiring students to take time for rest. Ms. Mitchell spoke of the importance of having time off, mentioning the adverse effects that too much exercise can have on the body while also acknowledging the importance of Deerfield weekends. “Saturdays and Sundays are sacred,” she declared. “Students should be able to enjoy prep school life.” To this end, Ms. Mitchell keeps plans flexible, always happy to make adjustments with a student’s changing needs. But Ms. Mitchell also recognized the limits of her role and opts to stick with what she knows best. “I have talked about nutrition,”
she acknowledged, “but I’m not a registered nutritionist. I simply discuss healthy choices, like good carbohydrates you’ll find on campus, and about protein and healthy fats.” She steers clear of the topic of weight loss altogether, focusing instead on how to be healthy. “I think the tendency here at school is for people to feel like they need to be losing weight and really that’s not the case.” Ms. Mitchell said. She instead emphasizes the importance of food for energy “whether you’re just sitting in class or have practice at the end of the day.” She explained how she prefers “to educate people on what they should eat if they want to feel healthy and content.” Ms. Mitchell concluded, “I want to help everyone feel good, whether that person is an athlete or just someone wanting to feel a bit healthier.” So far, her plans seem to be working out.
Deerfield vs. Choate Athletics Statistics
Scroll: What sport do you plan to play in college? Phan: I do football and track. I plan to do the 100, 200, 4x100, and long jump in the spring, but I’m only looking to play football after high school. Scroll: What’s the weirdest thing that has happened to you since coming to Deerfield? Phan: Once I stepped on the seal because I didn’t know what it meant. Someone really called me out for that so I went back later, knelt down, and kissed it.
Marly Morgus Courts Success By RYAN LOGIE Staff Writer
Many athletes are praised for their accomplishments in a particular sport, but it is rare to find one who excels in many different fields. Marly Morgus ’12 is the varsity volleyball captain and in addition to dominating the net in her main sport, she captains varsity skiing in the winter, and rows for varsity crew in the spring. When asked what has been the most exciting moment so far for varsity volleyball, Morgus enthusiastically said, “It was amazing when we beat Hotchkiss this year. It’s the first we’ve beaten them in a really, really long time. We won 3-2 in a home game, which only made it better.” Morgus discussed her volleyball team’s prospects this season. “It’s hard to compare the team year to year because we always lose seniors and think we’re going to be bad,” she laughed. “But we have a lot of young girls who are showing tons of promise and a solid returning
core, so the team has been great so far this year.” Contributing to that greatness is the new coaching staff. After Coach and English teacher Michael Schloat switched to boys’ cross country and Coach Cathy Markowski took a position at Worcester Poly Tech, math teaching fellow and Coach Miriam Singer and Coach John Pineo have stepped into fill those roles. “The new coaches have great energy and are very enthusiastic,” said Morgus. Morgus gave advice on how to juggle the fields, classrooms, and social world of Deerfield. “My advice for balancing everything would be to keep it all separate. You have to understand that once a practice or a game is over, it’s over, and you can’t let that get it the way of other things,” she said. Morgus also advised Deerfield athletes in general to “embrace being an athlete. Sports are one of my favorite parts of Deerfield. Being able to see the school spirit and share it with a team just adds to the package.”