Vol. LXXXV, No. 6
DEERFIELD ACADEMY, DEERFIELD, MA 01342
Path to Finding Success:
2011 Pathways
By JACQUI COLT and HENRY LEWIS Staff Writers While many students merely see January as the deepest winter month, it represents a significant event for seniors: Pathways. This annual program allows seniors to learn about fields of interest for the future, connects alumni to Deerfield, and develops ties between students and alumni. Each year, a unique group of ten alumni return to talk to seniors about the paths they have taken in their post-Deerfield lives. This year’s speakers represent a wide variety of interesting career fields, from working within the government’s homeland security program (Matt King ’77) to activism against human trafficking (Emily Pataki ’97). Other members of the 2011 Pathways program are Sara di Bonaventura ’01, a students’ support coordinator for a high school in Boston; Ana Edwin ’02, a human resources analyst for Goldman Sachs; Andy Ling ’77, who specializes in copyright and intellectual property; George Mesires ’87, a partner at Ungaretti & Harris LLP who specializes in corporate restructuring and bankruptcy; Dave Miller ’97, a financial investor; Ayr Muir ’96, CEO of Clover Fast Food, Inc.; Meg Nolan ’97, a published young adult author and travel journalist; and Richard Prum ’79, a professor of ornithology at Yale. According to Director of Alumni Relations Mimi Morsman, who is in charge of the Pathways program in conjunction with the 2011 Pathways Committee, the program has two main goals: “connecting alumni to Deerfield and connecting students to alumni.” Another goal of the program is to show seniors that the path to success is not always straight and
easy. Each year’s program tries to bring in alumni who found their callings after initial uncertainty. Mr. Ling, a popular returning Pathways speaker from last year, talked about this issue in an emailed response to the Scroll. “I didn’t physically develop until college,” said Mr. Ling. “Then, my martial arts and Olympic training took off, and I met people from all over the world, incorporating a training regimen, which helps me today with my personal and professional life.” Based on his experience, Mr. Ling “supports a liberal arts education rather than focusing on a certain discipline,” and believes that all a person needs to succeed are the three fundamental areas: “Research, writing, and analysis.” Mr. King echoed Mr. Ling’s sentiments. Mr. King plans to talk about his “life as a Special Agent” and life of service for the government. He admitted that he also had no idea that his life would take this course after majoring in English literature at Wesleyan. Despite not having his career planned at his high school graduation, Mr. King said his experience at Deerfield played a large role in shaping his future. “I credit DA for my work ethic, my sense of camaraderie, and my intense pride in belonging to a larger whole,” he said. “Deerfield also let me explore boundaries and gave me the latitude to find myself,” said Mr. King. Last week, seniors picked their preferences for which seminars they would like to attend. On January 6, students will find out their assignments, and on the 16th, seniors will attend two seminars and then attend a brunch where students and alumni can meet on a more personal level. “If there’s one senior who connects with one alumnus, it’s a great success,” said Mrs. Morsman.
STUDENT COUNCIL UPDATE AT MIDYEAR • The deans’ new housing proposal does not give priority to any students. This proposal was drawn upon Student Council’s proposal, and will be announced on January 4. • The Council website is on DAnet and will feature an online ballot box in the spring. • Nominations for school meeting emcees will be accepted over break. • The clarified DA to Z policy regarding the school’s disciplinary reach is pending publication.
p. 4 Get a “Little” taste of geology
December 15, 2010
Gina Apostol Receives Philippine Book Award
LOCAL HERO
By NINA SHEVZOV-ZEBRUN Staff Writer
Alex Berner Charlie Marsh, a stone mason in the Deerfield Grounds Department, found a missing 7-year-old Conway boy on Thanksgiving morning, after more than one hundred police, firefighters, and community members spent an entire night searching for the boy. “I saw the boy’s little head bobbing... I was happy to see him,” said Mr. Marsh.
Amnesty Advocates for Fair Trade Products on Campus By CHARLES JONES and MADDIE LANE Staff Writers Inspired by Ben Skinner, a recent Amnesty-sponsored speaker and modern-day anti-slavery activist, the club is pursuing fair trade alternatives on campus. One of Amnesty’s first goals is to substitute the coffee in the Koch Center with a completely fair trade version. “We have contacted Dean’s Beans, a fair trade coffee distributor,” said Amnesty head KG Kaelin ’11. Dean’s Beans is a local company that provides organic and fair trade coffee, and already supplies the coffee in the dining hall. According to its website, Green Mountain Coffee, the main provider of the Koch Center coffee, attempts to uphold a fair trade commitment. However, the New York Times reported that only 30% of the company’s coffee is actually fair trade, compared to 100% for Dean’s Beans. Kaelin went on to explain the importance of fair trade. “Often, the coffee we consume is a function of human trafficking or other forms of labor exploitation. Making the conscious decision to consume fair trade coffee, in turn, is indicative of a greater consciousness of one’s impact as a consumer.” Joel Thomas-Adams, English teacher and the faculty advisor for Amnesty, said that “many schools we are compared to have already made the switch” to fair trade and environmentally friendly products, and Deerfield is well on the way to following suit. The club also hopes to evaluate the sustainability of the Keurig K-Cups currently in the Koch Center and possibly revive the
p. 5 Alaina Belanger ’12 in The Nutcracker
use of coffee pots as a more environmentally friendly option. Amnesty also looked to take advantage of the recent dining hall survey by giving feedback regarding the use of ethical and sustainable food products on campus. “We should care about where our products come from,” Mr. Thomas-Adams said. “Deerfield strives to be an ethical community,” said Mr. Thomas-Adams, and “an ‘ethical community’ acts in concretely ethical ways. Therefore, one of Amnesty’s goals is to make the ‘ethical community’ a reality in terms of what we buy and what we consume.” Spurred on by Skinner to further combat modern-day slavery, the Amnesty group will continue to write letters to a Massachusetts senator. “We wrote, signed, and sent letters to Senator John Kerry, urging him to reconsider antislavery legislation in Massachusetts, one of the only states without any kind of anti-slavery law,” explained member Anna Gonzales ’12. Amnesty screened a documentary on human trafficking to continue the discussion Skinner sparked on the topic of slavery and labor exploitation on December 7. In the immediate future, Amnesty looks to bring Dean Cycon of Dean’s Beans to campus to speak to students about the significance of fair trade. Gonzales concluded, “Across the political spectrum, basic human rights are something anyone can agree upon, and that’s what Amnesty is all about.” For Additional Information: www.deansbeans.com www.greenmountaincoffee.com
English teacher and novelist Gina Apostol received the 2010 Philippine National Book Award for Fiction last month for her work, The Revolution According to Raymundo Mata. The novel, largely based on various Filipino generals’ memoirs and other primary sources, discusses the unsuccessful Philippine Revolution through the eyes of a partially-blind general, Raymundo Mata, who proves more concerned with reading and writing than with war. According to Ms. Apostol, the fictional memoir centers on a “shadow version of a real Filipino national hero…a poet and writer killed by Spaniards.” The novel intertwines fictional historical analysis with the general’s memoir. Copious footnotes by “two editors gone crazy,” explained Ms. Apostol, help shed light on the true history behind the story Mata conveys. In writing the novel, Ms. Apostol thought about “[her] country from a distance.” “Every story can be told in so many ways,” said Ms. Apostol, remarking that the best known versions of war stories are usually those told by the victors. She looked to share the story of “all the other people”: the Filipinos who lost the war as Spain sold the country to America. Indeed, according to the Philippine National Book Development Board, Ms. Apostol’s novel is “a firecracker of words,” and “affirms, if it still needs to be affirmed, the power of fiction to shape and reshape the gaps in the narratives of our history as a nation.” Luis Francia of the Philippine Global Nation Inquirer praised the work as a “construction of the past that is still there.” Faced with the challenge of writing about Philippine history while in America, Ms. Apostol intended for the novel “to be read back at home.” She sought to reconnect with the people living in the Philippines, “bringing back the stories of [real] generals and heroes to Filipinos who don’t read them.” Receiving the Philippine National Book Award for Fiction, a prestigious prize not awarded last year, helped inform Ms. Apostol that she achieved her goal of writing about Philippine history for the Philippine population. “It feels good to know people at home are reading and valuing the novel,” said Ms. Apostol.
p. 6 Girls’ ski team stoked to shred
2 The Deerfield Scroll
OPINION/EDITORIAL
December 15, 2010
What’s on Your Wish List? VOL. LXXXV, NO. 6
December 15, 2010 Editor-in-Chief ELISABETH STRAYER
Front Page YUJIN NAM
Layout Editor SARAH KIM
Opinion/Editorial AUDREY CHO
Photo Editor ALEX BERNER
Arts & Entertainment GRACE MURPHY
Photo Associate MALOU FLATO
Features FREDDY ROCKWOOD
Business Manager CASEY BUTLER
Sports EMMETT KNOWLTON
Editorial Associates DANIELLE DALTON ANNA GONZALES THEO LIPSKY ANDREW SLADE LIBBY WHITTON SARAH WOOLF
Online Editor JAKE BARNWELL Online Associate MARLY MORGUS
World peace - A. Slade Spring cycling apparel - R. Louis I just want to get my braces off - T. Harris Steelers making it to the Superbowl - A.Cho A pair of Dumbledore’s socks - S. Woolf A dog to have at my room at DA - L. Whitton A car...My parents laughed at me - T. Earle A menorah in the dining hall - T. Lipsky A small Cézanne - J. Palmer A girlfriend - Q. Smith
Advisors SUZANNE HANNAY & JOHN PALMER STAFF REPORTERS: Nastassia Adkins, Charlotte Allen, Raja Atluri, Lizz Banalagay, Delaney Berman, No-
Compiled by Audrey Cho & Elisabeth Yancey
lan Bishop, Casey Butler, Caitlin Cleary, Jacqueline Colt, Charlie Cory, Ross Gordon, Philip Heller, Sonja Holmberg, Kristy Hong, Claire Hutchins, Charles Jones, Jade Kasoff, Mac Kelley, Joshua Kim, Caroline Kjorlien, Stefani Kuo, Maddie Lane, Henry Lewis, Sha Li, Daniel Litke, Ryan Logie, Miranda McEvoy, Annie McLendon, Courtney Murray, Hadley Newton, Emily Ng, Nicky Rault, Carly Reilly, Justin Schlacks, Nina Shevzov-Zebrun, Sharon Tam, Tabata Viso, Kyle Wellner, Elisabeth Yancey, Hyun Yang, Nicholle Yu STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Ben Bolotin, Megan Cai, Sarah Cox, Hannah Dancer, Will Fox, Daniel Han, Nina Kempner, Susanna Kvam, Louisa Schieffelin, Blair Scott
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 solely represent the views of the respective writers. Opinion articles without names represent the consensus views of the editorial staff unless otherwise specified.
Winter Thank You’s
As frost covers the campus each morning and students don UGGs and Bean boots, the grounds and maintenance crews remain hard at work. As soon as the first flakes fall upon the icy walkways, workers shovel snow and spread salt on the paths. Winter is tough on Deerfield Academy, and we are never more thankful for the efforts of Physical Plant than when we slog through the snow and slush to get to class and sports practices. We also greatly appreciate the rapid responses to any heating troubles in the dormitories and those who work in the kitchens to prepare such favorites as the famous Christmas dinner. We at the Scroll encourage you to thank everyone who works every day to make our campus a better place.
Current Events, Anyone? Despite recent major news concerning WikiLeaks, bombings in Korea, and the debate over tax cuts, there has been little political discussion on campus. The Scroll would like to remind everybody that although it may seem difficult to find time to read through an article, we need to stay up to date on the world outside our much spoken of “bubble,” even if it means scanning through the day’s headlines. An organized discussion of current events in the classroom would be ideal, even for five minutes once a week. Or how about a current events elective in the spring, especially for seniors who are about to venture into a greater community? If the classroom setting seems unlikely to bring up current events, why not start conversation at sit-down meals, killing two birds with one stone—providing inclusive conversation and updating each other about what’s going on in the world? Take it upon yourselves to enrich discussion and bring up any current events that cross your path.
How to Bring the Family Together By SARAH KIM Layout Editor During Thanksgiving break, I was flipping through the most recent issue of The New Yorker. I encountered a personal yet relatable article called “Magical Dinners: An Immigrant Thanksgiving” by Chang-rae Lee, a renowned Korean-American novelist. After having read one of his works, A Gesture Life, just this past summer, I was thrilled to see his name spread out across the Recollections page of The New Yorker. His personal reflections on Thanksgiving touched me. Lines such as “…my mother, who is fretting over the turkey” and “… aprons stained with grease and kimchi juice” were especially pertinent to me, for I have shared similar experiences as a Korean immigrant. Absorbing Lee’s lines, I pictured myself back at my old house in Michigan. It was Thanksgiving, and my mother had invited her new Korean friends to the house. Thanksgiving was a strange custom for the Korean families who had just begun to settle in the area, and my mother believed that it would serve as a great opportunity for everyone to become better acquainted. My mother, as the host of the grand feast, had assumed the job
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to
Wendy Shepherd and to her family on the death of her father JIM SHEPHERD 1922 - 2010
struggling, experiencing the same adversities as she was. For them, even the partially uncooked turkey was something to laugh about. Thanksgiving wasn’t about the food, but about the atmosphere it created. This year, unlike my first Korean Thanksgiving, I had the joy of spending the occasion with a true American family. Although it was quite different from my first Thanksgiving in many aspects—including the perfectly roasted turkey—it provided me with some of the same sensations that I had felt then, such as the love of a family. So, no matter if you’re an immigrant, like me, or someone who has no background in Thanksgiving, I believe it holds one universal message for everyone who celebrates it: the notion of a family and the joy you find in sharing it with others. Everyone loves to be loved and thanked. With Christmas at our doorstep, we are once again reminded of the joy of holidays. I look forward to this upcoming winter break when I will go to Korea to finally join my family whom I haven’t seen in what seems like ages—like many others here. The magic of holidays, whether it is Thanksgiving or Christmas, is that they enable families to come together, even ones who have been separated for a long time.
Letter to the Editor
Go Green on Campus
If we wish to be an environmentally conscious school, we should pay attention to changes we could institute in our daily lives. Meatless Mondays would allow more of students’ favorites such as macaroni and cheese. Being a green school requires more than using renewable sources in the Greer store and the Koch cafe. The yearlong Green Cup Challenge may help us, but it’s up to us to truly bleed green.
of preparing the turkey and was now reading off directions from a page in her cooking magazine called “How to Cook a Turkey.” After checking to see the relative time it would take to cook the big bird, she began frantically running about the kitchen, looking for various utensils and yapping about the lack of time she had to prepare the meal. While my mother concentrated on the turkey, swinging the oven door open now and then, I welcomed the guests who held in their hands plates of stuffing, pie, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Aside from the American Thanksgiving dishes, however, various Korean delicacies—jabchae, bulgogi, pa-jun, and kimchi —gave variety to the table. So there I was, sitting at the table quietly devouring the food. I watched my mother as she conversed with the guests, complimenting them on their dishes and exchanging recipes. It was then I finally understood what my mother had desired to attain through this mock Thanksgiving feast: a family. Observing my mother’s face brighten, I stepped into her shoes for a moment, wondering how difficult it must have been for her to take care of me on her own in a foreign land while my father was working in Korea. But now, she had family: fellow Korean mothers who were
Dear Editor, Having read the Scroll article “Loeb Speaks Service....” in the November 10, 2010, issue, I feel compelled to respond. The fact that an Academy Event speaker used his time with our students and faculty to disparage a Deerfield alumnus is disrespectful at best. Regardless of one’s political leanings, it is undeniable that David Koch has supported Deerfield with great generosity, loyal service and deep affection for our institution. Mr. Koch, like everyone in our community, deserves more respect. Having known Mr. Koch for over 25 years, I can vouch for the intentions behind his generosity and support of Deerfield. David Koch loves our school. He believes his Deerfield experience has served him well, and wants to ensure that future generations get the same opportunity. He believes that those who are fortunate have a responsibility to be generous. Mr. Koch has never requested or suggested that his support result in a quid pro quo of any kind from Deerfield. Lively debate has an honored place at every educational institution and in every worthy society. So does common courtesy. A guest of the Academy should know better than to insult an alumnus on our own campus. Sincerely, Philip Greer President, Board of Trustees Deerfield Academy
The Deerfield Scroll
OPINION/EDITORIAL
December 15, 2010
3
WHERE DID THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS GO? By LIBBY WHITTON Editorial Associate
An annual Thanksgiving tradition in my family is to gather together to watch the classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life. This year I thought to myself that Bedford Falls, the movie’s setting, could have been modeled on any one of a number of places in western Massachusetts. The smalltown loyalties, dreams, and struggles exhibited by the unforgettable characters who lived in Bedford Falls during the Great Depression probably mirror the experiences of many citizens in Franklin County enduring today’s Great Recession. In hard times people have to count on the kindness of neighbors and the generosity of others. Giving rather than receiving was the message that Clarence the angel brought to the Savings & Loans owner George Bailey, contemplating suicide, who had managed to keep the village together. But in the 65 years since this movie’s creation, Americans have become obsessed with acquiring things. The message to “shop till you drop” starts during Thanksgiving weekend, if not before. Ironically, this year my family watched It’s a Wonderful Life on the eve of “Black Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving, supposedly the most important shopping day of the year. Our local news channels and stations, e-mails, and phones were besieged with frantic and exaggerated offers of huge opportunities if only we would rise at 5 a.m. and stand in line, positioned to pull out our credit cards and spend. Somehow the
whole transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas and Hannukah seems to have cheapened in the process. The siren calls of “sales” and “bargains” affect us all in these hard economic times. At one point I found myself panicking. Maybe these offers really were just too good to pass up. So I waited in line at the Apple Store in the mall instead of spending an afternoon baking sugar cookies with my grandmother. Later, munching on one of those cookies by the fire, I thought again about what constitutes a wonderful life, or even a wonderful holiday season. Who can forget Clarence, who finally gets his angel wings by helping everyone in the community realize that the true gift of Christmas is found in relationships and in putting others’ needs first? My mind raced back to those other classic holiday tales of my childhood: Little Cindy Loo-Hoo shows the Grinch that friendship is richer than presents; Rudolph saves the day despite being “different”—indeed, it is his being different that proves to be the saving grace. These may be corny, old-fashioned stories, but they endure across generations because they illustrate the enormous capacity—and fragility—of the human spirit. So what are the gifts and traditions that really matter for us at Deerfield? For me, it is a former coach who emails and calls me from across the country with words of friendship or advice for a difficult situation. It is the friend with hours of homework left who still visits me at the Health Center. It is the friendly conversation I have with the woman who takes such good care cleaning our
If Sarah Palin ran for President, would you vote for her? “Is Sarah Palin such an issue?”
Results and comments from 289 students and faculty responses.
No
83%
“The recent turn she made into reality TV only strengthens my belief that her main interest is in getting her ‘15 minutes,’ and not doing what’s best for the country.”
Yes
“Her conservative policies are exactly what the country needs right now. “
13.8%
3.2%
I have no idea what’s going on “...she can relate to most middle class Americans.”
“The foreign nations that the United States relates with... have limited women’s rights, and “If she learned to appeal to the therefore would have a growaverage American, perhaps I would ing resistance and opposition, vote for her.” added to the turmoil already felt towards the ‘west.’ ” “If she can’t even complete her term as governor of Alaska, what “If she chooses to run…how makes me think she can complete voters respond to her campaign her term as president?” will be a testament to how much power the Tea Party has on a “I’d [move] to Canada.” national level.”
“I do not believe the North Koreans are our allies.” “I don’t tend to keep up in politics.” “Because she’d do a hell of a lot better than Obama.” “She’s a performer, not a politician; a representation of the crass and selfish in our culture.” “She’d embarrass America on the world stage.” “Because if she took this poll, she would choose the third answer.”
New Year, New Eyes
By SOPHIE BERUBE Contributing Writer
Coming to Deerfield as a new junior has been both rewarding and difficult. I attended a small school in Montreal for the past five years where class sizes reached a maximum of thirty students, and joining this community has been quite a drastic change. Attending a small school had its limitations; the smaller student body did not allow for the diversity that Deerfield offers. Not only did all of the students come from Montreal, but most of the students had also attended the same school for up to ten years. This made for a homogeneous student body and few unique life experiences. Size was not the only limitation; historically, in my hometown, a major source of division has been language. The Francophone and Anglophone communities have literally divided the city in half, the western half being largely Anglophone and the eastern half being largely Francophone. Having grown up speaking French at home, I felt as though language was always
a barrier, an obstacle to feeling completely comfortable in school. Deerfield’s diversity has certainly eliminated this obstacle. Here I am, one of many students whose first language is not English. For me, sharing my experiences with people from a similar background has not only been helpful but also comforting in this new and unfamiliar environment. But might I be benefiting more from interacting with people who have different stories than mine? The community has so many resources in terms of student diversity. In my short time at the school, I have met students from countless cultural backgrounds, with varying interests and perspectives. I have seen committed musicians, athletes, and actors, all of whom have something unique to offer. However, despite the school’s mosaic of students, I believe the community could benefit so much more from its diversity. I have noticed that many students, myself included, tend to associate with people who have similar interests and who share the same perspectives. While
natural, never reaching out does not necessarily allow us to take advantage of the tremendous diversity here. By never knowing people who are truly different from us, we lose opportunities to form links that enrich our lives. While people who share experiences similar to ours may be a source of comfort, they do not necessarily allow for growth and development. However, forming relationships with everyone on campus is simply an impossible task. Moreover, there is no harm in associating with people who share similar experiences; this, in fact, can be the ground for long-lasting and influential relationships. Nevertheless, people who come from different backgrounds or who offer unique perspectives are opportunities we must learn to take advantage of. They are an asset that the Deerfield community offers. What, I believe, will allow for every student to get the most out of the Deerfield experience is balancing the comfort of similarity and the growth that only comes from exposure to diversity.
dorm. It is the sit-down meal when a student or teacher I barely know recognizes that I have had a bad day and tries to make me laugh. These may be little moments of kindness and connection, but to me, they are big; I suspect it is the same for all of us. What about the world just outside our fortunate gates? Franklin County is the poorest county in Massachusetts. All around us are families struggling and children who will never have the opportunities that we have. We look forward to this time between Thanksgiving and Christmas because of the Semi-Formal dance, a break from exams or midterms, and the fun plans we are making for our holiday break with friends and family. We have all worked hard and may deserve this, but in the meantime, many others are wondering how to put food on the table or pay for winter boots. The Deerfield community has always reached out—just think about all those smiling faces waiting for the Little Brothers and Little Sisters to visit each week—but maybe this year we can find additional ways to earn our own angel wings. Black Friday? It is now behind us. Ahead lie weeks of holiday merriment and chances to act on our better impulses. Donate to the Food Bank in Greenfield or write a personal note of thanks to someone in our Deerfield community. Small acts of kindness and generosity add up when everyone contributes. So here’s to giving more than getting this holiday season. As for me, I am swearing off the mall when I get home. I have already set a date to bake with my grandmother.
Coed-Deerfield of the past By TEDDY ROMEYN Contributing Writer I sat at the Tokeneke Club in Darien, Connecticut, sipping a cool iced tea and listening to a conversation between my mother and Lisa Joyce, a fellow member of the club, when my mother told Mrs. Joyce that I attend Deerfield Academy. Mrs. Joyce became excited and replied, “Why yes! I know all about Deerfield. My mother went there!” “How could her mother have attended an all-boy’s school?” I thought to myself. Deerfield had been a single-sex school from the early 20th century until the late 1980s. However, I soon came to learn a remarkable piece of our history—that all faculty children could attend Deerfield, regardless of gender, while Deerfield was an all-male school. This rule stood until 1948. Mrs. Joyce’s mother, Nancy Anne Palmer, was one of three girls to graduate from DA with the Class of 1948—four decades before Deerfield returned to coeducation. Ms. Palmer’s mother and father were members of the Deerfield faculty, as they ran the school store. She knew the Boydens well through her parents and held them in high regard. In fact, Ms. Palmer knew them so well that they held a reception for her engagement at their house after she graduated from college. She lived close to the Deerfield campus in the Sheldon Hawks House with her parents and younger brother, who went on to graduate from DA in 1953. Ms. Palmer was one of a group of five girls who attended Deerfield in her four years. Two of the girls, Dorothy Helen Grybko and Patricia Kathryn McNerney, were in Ms. Palmer’s class and graduated with her in 1948. Boys treated Ms. Palmer and the other girls kindly and with respect. “The boys were always polite to my mother,” Mrs. Joyce said. “They accepted her into Deerfield life.” Nonetheless, the boys left the girls to themselves and their own activities. Therefore, the group of five stuck together and ate their meals in a separate room
from the boys. The girls could not play sports at Deerfield, but they still had quite a few options for co-curriculars. For example, Ms. Palmer acted in the school play all four years. She was also full of school spirit, and she and her friends rooted for all the athletic teams on the weekends. Ms. Palmer also worked every Saturday at Wilson’s Department Store in Greenfield. Ms. Palmer thrived academically, and she attended Colby Sawyer Junior College for two years in New London, New Hampshire. Early in her college career at Colby, Mr. Boyden sent her a letter for her excellent grades. She then went on to Simmons College. After finishing school, she worked at Bloomingdale’s.
All faculty children could attend Deerfield, regardless of gender, while Deerfield was an all-male school. Ms. Palmer used her Deerfield education later in her life when she became a schoolteacher. She taught for fifteen years. Ms. Palmer valued the education she received at Deerfield more than anything, and realized how fortunate she was to attend such a prestigious school. “My mom appreciated the academic opportunities Deerfield provided for her and considered herself lucky to be there,” said Ms. Joyce. Nancy Anne Palmer’s story is a fascinating one. As one of the final girls to graduate from the school in 1948 until the late ’80s, she is quite a significant part of Deerfield’s long and impressive history. Though her experience is different from those of the girls who currently attend Deerfield Academy, Ms. Palmer enjoyed her experience here, and went on to live a wonderful, happy life. She married, had three children, and currently lives in Massachusetts.
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FEATURES
4 The Deerfield Scroll
December 15, 2010
DA Cribz: Broadhurst, Koufakis, and Straut By HADLEY NEWTON Staff Writer
Courtesy of Trevor McKinlay Wilson Fellow Trevor McKinlay joins the Deerfield faculty for one year.
HE COMES FROM A LAND DOWN UNDER By NICKY RAULT Staff Writer
While Trevor McKinlay, this year’s Wilson Fellow, may not be a household name, nearly all at Deerfield would recognize the visiting teacher’s animated expressions and thick Kiwi accent. Though he only joined the faculty this fall, Mr. McKinlay has been in contact with teachers and students from Deerfield for the last several years in a very special way. As the headmaster of the Wanganui Collegiate School in New Zealand, Mr. McKinlay left a tremendous legacy by making the school co-educational after 137 years as an all-boys’ school. Mr. McKinlay explained that he broke tradition in 1990 (a year after Deerfield returned to coeducation) because “it was a coed world, and the ideas of gender equality had become too persistent to be ignored.” He strongly believes that new experiences are essential tools for learning. Even as an adolescent, he was curious about the world, joining New Zealand’s version of the Peace Corps for a year straight out of high school. Continuing with his theme of exploration, Mr. McKinlay left his homeland in 2001 and took the post of head of school of Markhan College in Peru. A high school for over 2,000 day students, Markhan had recently turned co-educational, and fittingly sought Mr. McKinlay. In 2007, however, a devastating earthquake struck Peru and greatly damaged Markhan. Rep-
Shumway III is a cozy hall housing just six girls living in two triples. In one of these rooms, seniors Hannah Broadhurst, Olivia Koufakis, and Rosemary Straut have made themselves a home away from home. Upon entering the room, one immediately notices that its occupants are well-organized and cleanly. Shoes are parked at the door, to preserve the expansive white rug. Inside, Broadhurst vacuums the floor and Koufakis puts away some stray books. The room is pristine. In leftmost corner, Straut’s white and blue bed lies alongside a large window framed by thin white curtains. A framed photo of Lil’ Wayne hangs proudly at the foot of her bed. The picture has a turquoise border. In fact, everything in the room has turquoise accents. In decorating the room, Broadhurst said, “We only had one requirement: there had to be turquoise.” Koufakis corrected her, saying she preferred to call the color “blue crush.” Koufakis’ bed is in the opposite corner. She has a different bedspread but the same signature blue accents. Most notably, her initials are spelled out in bold, blue, wooden blocks on the wall.
The bed next to hers belongs to Broadhurst, who adds to the theme with her light blue and white bedspread. Along one wall, there are two desks (Broadhurst likes to work on the floor), each with one closed laptop atop the otherwise uncluttered surface. On the shelves above the desks there are many framed pictures of friends and family. But these aren’t the only pictures. There are fourteen white frames in the room, all containing photographs. Hung
resenting Markhan at a Round Square conference in India, Mr. McKinlay asked the seventy schools for assistance. Eleven schools, most notably Deerfield, sent teachers and students to Peru. Mr. McKinlay stated, “I had big respect for Deerfield, and I still do, even more now!” After Mr. McKinlay returned to New Zealand to see his grandchildren and to spend time with his family, his good friend Associate Head of School John Taylor convinced him to accept a fellowship at Deerfield Academy. Mr. McKinlay, along with his wife Jackie, resides in the Little Brown House. He teaches sophomore and senior English classes, and serves as faculty advisor to six underclassmen boys. On coming to campus, Mr. McKinlay said, “I have been warmly received, and I hope I have returned the feelings.” On his first impression, he said, “Students at Deerfield have great pride in their school,” as he adjusted his new Deerfield tie.
His advisees in Scaife are all astounded by how frequently he attends their sporting events. Kevin Fleishman ’14 proudly remembered soccer games in which his advisor was the only fan on the sidelines. Another advisee, Quinn Morris ’14, joked that while on duty as a hall associate Mr. McKinlay “can be pretty tough on parietals rules.” The two freshmen love their advisor for his “always lighthearted and humorous nature,” as Morris put it. Fleishman added, “He’s very down-to-earth and easy to talk to. He understands kids, so he can have intelligent conversations while still being quite funny.” Mr. McKinlay suggests that students and faculty alike travel, learn different cultures and languages, and experience the world from different perspectives. He believes that having a global mind is key to being a successful leader. “Why is this such a big thing for me? Because it’s what I did,” said Mr. McKinlay.
to start work on a new DAnet with the assistance of the communications department and Ms. Newman’s talent. At first, there were no expectations–there had been no plans for a site makeover. “It was decided that if we got a little into it, and it became too tough, we’d forget about it,” Mr. Thiel explained. And there was good reason to be hesitant. Much would have to be accomplished in short time, with limited resources. The old DAnet contained a laundry list of problems requiring attention. It lacked a search function and multi-level navigation, and many of its components, such as the “Organizations” feature, had fallen into disrepair. They made these repairs and additions in impressive time, completing the site at July’s end. The final product represented a staggering improvement. Unlike its predecessor, edits and additions to the new site take minutes. “We can install any plugin for any function whatsoever within seconds,” Mr. Thiel said.
Perhaps most notable about the new version, however, is that it is open to contribution directly from the community. “The old site was almost a single feed,” Mr. Thiel explained. But with its makeover, any community member can post an item without having to go through the old multistep process. The lost and found is created completely by direct community input. When the site made its debut in October, it was met with mixed reception. “I don’t really like the change,” Grace Mermel ’12 offered, a reflection of the sentiment held by some students across campus. However, response has grown increasingly positive as students have begun to grasp how much the new website has to offer. Justin Schlacks ’13 voiced his support: “The navigation is easier, and it just looks cleaner.” “It’s just really easy on the eyes,” said Kelvin Chang ’12. It is early, but as more students discover all the new site has to offer, it is increasingly clear that it will stand the test of time.
Susanna Kvam A Christmas tree lends a festive feel to the otherwise tropical vibe of the Shumway III triple.
New DAnet Drives Community By THEO LIPSKY Editorial Associate
For several members of the IT and Communications Departments, July marked the laborious final stretch in their summer project. By the month’s close, they completed a brand new DAnet website, made available to the community during the fall term. Only minutes on the site make clear the extent of the makeover. Because the old site was built on aged coding, it was difficult to simply plug in code for easy fixes. For that reason, Director of Communication David Thiel said, “We had to completely replace the underlying technology.” But for the amount of work involved, the project had surprisingly humble origins. Work first began in the spring of last school year, when Anna Newman, a new IT employee, joined the communications department. “Within days, I realized Ms. Newman had a lot more technical skills than I had expected,” Mr. Thiel said. On a whim, Mr. Thiel decided
alongside the pictures is a white wicker framed mirror, adding to the relaxed, vacation feel. Also on the wall is a Christmas wreath. The roommates have been extravagant in preparing for the holiday season. In one corner of the room, a five-foot, fully decorated Christmas tree stands proudly. While this may seem to be a dorm room straight out of PB Teen, Koufakis admitted, “When we first found out we would be in a triple, we were skeptical.
But it actually works really well!” Broadhurst added, “We all have noise-canceling headphones, which helps.” The roommates also acknowledged that Victoria Hollo ’11, who lives downstairs, has become like a fourth roommate. Koufakis said, “After curfew, a lot of people come up here to hang out.” It is easy to see why room 302 is the popular place to be—a stylish oasis from the cold days of winter.
Get a “Little” Taste of Geology www.planetware.com
Richard Little’s first Earth View exploration was to Mount St. Helens in Washington.
By CARLY REILLY Staff Writer It is not often that teachers allow their students to lick the material they’re studying. But pupils in geology teacher Richard Little’s 5th and 6th period classes have done just that. Mr. Little joins the Deerfield faculty this year from Greenfield Community College where he worked for 40 years before temporarily retiring in January, 2004. His hiatus was short lived. His friend and fellow Deerfield science teacher Andrew Harcourt told him about a need for a geology teacher at Deerfield. At Greenfield Community College Mr. Little taught threehour classes that met twice a week. He acknowledged that the different class structure was difficult to adapt to at Deerfield. “I could lecture and get them prepared for a lab,” he said. “It provided more time to interact with the students in a more serious and academic way. Forty-five minutes flies by.” In addition to teaching, Mr. Little has been kept busy with Earth View, the company he started 30 years ago. The program takes groups of 16-20 people all around the world on geology-centered tours. His previous trips include visits to Alaska, California, Hawaii,
Yellowstone National Park, and recently, Iceland. His first exploration in 1980 brought 35 people to see Mt. Saint Helens volcano in Washington just months after its eruption. It was Mr. Little’s own interest in the volcano that planted the seed for Earth View. “I was in my early thirties, with two kids, and I wanted to see Mt. Saint Helens,” he recalled. “I realized others probably wanted to as well, and who better to show them than someone who specializes in that field.” And so Earth View formed. “[My travels have] given me experiences to bring back to the classroom,” he said. Indeed, his experience with Earth View only adds to the knowledge he brings with his master’s degree from the University of Southern California. He is also an inductee into the Massachusetts Science Educator Hall of Fame in 2004 and the author of Dinosaurs, Dunes, and Drifting Continents: the Geohistory of the Connecticut Valley. Before his career took shape, Mr. Little was a freshman at Clark University needing a class to fill a free slot. His advisor suggested he take a course in something he knew nothing about and he chose geology. After a field trip to Pennsylvania to view rock layers he was hooked. “I knew I had to go on to grad school in this subject… . I decided that this was the field I would specialize in,” explained Mr. Little. The simple catalyst for his love of geology was “the recognition that there is great meaning in rocks and landscapes.” So as for his rumored rock licking? “It’s not recommended,” he assured me. “It’s just to test for minerals, specifically salt.” While perhaps a little unorthodox, it’s the unique experiments and experiences that make Mr. Little a great resource for students looking to get a taste of geology. Sources: earthview.pair.com
The Deerfield Scroll
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Shakespearean, Sophomores Wrestle With Othello By ANDREW SLADE Editorial Associate Poignant, monumental, and restless, at age forty-seven, John Douglas Thompson is considered one of the greatest actors of his generation. When English teacher Joel Thomas-Adams saw Mr. Thompson perform, he decided to contact him about coming to Deerfield. Mr. Thompson was intrigued and excited to interact with younger people. “Spending time with a seasoned actor can yield tremendous insights about the plays that mere reading can never give,” said Mr. Thomas-Adams. Mr. Thompson’s late January visit corresponds with the entire sophomore class’s reading of Othello. Born in England with a Jamaican background, Mr. Thompson grew up in Montreal, Canada.
While at college in New York, he studied marketing and business, and then he worked as a salesman for a computer company. He started acting relatively late in life and was not even a regular playgoer, but he fell in love with theater after seeing Joe Turner’s Come and Gone by August Wilson. Mesmerized and blown away by the performance, he decided at that moment that he wanted to act. When Mr. Thompson lost his job as a salesman a few years later, he saw the misfortune as an opportunity to follow his passion for acting and theater. After successfully trying out for some roles, Mr. Thompson started his formal acting training at age twenty-nine at the Trinity Repertory Conservatory in Providence, Rhode Island. Involved with Shakespeare and Company, his career as an actor had begun. In 2005, Mr. Thompson de-
buted on Broadway as Flavius in Julius Caesar, with Denzel Washington playing the role of Brutus. Mr. Thompson starred in Shakespeare’s Othello and in Eugene O’Neill’s The Emperor Jones in 2009. These off-Broadway roles of Othello and Brutus Jones brought him much acclaim and established his presence in the world of acting. This past summer, he starred in Richard III and this fall, he performed the role of Antony in Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra opposite Star Trek’s Kate Mulgrew at the Hartford Stage, and in February he will perform Macbeth at Theatre for a New Audience. For his earlier role as Othello, Mr. Thompson received an OBIE Award and a Lucille Lortel Award. He was nominated for a Lucille Lortel Award and a Drama Desk Award for his performance in The Emperor Jones. The New York Times said of him, “There may be no better classical actor working in the New York Theatre right now.” On the opposite spectrum of acting, he has appeared on television shows such as Law & Order and Conviction. He was also in a short film called Midway and in the movie Michael Clayton. Just as Mr. Thompson saw his layoff as an opportunity to grow,
berkshireonstage.com
his arrival to Deerfield is our opportunity to learn about the world of acting. Shakespeare has a strong presence in our curriculum; however, Shakespeare’s works must be heard and seen, not only read. With greater depth, acting allows his plays to become natural and
Ballet
By LIZZ BANALAGAY Staff Writer
Megan Cai “Bigs” Seldy Gray ’11 and Katie Dewey ’11 paint with their “Littles” to prepare for a collaborative art exhibit in January.
By SONJA HOLMBERG Staff Writer The weekly reunion of upperclassmen “Bigs” with their “Littles” through Deerfield’s Big Brothers/Big Sisters program has a new addition. Now, along with the traditional BBBS activities, such as Pool Night and Game Night, Estelle Kim ’11 is leading a series of art classes, now part of the Friday evening repertoire. During this course, Bigs and Littles can select from a variety of art materials, ranging from watercolors to colored pencils, and create pieces together that reflect aspects of the BBBS program. At the end of the course, the artwork will be on display in the Hilson Gallery. Although Kim has only taught a few classes so far, she is pleased with the number of Bigs and Littles who have come. A number of factors inspired her to initiate the program, but Kim said the
classes “are a combination of a thank you to the Littles and a way to emphasize that their art should be exhibited.” Especially impressive are the collaborative projects created by Bigs and Littles together. The project attempts to “build up the confidence of the Littles and get them to recognize their own talent,” explained Kim. In the next class, Kim plans to reemphasize the importance of creating pieces that relate to BBBS in hope of inspiring Bigs and Littles to meditate on their personal experiences in the program. Whether the Littles are skilled in art, creative thinking, or even friendship-forming, the program will reward the Littles’ talent. Overall, Kim hopes to inspire participants to “recognize the goal of the project: to get rid of the ‘I’m-not-good-enough’ attitude, and to recognize their true potential.”
Alaina Belanger ’12 stars as
Clara in The Nutcracker. Nutcracker, and the holidays just didn’t seem the same.” Aside from the graceful Pioneer Valley ballerinas, the creative sets brought The Nutcracker world to life. Belanger raved about the
From the Line to the Subconscious By NICHOLLE YU Staff Writer The exhibition On Line at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), has received much recognition and praise. Open during this holiday season, the exhibition explores the transformation of drawing and analyzes the technique’s traditional aspects, specifically the line. It delves into drawing in all its forms, including sketching in notebooks, tracing with pen and ink, outlining with crayon or charcoal, and even winding with wire and strips of cloth. On Line
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John Douglas Thompson battles evil in Richard III.
Bigs and Littles ’Tis the Collaborate in Season to Dance Art Exhibit Sugarplum fairies, fake snow, and candy cane dancers... What would the holiday season be without The Nutcracker? With the advent of the holiday season, The Academy of Music in Northampton performed The Nutcracker ballet, starring Alaina Belanger ’12, member of the Deerfield Advanced Dance Ensemble. For many classically trained dancers, The Nutcracker is an annual event and a highlight of their year. “Performing in The Nutcracker is something I’ve done since I was cast as a reindeer at five years old,” Belanger recalled, now dancing in the show for her eleventh year. After so many years, it has become a defining aspect of the holiday season to Belanger, who said, “My first two years at Deerfield I didn’t perform in The
December 15, 2010
includes three-hundred works related to the line, ranging from paintings to films of dancers to photographs. According to critics from Art Daily, On Line “follows artists’ exploration of line as the basic element of drawing over a century and, consequently, argues for an extended field of the medium.” The exhibit includes art from a variety of artists, most notably Eva Hesse, Anna Maria Maiolino, Richard Tuttle, and Mona Hatoum. Each has a unique interpretation of the line, and uses lines to achieve remarkably different effects. Who knew there
accessible to everyone. Mr. Thompson is scheduled to give a combined lecture/ performance open to the entire school community in the Black Box Theater on January 20. He will conduct acting workshops with all the sophomores during Friday’s classes. scenery and special effects: “In the battle scene there is a growing Christmas tree and a cannon blast. I also get to dance out from underneath the dragon in the Chinese scene. “But, my favorite scene is ‘Snow.’ It has realistic looking snow, and that sets the mood for the dance. Even if my feet are burning from dancing on point for hours, I can’t help but smile when I see the snow start to fall.” Behind the curtain, dancers dedicated much time and effort to the production. In fact, Belanger dedicated eight hours weekly in the span of two days each week. She admitted the schedule was rigorous, explaining, “I had Nutcracker rehearsals from 6:00-8:00 on Friday nights and 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on Saturdays.” “Balancing all those rehearsals with school work was a challenge, but it was definitely worth it when I first waltzed onto the stage,” added Belanger. The dancer opened up about her love for the performance. “Something about hearing the music of The Nutcracker is always exciting to me. I am almost positive I could hum the entire ballet and never get sick of it. It’s always the best way to get into the holiday spirit,” Belanger said. This was the thirty-second year Pioneer Valley Ballet brought the timeless, dream-like Christmas tale to life through classical ballet. Performances lasted from December 10 to December 12. was so much to a simple line? Another popular exhibition also at the MoMA, Abstract Expressionism, has attracted many. Artists such as Jackson Pollock, Barnett Newman, and Willem deKooning use abstract art to convey strong, subconscious, emotional content, as abstract artists usually are alienated from society and thus art becomes their mode of expression. With paintings, sculptures, and photographs, the exhibit gives a sense of depth and complexity to the mid-1900s’ era of abstract expressionism. The exhibit is not only informative, but also truly inspirational. One critic from National Public Radio said, “Newman, a wonderful and inspirational artist, turned the busy gallery at MoMA into a chapel, a place for spiritual discovery.”
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The Deerfield Scroll
SPORTS
Kager Signs to Play D-1 Hoops at American By PHILIP HELLER Staff Writer Boys’ basketball co-captain Kyle Kager ’11 did not pick up a basketball until he was ten years old, but through hard work and lots of practice he has become one of the leaders and best players on the boys’ basketball team, and one of the top talents in New England. On November 10, Kager officially signed a letter of intent to
attend and play Division I basketball at American University. The signing took place in the new conference room located next to the Greer Store, and in attendance were his father, Robert Kager, a couple of Kager’s close friends, his advisor David Howell and wife Sigrid Howell, head basketball coach Conrad Pitcher, who is on sabatical this year, and Athletic Director Charles Davis. “Kyle is a unique talent. He
Daniel Han Kyle Kager ’11 signed his letter of intent on November 10, 2010.
has the size of a forward or center, but has the speed, shot, and ball handling skills of a guard,” said head coach Conrad Pitcher. For Kager, basketball was not always something he excelled at, and he was not always such a skilled player. But through hard work, sometimes ten hours of it a day, he has transformed himself. Kager not only plays competitive basketball at Deerfield, he also plays in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Summer League. AAU basketball is the most competitive high school summer league, and Kager was heavily recruited after playing in the AAU league. “My coach, Coach Houston, really believed in me and played me in a lot in games,” said Kager. “After having a great AAU season, I was starting to be heavily recruited.” Mr. Pitcher agreed, saying that the AAU league “gave [Kager] much exposure with college coaches.” Kager has high hopes for Deerfield’s team and is excited for the season to get underway. He and fellow captains Jimmy Bitter ’11 and Andrew Sutphin ’11, expect to build off last year’s 11-11 record. “To start with, we have a lot of chemistry from last year,” said Kager. “There is also great new talent, so I can’t wait to get this season started.” Mr. Pitcher is equally excited for the basketball season. “We will be small, with the exception of Kyle, but I think we are going to be fast, tough, and smart. There is no doubt that we will compete hard in a very challenging league.”
December 15, 2010
Girls’ Squash Swings Toward Domination By RYAN LOGIE Staff Writer
Most teams aim for a winning record, a spot in the New England tournament, and a fun season. But the Deerfield girls’ squash team sets the bar much higher—they plan on complete and utter domination. “Our ladder is stacked with so many skilled players, and our goals are winning New England’s and placing in the top five at National’s,” said Nina Kempner ’11, a four-year player. Last season, the girls finished third in New England, and with new and talented additions to the team, Hunter Sechrest ’13 and Addie Fulton ’14, they plan to finish first this year. The majority of the girls play squash over the summer, and many attended long, intense practices several times a week this fall, just to get back into shape for the season. “Our team this year has so much depth, which is what sets us apart from other teams. The new girls are all so much fun and so talented, and it is really important that we build a strong young team because next year we are losing so many seniors,” said sophomore Emily Jones, who played in the number three spot last year. “We all want to win New England’s so badly; it definitely makes everyone work even harder,” Jones added.
And work hard they must if they want to take the New England title from Greenwich Academy, who has won that and the national title for as long as most can remember and who defeated the girls 4-3 last week. Charlotte Dewey ’11, cocaptain with twin sister Hallie ’11, added, “Something that is really going to help us this year is that our whole team is very equal in skill, which will be great in practices because we will be able to challenge each other. It also means our ladder is very interchangeable which is great for a squash team to have.” Coach Karinne Heise agreed, saying, “I think to achieve our goals we need to emphasize team performance by recognizing that individual matches are important because they contribute to the team score.” Ms. Heise described a remarkably strong group of seniors that will lead the way. “I’m counting on all of the seniors to be great role models and provide support for all of their younger teammates.” Neither Dewey nor Kempner can believe that this is their fourth and final year on the team and on the courts. Dewey concluded, “I’m so excited for this season and to do well. I think we’re going to have such a great team, and that will make it a perfect way to end all of the other seniors’ and my Deerfield squash careers.”
Young Talent to Lead Girls’ Skiing Down the Slopes By ANNA GONZALES Editorial Associate The Big Green girls’ ski racing team is poised to become a powerhouse this year as it adds a host of experienced newcomers to an already talented squad. Annika Trapness ’13, Kate French ’14, and Lauren Stobierski ’14 will join captains Annie Eldred ’11 and Charlotte McLaughry ’11, along with Rachel Gibson ’11, Beth Lawless ’12, and Marly Morgus ’12, on the Berkshire East slopes. Before Deerfield, Trapness split her time between Hong Kong and Vail, Colorado, where she attended the Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy. In Colorado, Trapness trained each day from 7:00-1:30, and for the entire day during the weekend if she was not competing. “We were practically away every weekend between January 1 and March 31,” she said. Trapness also competed in International Ski Federation (FIS) and United Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) races in Colorado, which she plans on continuing this winter in Vermont and Maine. In addition, this summer, Trapness trained and raced for two weeks in Valle Nevado, Chile. “I just want to go out and ski the best I can and give every run and every race everything I’ve got,” Trapness said, explaining her goals for the season.
French, from Chappaqua, New York, trained at a ski academy as well, the Killington Mountain School in Vermont. There, she skied each weekday from 1 to 3:30 and all day on the weekends, competing every Sunday and during some weekdays. For the past two summers, French spent sixteen days skiing with her KMS team in the French Alps. Here at Deerfield, French looks to race USSA and FIS during weekends. French added, “My main goal for the season is to have fun and create close relationships with everyone on the team, and of course to win!” Stobierski, hailing from South Deerfield, has skied in the Mountain Institute Ski League (MISL) for three years. But Stobierski competed in the boys’ section of this league, as she went to Eaglebrook and raced for its ski team. Male racers usually clock results significantly faster than girls, so while skiing with the boys, Stobierski was often hot on the heels of the top girls’ finishers. “Racing with boys for three years really helped me improve my skiing. They pushed me every day to be better. I truly credit my aggressive and fast style to the boys who taught me.” Stobierski has spent five summers skiing in Mt. Hood, Oregon, and will join French
and Trapness racing USSA and FIS this winter. “Since I’m a freshman and new to the ski team, I just want to have fun and ski fast,” Stobierski said. The team can also rely on its hardworking members from last year, who captured the MISL title and notched an impressive collection of individual victories. Lawless won all six league races, going undefeated to win the league’s Amy Spenser cup, and she placed 6th in both the slalom and giant slalom events at the New England Championships. Lawless also competes in USSA races, and attended a ski camp over Thanksgiving break in Vail. Morgus, who calls Sun Valley home, found success last season as well, taking 3rd in the league and 13th in the championships. Lawless and Morgus traveled together to Mt. Hood this summer for a ski camp, and both achieved all-New England status their freshman year. Meanwhile, Eldred, Gibson and McLaughry all scored valuable team points in each race and took 9th, 10th, and 12th in the league respectively. Captain McLaughry summed up the optimism and high hopes for the team. “Our girls’ team is really deep this year. Based on our past results and based on the talent of the new skiers I think we have a great shot at New Englands this year. I love the team already—it just rocks!”
Daniel Han Nina Kempner ’11 hits a forehand during a mid-season practice.
Fr y Melts Ice
By ROSS GORDON Staff Writer
Hockey is fast, physical, and gritty, requiring skill and a dogged determination. Science teacher Brian Fry fulfills all of these qualities, making him a good player, a good coach, and a great addition to Deerfield. From Colorado Springs, Colorado, Mr. Fry graduated from The Hotchkiss School in 2006. An avid football, tennis, and hockey player, Mr. Fry was a devoted athlete. After three years at Hotchkiss, Mr. Fry enrolled at Bowdoin College and played hockey for the Polar Bears. His freshman year, Mr. Fry came to know one of the senior players well: history teacher and assistant hockey coach Timothy McVaugh. “Mr. McVaugh was someone I looked up to. He was a good role model and showed me what it meant to be a Bowdoin hockey player,” said Mr. Fry. While only skating with Mr.
McVaugh for one year, Mr. Fry or “BryFry,”as he was commonly know at Bowdoin, had no idea that he would see his old friend and teammate Mr. McVaugh so much more after college. After graduating from Bowdoin and earning his major in economics, Mr. Fry was on the brink of something new. “I didn’t really know what to do coming out of Bowdoin, but teaching and coaching seemed like a really good start.” After three years of boarding school, Mr. Fry now returns, only this time to Deerfield, to teach science and coach varsity hockey. Although he expected something new and different, he didn’t expect to see his old friend, Tim McVaugh in this new career. Now, both coach boys’ varsity hockey, imparting their vast knowledge to the team. His looming physical presence coupled with his enthusiasm and willingness to better those around him, along with his coaching abilities all make Mr. Fry perfect for Deerfield Academy.