The Deerfield Scroll: October 11, 2018

Vol. XCIII, No. 4

Deerfield, Massachusetts

Whit Sheppard ’83 Returns to Campus

COURTESY OF WHIT SHEPPARD Mr. Sheppard received a standing ovation at school meeting after speaking candidly about his experiences at Deerfield in the 1980s.

SARAH JUNG Associate Editor Whit Sheppard ’83 returned to campus on Sep. 26, ending 35 years of distance from the site of his traumatic experiences as a Deerfield student. In a sincere address to the community filled with personal anecdotes, he emphasized the importance of embracing growth under the most challenging of

circumstances.

During his senior year at Deerfield, Sheppard was repeatedly molested by former faculty member Peter Hindle.

It wasn’t until 2012 that he wrote an email to Head of School Margarita Curtis, telling her specifically what had occurred and finally sharing Hindle’s name.

He described his decision to come forward as a conscious choice

to “take control of the narrative,” acknowledging that in today’s society, not many victims have the opportunity to tell their side of the story.

Mr. Sheppard’s story prompted a thorough internal investigation that ultimately revealed that Hindle had sexually abused Sheppard, along with one another student, while he was a teacher at Deerfield.

Mr. Sheppard publicly shared his story in an opinion piece for the Boston Globe, which was published in July 2013.

Dr. Curtis has continued to keep in touch with Sheppard. Given that this year is her final year at Deerfield, Sheppard expressed that he felt compelled to revisit campus before her retirement.

Mr. Sheppard arrived as a “naive, fresh-faced freshman” in the fall of 1979. He emphasized how much more cynical and unaccepting Deerfield was during the 1980s, illustrating his point with his class chant: “Sex, Drugs, LSD. We’re the class of ’83!”

He described his regretful behavior while a student at Deerfield. “I got high at Deerfield multiple times a day. I cheated on tests. I bought an English term paper my senior year for two bottles of whiskey. I didn’t exhibit a whole lot of character,” he said.

Gemma Bishop ’19 said, “His stories reminded me of what my dad says his experience was like at Deerfield. I always thought my dad was exaggerating, but I’m grateful that Mr. Sheppard gave us a strikingly different perspective of Deerfield that most people would never have imagined.”

Continued on News, p. 4

October 11, 2018

Opinion: The Black Experience at Deerfield ADEBISI AKILO Contributing Writer This week I have slept through first period, done poorly on multiple assessments, and accumulated an interesting amount of APs. It’s not the end of the world, but sometimes at Deerfield it can feel that way, especially when I see all the people around me thriving. I have faith, mostly, that I will eventually get there at my own pace.

But for now, I am disappointed in myself. I spent so much time trying to craft the best way to catch people’s attention to highlight the

had never experienced before.

Then, I got here and I realized my capacity to anticipate was very, very small. I was ready for the difference, but not the unkindness. I did not want to be here and I found myself retreating into pieces of a much younger me: weak, frail, and painfully quiet.

So, I called my mother and I told her I didn’t want to be here. I knew then that my mother was going to tell me that she didn’t want to be at work, but that’s where she is, so I should get over it sooner rather than later. I called anyway seeking maybe some comfort, reassurance

“I smiled and walked away to avoid being stereotyped as the militant and aggressive black girl.” challenges I have faced without offending them. I wanted, like all of us do, to be liked, embraced, and accepted. I was afraid to write this article because I didn’t want to mess up. But if I never start to share with others how I have experienced the world, we will never learn to do better as a collective.

So I will start in the summer of 2017. I had anticipated, to my capacity, all the ways Deerfield would be different from home.

I knew from my revisit day, the diversity statistics available online, and the cost of attending this school that the people here wouldn’t look or behave the same way my friends back home did. But I was fine with that. I wanted to experience what I

that things would be okay, or just something. But I was not at home anymore.

And when a girl told me in the Johnson 1 common room that she had mistaken me for Khalyse Benjamin, who is at least a foot taller than me and three shades lighter, because “you and all your friends look the same,” it reinforced for me that I don’t belong here. I was caught in between responding to what I know she meant, which is that all of the black girls in my grade looked the same, and what she said.

But I smiled and walked away to avoid being stereotyped as the militant and aggressive black girl.

Continued on Op-Ed, p. 3

Petition Circulates Against David Koch’s Position as Lifetime Trustee ANNA FU Associate Editor On July 9, Edward Plimpton ’70 publically began a petition to oppose Class of 1958 graduate David Koch’s title of Lifetime Trustee. As of Oct. 11, over 250 current students and alumni have signed the petition.

“We object to Mr. Koch being presented as the exemplar of the Deerfield ideal and to honoring him as a Lifetime Trustee,” Mr. Plimpton stated in the petition. “It is time to reevaluate whether Mr. Koch truly represents all that Boyden hoped for in graduates of the institution he so lovingly nourished.”

In response to the petition, Head of School Margarita Curtis said, “The Academy does not consider political ideology when appointing trustees, honoring alumni, designing the curriculum, or in any other school business.”

The petition stems from discontent towards Mr. Koch’s family corporation, Koch Industries, and its history of supporting climate change denial.

The corporation has faced several controversies, including a $30 million EPA fine in 2000 for Koch Industries’ contribution to over 300 oil spills.

According to Greenpeace, in October 2013, the Koch Pipeline

Opinion and Editorial, p. 2

Deerfield Needs an AllGender Dorm Molly Fischer argues an all-gender dorm would create a safe and comfortable environment for students of all gender identities.

Company was determined responsible for a 17,000-gallon oil spill that contaminated several water and livestock sources.

Specifically addressing the environmental issues targeted in the petition, Dr. Curtis explained, “I can assure you that anyone visiting the campus today would see an emphasis on environmental sustainability embedded in virtually

aspiration.”

Maggie Tydings ’20 expressed that she believes Mr. Koch deserves credit and recognition for this financial support.

“There’s no question that David Koch has helped this school immeasurably. Without his generous contributions, Deerfield would not be the school that it is today,” she said. “Regardless of his political

“It is time to reevaluate whether Mr. Koch truly represents all that Boyden hoped for ...”

– Edward Plimpton ’70 every aspect of our program and our operations.”

Supporters have pointed to Mr. Koch’s philanthropic activities rather than his environmental views as the distinguishing feature of his legacy.

For Deerfield specifically, Mr. Koch contributed to a significant portion of the funding for the Koch Pool in 1995 and the Koch Center in 2007, and this has garnered the praise of several members of the Deerfield community.

In 2010, Phillip Greer, the former chairman of the Board of Trustees, said, “David Koch is the living example of Mr. Boyden’s

views, we should be grateful for his service to the Academy.”

The Board awarded Mr. Koch the title of “Lifetime Trustee” in 2010, giving him the ability to vote, attend board meetings, and maintain all other powers of a board member for the rest of his life.

Mr. Koch was the first person to be given this honor, and Mr. Greer also was named a Lifetime Trustee when he stepped down from the Board in 2014. As of now, Mr. Koch and Mr. Greer remain Deerfield’s only two Lifetime Trustees.

Opinion and Editorial, p. 3

Arts, p. 8

The Role of Politics in the Classroom Claire Quan calls for teachers to facilitate healthy discussions about politics rather than forcing their own views on students.

DEERFIELD ACADEMY ARCHIVES

Continued on News, p. 4

Artist of the Issue: Cam Taylor Get an inside look at what fuels Cam Taylor’s passion for rap and poetry.

David Koch’s senior photo in the 1958 Pocumtuck yearbook. Mr. Koch was a member of the Cum Laude society and the Scroll Business Board.

Sports, p. 12

Athletic Center Prepares for Opening Day An exclusive photo preview of the numerous facilities within Deerfield’s new Athletic Center.

More articles online at

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Opinion and Editorial

2 | Thursday, October 11th, 2018

The Deerfield Scroll

Letter from the Editor Dear Reader,

Vol. XCIII, No. 4 Editors-in-Chief Joshua Fang & Orlee Marini-Rapoport Opinion & Editorial Editor Nadia Jo

Graphics Editor Madeline Lee

News Editor Thomas Song

Online Editor Simon Lam

Features Editor Emma Earls

Associate Online Editors John Chung Emma Johnson

Arts & Entertainment Editor Claire Quan Sports Editor Maggie Tydings Buzz Editor Soo Min Lee Photography Editor Britney Cheung

Associate Photography Editor Harbour Woodward Associate Editors Peter Everett Lily Faucett Anna Fu Sarah Jung Annie Kane Jae Won Moon Seth Thayumanavan

Advisors Julianne Schloat, Sam Savage and Marissa Cornelius 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. Opinion articles with names attached represent only the views of the respective writers. Opinion articles without names represent the consensus views of the editorial board.

Stop the Stigma of Being Alone in Public BOARD EDITORIAL Deerfield students seem to hate being alone in public.

Before study hall, most people travel everywhere with at least one other person: to and from classes, sit-down meals, and co-curricular activities. Sitting alone in the auditorium without socializing before school meeting is unthinkable; walking into the Greer without a friend will earn some suspicious looks.

The Scroll Editorial Board is alarmed that the Deerfield student body regards isolation as something negative, embarrassing, or pitiful. In a boarding school, the majority of students already

of acquaintances is not always a fair metric of his or her character or worth. Some people are introverts and naturally enjoy spending some time alone; it is not healthy for the Deerfield student body to perpetuate the notion that socializing all the time is the best thing to do at every moment. People should be free to do whatever they want, whether in public or private, and not feel ashamed for doing it as long as they don’t harm others.

Secondly, solitude can lead to deeper reflection. Students who wander down Albany Road alone may feel that they need to

spend almost every aspect of their lives in plain view of one another.

Unlike day schools, where students commute to and from their houses, free to spend their free time however they want– whether or not they spend it with other people—Deerfield seems to possess a culture of socializing 24/7.

Why is being seen alone so frightening and shameful to many students?

Perhaps it implies they do not have enough friends or are not popular enough, or they are worried about how other people might interpret the situation. Maybe they are simply afraid of breaking away from Deerfield’s norms, or they don’t know what else to do.

Often, students pull out a laptop or phone to escape the dilemma; after all, being occupied is the best excuse.

We believe this mindset is detrimental on two levels.

First, it reinforces the trend of sticking to the status quo at all costs and judging people by how many friends they have. A student’s popularity or number

scroll through their phones in lieu of a friend to talk to in person.

However, we believe that the ability to entertain oneself instead of relying on an external source is a valuable skill. Alone time can make us more introspective and better capable of sorting through complicated thoughts.

People are also known to be most creative and productive when they are relaxed without having to engage with people around them.

At boarding school, there is already little room for privacy, or, perhaps more importantly, for opportunities to develop our own unique lifestyles free of judgment.

By embracing isolation as a more natural and comfortable state to be in, Deerfield can grow as a more accepting community.

Instead of constantly consuming outside information, we can create original ideas and emotions.

Instead of responding to your friends instantly, we can think more deeply and carefully. Let’s fight against the stigma of being alone in public.

MARK CHUNG/DEERFIELD SCROLL

“Why is being seen alone so frightening and shameful to many students?”

In discussions around campus about Mohsin Hamid’s novel The Reluctant Fundamentalist, I heard drastically different opinions on protagonist Changez’s relationship with Erica. I heard fellow students asking hard, important questions about whether Changez raped Erica and about what constitutes affirmative consent in the situation in which we witnessed the two characters.

Of course, I have my own feelings about the book’s scene, but what I mainly enjoyed was hearing my friends debate an often-avoided issue. We had numerous discussions about affirmative consent and the definition of rape in English classes, at sit-down tables, in the dorms, at Scroll meetings, during peer tutoring duty, and more, and we are a better community for it.

Coincidentally, on the same day that Hamid spoke at Deerfield, Christine Blasey Ford testified in front of the Senate about her own sexual assault story.

Anyone who knows me won’t be surprised that I unequivocally and

unconditionally believe her, just as I believe Anita Hill’s testimony against Clarence Thomas from 27 years ago.

Many people asked me why I so immediately believed Blasey Ford, even before the hearing. It’s because she had nothing to gain, and everything to lose, in coming forward. And while I believed her immediately, one has to look no farther than her passed polygraph and her request for the FBI to investigate, as well as all the death threats her family has received, to know where the truth lies.

I stand with millions of other Americans when I say that Christine Blasey Ford is a national hero. She did what nobody should have to do. She shouldn’t have needed to be perfect, to be apologetic, and to be gracious, to be believed. But she was. And in telling her story, she has served as a model for thousands of women now coming forward to talk, sometimes for the first time, about their own experiences with sexual assault or rape.

And through watching Kavanaugh testify, so many young men across the country had the

opportunity to learn an important lesson. They learned that their actions against women matter, and that youth is never an excuse.

As the story played out in Washington D.C., here at Deerfield, we were talking. We were thinking. We were shaping one another’s understanding of such a critical piece of history. And it was magical.

Let’s keep doing this. Let’s keep digging into complicated events and challenging each other’s initial assumptions, whether it be through writing a Scroll opinion piece, a talk with someone who lives on your hall, or a discussion with your advisory.

And more specifically, let’s keep a dialogue about gender and sexual assault going. So often it can feel as if it’s such a personal topic that we must avoid discussing it in explicit ways. Let’s make an effort to have a continuous communitywide discussion; we’ll all be better for it.

All the best, Orlee Marini-Rapoport Co-Editor-in-Chief

Deerfield Needs an All-Gender Dorm An all-gender dorm would create a safe and comfortable environment for students of all gender identities.

MOLLY FISCHER Contributing Writer

Last year, Phillips Exeter Academy and Phillips Academy Andover established all-gender dorms on their campuses. This fall, Northfield Mount Hermon and Hotchkiss School began to use all-gender dorms. As stated by Ms. Creagh, administrators at the aforementioned schools have said that the dorms have been “a huge success.” What’s more, Choate Rosemary Hall is going to add one or more such dorms to its campus next year. The Loomis Chaffee School is also discussing this idea and is very committed to having all-gender dorms.

However, according to Dr. Curtis, Deerfield’s Board of Trustees has not yet expressed an opinion on allgender dorms, though the idea was presented to them in the past.

As both a member of and an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, I feel that it is essential for Deerfield to add an all-gender dorm to its campus. Male and female are not the only genders that exist.

Discovering one’s gender identity can be a long and terrifying process, and oftentimes can be harmful to a person’s mental health.

Some people experience high levels of gender dysphoria because of the uncertainty surrounding their gender identity, and that can be worsened when they are forced to live in a gendered dorm. Deerfield needs to add an all-gender dorm to its campus to provide a safe and accepting living environment for students who are questioning their gender identity and who don’t identify within the gender binary.

In order to accommodate nonbinary and transgender students at Deerfield, there should be a discussion process separate from the housing lottery. The discussions would serve several purposes: First, they would accommodate people who might be questioning their gender identity, be experiencing gender dysphoria, or do not feel comfortable living in a gendered dorm. Second, they would filter out people who might want to use the all-gender dorm

inappropriately. Third, they would be a space to talk to students who want to live in a dorm that doesn’t pressure its occupants to be in a romantic or sexual relationship.

At the discussions, I think that at least one Gender and Sexuality Alliance student leader should be present, as well as people with connections to the housing process and office of inclusion.

Second, having a proctor or peer counselor in the all-gender dorm

about each other’s living habits, personalities, and more without being encouraged to be in a romantic or sexual relationship. At a school like Deerfield, where there is a confusing hookup culture and very few couples on its campus, an all-gender dorm would help build healthier, happier, and more comfortable relationships. This in turn would separate the divide between groups of students on campus.

Now, one might argue that Deerfield is not ready or accepting enough to have an all-gender dorm on its campus. I disagree. Ms. Grimm, a former faculty member at Deerfield, transitioned while also teaching at Deerfield. When she announced her transition at school meeting, the entire audience clapped, cheered, and gave her a standing ovation. During my first two years at Deerfield, none MADELINE LEE/DEERFIELD SCROLL of my teachers asked about is important, as they would be a their students’ preferred pronouns valuable and confidential resource on the first day of school. This for students to confide in. Next, year, two out of five of my teachers the faculty member or members asked their students’ pronouns on that would live in the all-gender the first day of school, and I am dorm would need to fit the confident that that number will following requirements. First, they increase next fall. Furthermore, need to feel comfortable living in a there was an all-gender meeting dorm will students of all genders. offered this fall in addition to Second, they should meet at least the boys’ and girls’ meetings. two of these qualifications: a) Deerfield also has at least eight they identify with the LGBTQ+ all-gender bathrooms on its community, b) they are an ally campus. This is all evidence of to the LGBTQ+ community, or Deerfield’s dedication to become c) they have experience with more accepting of the LGBTQ+ issues related to the LGBTQ+ community. community. Finally, I think that Deerfield was one of the students who want to live in the last boarding schools in recent all-gender dorm should have decades to become co-ed. I don’t attended Deerfield for at least want that to be repeated with one year. The one-year minimum all-gender dorms. As one of would allow new students to the most prestigious boarding integrate into Deerfield’s social schools in America, Deerfield life, and it would provide time for needs to be a role model for other students consider why they might schools by creating a safe and or might not want to live in the allaccepting environment across gender dorm. its entire campus. Being one of Another reason Deerfield the next boarding schools to should add all-gender dorm to establish an all-gender dorm on its its campus is to help normalize campus would be a tremendous friendships across all genders. demonstration of that. Instead of Having an all-gender dorm being the last school to create an would positively impact the social all-gender dorm on its campus, dynamic between all genders, why can’t we be the fourth or according to an article from fifth? Exeter, Hotchkiss, Andover, SeattlePI. In an all-gender dorm, and NMH have all-gender dorms. people with different gender Let’s be the next school to do identities living in the same dorm so—or, at the very least, let’s beat have the opportunity to learn more Choate to the punch.

The Deerfield Scroll

Opinion and Editorial

The Reluctant Fundamentalist: Reluctant To Respect Women?

Changez, the protagonist, pursues women almost exclusively based on their physical features instead of their character.

ANEESHA MISHRA Contributing Writer

When I discovered that all Deerfield students were to read a book by a South Asian author, a story about a Pakistani immigrant moving to America, I was delighted. Finally, there was a book with a protagonist I could relate to. But when I read the book, all I felt was underwhelmed and rather disappointed.

Most students reading The Reluctant Fundamentalist approached it with some hesitation, likely due to the abhorrent reaction the protagonist, Changez, had to the events of 9/11, or because of the rather patronizing writing style. But my main issue with the book wasn’t either of those, both of which the author touched on in his talk on September 27. Instead, what I disliked most was the way Mohsin Hamid represented women in his novel.

The very start of the narrative reveals this tendency, when Changez describes himself as the “perfect breast” which is apparently “tan, succulent, [and] seemingly defiant of gravity.” It’s a vexatious metaphor that, to the best of my knowledge, isn’t a common expression anywhere.

The fact that the author chooses, out of all the options possible, to describe his protagonist this way with such uncomfortable detail is rather revealing. But this trend continues, especially highlighted whenever there’s a female in the vicinity.

In nearly every instance that Changez sees a woman, he makes some sort of demeaning remark on her body. From commenting on how attractive two collegeaged girls passing by on the street were and staring at them for an extended period of time, to expressing his disappointment at how few women from Princeton

decided to sunbathe topless during their trip to Greece, to discussing “the failure of [Erica’s] garments to cloak the memory of those naked breasts” every time he looked at her, he is constantly talking about the appearance of the women around him, some of whom he doesn’t even know.

What is equally disturbing is that while fetishizing female bodies, he does not treat them as intelligent,

COURTESY OF MOHSIN HAMID

capable human beings.

Erica and Changez’s relationship exemplifies the deep lack of respect toward women in the story. He should be pursuing Erica because he genuinely likes her as a person and enjoys her company. Instead, he thinks of her merely as a sexual object.

This is especially troubling as she was so vulnerable and constantly reminded of Chris’s death. We barely get to learn anything about Erica’s personality or why exactly she tied so much of her happiness with Chris. Instead, the audience is forced to read through long

passages describing Erica’s body.

Even during the scene where they almost have sex before she starts crying, Changez seemed more frustrated that she didn’t enjoy it than concerned for her well-being.

I appreciate that the English Department is presenting a novel by a minority author who delves into unconventional but relevant contemporary issues and is willing to discuss the book directly with students. However, I wish the author had handled the topic of women in his book better, especially considering the many stereotypes surrounding traditionally Muslim countries on how they perceive and treat women. I realize that the author might be writing this way on purpose to point out the dangers of treating women this way. But if that is the case, his goal is not clear, and readers can easily misinterpret the novel to mean he is encouraging such behavior.

Instead of celebrating the book for bringing to light the prejudices against minorities and people of color, I felt disgusted and even offended.

Reading diverse narratives is vital in understanding perspectives that we do not have the opportunity to experience firsthand, but it is my sincere belief that there are many better options available.

For instance, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a well-known author who has written many books about Nigerian girls and women.

Khaled Hosseini wrote The Kite Runner, which is centered around a boy in Afghanistan and discusses the struggles of having a mixed identity and feeling like you don’t belong anywhere. Jhumpa Lahiri is the best-selling south Asian author of Interpreter of Maladies. All of these books retain a similar theme to The Reluctant Fundamentalist without perpetuating harmful and prejudiced stereotypes against the countries they are about.

The Black Experience at Deerfield Though I receive insensitive and discriminatory comments at times, I believe I will find my own place at Deerfield.

ADEBISI AKILO

Contributing Writer Continued from Front As freshman year continued and I fell into some semblance of a daily routine, the snide remarks, blatant dismissals, and ignorance just became a part of that routine. Make no mistake– I am not desensitized. In fact, I recoil every time, but they no longer upset me as they used to. I got tired of investing in other people’s opinion of me, after someone called me an “angry black bitch” for disagreeing with them about racism at Deerfield. More than anything now, it just disappoints and saddens me that the world has been slower to change than I hoped it would have been.

Sometimes, however, things get to me especially badly. My freshman winter was really rough, and the disrespect of the people around me didn’t make it any easier. One Sunday at brunch, my friends and I were conversing when a boy at the

and sometimes I still feel that way.

At the school that takes away so much of me, but has also given me something I could not get anywhere else, I am trying to understand where I belong in the world. I start with the things I am sure of. I am Black. I am African.

I am almost American. I am a woman. I am a sister.

I am a lover of people.

I am a friend. I am all these things the world forgets when it sees me.

And at Deerfield, I have to remind myself that I am all these things, whenever I view myself more critically than I should. I can’t remember a day when I felt that I belong here. I don’t fit the mold of the typical DA student, and I see the world very differently from almost everyone here. And MADELINE LEE/DEERFIELD SCROLL that’s okay, because I’m building a life for myself here plates and ran out of the dining through the friendships I maintain, hall. As I ran out with my face hot the empathy I share, and the love I and tight, I was sad that no matter hope to give. I am confident that, in how hard I tried, if I expressed my year here, I have seen genuine any iota of emotion or passion it good in all those who have shown would be called anger. I was sad, it to me, and my heart is still open frustrated, and embarrassed that to see it in those who are willing.

I was spoken to like that in public At this point in my life that is all I and couldn’t defend myself. I felt can do: be willing. like a caged animal that Sunday, table said, “Adebisi, you don’t even know what the hell you are talking about. You always try to make everything about you.” I responded quite mildly as an act of self defense, and another boy at the table added, “This is why people say you are angry.” I cleared my

Thursday, October 11th, 2018 | 3

The Role of Politics in the Classroom Rather than forcing their political views on students, faculty members should facilitate healthy discussions.

CLAIRE QUAN

Arts & Entertainment Editor The Confederate flag. Threats of nuclear war. Brett Kavanaugh.

The national anthem. Marjory Stoneman Douglas. The Trump presidency. The 21st century has brought no lull in controversial events. They populate headlines around the world, demand acknowledgement during school meetings, and ingrain themselves into our everyday discussions and observations. Somehow, their presence slides into an even more prevalent space: the classroom.

In Ethics, I’ve debated the morality of abortion. In Latin, I’ve explored the intent of the national walkout movement. In History, I’ve analyzed Trump’s organization of his advisory board.

I welcome these opportunities; truly, I do.

MADELINE LEE/DEERFIELD SCROLL

I believe it is important for Deerfield students to communicate rationally and coherently about political events. We live in a politically charged world, and our community should mirror that.

The discussions on politics we have teach us how to, as some say, “talk politics.” We are learning to weigh evidence and shape arguments, to deliberate on highly nuanced and complex issues.

Essentially, we are introduced to the process of democracy — the ideals of free speech that this country was built upon. Deerfield’s effort to shape us into globally competent citizens deserves much acknowledgement. A completely different issue arises, however, when teachers become involved in this conversation.

Deerfield, according to its own mission statement, promotes a “reflection and balance in promoting intellectual vitality and self-understanding.” Much of our curriculum is based upon student-led learning, encouraging students to formulate their own opinions and draw their own conclusions from the information learned in class.

We are told that we can be leaders. We are told that we have the power to think originally no matter how youthful or inconsequential we may seem.

Our teachers are meant to catalyze this development; their job is to teach us, as students, how to become globally competent citizens in the way that we process information. It is thus, frankly, a disappointment that our teachers would disregard those values in favor of their own inclinations.

Often I have heard my peers remark that they felt their views were attacked by a teacher. Others noted that they felt pressured to support a certain movement or political party. Even more said the blatant preference towards one particular viewpoint discouraged

them from expressing their own.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with teachers having a strong political view; there is, however, a concern when this view is forced upon students.

It is imperative that teachers walk a fine line when discussing politics in the classroom. Students should be presented with the necessary information without bias or prejudice. It is one thing to state “President Trump’s travel ban targets seven Muslim majority countries” and another to say “Trump is an unworthy president because of his discrimination against Muslim populations” — even if it may be true.

Leave the decision of whether or not Trump is a meritorious president to us. We are smart enough to understand what bigotry signals about a leader. A teacher’s job is not to dictate an opinion but rather to establish the foundation n e e d e d to form one.

This example applies to many more nuances of modern politics, in which there is often times no clear right or wrong.

Building off from this, it is clear that politics cannot be lectured, in contrast to subjects like Chemistry or European history. Decidedly not black or white, it exists within the ambiguous grey of the in-between.

Politics, I propose, if ever talked about, should be in the form of an open discussion. Teachers should serve as regulators and not controllers of dialogue.

On the flip side, it is important that politics are not completely excluded from the classroom.

Teachers should not avoid referencing politics at all costs in fear that students may be placed in uncomfortable or sensitive positions. Rather, these positions are where we grow and where we develop as young leaders. More than anything, it is important for teachers to recognize that they should encourage these discussions while being aware that forcing any type of ideal upon us will only harm our striving for global competency.

With the advent of new movements led by fellow teens, our lives are becoming intrinsically linked with politics.

The national walkout movement itself is an affirmation that our generation can stand, independent of any organization, and fight for our rights. It signifies our ability to take what we learn from school and reach further.

Similar campaigns will only grow in the following years. Thus, there are many questions that we must continue to answer in order to ensure an effective and healthy learning environment: can controversial events ever be used as an educational opportunity? Is it appropriate for teachers to share with students their own political viewpoints?

An educator’s job, put simply, is to teach students how to think and not what to think. This is thus a plea to all teachers, in every sense of the word: uphold this purpose — for the sake of your students.

4 | Thursday, October 11th, 2018

News

Petition Opposes Koch as Lifetime Trustee

The Deerfield Scroll

Kevin Hines Inspires DA

ANNA FU

Associate Editor Continued from Front However, Mr. Plimpton’s petition has revealed that current and past students disapprove of the title. In recent years, Deerfield has placed a strong emphasis on the importance of environmental sustainability by promoting initiatives like the “80/20” initiative of recycling 80 percent of its waste and only leaving 20 percent for the landfill. Koch Industries’ controversies surrounding its impact on the environment and Mr. Koch’s stance on global warming have incited frustration and confusion in the Deerfield community.

Hunter Keller ’20, one of the individuals who signed the petition, said, “David and Charles Koch have denied climate change and denounced it numerous times … at this point, in our current po-

BRITNEY CHEUNG/DEERFIELD SCROLL

litical era, people seem to feel like they are entitled to claim their own alternative facts … to things that are [scientifically] proven.”

Despite the differences in opinion regarding Mr. Koch’s role at

MADELINE LEE/DEERFIELD SCROLL

Deerfield, the petition has the potential to spark conversations on a possible conflict between trustees’ personal beliefs and Deerfield’s identity as a learning community.

Deerfield Steps Up Anti-Bullying Efforts JING HE

Staff Writer At the beginning of each year, Deerfield requires its students to sign an agreement that recognizes hazing as a violation of Massachusetts state law. In Massachusetts, Deerfield is legally obligated to report any instance of blatant bullying or hazing to the police. The Academy’s policy on hazing and bullying can be found on both its website and in the handbook. The handbook states that Deerfield is working to ensure a “safe learning environment, free from bullying or harassment, where all community members treat each other with respect and appreciate the rich diversity in [the] school.”

However, signing the handbooks is not the only measure Deerfield is taking to combat the issue of bullying. Particularly in recent years, the Academy’s attention has been brought forth to the issue due to an uptick in number of reported instances of bullying over the past few years.

Several students have attested to this increase in the severity of bullying and the subsequent response from the administration.

A senior who preferred to remain unnamed stated, “Over the last three years at Deerfield, while I haven’t seen as many direct instances of harassment, I’ve heard a lot of hurtful dialogue in dorms, such as pressuring friends to rank the most attractive people in their grade and using the word ‘gay’ as

an insult, and this rhetoric is often directed at particular people in a hall.”

Because of this trend, Natasha Leong ’21 has noted that the school has seemed to be stepping

sistant Head of School Amie Creagh said.

Another important part of the administration’s response to bullying is its newly implemented policy where proctors are asked

Kevin Hines came to campus on Wednesday, Oct. 3 to speak to students about suicide prevention.

In his talk, Hines shared how his struggles with bipolar disorder and depression culminated in September 2000 when he jumped off of the Golden Gate Bridge in a suicide attempt.

Miraculously, despite the 25-story fall at 75 mph, Hines not only survived but also regained full body mobility. Hines expressed that since his suicide at-

Sheppard Returns to Campus SARAH JUNG Associate Editor

“I’ve heard a lot of hurtful dialogue in dorms, such as pressuring friends to rank the most attractive people in their grade ... this rhetoric is often directed at particular people in a hall.”

- An unnamed senior to investigate and dial in to make sure their proctees are emotionally stable as opposed to putting up an veneer.

“We are just really asking people to have a keen antenna about what happens in the dorm,” Mr. Kelly clarified. He added that the administration keep issues, such as what occurs in the dorm, at the forefront of the school as opposed to letting it drift as time passes and steer away from the big meetings and events.

Over the summer, Deerfield also updated the layout of its anti-bullying forms and policies. The change was meant to provide the student body with a better understanding of what options they had when faced with issues related to hazing and bullying.

“When students are looking for some sort of response when confronted with either witnessing or being the victim of bullying, our policy was written in a language that was hard to understand,” Ms. Creagh admitted, adding, “The policy hasn’t changed, but hopefully its accessibility to the average adolescent has.”

Ms. Creagh concluded with emphasizing how important it is for students to understand that in bullying situations, responding proactively and being an upstander, rather than just passively witnessing an incident, is paramount.

She mentioned how the Student Life Office does acknowledge the potential ambiguity of the role of an “upstander” and stated that the Student Life Office is working to make sure students understand how imperative not being a bystander in a bullying situation can be.

Offering her own perspective on what being an upstander means, Ms. Creagh specified, “[Being an upstander] does not entail following expectations are but rather refers to how you meet those expectations.”

MADELINE LEE/DEERFIELD SCROLL

up its anti-bullying efforts. She elaborated, “I think the school is trying to do more than last year, and they are trying to address the problem because a lot of times when students are listening to serious topics, it goes in one ear and out the other.”

One of the ways in which Deerfield has sought to respond to bullying has been putting more emphasis on recognizing and preventing bullying in titled leadership positions, such as proctor selection and training. Candidates are asked the question, “What point in their life they have been an upstander?”

“Part of the criteria for being selected is that students have the capacity to, or experience with, intervening when there’s a situation that might include bullying.” As-

tempt, he has felt called to spread a message of hope and resilience to students and adults across the world so that they do not feel alone in their struggle with mental health.

Through the Kevin and Margaret Hines Foundation, established

by Mr. Hines and his wife Margaret, Hines has additionally actively campaigned to install a net around the Golden Gate Bridge in order to drastically reduce the fatality of suicide attempts from the Bridge.

Continued from Front As a 14-year old boy, short and barely over 100 pounds, Sheppard felt as though the upperclassmen held a lot of power over him. In 2004, he wrote an email to the then-headmaster of Deerfield, Eric Widmer, about the pervasive bullying he endured during his time at the school.

He alluded to incidents of his head getting flushed down the toilet, getting “kidnapped” by upperclassmen and left alone in the middle of the lower fields in the early morning hours, and having inappropriate interactions with a teacher. However, he did not mention Peter Hindle’s name.

Hindle was, at the time, highly revered and honored at the school.

He had graduated from Deerfield in 1952 and returned immediately after attending Amherst College to teach. He ended up teaching at Deerfield for 44 years and coaching squash for 38 years.

“This long tenure is perhaps the primary source of the reverence he was once afforded,” said David Thiel ’91, who attended Deerfield when Hindle was a teacher.

Hindle’s name was on a stone bench in Brook’s Garden, just north of the Arms Building, in addition to an endowed math chair and an endowed squash court.

Mr. Thiel added, “Like many perpetrators of abuse, [Hindle] was charismatic, friendly, and engaging. Yet the majority of people with whom he interacted had no basis to think anything but the best of him.”

Due to the sheer extent of Mr. Hindle’s elevated power and prestige, Sheppard was reluctant to come forward as a sexual assault victim, and refrained from naming Mr. Hindle. He remembers that in the email, he ended up protecting his assailant more than speaking his truth. Mr. Widmer was sympathetic in his response to Mr. Sheppard’s letter, but nothing more came of it.

When Mr. Sheppard left Deerfield, he didn’t look back. He tried to make the best new life he could after his experience. But within him, he claimed “he was carrying a heavy bag of sadness, hurt, shame, embarrassment and regret.”

No matter how hard he tried, Mr. Sheppard could never seem to outrun his experience. In the sum-

mer of 2012, he read a story in the New York Times Magazine called “Prep School Predators” that detailed a history of sexual abuse in the Horace Mann School. It made him realize that telling his story could prompt more schools to also confront their pasts, which in turn could ensure the safety of more students.

Mr. Sheppard recalls that he started living in truth the day he broke his silence.

Ely Burke ’19 said, “I appreciated his bravery and willingness to accept his mistakes about personal integrity.”

He urged students to live up to the school motto and follow his example. In his Boston Globe Magazine article “What Happened At Deerfield,” he wrote, “Nothing about this process has been easy, but it has given me a renewed sense of self-respect. It was the right thing to do, and I’m glad I did it.

He told students, “I’d like you to be the person who not just knows the right thing to do, but has the courage to do it. Act on your own integrity. The world needs a lot more awareness, it needs more mindfulness, and it needs a heck of a lot more kindness.”

Dr. Curtis reflected, “Mr. Sheppard’s advice to speak up when experiencing or witnessing inappropriate behavior could not be more important or more relevant.

Through his own example, he called on Deerfield students to stand up for each other—and for themselves—even when facing people in positions of power.”

Mr. Sheppard stressed the importance of students’ high school years, claiming that while his four years at Deerfield were not the best ones of his life, they were the most formative.

“There was an emptiness in my life, because I was trying to put aside my experience,” he said.

By standing on stage and sharing his deepest vulnerabilities with the community, Sheppard took the lead in battling the societal stigma around talking about sexual assault and abuse.

Mr. Sheppard left the community with this message: “I am grateful for ... welcoming me back so comprehensively into the Deerfield family. [You] helped me truly feel a part of the extended Deerfield community for the first time in decades.”

Features

The Deerfield Scroll

Deerfield Cheerleaders: Past and Present

DEERFIELD ACADEMY ARCHIVES

LILY FAUCETT Associate Editor

When most high-schoolers hear the word “cheerleader,” they think of pom-poms and skirts.

Here at Deerfield, we have a very different picture. We know our cheerleaders, with their iconic white and green sweaters and personalized megaphones.

There is no definitive beginning of the Deerfield Cheerleaders, but they are present in Pocumtuck yearbooks and Scroll articles going back into the early 1920s.

Although there are differences between those cheerleaders and the ones we know today, some things have not changed at all. In a Pocumtuck yearbook from 1933, eight Deerfield boys, who held the title of Cheerleader at the time, sport the same white sweaters emblazoned with the same green “D” that cheerleaders wear today.

Students have been coming together to share their passion for Deerfield sporting events since Mr. Boyden’s time as Headmaster.

Even these early students bled green, bolstering school spirit and supporting their school. The Deerfield Cheerleading tradition emerged from this passion and spirit.

Math Teacher Sean Keller ’86

DEERFIELD ACADEMY ARCHIVES

talked about his own memories of the Cheerleaders during his time at Deerfield. During his four years, they had two school meetings a week, one on Tuesday and one on Thursday.

“The Tuesday meeting was more nuts and bolts, like announcements and other short things,” he said, “and then oftentimes a portion of the

Thursday school meeting was the Cheerleaders getting people riled up for the weekend.” During the 1980s, as the school was all male, so were the cheerleaders, but that all changed in 1989 when the first girls were accepted to the school.

Just as the Cheerleaders were previously all male, the style of Cheerleading was also markedly different. To this point, Mr. Keller spoke about a tradition during his Deerfield days that hasn’t continued.

Mr. Keller laughed and said, “It was probably the very definition of hazing.”

When Deerfield played Lawrenceville in football, the schools would house the opposing teams on the Friday night before games. Deerfield would clear Scaife of students and house the Lawrenceville team there.

Mr. Keller related, “The Cheerleaders would organize a fairly robust pep-rally type thing where the Cheerleaders and much of the school would surround Scaife dormitory and do chants.”

Although traditions like these are not the same as our traditions today, the Cheerleaders are still a group of the most spirited Deerfield upperclassmen, raising school spirit around campus.

Jada Howard ’19, Head Girl Cheerleader, said that her favorite thing about being a Cheerleader is “the responsibility we have for representing the love we have for the place that raises us.”

The Cheerleaders have almost a century-long history of representing Deerfield spirit. This spirit is continued to this day as we congratulate the six juniors and eight seniors who joined the ranks of the Cheerleaders at the pep rally on Friday night: Caroline Carpenter ’19, Bayard DeMallie ’19, Erin DeMarco ’19, Teddy Durfee ’19, Trumayne Guy ’19, Sharon Kereke ’19, Henry Lowe ’19, Austin Philie ’19, Emma Reavis ’19, Sim Bethel ’20, Hanna Deringer ’20, Annie Kane ’20, Grace Knight ’20, Alton Machen ’20, and Aidan Philie ’20. These fourteen new members are the future of cheerleading at Deerfield, and Howard has one message to them: “Buckle up, because we have a great year ahead.”

DEERFIELD ACADEMY FLICKR

Thursday, October 11th, 2018 |5

Getting to Know Nan JAE WON MOON Associate Editor

What’s your full name?

Deahenn Jarvis, but I was nicknamed Nan because my brother could not pronounce my name.

Talk about your family—spouse, kids, etc. Where do you live?

I live in Miller’s Falls, which is near the Turners Falls airport.

I am married and I have one son.

He is twenty one years old. I used to play pool and I even went to a couple national tournaments: Vegas for eight ball and Minnesota for nine ball.

Where did you grow up? How did you find your way to Deerfield?

I grew up in this area and lived in this area my whole life. I went to Greenfield High School. I had a couple of friends who worked in the Dining Hall and I worked in the dining hall for over thirty years. Now I clean Denunzio.

What kinds of personal interests do you have? What do you do in your free time?

I love to spend time with my family and crossword puzzles. I am pretty boring in my old age. I am a homebody.

How long have you been working in Denunzio? Have you ever done any other dorms?

I just came over this April, so I have only been here for a short time and I am also in charge of the John-Williams Dormitory. I used to work in Doubleday.

Do you like it here? How do you feel DA has changed over the years?

Yes, I hopefully do because I have been here for over thirty years! When I first started it was only boys and I was able to see the transition from boys to co-ed. I love seeing graduates coming back and recognizing me. I remember when George Knight remembered

BRITNEY CHEUNG/DEERFIELD SCROLL me back when I was working in the Dining Hall. looking for a job that is secure and Are there any funny moments that you would like to share with us that long term. I came from working at a drugstore chain as a cashier. I has happened throughout your time at Deerfield? was looking to get into something Some of the times I find the secure and lasting. Plus, the kids are the best part of the job. senior pranks hilarious. One time they stacked the Dining Hall Lastly, what was the menu thirty years ago? tables, six of them, one on top of each other. Another time that I Tastes change. It was definitely thought was funny, but my boss more mom cooking—American didn’t, was when the seniors mom cooking. It’s neat because the apple crisp recipe is the same as it took all of the silverware from the was thirty years ago. There were dining hall. no vegetarians back then. In the What is one piece of advice that you would have liked to known before dining hall, it was only meat and starting your job here at DA? potatoes. When someone asked for a vegetarian menu, we would As a young person, people just give them some cheese. don’t think about much. I was

What Are You Grateful For? JOANA SETTE Staff Writer

The Student Life Office has organized a series of events around a particular theme for the past three years in order to inspire healthy conversation on campus.

These themes, called symposiums, are a focus for one whole year.

This year, the symposium theme

“The goal is that gratitude becomes a routine.”

- Ms. Creagh is gratitude.

In 2017, the symposium was on gender, and Deerfield spent the year discussing the gender divide, recognizing the Deerfield community’s attitude towards gender, and talking about the gender binary. In 2018, the theme was mindfulness, prompting weekly mindfulness sessions and discussion of stress-reducing practices.

The focus this year is on gratitude.

Amie Creagh, Assistant Head of School for Student Life, said, “The goal is that gratitude becomes a routine.”

This theme of gratitude was inspired by a

practice last year within the Student Life Office where faculty set aside time to say what they were grateful

for. Instead of gratitude only being a focus during Thanksgiving or graduation, the hope was that the practice of gratitude could become ingrained in our daily lives.

“I have two hopes for this year’s symposium,” said Ms. Creagh, who led this initiative. “The first is that it creates a mindset that pauses, and in those moments, we take stalk of our surroundings.

The second is that we go say thank you to the people who really deserve it— actually. We are striving for an active measure of ‘thanks.’”

This practiced effort to be kind enforces Dean of Students Kevin Kelly’s opinion that “kindness is not a benign statement.” Mr. Kelly understands that it’s easy to get caught up in the busy life at Deerfield, but he also emphasized that “it’s negligent to say ‘well, that’s just high school,’” as a valid excuse for one’s forgetfulness to show appreciation.

However, in order for the theme of gratitude to be effective, students must fully buy in to the concept of recognizing individuals for their kindness. As seen in some of the past symposiums, without student support, these initiatives can tend to lose footing a n d impact.

ting this theme develop organically, the hope is that this theme will grow deeper roots.

Students have already started publicly expressing their gratitude through Dining Hall anouncements, thanking fellow students for anything from helping them to get water or clearing their silverware. There is also a feature on the Bulletin that allows anyone in community to post a thank you note. By participating in these

“Kindness is not a benign statement.”

- Mr. Kelly announcements and these public displays of gratitude, the community is following exactly what Ms. Creagh and Mr. Kelly hoped.

“I think we are so busy here at Deerfield that we often forget to thank a lot of the people who help us out in so many different ways,” said Athena Zarmakoupis ’21.

There are plenty of people to be grateful for—whether it’s Darla Motyka and Norm Therrien for always hav-

i n g what we need for our MADELINE LEE/DEERFIELD SCROLL games, Brian Barbato for weekend events, student With the importance dish crew for helping with meals, of student enthusiasm in mind, or Bruce MacConnell for always the approach to this symposium greeting you at breakfast in the is meant to weave the theme into kitchen. It’s extremely important the community in a natural way, to recognize the individuals who without forced programming or make your day go by so much easunenthusiastic discussion. By letier.

Arts

6 | Thursday, October 11th, 2018

The Deerfield Scroll

How To Get Involved with Deerfield Arts CHRISTINA LI Staff Writer

There’s a beauty in the arts at Deerfield. From football players on stage to poets on paper, it seems that students of all backgrounds and skill sets can participate in bringing the world of the arts to our eyes and our ears.

There is an extensive year ahead with

plentiful performance opportunities: KFC, the dance showcases, the Fall Play, AP art and photography exhibitions, Albany Road issues, the a capella fest, chamber and band concerts, and so much more.

The Deerfield community comes together each time to appreciate the

Dance

hard work of our student artists.

However, each day at Deerfield is already filled up to the brim with homework, club meetings, sports games, and social interactions.

For new students and non-artists alike, it can be exceedingly overwhelming

Chorus & A capella

Deerfield’s dance program, reputable across all of New England, has been a staple of campus entertainment. At school meetings, everyone eagerly awaits the dance performances, and each term’s showcase are some of the most anticipated events of the year. Offered in and out of the academic day, Deerfield’s dance program covers a wide variety of styles for students of all experience levels from complete beginners to pre-professionals.

Classes are offered both during the academic day and co-curricular periods for dancers of all levels. The program offers students Intro to Dance and Dance I during 5th period, Dance II and III during 6th, while the Advanced Dance Ensemble meets during 7th period. Each level prepares throughout the year for performances at each term-end showcase. Ms. Jennifer Whitcomb notes, “Dance I still has plenty of room in it for new dancers, and it meets 5th period during the winter and spring.”

School meeting performances and each term’s dance showcases are some of the most widely anticipated events of the year.

Even more exciting are the dance showcases that occur at the end of each term.

All students are encouraged to audition, and they offer a variety of styles from hip hop, contemporary, ballet, and jazz, for all different levels. Look out for the the upcoming Fall Family Weekend Performing Arts Showcase that goes up on Friday, October 12th at 7:30 in the Large Auditorium.

Photography/Videography Another very popular art course that many students at Deerfield pursue is ‘Photography’ and ‘Videography’. All around campus, there are opportunities to capture a beautiful moment in time, from hiking to the rock to watching a dance showcase to seeing another sunset over the Quad, and Deerfield’s photography students take advantage of them. Often known as the unsung heroes of Deerfield arts, there are numerous ways to get involved with the photography program today.

“I would say that I didn’t start dancing until I was a 9th grader in high school, so they’re right on schedule!

It’s a perfect time to start dancing.”

– Ms. Jennifer Whitcomb “I originally came to Deerfield last year as a ballet dancer, but I really wanted to try something new so I started doing hip hop. It’s by far my weakest style but I’ve had so much fun trying to improve. The dance program can develop your already existing passion or it can be an outlet to try something new.”

– Selena Martineau ’19

Whether you’re a singer or not, everyone loves to sing – whether it be on the bus back from a sports game, at Sunday sit downs, in the showers, or just with friends in the common room. At Deerfield, you have the opportunity to take this hobby further, developing and honing your skills in the choral and a capella programs.

Photography is offered in introductory, intermediate, AP, and Post-AP classes in photography and videography all throughout the academic day. Taught

by Mr. Tim Trelease, “all levels of photography students learn skills and employ photography as a creative form of artistic expression with DSLR and film cameras, digital editing/Photoshop, and darkroom developing and printing”.

Another way outside the academic day is through student publications in need

All around campus, there are opportunities to capture a beautiful moment in time, from hiking to the rock to watching a dance showcase to seeing another sunset over the Quad, and Deerfield’s photography students take advantage of them.

“If you’ve seen Pitch Perfect, it really isn’t like that. It’s not perfect. But it is a really fun and rewarding experience.”

“The energy every year is so different,” Melisa Gurkan ’19, co-captain of the Rhapso’D’s comments, “and the girls foster such a great environment.”

– Nicholas Ortega ’19

“I think Deerfield does a great job of giving opportunities for dancers of all levels. If your a beginner, there is the intro to dance academic class or there are cocurricular options as well. Also for the student choreography showcase, there are usually a few beginner pieces that are really easy and really fun, no MADELINE LEE / matter your skill level.

– Quinn Soucy ’19 DEERFIELD SCROLL

spring, All three groups are motivated to create ‘music with their mouths’.

– Elliot Flagg ’20

“I started dance here; it was the best decision of my life.”

“I started dance the winter of my sophomore year, and, honestly, it was the best decision of my life. Deerfield is all about trying new things and the dance program here is amazing.”

– Nicholas Ortega ’19

to venture into this new world of the arts, even if you’re interested in it.

To combat this fear, here is a comprehensive introduction to the arts programs at Deerfield, and how you can get involved now, no matter who or where you are on the artistic spectrum.

MADELINE LEE / DEERFIELD SCROLL

Chorus, directed by Dr. Tom Pousont, can be taken both as a class and as an extracurricular activity. As a class, singers can take the Chorus during the academic day, and more advanced singers can try out for the Advanced Vocal Ensemble. The easiest way to check out the chorus at Deerfield is to come to Tuesday evening rehearsals, usually running between dinner and study hall, which is open to everyone in the community.

In the early fall, students can also audition for the student-led a cappella groups, of which there are currently three: Co-ed a cappella; the Mellow-Ds (all male); and the Rhapso-Ds (all female).

Performing at various venues such as school meeting, trustee dinners, and the ever-popular ‘A Cappella Fest’ in the

Chamber Music Known for being a program full of seasoned musicians, chamber and orchestral music programs tend to intimidate students, even those interested in classical music.

However, the chamber music program at Deerfield, while disciplined and proficient, remains accessible to all students.

As a class, musicians in chamber music meet during 7th period. Like the band program, they are split into different ensembles of 2-8 each day, and prepare pieces for concerts at the end of each term.

“Chamber music allows us to strengthen our relationships with others and music simulatenously.”

– Arayana Carr-Mal ’20

“If you love singing, acapella is a great outlet on campus to learn and grow as a singer. If you’ve seen Pitch Perfect, it really isn’t like that. It’s not perfect.

But it is a really fun and rewarding experience that I highly recommend.”

- Elliot Flagg ’20 “I hadn’t had any A Capella experience and so I was pretty nervous to audition for the group but I am so happy I did. I’ve met so many people I never would’ve met otherwise and I encourage everyone to either partake in A Capella or watch!”

- Nikita Pelletier ’20 “Don’t be intimidated! This is the key thing to understand, and a big part of what makes a chorus so amazing: no matter your experience level or what grandma said about your voice, there is a place for you in the Tuesday evening chorus. Every singer begins their career by not having a clue. All you need is enough courage to open your mouth, the willingness to open your ears and listen, and some positive effort. The rest of us will help you with the details.”

- Dr. Tom Pousont

As an extracurricular, orchestra is a space where all classical musicians meet every Sunday to prepare full-ensemble pieces for numerous performances throughout each year. Consisting of violinists to timpani players, orchestra connects people of all backgrounds and experiences together. Sign up for chamber music or orchestra through Mr. Tom Bergeron.

“I would highly recommend chamber music at Deerfield to anyone who’s considering it. Chamber music allows us to strengthen our relationships with others and music simultaneously.

The chamber music program here has successfully achieved that environment.”

- Arayana Carr-Mal ’20

The chamber music program at Deerfield remains accessible to students of all backgrounds.

of photographers. Through Albany Road, Deerfield’s literary and arts magazine, student photographers can submit and share their work to the community. Photographers can also work under the Scroll, Deerfield’s newspaper. Those interested in videography and film can look forward to the annual ‘Widdies’, a highly anticipated night where the community comes together to watch both light-hearted and sophisticated film works of student artists.

MADELINE LEE / DEERFIELD SCROLL

“If you want to try photography, go for it. Find the kind of photo that’s right for you, whether it’s taking pictures of the landscape or doing photoshoots.

You don’t know until you try.”

- Kendall Duff ’21.

MARK CHUNG / DEERFIELD SCROLL

Arts

The Deerfield Scroll

Thursday, October 11th, 2018 | 7

How To Get Involved with Deerfield Arts CHRISTINA LI Staff Writer

Visual Arts

Band

The Drawing and painting program is unique in that many students get their first formal training at Deerfield and stay with it, all the way right through to the college application. Student artists have amazing opportunities, travelling to London this past summer, numerous field trips throughout the year, and through the Von Auersperg gallery.

The “Intro the Studio Art” courses during first period are the best way for the novice to get involved in the program.

These courses are very popular and they really develop your mindset and skill level,” Mr. Dickinson explains. Many students at Deerfield are taught foundational skills at this level, and often move onto higher levels of ‘AP Studio Art’ during 4th and 5th, where students can submit their art portfolios to the AP College Board, and ‘Topics Post AP’ and ‘Tutorial’ for more advanced artists.

On the other side of the musical spectrum, students who enjoy rock, jazz, funk, and all other styles of music may partake in Deerfield’s band program. This may include taking the 6th period bandcourse, performing at the winter and spring KFCs or even starting your own band.

As a class, ‘Bands: Wind/Rock/Jazz’ is taken 6th period, and directed by Mr. John Van Eps. Covering an extensive range of musical styles, all students who take this class are grouped into different ensembles that meet on a schedule, fostering an extremely collaborative and diverse environment. Students who take this class play instruments including the clarinet, the vibraphone, electric guitar, the saxophone, and many more.

“I would definitely tell [students that are intimidated] to throw caution to the wind. Become involved. Because I believe that everyone can be taught to draw. We take everyone at their level, so we’re not talking about their talent.

Everything we teach here is teachable.”

- Mr. David Dickinson

On another note, ‘band’ also expands to extracurricular activities, including many student-initiatives on campus, like Coda.

“I would definitely tell students to throw caution to the wind. Become involved.

Because I believe that everyone can be taught to draw. We can take everyone at their level, so we’re not talking about their talent. Everything we teach here is teachable.”

“I started Coda several years ago with Andy because we felt that Deerfield band didn’t get enough attention in the public eye… Lucky for musicians, Deerfield is very supportive of student projects. They love it when students are on stage. Coda has not only helped showcase the best of band to the Deerfield community, but it has also given instrumentalists on campus a chance to come together and learn from one another.“ - Josh Fang ’19

“Look out for the Fall play: ‘Twelve Angry Jurors’: a blistering play that focuses on inherent bias, which is hugely topical in the world we live in today.”

- Mrs. Catriona Hynds

“It’s a really supportive community full of people who genuinely want to see each other thrive.

– Emma Earls ’20

MADELINE LEE / DEERFIELD SCROLL

Literature Stepping outside the mold of what is commonly considered as ‘Art’, the Deerfield community has found a way to integrate literature with the arts in a tremendously creative fashion.

For one, there are numerous academic journals, political magazines, and newspapers on campus. The Scroll, one of the oldest newspapers in the MA region, is a great way to get to know people on campus and foster key journalistic skills.

The Green Light, The Scrawl, and Door to Stem are more examples of the numerous

“Getting involved in theatre is so easy!

This year, for our winter show, we’ll be taking everyone, so I recommend everyone to try it out. Arts at Deerfield, and especially theatre shows, are such a special aspect of Deerfield that I think everyone should experience during their time in the valley.”

- Alexa Brown ’19

“When I came to Deerfield I knew I wanted to be involved in the theatre program. It’s always been a big part of my life, and I was amazed by all the talented actors and actresses here.”

- Angelique Alexos ’20

publications on campus that cater to the diverse interests Deerfield students exhibit.

All such publications accept applications to be staff writers; if you miss the deadline, rest assured they will read and consider any articles you write for publishing.

In addition, extracurricular groups such as Off Key, Deerfield’s slam poetry club, and the Creative Writing club serve as more opportunities for students to share their writing with the Deerfield community.

Another way to share your literature is to apply or submit to Albany Road, Deerfield’s student-led literary and arts magazine.

Accepting short stories, poetry, photography, and art, Albany Road anonymously reviews student submissions and compiles selected pieces into beautiful booklets each term to share with the community. Open to everyone, Albany Road serves as an outlet for all student writers and creative thinkers who wish to share their writing and art.

“We publish 4 issues a year, and host events where student artists can perform and showcase their work. Submissions for the fall issue are now open until October 31st, so it is a great opportunity to get your work out there now. Past issues can be found on our website: albanyroad.com. Additionally, on October 10th, Albany Road will also be hosting a writing workshop, for students to explore some writing prompts and share their work in a supportive environment.”

-Sydney Bebon, ’19

“It’s a really supportive community full of people who genuinely want to see each other thrive. It’s a great way to explore new opportunities because the theatre program is always open to anyone who wants to try something new. I was part of the Spring Musical Revue last year and I learned so much from both of our incredible directors, Lori Clark and Catriona Hynds. It was an honor to work with them.

- Emma Earls ’20

MADELINE LEE / DEERFIELD SCROLL

“You shouldn’t be scared to play music, if you want to go for it you should. I knew I always wanted to play an instrument but I could never find one that connected to me like guitar did. I tried piano, saxophone, organ, but those I never fell in love with like guitar.

Find your instrument, then find your voice.”

-Mike Shalaby ’20

– Mike Shalaby ’20 MADELINE LEE / DEERFIELD SCROLL

According to the director of the theatre program, Mrs. Catriona Hynds, “Deerfield Theatre is a program of where anyone can find an immediate “family”, one that you are likely to remain friends with until you graduate.” Every term, the entire Deerfield community is eager to fill into the Black Box Theatre of the Hess and appreciate the hard work and effort that student actors, technicians, and directors put into each play.

Putting on 3 plays a term every year, Deerfield’s theatre program hosts a large variety of positions for involvement. There’s no commitment when auditioning, and students don’t even have to be signed up for the co-curricular. Each term, students are invited to audition or be a part of the technical team, which entails set-building, and light, sound, costume and prop design.

In the past, the theatre program has enjoyed success with productions such as Big Love, the Musical Revue, Pinkalicious, and more.

“We have teachers in every instrument and we have experienced coaches in all forms of music. Everything from jazz to funk to hip hop to rock. It’s a great place to learn and instrument and have fun with friends.”

- Mr. John Van Eps.

“You shouldn’t be scared to play music. If you want to go for it you should. Find your instrument, then find your voice.”

– David Dickinson

Theater

On another note, ‘band’ also expands to extracurricular activities, including many student-initiatives on campus.

Coda, the on campus rock band started

by Joshua Fang ’19 and Andy Han ’19 two years ago, is an exciting example of how students can become leaders on campus.

Coda has performed at school meetings, Choate Day, and even the senior graduation dinner.

MADELINE LEE / DEERFIELD SCROLL

“Albany Road is a great way to appreciate the student body’s works in the arts and it really emphasizes the importance of the arts at Deerfield Academy.”

- Madeline Lee ’20

Arts

8 | Thursday, October 11th, 2018

The Deerfield Scroll

Artist of the Issue: Cam Taylor ANGELIQUE ALEXOS Staff Writer

There are stories all around us; for Cam Taylor ’19, these stories are what fuel his passion for rapping and poetry. Even though he did not grow up in a very musical family, Taylor listened to a lot of music growing up and was first inspired by his brother, who started writing poetry before Taylor.

However, Taylor did not know this interest would become a lifelong passion until he came to Deerfield.

“The straw that broke the camel’s back that made me want to start rapping was when I came here [Deerfield] and saw Mamadou rap,” recounts Taylor. When he

heard Mamadou Yattassaye ’17 rap at the winter and spring KFC, he made Mamadou a promise that he would perform next the year. From then on, music became Taylor’s passion, and the studio became his “mini holy temple.”

Upon entering this “holy temple,” it becomes immediately apparent that Taylor has transformed an interest into a life pursuit. Sitting near the microphone with a sweatshirt pulled over his head and stocking-clad feet, Taylor describes himself as an artist who “writes under the same conditions but under different circumstances.”

While his conditions and process may stay constant, his music depends on where he is, what

he is thinking about, and how he is feeling in that moment.

Taylor also strives to convey diversity through his lyrics and the flow of the music. This attention to diversity occurred when Taylor came to Deerfield, because he was able to come in contact with many different stories that he could use as a source of inspiration.

“Rap talks about the struggle.

Where you’re from and where you want to go,” Taylor said. “I never lose sight of that when I’m rapping.”

The real basis of Taylor’s ideas stem from a more grounded approach: being humble, respectful, and grateful. Throughout his interview, Taylor highlighted that focus is what drives his whole process. When he is in the studio, he not only respects the people who work with him and critique his work, but also, Taylor says, “I respect the mic, I respect the headphones, I respect the studio, the space, the atmosphere, and everything it offers me.”

This attention to respect is what makes Taylor both a good artist and collaborator Christina Li ’20 observes. As an artist herself, Li has worked with Taylor several times and comments on how he is always asking her for her opinion and he often supports her in her own development as an artist.

This fall, Li co-hosted the Student Arts Showcase and was involved in choosing the performers, one of which was Taylor. Li comments

BRITNEY CHEUNG /DEERFIELD SCROLL

“Rap talks about the struggle. Where you’re from and where you want to go.”

– Cam Taylor ’19

BRITNEY CHEUNG /DEERFIELD SCROLL

that Taylor was an obvious choice because of his talent as an artist and his commitment to his music.

Elven Shum ’20, a second host, said, “It’s so great to see people like Cam introducing the Deerfield community to different and new mediums of art. I think that rap is so important to our generation

and to how we communicate.

Cam’s work serves as a reminder to all of us that rap as a genre is not only catchy but also the lyrics are meaningful.” However, Taylor admits that when he was asked to do the showcase he was taken aback.

Taylor’s approach to the art of storytelling through a lense of

respect is unique. He never stops showing his love and gratitude for this passion, even freestyling a few lines at the end of his interview.

Be sure to look out for his new project dropping in two weeks on SoundCloud (and perhaps on Spotify!), and, in Taylor’s words, “stay humble, stay grounded.”

Theatre Department Prepares Fall Production “Twelve Angry Jurors” ANGELA CUI Staff Writer

On a dense summer day, a jury must decide the verdict of a young adult man who has allegedly murdered his father. Throughout the play, tensions thicken within the jury room. Written in 1954 by Reginald Rose, Twelve Angry Jurors takes place soon after the end of World War III. This period of time was not only characterized by economic prosperity, growing suburbs, and the baby boom, but also by civil rights movements and national suspicion due to the Cold War, which Rose’s play reflects through each characters’ personal differences and arguments.

“This play really puts emphasis on being afraid of people that are different from us. Since it is written in the 1950s, issues like immigration and racism are involved,” commented Micajah Stude ’19, who is playing Juror #8 in the play.

Even though this play takes place more than half a decade ago, many of the societal issues presented back then still remain relevant in present day. In addition to immigration and racism, the universal tendency for humans to suspect others always exists as a recurring problem for most groups.

“Throughout society, there’s always a sense of fear and distrust of people that are different than you, and uncertainty about people that don’t agree with you, which you definitely see throughout

the play. People naturally gravitate to people who have the same opinions,” commented Angelique Alexos ’20, who plays Juror #1.

However, society has undeniably changed every since the 1950s, which poses the challenge of modifying the play to fit modern day understanding and values but not excessively meddling with its historical accuracy. The theater program cut a few sections of the play containing historical references from that time period, including mentions of companies, people, and even the Dempsey-Ferpi boxing fight, which many people nowadays may not understand or relate to.

Furthermore, the diversity of the cast itself has changed. “In the original cast, all twelve of the jurors were white men, but in our cast we have women, and we have people of more diverse ethnicities, which I think contributes to the conversation as far as cultural awareness goes,” noted Stude.

Hence, Ms. Hynds changed the original title of the play, Twelve Angry Men, to Twelve Angry Jurors in order to fully represent the cast members. For Alexos, playing a male character as a female character proved to be a struggle between past and modern views, and her character’s title of foreman was even changed to madam foreman.

“I really struggled with because the foreman is the leader of all the jurors and it was important to have a strong figure. But, at the same time, in the 1950s there weren’t re-

ally any women who were in those strong positions. Playing that character, I’m trying to find the balance between asserting authority but not trying to seem too modern and out of the time period,” said Alexos.

In preparation for the performance of the fall term theater production, the tech crew is working on a historically accurate rendition of a jury room, including one long table where the jurors will sit. During the first couple of weeks, the actors have studied the history of the play and run through their lines.

“Everybody has a little assignment that they have to research. So if there is any sort of historical reference or phrase that isn’t relevant anymore, Ms. Hynds will have it searched up,” elaborated Stude.

During the next weeks before showtime, the actors will focus more on details and addressing any issues. One of the greatest challenges of Twelve Angry Jurors is the pacing, especially because the play itself is more of a discussion than one with many movements.

“I’ve never been in a play that’s set in one environment the whole time, so it’s a challenge to keep the audience engaged and keep myself engaged,” observed Alexos.

However, the setting does not take away meaning behind movements during the play; in fact, blocking becomes more important as the audience’s eye is drawn to the smallest nuances.

“There’s surprisingly a lot of moving around even though they’re

sitting at a table inside an enclosed space. Tensions are high in the room— people will go up and walk to the water cooler or pace around the room, and there are big monologues where everyone gets up and walks away. These movements that may seem in the moment have actually been all planned out and staged beforehand,” noted Alexa Brown ’19, who is the stage manager.

The minute details worked into the play only serve to emphasize the characters’ distinct differences and how they interact with

each other because of these disagreements. The differences between them, and their reactions spurned by argument, bridge the gap of time between the 1950s and modern day to reflect many social aspects of society today.

“Ms. Hynds does a very important job of bringing people into the world around us through her plays because we do live in a little bubble at Deerfield ... you might think about a line you heard in the play and connect that to something you read in the news,” concluded Stude.

BRITNEY CHEUNG /DEERFIELD SCROLL

The Deerfield Scroll

Staying Healthy 101 ANNA MISHCHENKO/ DEERFIELD SCROLL

KIMBERLY STAFFORD Staff Writer

After a few horribly hot weeks of school, it finally seems as if autumn is here to stay. In contrast with the picturesque scenery in movies, autumn in New England brings a mixture of rain with a hint of occasional sunshine. With hectic move-in days, stressful school schedules, and sports practices and games, many students fall victim to the infamous fall colds in their first weeks of school. With that in mind, here are nine ways to stay healthy at Deerfield.

1. Everything in moderation!

As tempting as those Grilled CC’s may be, shoving three chocolatechip muffins down your throat may not be the most healthconscious move. Instead, eat everything in moderation! Have a cinnamon bun once every couple of days and maybe add some veggies into the mix.

2. Get outside. Go on a run, a walk, or hike up to the Rock. Fall at Deerfield is beautiful; soak up the pretty orange-red leaves before winter creeps in.

3. Little known secret, the Hitchcock store and the Greer sell little packets of Emergen-C. Pop that into your water and be kind to your immune system!

4. They say fashion is pain, but maybe a thicker sweater or some pants may do the trick. Trust me, “looking cute” is not worth an being cold the entire day.

Thursday, October 11th, 2018 | 9

Buzz

5. The Health Center is always open for appointments! When you feel that itch in your throat, do not hesitate to reach out. That being said, don’t try to go into the Health Center for a free no-class pass.

6. As much as we promote sharing at Deerfield, drinks and food are a little different. Get a new straw or fork, because you never know if your friend is sick or not. “Flu season” may only pertain to the winter, but remember mono is year round!

7. Remember your mental health! Even though the fall may be one of the most stressful times of the school year, appreciate your time at the Academy. Eight months flies by quicker than you realize. A few minutes of reflection or meditation may help you calm down. Most importantly, don’t forget that you have all of the counselors (adult and peer) to help you out!

Camp Becket Review MASON ZHAO Staff Writer

As you walked on to campus this fall, you may have caught a glimpse of the the great class of 2022 on the steps of the Main School Building. They were most likely waving goodbye to their parents and Green Keys, as their moms and dads tried to snap this monumentous first step at a new school. This notorious farewell photoshoot marks the beginning of the incoming ninth-graders’ voyage away to Camp Becket.

However, in the past years, the effectiveness of this two day adventure in “grade-bonding” has come into question.

The wilderness excursion consists of various team activities.

When the students arrive at the camp, they are welcomed by camp counselors. From there, the 9th graders are split into random groups, each of about eight students. Then, the students are taken through what may be one of the hallmarks of this camp, a ropes course, which consists of obstacles that promote teamwork.

After a quick hiatus for lunch, the students are back in the woods.

In their groups, the ninth graders partake in more activities such as boat making and charades. They

8. Although she might not have the majestic voice of Alicia Keys, Aleashia Pease offers majestic massages every Sunday. Sign up for one and give yourself time to chill out.

9. Take care of yourself!

Remember to wash your hands, and cover your mouth when coughing. In case you have forgotten, sickness spreads like wildfire here at Deerfield. The last thing you want is to cancel your hike to the Rock and spend the time lying on your bed instead.

COURTESY OF DEERFIELD ACADEMY VIDIGAMI

COURTESY OF DEERFIELD ACADEMY VIDIGAMI

finish the camp day by making their grade cheer. This grade cheer is recited at school meeting every Wednesday. This cheer signifies a class’ first step into the Deerfield community; it is one of the special Deerfield Academy traditions that makes students feel as if they are truly welcome in their new environment. After making their cheer, the students eat dinner and then go to bed. The next day, the campers are up and eager to get back to school.

Although the stated purpose of these two days is for ninth-graders to define their own Deerfield experience, Kishor Bharadwaj ’19 , a proctor in the Village who attended Camp Becket with his proctees this fall, explains that this two day adventure garners mixed responses.

He said, “[Camp Becket] is a good time to get new ninthgraders to meet each other.

However…Becket does not provide an accurate depiction of our school, which makes some students question their decision to commit to the school.”

When asked to explain his most memorable experience at Camp Becket this fall, Abdiel Torres ’22, a 9th grader gave a mixed review.

Torres stated, “Laugher, sweat, and lots of kids made up Camp Becket.”

Echoing Bharadwaj’s thoughts, some students, such as Torres,

argue that having 100 or so stinky teenagers sleep together for one night isn’t the most efficient way to bond. One would expect a Deerfield introduction to be more formal, possibly in class dress instead of in mud.

Ms. Melvoin, the dean of the 9th grade class, explained, “The goal of Camp Becket is to give 9th graders a chance to get to know each other away from the distractions on campus. It lets us see them work together and problem solve in a fun, no pressure environment.”

The concept of Camp Becket is simple: it’s a time for the incoming class to bond without the stress of grades, social media, and the rest of the school. It is a time for them to focus on themselves and their peers. Even through the sweat and bugs, many students have formed life-lasting friendships during these two days.

Although the infamous trip brings the best and worst of memories, it is certain that, through the experience, the ninth grade class is brought closer together (maybe even a little too close—those bunk beds barely leave room between the one the top and the on the bottom). As grueling as mosquitoes, rainy weather, and awkward teenage classmates may be, Camp Becket remains an integral part of the Deerfield ninth grade experience.

Ms. Clark (Theatre Teacher) “I like to bake fruit pies with a buttery flaky crust. I experiment with different types of fruit because the result, though nuanced, is always positive.”

Ms. Dickey (English Teacher)

(ALL GRAPHICS) MADELINE LEE/ DEERFIELD SCROLL

Mr. Marx (History, Social Science & English Teacher) “I dropped out of college for two years and hitchhiked around the world.”

Ms. Brown (Health Teacher) “I used to work in the NY State and Federal prisons teaching an HIV/ AIDS Peer Education course.”

Ms. Munkittrick (History & Social Science Teacher) “I’ve been followed by Mauritanian secret police and at one point I spoke conversational Wolof pretty well.”

“I have been to every state except Hawaii and Michigan.”

Ms. Herabat (Math Teacher) “I am a certified bridge engineer.”

Ms. Mott (English Teacher) “While I was a Deerfield student, I went onto a game show called ‘As Schools Match Wits’ with three of my fellow classmates.”

Ms. Nickerson (Science Teacher) “A fun fact about me is that I was part of a hand bell choir at my high school. We went on tour around the northeast during our school vacations and my senior year we performed in Bermuda.”

Mr. Moser (Science Teacher) “I have hiked 34 of the 67 fourthousand foot high mountains in New England, which includes New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.

My goal, of course, is to complete all 67.”

Mr. Crosby (Science Teacher) “I’ve had a few bad experiences with lightning. The first flash on the practice field and you’ll see me streaking towards the nearest building.”

Ms. Otterson (Math Teacher) “My younger puppy dog is named after Freddie Mercury!”

Mr. Lawlor (Science Teacher)

Ms. Cornelius (History Teacher)

“I spent a semester in Norway and helped coach the Norwegian national lacrosse team.”

“I adopted two cats as soon as I moved to Deerfield and named them Mango and Persimmon!”

Ms. Fernandez (Associate Athletic Director) “I was once an extra in a movie … that never made it to theaters.”

Ms. Biscottini (Assistant Athletic Trainer) “In high school, everyone had to have a major and mine was in Culinary Arts.”

Mr. Grimm (Philosophy & Religion Teacher) “I was on the cover of a magazine in Sweden.”

Sports

10 | Thursday, October 11th, 2018

Varsity Scores Boys Water Polo

9-6

vs St. John’s

12-6 at Choate

Field Hockey

4-1

at Exeter

5-0

vs Northfield Mount Hermon

Football

13-7

at Hotchkiss

Boys Soccer

6-9

vs Kent

0-7

vs Berkshire

Girls Soccer

0-2

vs Pomfret

1-0

vs Williston

Volleyball

The Deerfield Scroll

Gabriela Biscottini Joins Deerfield Full-Time CAIO PAIVA OLIVEIRA Staff Writer

Deerfield’s Athletic Training room is a common sanctuary for many athletes around campus.

Whether a player needs to get taped before a match or seek physical rehabilitation during their off-season, the trainers are always there to help.

Gabriela Biscottini is a prominent member of the Athletic Training Department.

Her tireless work going to preseason trips, attending both home and away matches, and helping students in the athletic trainer’s room has earned her a reputation for an impeccable work ethic. Ms. Biscottini always has a contagiously positive attitude around the Deerfield community.

She is also joined by her faithful dog, Ty, an adorable black-brown pup; you might be able to catch

up in New Jersey, Ms. Biscottini moved to Massachusetts in 2011 to pursue a degree in training and business management from Springfield College. Upon graduating, she chose to stick around at Springfield College to complete a masters of Science in Athletic Training Administration.

Ms. Biscottini was then invited to work as an Assistant Athletic Trainer for the 2017-18 school year, and to no one’s surprise, is now a full time faculty member at Deerfield.

Such excitement can also be attributed to her coworkers, Mr. Graves and Ms. Parker, who have been with Ms. Biscottini from the start.

“They’re some of the best coworkers I could ask for, and I’m fortunate enough to call them my friends as well.” The positive work environment that Ms. Biscottini is surrounded by each and every day is central to her love of the

“Not many people get to say they love going to work every day, but I do.”

– Gabriela Biscottini

0-3

vs Loomis

3-0

vs Williston

Boys XC

6th Place

at Canterbury Invitational

2nd Place at Westminster

Girls XC

1st Place

at Canterbury Invitational

1st Place

at Westminster Invitational

Sub-Varsity Scores Boys JV Water Polo

8-9

at Choate

JV Field Hockey

6-0 vs Northfield Mount Hermon

Reserve Field Hockey

3-0

Ty walking with Ms. Biscottini around the community.

Ms. Biscottini says she “couldn’t be more thrilled to fill a more permanent role here at Deerfield.”

Her love for her job is genuine.

“Not many people get to say they love going to work every day,” Ms. Biscottini says when reflecting on her passion, “but I do.”

This fall will be Ms. Biscottini’s fourth year as a member of the Deerfield community. Joining the trainer’s office in 2015, Ms. Biscottini spent two years as a part time trainer alongside fellow athletic trainers Robert Graves and Kate Parker. Having grown

22-0

at Suffield

BRITNEY CHEUNG/DEERFIELD SCROLL

that, “Gabi approaches every person with care and attention.”

Maddie McCarthy ’19 also commented on Ms. Biscottini’s enthusiasm saying, “Every time I walk in to the trainer’s office, she is always eager to pop up and ask me how everything is going.”

Others are brief but direct in showing admiration. As Captain of the Varsity Football team, Jackson McCarty ’19, stated, “She is fire.”

It is evident that, from the garnered praise, Ms. Biscottini is a beloved member of the community. With “gratitude” being this year’s symposium, we should all be thankful for the care and thoughtfulness with which Ms. Biscottini and the other athletic trainers approach their craft. Be sure to catch Gabi in the athletic trainer’s room, on duty for Harold Smith and Pocumtuck, or around campus walking Ty.

Spotlight on Deerfield Alums in the NCAA This Fall MAGGIE TYDINGS

ence has been thus far. Many have seen great success, with Cabrel Happi ’18 of the University of Virginia remaining unbeaten through seven games. Ali Dougal ’18 of Bowdoin College walked onto the Women’s Varsity Soccer Team and has garnered four points, with

one goal and three assists through nine games. Sarah Jane O’Connor ’18 has also seen triumph on the Cross Country course running for Williams College, as they won the Little Three Championship for the eleventh straight year. Dallas Hobbs ’17 has also achieved

Cabrel Happi ‘18

Ali Dougal ‘18

Sarah Jane O’Connor ‘18

Soccer

Soccer

Cross Country

Sports Editor

With the fall season kicking into high gear for most collegiate student-athletes, we reached out to some recent Deerfield alums to see how their collegiate experi-

at Bement

JV Football

Deerfield community.

When asked about the challenges presented by her work, Ms. Biscottini was unable to recall any. Contemplating about the job she loves, Ms. Biscottini instead listed some of its benefits.

One of many upsides is “getting a chance to work with some really motivated and ambitious studentathletes.”

“When those students come in and put the time and effort into their recovery, it’s really an amazing thing to see and to be a part of that process,” she said.

Students were quick to praise Ms. Biscottini in return.

Carter Hampson ’20 remarked

University of Virgina

Bowdoin College

unprecedented success with the Washington University football team. In reflecting on their experiences, they spoke of both challenges and triumphs that lead them to where they are today.

Dallas Hobbs ‘17

Williams College

Washington State University

“Running cross country at Williams has been a very positive experience for me thus far. I love being surrounded by a community of strong, driven, and kind women, and I’ve also really enjoyed experiencing higher mileage training than I did in high school.

Being a part of a community like a sports team has also made my transition to Williams much smoother!”

“My experience at Washington State University has been very good. Academically and athletically I would say Deerfield prepared me well with all the resources they had to offer. The transition to college was a lot smoother because I had time at Deerfield to mature and learn a lot of things. I think Deerfield was a really good thing for me as it prepared me a lot more than my peers coming from other schools.”

Football

JV Boys Soccer

5-1

vs Berkshire

Junior A Boys Soccer

0-3

at Northfield Mount Hermon

Junior B Boys Soccer

1-1

at Avon

JV Girls Soccer

7-0

vs Williston

Reserve Girls Soccer

2-0

vs Cushing

JV Volleyball

3-1

vs Cushing

JV Girls XC

2nd Place at Westminster

JV Boys XC

1st Place at Westminster

“Being a student athlete is more challenging than I thought it would be. With close to no time between classes, practices, and meals, finding time to unwind is few and far between. I wouldn’t swap it for anything else, though.

Being able to play my favorite sport at a high level and get a great education at the same time is an unparalleled experience.”

“I am loving the student athlete experience. I was a hockey commit but I walked onto soccer, so right now I’m in season for soccer. Being on a team is super time consuming with lifts, film, and lots of travel in a pretty compact schedule but the girls on the team make it SO fun because everyone is so committed to making the team the best possible while also being on the same page about Bowdoin being totally academics first. I know I have people to push me to be my best in sports I love, and people around me who care about me!”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CABREL HAPPI, ALI DOUGAL, SARAH JANE O’CONNOR, AND DALLAS HOBBS

Sports

The Deerfield Scroll

Thursday, October 11th, 2018 | 11

Athlete of the Issue: Meredith Heaney PETER EVERETT Associate Editor

Meredith Heaney ’19 stepped up to the spot to take the stroke.

Varsity Field Hockey was playing host to Hotchkiss, a team that Deerfield hadn’t bested in seventeen years. She adjusted to the ball, wound up, and sniped it past the Hotchkiss keeper into the top-left corner.

“She had a sick celly,” teammate Christina Halloran ’20 remembered. “She threw her arms down and then jumped in the air.

We all ran to her and celebrated. It was a memorable moment.”

“Everyone was happy for her and knew she deserved it,” said co-captain Mimi Pastor ’19. The girls came away with a statement 4-2 win, thanks in no small part to Heaney’s control of the midfield.

Heaney began playing field hockey in seventh grade, and immediately fell in love with the sport. During her career she has played for both Fairfield County United and the Field Hockey Club of Connecticut. She has started on the Varsity Field Hockey team all three years at Deerfield and attributes much of her success to her older sister.

“I started and decided to play field hockey because of my sister.

She started playing two years before me and encouraged me to stick with it,” noted Heaney.

A crucial aspect of leadership is mentorship, and Heaney sets the example for her younger teammates. “We all look up to her hard work, her poise, and her humility, especially for me as a younger player.” said Talbot von Stade ’21, “She’s one of the most hard-working people you will come across.”

Heaney’s leadership on and off the field has led the team to not only grow athletically, but also bond socially. Heaney knows when to lock in and when to have fun, and whichever mode she is in,

BRITNEY CHEUNG/DEERFIELD SCROLL

she gives her all.

“One of her defining qualities is her competitiveness,” said Varsity Head Coach Kristen McVaugh.

“Her desire to win and compete at the highest possible level makes her a pleasure to coach.”

Heaney cites Serena Williams and Tom Brady as her biggest athletic influencers.

She commented on Williams’ athletic prowess, “Serena’s just a powerhouse. She dominates the competition every single year.”

Heaney’s leadership is only half of the equation in terms of her impact. She also possesses some of the best ball-control on the team.

Von Stade attested to the fact, saying, “She has incredible stick

skills that allow her to get around double, triple teams. Even after the teams we play realize they have to double-mark her, she keeps working.”

As well-rounded a player as she

“She dangles everyone,” Halloran added.

“Meredith was elected to be captain this year because she leads by example,” McVaugh explained. “She is a hard-working,

“She dangles anyone and everyone.”

– Christina Halloran ’20 is, Heaney does have one strength appreciated by teammates and coaches alike: dangling.

Ms. McVaugh commented on this special skill set saying, “Dangling around players is her specialty, and her teammates get fired up when she does it.”

committed, and skilled player who pushes herself to get better every single day.”

Varsity Field Hockey finished September undefeated with a 5-0 record. They’ve run the competition rampant, winning their first five games by a

combined score of 20-7. Despite their stellar start, the team knows there is a long schedule in front of them.

“As a team we’re hoping to make the playoffs and finish undefeated,” Heaney said. “So far we’ve started off well.”

Heaney’s commitment to finishing the season on a strong note is apparent: “She truly cares about the team,” McVaugh said, “and is eager to see this group reach their full potential.” To think that the team hasn’t reached its full potential yet should frighten the rest of the schedule.

Heaney will be continuing her field hockey career at Columbia University next fall.

Tennis Pavilion Opens, Dedicated to Jay ’55 and Mimi Morsman MAGGIE TYDINGS Sports Editor

On Sep. 29, the Jay and Mimi Morsman Tennis Pavilion officially opened with a celebration to honor Jay and Mimi Morsman for their combined 99 years of service to Deerfield.

In Mr. Morsman’s 29 years as Head Coach of Boys Varsity Tennis, the team won two New England Championships as well as a National Championship.

Morsman’s service to both the History Department and the playing fields was measured not only in years but in dedication to students in and out of the classroom.

The Deerfield tennis community gathered to watch as the pavilion, which had been under construction since last winter, finally opened. The keynote address was delivered by Todd Martin, CEO of The International Tennis Hall of Fame and worldrenowned tennis player. Martin reached the finals of the 1994 Australian Open and the 1999 US Open and also won eight singles championships and five doubles championships on the Professional Tour.

Mr. Martin spoke to the Morsman’s dedication to service, saying, “Not only is it 99 years of service, but it is a transformation in countless student’s lives.”

Mr. Martin also spoke to his successes, saying that, “My greatest life experience was no one match, it was the ability to learn about the world outside of my own bubble.” He grappled

COURTESY OF STEPHANIE CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHY From left to right: Mimi Morsman, Jay Morsman ‘55, Head of School Margarita Curtis, and Todd Martin.

with some very pressing issues in his keynote, focusing on the importance of gratitude and finding triumph in your failure.

Mr. Martin also placed emphasis on what a special place Deerfield is saying that, “Deerfield is a place I never thought I would be, but is a place I’m surrounded by.”

He cited many co-workers, friends, and family that attended Deerfield saying, “Deerfield is everywhere.”

Athletic Director Bob Howe also spoke at the event, and held great pride in the Pavilion saying, “This center is the best tennis facility at any school in New England. This center will attract the top tennis players from all over the country and allow us to grow the sport on campus and beyond.”

The event served not only as a testament to the Morsmans but also as a way to bring together current and former members of the Deerfield tennis community.

Former Boys Varsity Tennis Head Coach William Speer returned to campus to celebrate the opening of the Pavilion.

When asked what it was like being back at Deerfield he responded, “It’s weird. It still feels like my home, but it’s not.”

Mr. Speer is now teaching at the Cranbrook School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan which he described as, “Very different ... the atmosphere is different when you have kids commuting to and from home.”

Current Deerfield tennis players were very excited about Speer’s homecoming with Arthur

Yao ’20 saying, “It’s so great to have him back; we’re going to miss him so much this season.”

This year Mollie Domain will be taking over as Boys Varsity Tennis Head Coach. Domain played for Cornell, competing first in both singles and doubles. She is currently the Assistant Coach at Amherst College. Ms. Domain has already begun preparing the boys for the season, organizing practices off-campus and on to get the team into shape for the upcoming season.

Yao commented on Ms. Domain saying, “She uses her experiences as a student-athlete to coach us and is probably one of the best I have ever worked with. Whether we are working on rally drills or point plays, she knows what every single player needs to improve on

and how to accomplish that.”

Ms. Domain will be a very valuable asset as the varsity squad looks to reclaim its spot on the top of the New England tennis pyramid. The new facility will also be a valuable asset as it will allow both the boys and girls to train year round, ensuring peak performance in season. This performance was previewed at the end of the event when many athletes took the court at the end of the event.

Athletic Stockroom Assistant and beloved Deerfield figurehead Norm Therien, commented on the facility and the event saying “It is such a great day for the Morsman family and the entire Deerfield community.”

The dedication concluded with refreshments and cupcakes, as well as lots of students playing tennis. Mr. Martin also signed custom tennis balls and met with some student-athletes.

Credit is due to the Advancement Office for pulling together this event. This facility is going to enrich not only the Deerfield tennis community but the surrounding areas as well.

The new Tennis Pavilion is sure to be the cornerstone of Deerfield athletics.

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12 | Thursday, October 11th, 2018

Sports

The Deerfield Scroll

Athletic Center Makes Great Strides in Preparation for Opening Day MAGGIE TYDINGS Sports Editor The Athletic Center is a sight to behold. As the most extensive renovation and construction project Deerfield had ever undertaken, the

expectations were high, but they have been exceeded. The complex is complete with a brand new ice rink, a 200’ x 100’ indoor turf, an indoor track, two crew tanks, an erg room, a golf simulation room, two new yoga and dance studios,

a new gym for both basketball and volleyball, new locker rooms, and lots of places to hang out. Athletic Director Bob Howe as well as the entire department’s work on the facility will leave a lasting impacting on the Deerfield community!

The new Field House will house the Lacrosse Program, XC, and T&F Programs. Major upgrades in the locker room!

Hockey rink progress from the summer to today. We’re not in the Barn anymore!

The Crew Program will be training in two new crew tanks, and an erg room!

BRITNEY CHEUNG/DEERFIELD SCROLL & ORLEE MARINI-RAPOPORT/DEERFIELD SCROLL

90 Seconds with Jonathan Ford: A Post-Graduate in His Off-Season EMILY STONESTREET Staff Writer

Where are you from?

I am from San Diego, California.

What does your off-season look like?

What are you most excited for this year?

My offseason is pretty casual.

I select only a handful of tournaments to go to and stay in shape by surfing twice a day.

I’m most excited for lacrosse season and FIFA 19 as they’re my main two sports.

Why did you chose Deerfield for your Post-Graduate year?

I chose Deerfield because it was really the only prep school that I visited that had a strong sense of community and a solid lacrosse team.

When and how did you start playing lacrosse?

I started playing lacrosse in second grade after my dad saw the sport being played at a park.

We heard you’re trying a new sport. How is water polo going?

Do you have plans to play lacrosse in the future?

Water polo is a blast. We spend most practice in the shallow end learning how to “eggbeat.” Shoutout Coach Jason; he’s the man.

I will be attending The University of Notre Dame next year for lacrosse.

Anything else?

Matt Pecora is a beast and mad cute.

ALL GRAPHICS: MADELINE LEE/DEERFIELD SCROLL