Tower Issue #7 2016-2017 by Tower

Tower The Masters School

49 Clinton Avenue Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. 10522

VOLUME 74, NUMBER 7, 2nd EDITION

Editorial Though we understand the importance of final exams, they should be phased out in favor of final projects in order to comport with our Harkness philosophy. Final projects give students the opportunity to take control of their learning and apply their knowledge to real-world problems. See page 4.

FRIDAY MAY 26, 2017

tower.mastersny.org

Feedback week gets mixed reviews

Academic Dean position to remain vacant

alexanDra Bentzien

COurtney DelOng Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

News Editor This is the first year in which finals week will not mark the end of the school year and the beginning of summer. A newly implemented exam feedback week will take place after finals, providing students the opportunity to go over their exams with teachers. Though in the past final exams have been available for students to look at the week after school ends, Head of the Upper School Matt Ives said students very rarely looked at their exams. “Historically, students take tests and never see them again. It is our belief that feedback is very important, and we want an opportunity for students to see what they’ve learned and how they’ve done,” Ives said. However, Head of the History and Religion Department Skeff Young said that he liked the way finals were handled before. “Some may feel the new system is worthwhile, but when you think about it, you only have 110 minutes to give 14 or more students individualized feedback; that’s not a lot of time,” Young said. He also expressed worry that reviewing finals so soon might be problematic, especially with all classmates in the same room. “Do I really want to be giving back exams in the same class at the same time? You can read people’s faces. I’d prefer to give my students some privacy.” The week will not only focus on reviewing finals; students will also participate in class activities.

Continued on page 2

VINCENT ALBAN/TOWER

JUNE KITAHARA AND AHNAF TAHA have been elected as student co-chairs for the 2017-2018 school year. Their election is particularly important, since they will be the first-ever pair of non-white co-chairs.

Masters welcomes new co-chairs DaviD Oks News Editor This April, Masters elected two cochairs for the 2017-2018 school year: juniors June Kitahara and Ahnaf Taha. As co-chairs, they will be handed the following vitally important duties: leading Morning Meetings, managing Executive Committee, and serving as the faces of the Masters student body at a number of public events. This year’s results are particularly notable, since Kitahara and Taha will be the first pair of nonwhite co-chairs in the school’s history. Phoenix Jackson, another student of color, was elected as school secretary. A total of eight juniors—four boys and four girls—ran for co-chair this year. In the male race, after three rounds of voting, Taha emerged with the majority. A week later, after Executive Committee implemented ranked voting to reduce the number of rounds of voting, Kitahara was elected on the first ballot. Taha stressed the historic nature of his and Kitahara’s victories: “A part of my experience at Masters has

been seeing the school change, and I’m proud to be one of the biggest changes,” Taha said. “I ran for cochair because I know a lot of people at Masters and [I] know I’d do well in the job. I want to represent everyone at Masters, not just the people who voted for me.” Taha enrolled in Masters as a freshman and is a prominent member of Model United Nations (MUN), Masters of Business Administration and Students Against Destructive Decisions. A noted leader among the boarding student community, he served as Male Boarding Representative for the 2015-2016 academic year. Taha is passionate about business and computer science. He has developed websites for other students and has even been invited to the White House for an app he developed to highlight the issue of litter. He also speaks Bengali fluently. Kitahara, meanwhile, has been a student at Masters since the sixth grade and is active in MUN, EFFECT, Urban Connection, Diversity Ambassadors and MISH. She has served as a vice chair of the Junior Games. “The co-chairs in general have had

a huge influence on my life,” Kitahara said, referring to her predecessors. “I would look up to them as role models, as people I should be like.” Kitahara hopes that her presence on stage with Taha will be impactful. “We’re the first pair of non-white cochairs, so I hope it’s a visual effect on stage,” she said. The co-chair-elects, both of whom have attended several Executive Committee meetings, have made reforming it a top priority. “I hope to keep it very organized, because I find that a lot of Executive Committees can stray from the topic,” Kitahara said. “One of my big goals will be changing how Executive Committee is run,” Taha said. “I want to make Executive Committee faster and more efficient.” He has suggested a review system, by which proposals that belong in another channel are found before they take up valuable committee time. Kitahara has also voiced a broader vision. “I hope to better the school in any way possible. I really want people to start speaking up for what they want to make sure that Masters can be a better place,” she said.

Instead of trying to find a replacement for long-term community member and current Academic Dean Chris Goulian, Masters has decided to spread the responsibilities of the office across the school and the administration, then hire someone next November or December for the 2018-19 school year to fill a similar but different role than Goulian. “If you look at the list of things Mr. Goulian does you’d have to hire three people to do all of them,” Head of the Upper School Matthew Ives said about filling the Academic Dean position, “It wasn’t as simple as hiring somebody to just step in and do [Goulian’s Job]…We wanted to wait until next year to do any hiring because it’s late in the game and people already have jobs for next year.” Emily Zocchi, the current Associate Academic Dean and Registrar, will become the Upper School Academic Coordinator and Registrar. She will be in charge of course selection, mid-year course changes, and transcripts. Ives specified that she would be receiving, “more clerical support”. A new Director of Learning Services will work with students grades 5-12 with learning disabilities and take over what Goulian’s office did with academic progress. If a student is doing poorly in multiple subjects the Director will be expected to take note and call appropriate meetings with the student’s parents and advisors.

Continued on page 3

Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X, to speak at graduation Mark tseytin Sports Editor The commencement speaker for the graduating class of 2017 will be the daughter of civil rights leader Malcolm X and well-known author Ilyasah Shabazz. Shabazz is known best for her memoir, Growing Up X. She attended Masters in her freshman and sophomore years before transfering to Hackley in 1977. Shabazz was part of the Masters graduating class of ‘79, and still remains proud of her connection to the school. Although she transferred, she still spent the early years of her high school education learning and growing at Masters. Malcom X, also known as Hajj Malik el-Shabazz, was a prominent civil rights activist and a legendary figure in black history. Born Malcolm Little to a homemaker and a Baptist minister, Little changed his surname to “X” to shed himself of what he thought of as a slave name. X later used his education and prominence within the Nation of Islam (NOI), a black nationalist group, to give voice to his controversial views and promote a radical vision of black progress. Yet after becoming disillusioned with the

group, X disavowed NOI and traveled the Middle East and Africa for several years. In 1965, while giving a speech in New York, he was assassinated by several members of NOI. It is not only unique that Masters will be hosting Shabazz as its graduation speaker, but also a rare opportunity to learn from Shabazz about her life experiences as the daughter of such an important figure. Shabazz travels the country delivering motivational speeches, one of which was attended by senior Nina Hylton, the president of Onyx. While attending an international conference called “Black Girls Lead,” Hylton watched Shabazz, a speaker on the panel, talk about her past and what it’s like being a black woman in our society. Hylton said, “From watching her speak at the conference to viewing her work elsewhere, I knew right away that she is an incredibly captivating speaker, so I spoke with her at the event and we exchanged information.” The tradition of selecting a graduation speaker at Masters centers around choosing someone with a personal connection to the school. Masters has been developing its graduation program each year. Two years ago, in the graduation of the

class of 2015, Ray Suarez, the host of Al Jazeera America’s Inside Story, gave the speech. Suarez’s speech began with some comedy: “Congratulations, you guys know what you did and what you didn’t do.” The lightheartedness in his speech, and the subsequent speech in 2016 by CNBC host Ron Insana, have set a trend to follow. Masters has had the occasional celebrity graduation speaker such as actor Alec Baldwin and thenVice President George H.W. Bush. The main purpose behind the selection process of the speaker is ensuring a close connection to the graduating class. Shabazz has a connection to Hylton, who even refers to herself as Shabazz’s niece when contacting Shabazz’s secretary. Though Hylton is not really Shabazz’s niece, they have the kind of relationship wherein Shabazz encourages Hylton to refer to herself as her niece. Associate Head of School Tim Kane said, “Out of the other candidates, the students selected Shabazz. I think it’s great that the process of picking the speaker is so open to our students and that they decide, through voting, who it is that will represent their class and hopefully that person has a connection to the school and Shabazz does.”

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE WEBSITE OF ILYASAH SHABAZZ

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER ILYASAH SHABAZZ, daughter of civil rights activist Malcolm X, was voted to be the commencement speaker for the Class of 2017’s graduation.

TOWER/MAY 26, 2017

NEWS

Masters faces specter of sexual assault on campus Phil Minton Opinion Editor

In recent years, sexual assault on elite boarding school campuses has become increasingly prevalent or at least more frequently reported. Fresh in the minds of many school administrations and boarding school students, is the St. Paul’s School case involving then-senior Owen Labrie and a female freshman student. At Choate Rosemary Hall, some 12 former teachers who had been accused of sexual assault are just coming to light now when newspress.com reported, “[they] likely won’t face criminal charges because the statute of limitations has run out.” Assaults on other campuses raise questions about if this were to happen here at Masters. In December, senior Sam Coppola directed her Phoenix Presents Good Boys and True. She said that she wanted people to leave the theater debating and exploring what they just saw. “ I always heard conversations in the library and on the quad about sexual assault but the school never seemed to take the time to talk to us about it,” Coppola said. The show brought up topics on sexual assault and raised questions within the entire Masters Community about the school’s very own policy. After the show, Head of Upper School Matt Ives and SADD

Adviser Stephanie Carbone held a Q&A with the organization It’s On Us along with Athletic Director and Strong Dorm Director Kevin Versen and Ives to answer any questions about assault within our community. An anonymous senior at Masters who experienced an off-campus sexual assault with someone they considered a close friend said that they blamed themselves for a long time after the night of the incident. “I filled in Ms. Carbone and she agreed to keep it a secret since I wasn’t in any imminent danger, but explained that I should take legal action if my assaulter moved closer to me,” the source said. “But, when I was talking to another faculty member on campus they urged me to not take legal action because I continued to text my assaulter that night and they thought no one would believe me and that there wasn’t anything they could do because of it being off campus.” Director of Counseling Stefanie Carbone is required to keep things confidential unless there is imminent danger to the student. “I never immediately pick up the phone and call their parents,” Carbone said, “It’s very important that the victim knows we [the counseling center] won’t judge them and will be here every step of the way to help them heal.” Compared to the health center, the administration has different levels of confidentiality. Dean of Students Pe-

ter Newcomb said, however, that the administration will get the health center involved if a student comes to him and will make sure they are safe. When it comes to a concrete school policy, Newcomb said that “there is no overarching policy, however we would go through the standard disciplinary process and would go through a legal process if necessary.” At a recent meeting, GALS President and senior Anna Hadar said, “We [Masters] definitely don’t talk about sexual assault enough.” However, the counseling center and the Masters administration has actually invited Victims Assistance Services to come speak in freshman seminar classes about healthy relationships, consent and types of sexual assault. In addition to these resources, seniors are talked to at senior transition day and all boarders are talked to at the beginning of the year. Newcomb agreed on this topic and said, “We 100% need to talk about it more because we’ve fallen down in this topic.” The administration, however, is looking at the creation of a new policy specifically surrounding sexual assault. The anonymous survivor also said that they felt that the faculty member who knew about the situation were “scared and even unprepared” on how to handle their case even though it didn’t happen on the Masters campus.

DANIELLE GREGORY/TINKER PUBLIC AFFAIRS

ACCORDING TO JUSTICE DEPARTMENT statistics, nearly 20% of girls between the ages of 14-17 have been victims of sexual assault, or attempted sexual assault.

Masters prepares for gender-neutral bathrooms

Sophie Buchanan Photo Editor Masters has always been regarded as a place where everyone is welcome and accepted within the community. Last month, GSA, the Gender Sexuality Alliance at Masters, drafted a proposal that suggested the implementation of all gender bathrooms to promote inclusivity on campus. This proposal has been passed by Executive Committee and is currently under review by administration. If this proposal is approved, there would be at least one gender neutral bathroom in Masters Hall, the Fonseca SOPHIE BUCHANAN/TOWER Center, and Morris Hall. The sugMASTERS’ GSA CLUB RECENTLY submitted a proposal to install gender neutral bathgested placement for the bathrooms rooms in Masters Hall, Morris Hall, and the Fonseca Center. This means both males in Masters Hall would be either to change one gender on the second floor and females would be allowed to use the same bathrooms in the designated facilities. and the opposite gender on the third

floor; or to make all bathrooms on the second floor gender neutral and keep the bathrooms on all other floors as single-gender. The suggested placement for the Fonseca Center is the girl’s bathroom on the second floor, which is equidistant from all floors and therefore the most accessible to all. Morris Hall’s first floor girls’ bathroom has also been chosen to change as it is also the most accessible bathroom in the building. GSA’s proposal states: “Not only will this benefit those students who feel more comfortable using an all-gender bathroom, but hopefully it will show the entire Masters School that they are a part of a community that works to accept everyone.” Many are optimistic about the proposal, and how Masters will receive the changes. Senior Lazarena Lazarova stated, “I think people are going to

take this seriously, and they’ll realize how important it is to not just the people affected but the whole community.” However, concerns have been raised regarding user traffic. Junior Noah Crooks said, “I think it’s awkward for people to share a bathroom with people of the opposite sex, so yes, I think they will be used less.” Some people are skeptical about the merit in which Masters is considering this proposal. Junior Gage Nettles said, “I feel like Masters is more so doing this for show than to actually support the transgender community.” GSA co-president Zoe Palmer said, “ This will normalize a new level of gender for Masters.” She went on to say, “Masters prides itself on being progressive and it’s essential that non binary or transgender students who may feel uncomfortable using binary bathrooms are accommodated.”

Masters reacts to feedback week Continued from page 1 This will include elections for grade representatives, such as class presidents and MISH representatives, as well as a school-wide viewing of a movie, which students will discuss afterwards in their advisory groups. During this week, lunch periods will also be extended past the usual forty minutes. Despite these emerging options, the new schedule is being viewed negatively among much of the student population. Junior Oliver Campbell said, “I think by that point everybody’s going to be done. Personally, when I finish a final I’m not going to care about what I got wrong if it’s not going to be useful in my life.” Sophomore Youssef Aly echoed these sentiments. “I’d rather skip my classes. That week should be a time to hang out with friends,” he said. Ives recognized student absence as a legitimate possibility, but said that getting students to reflect and write about the testing process is the best way for them to improve in the future.

“We really value effective feedback a lot,” he said. Ives stressed that the week should be regarded as a real week of classes and is encouraging teachers to assign graded reflections that could account for a percentage of the final. “Sure, it’s less than perfect,” Young said of the new schedule. “There’s a lot of uncertainty, but when you try something new you just gotta give it a go.” Sophomore Max Steinert understands the rationale behind the new system and looks forward to getting his finals done a week earlier. “The week after finals will just be a more relaxed week at school to go over everything. I can see why they would want to schedule meetings if you did poorly on your final just to wrap up the year,” he said. Ives does anticipate changes to the calendar in the future. Depending on the week’s success and the educational impact in its first run, it will be further developed in the coming years to ensure that students will be able to get the most out of their finals.

ELLEN COWHEY/TOWER

MANY STUDENTS HAVE VOICED their displeasure for the new feedback week following finals, and that they may possibly skip the classes altogether. Others, however, are loooking forward to finishing finals a week earlier.

TOWER/MAY 26,2017

NEWS

Global Intiatives is expanding Masters’ horizons Emma Luis Web Editor Jumbled among the faces of Masters’ students out on the quad this spring are numerous unfamiliar ones. As part of the Global Initiative, Masters has been hosting students from partner-schools, in an attempt to broaden the school’s reach. The Global Initiative has recently taken off with Master’s families, housing students from Senegal, Japan and China in the past few months alone. The Global Initiative has not gone unnoticed at Masters, as unfamiliar students fill classes along with Masters students. Dr. Robert Fish, Upper School History Teacher and Global Studies Coordinator, said, “The main goal of the Global Initiative is to get as many students to interact beyond Masters’ borders.” Fish added, “Currently, we aim to prepare students to live in an increasingly globalized world.” The Global Initiative, created well before Fish’s arrival to Masters, has established partner-schools relationships with six schools across the globe, located in Japan, the Dominican Republic, Senegal, Canada, and Pakistan. Masters is also developing a partnership with two schools in China. With these partner-school relationships, Fish hopes to integrate international cultures into Masters’ already culturally diverse community, by having homestays both at Masters, in the other countries, as well as integrating online projects

VINCENT ALBAN/TOWER

THIS SPRING, MASTERS WELCOMED students from Senegal into the community for three weeks as part of the Global Initiatives Program, which seeks to establish relationships with school from all over the world in hoping to provide students with anew perspectives. with the other schools into the cur- ed their two exchange sisters for a Masters Community, Masters has riculum. little over two weeks, bringing them also send groups of students on trips So far, Masters has hosted stu- to their classes each day. to these partner-schools. Departdents from Senegal, Japan and Chi“I loved learning about their cul- ing over summer breaks and spring na in this school year alone, and ture and hanging out with them for breaks, these groups interacted with there are more to follow in the com- the two weeks that they were here. the students at the partner schools ing years. It was amazing to see how much both in the Dominican Republic as Junior Ariella Rusoff, and seniors they loved being in America and well as Montreal. Sophomore Samantha and Jordan Rusoff hosted more specifically, Masters,” Ariella Marcus Diaz attended a trip last two exchange students from China Rusoff said. summer to the Dominican Republic, in Jan 2017. The Rusoff sisters hostAlong with hosting students in the where they spent time with the stu-

dents at Carmen High School. Diaz said, “With the Carmen school, It honestly gave me a reality check. When I had a one-on-one conversation with one of the students, she told me she’d be lucky to go college and graduate with a degree,” Diaz said. “I felt privileged, but at the same time powerless, because I wanted to help yet, I couldn’t do anything except community service.” Diaz especially emphasized how eye-opening the experience was, especially when talking directly to students at the partner schools. Like Diaz, Junior Claire Fink also took full advantage of the Global Initiative. Fink took part in a trip to Montreal, Canada over last spring break. “The Montreal trip was very transformative for me in terms of appreciating what I have. The students at Saint Anne’s were all very kind and welcoming.” Fink said. After many years in the making, the Global Initiative has continued to grow and develop, and there is no sign of slowing down. Along with the growth of international relationships, the Global Initiative is also trying to create bonds with other schools within the United States to utilize the full extent of Master’s global reach. “We are trying to take what we already have, and build on it.” Fish said. By expanding the already-built relationship with these sister-schools, and adding more to the roster, Masters will hopefully offer more opportunities to go beyond Westchester County, and venture into the rest of the world.”

Academic Dean position remains vacant Continued from page 1 This office will also take over standardized testing accommodations. Currently, the College Office and Robert Cornigans do requests for the SAT while Goulian’s office does requests for the ACT. Ives will also be taking on more responsibility. He will be putting the schedule together, overseeing grade disputes, finalizing course placement, and deciding whether courses run or not. To help with Ives’ growing workload, Dean of Faculty Erica Chapman will become a full-time staff member

and take over teacher evaluation and hiring, something that Ives has traditionally done. Dean of Students Peter Newcomb will be taking over all academic disciplinary actions, like plagiarism. Newcomb has a background as an Academic Dean and is already in charge of all other disciplinary actions. Next year, Ives explained that Masters will most likely look to hire another person to fill Goulian’s vacancy. It is unclear what the title or exact responsibilities of this person will be. Ives was unsure whether or not Masters would have another “Academic Dean” since “exactly what the posi-

tion is called, is much less important the job.” Ives summarized the process saying, “It’s gonna be a challenge, but I’m pretty pleased with the plan. We’re all sort of clear with what’s gonna happen.” On May 18 a large meeting was called and the faculty were informed of the situation for the coming year. Though it will be an adjustment for some students not to walk by Chris Goulian’s office every morning on the second floor, the administration has created a plan that wivll hopefully guide Masters through the coming years without such an important office.

NEWS ANALYSIS

Kissinger’s legacy raises questions

PHOTO COURTESY OF MASTERPIECES YEARBOOK STAFF 1983

EDITH CHAPIN’S SENIOR SUPERLATIVE in the school year book, Masterpieces, was “Most likely to be an ambassador,” and “Most likely to be a politician.” She is pictured in the center holding The New York Times, and was Managing Editor of Tower during her time at Masters.

Chapin appointed Head of Board of Trustees David Oks News Editor

Edith Chapin, the Executive Editor of National Public Radio (NPR) News and a Masters alumna, will replace Tracy Tang Limpe as Chair of the Board of Trustees on July 1. The Board of Trustees voted Chapin, who will have served on it for 15 years this fall, the next Chair. Chapin, who graduated from Masters in 1983, served as Tower’s managing editor. She attended Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and joined NPR in 2012 as the senior supervising editor of NPR’s International Desk before being appointed Executive Editor of the entire newsroom in 2015. Prior to joining NPR, she worked at CNN, where she worked her way up from being an intern to serving as Vice

SOPHIE BUCHANAN/ TOWER

TRACY TANG LIMPE (right) SERVED as chair of the board of trustees for eight years. Here, she celebrates the ribbon-cutting of the Fonseca Center with Lynn Sobel, (left) former chair of the board, and Ed Biddle, CFO.

President and Deputy Bureau Chief of the network’s Washington, D.C. bureau. A long-time member of the Board of Trustees, Chapin headed the committee that selected Danforth as Head of School in 2014. Limpe has served as Chair of the Board of Trustees for eight years. The daughter of Chinese-American financier and philanthropist Oscar Tang, Limpe graduated from Masters in 1980. Her daughter, Alex Limpe, is a junior. “The Chair leads the Board, organizes its committee work, and stays in regular, frequent communication with the Head of School,” Chapin said.

◄

COURTESY OF EDITH CHAPIN/CNN

A 2016 article in The Nation speculated on a death count in the millions attributed to Kissinger’s actions and argued that the long-term strategies he started led to modern foreign policy disasters, including the emergence of terrorist groups in the Middle East. In 1973, Kissinger was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for

the prize after the ceasefire failed. Most recently, the question of Henry Williams Kissinger’s record came to a head Opinion Editor in the 2016 Democratic presiden tial primaries. Candidate Bernie Sanders railed against Kissinger’s On April 27, Masters hosted its actions and the policies of internaSpring Gala in the Fonseca Center, tional intervention and subterfuge and among those in attendance were that he helped promote. Meanwhile Nancy Kissinger ‘51, wife of former Hillary Clinton, a former SecreU.S. Secretary of State Henry tary of State herself, took a Kissinger. At the Spring Gala, moderate stance, defending the school auctioned off a dinner her longtime friendship with with Kissinger as well as Head Kissinger and arguing that of School Laura Danforth and she “[listens] to a wide variety her wife Paula Chu for $70,000, of voices that have expertise to benefit the school’s annual in various areas,” an indicafund. tion that she at the very least This decision prompted one takes interventionist views anonymous twitter user, claiminto consideration. ing to be a Masters alum, to cre Clinton, in essence, appealed ate an account in protest. This to the foreign policy status user tweeted at the school’s quo of the late 20th century, official Twitter account in the a time when the mainstream week leading up to the Gala, right and left agreed on intercriticizing the administration ventionism around the world. for “exploiting” Kissinger, an This divide showed the fisalleged “war criminal,” to solicit sures between the progressive donations. and centrist democrats in the This criticism is a common re2016 election, and may have frain, especially among contemeven contributed to the comporary humanitarians. Kissingparatively lower turnover of er served as Secretary of State Sanders voters to Clinton. under President Richard Nixon Kissinger is, above all, a during a tumultuous era for forfigure who attracts many conPHOTO COURTESY DUTCH NATIONAL ARCHIVE eign policy, with the United flicting opinions. At Masters, States’ policy of containment HENRY KISSINGER, HUSBAND OF Masters alum Nan- our mission is to be a “power pushing the nation into in- cy Kissinger née Maginnes, was recently accused by for good in the world” and, terventions in Latin America, an alleged Masters alum of being a war criminal. to some, including the anonAsia and the Middle East. ymous commenter, KissingIn 2001, famous skeptic and er’s history breaks with that author Christopher Hitchens pubhis contributions to the negotiation ethos. The school made a choice in lished The Trial of Henry Kissinger, of a ceasefire in Vietnam. Comedian fundraising with his fame, and, reexamining Kissinger's alleged war Tom Lehrer famously commented gardless of our political interests, crimes. Among other charges, Hitchthat awarding the prize to Kissingit's important to consider the backens attacked Kissinger for helping er despite his history made politiground of those we choose to associto prolong the Vietnam War, pushcal satire obsolete. This prize was ate ourselves with as a community. ing for illegal bombings in Cambodeeply controversial, leading two Our mission and ethos is not a pasdia and Laos and facilitating the demembers of the Nobel Committee sive one, and we must be constantstruction of a democratically-elected to resign in protest. Kissinger later ly aware of when our decisions risk leftist regime in Chile. attempted, unsuccessfully, to return breaking with that mission.

Opinion

TOWER/MAY 26, 2017

4 OP-ED

EDITORIAL

The failure of finals: why projects are superior

inals week is probably the most despised week of the school year. Students, with as many as five finals in one week, have to regurgitate a full year’s worth of learning onto a two-hour exam, and frequently the grade they receive does not accurately reflect their knowledge of the material. In fact, according to several teachers, finals often represent an anomaly in students’ grades, often raising or lowering their GPA. While an extra opportunity for students to do well is not a bad thing, there may be better ways to assess their learning. Final exams have been around for years, and so too has student discontent with them. It seems to be one of those things that everyone just lives with–a rite of passage into the summer–rather than something that students can grow and learn from. Although the school is working to include more feedback in the process, there is an alternative that seems to be captivating many students. Final projects are already in place in many classes throughout the school, especially for Advanced Placement courses. Following AP exams, students do not have to take a final exam. The actual AP does not count towards students’ grades, so many teachers feel the need for a final grade in these classes. Instead of offering an additional test, students in

classes like AP Chemistry or AP Calculus (classes that would normally have finals) work on final projects instead. For AP Calculus AB, students are given two options. They either

textbook. The other option is an Applied Project, in which they use their knowledge of calculus to solve problems relating to everyday life. Similarly, in AP Chemistry students design their own

GEORGE WEED/TOWER

FINALS ARE AN ARDUOUS, time-consuming process. Since the role of finals is to serve as a culmination of the academic work of the entire year, final projects could provide just as much opportunity to show one’s understanding. teach the class a lesson from the AP Calculus BC curriculum or a section they did not get to in the

project based completely on interest in a subject and then present it to the rest of the class. This in-

terest-based type of assessment is not only a more interesting way of evaluating students’ knowledge, but also develops an incredibly useful skill. While testing efficiency may be an important asset during college, being able to translate information from the classroom to the real world has applications beyond academia. It would be wrong to assume that we do not understand the learning benefits of taking final exams. Masters prides itself as a college preparatory school, and in college a large percent of one’s grade is often determined by exams. Being able to recall large amounts of information on a timed exam is a valuable skill to have but a cumulative exam of all of the year’s material can be excessive, especially when most college courses are one semester long, not two. Since we abide by the Harkness philosophy, Masters should do more to live up to that ideal. Final projects offer students the freedom to explore topics that interest them, rather than having to memorize the minutiae of a full-year course. Giving students more freedom to control their own learning keeps them invested in the class and better prepares them for the future. After discussion with our Tower staff, we had a dissenting opinion, which is published below.

Dissent: Finals are an academic lynchpin W

hen it comes to final exams students all over can agree on one thing, that they aren’t fun. For a couple years, students at Masters have attempted to change the school’s policy on final exams in order to get rid of them. This change, however, is one that shouldn’t be implemented. Masters prides itself on being one of the many prestigious boarding schools in the Northeast and in

New England. By removing final exams, how will we be able to call ourselves a college preparatory school? The answer is we can’t. Almost every college or university has semesters culminating in final exams. We strongly believe that in order to truly prepare us for college, students need to understand how to take a final exam that incorporates a year’s or at least a semester’s worth of learning. Often,

people will argue that information on exams isn’t lasting. Many students argue that even just weeks after exams they’ve forgotten much of the information they worked so hard to memorize. More than anything we need to change the way we think about exams. While prepping for them is still a necessity, we need to stop seeing studying as a means to an end and instead see it as the end itself. Studying is an

important skill for anyone going into college, and finals are a necessary catalyst for us to hone our skills. While a school without finals seems like a great thing that would coincide with our Harkness methods, this change is one that needs to come from a shift in the entire American educational system or else it will leave Masters students unprepared for the rest of their education.

Tower welcomes new editors-in-chief Graduating Tower editors-in-chief

Incoming Tower editors-in-chief

Editors-in-Chief

Michael Fitzgerald George Weed Editors-in-Chief Emeritus

Allie Berdon Courtney DeLong Leo Psaros News Editors

Alex Bentzien David Oks Opinion Editors

Phil Minton Henry Williams Features and Arts Editor

Logan Toporoff Sports Editors

Owen Lieber Mark Tseytin

Managing Editor

Cedar Berrol-Young Advertising Manager

Jack Murray

Design Editor

Jake Regele

Copy Editors

Jack Murray David Oks

Fact Checker

Tommy McKenna Web and Social Media Editor

Emma Luis

Photo Editor

Sophie Buchanan Faculty Advisors

Ellen Cowhey Matt Browne

Contributing Writers

Vincent Alban Drew Schott

Staff Photographers

Vincent Alban Huston Watson

Contributing Artists

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Scholastic Press Affiliations, Letters and Editorial Policy

NINA HYLTON/TOWER

VINCENT ALBAN/TOWER

GRADUATING EDITORS-IN-CHIEF from left to right: seniors Courtney DeLong, Leo Psaros, and Allie Berdon.

INCOMING EDITORS-IN-CHIEF from left to right: juniors George Weed and Michael Fitzgerald.

Tower is extremely proud to announce that its editors-in-chief for the 2017-2018 school year will be Michael Fitzgerald and George Weed. Fitzgerald previously served as News Editor, and before that as Sports Editor; Weed previously served as Features & Arts Editor. Both Fitzgerald and Weed are highly experienced student journalists, and Tower is excited to see all they can do as editors-in-chief. Tower is sad to see its editors-in-chief for the 2016-2017 school year, Allie Berdon, Courtney DeLong and Leo Psaros, leave. Tower thanks them for their distinguished service to the paper.

A farewell from the advisors: With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to this wacky and original trio. We will miss Courtney’s abundant, frenetic energy, Allie’s no-nonsense honesty and Leo’s steady hand and sense of humor. Thank you for your generous devotion to serving the Masters community through the pages of Tower. A farewell from the editors: As we embark on graduation, the editors-in-chief of Tower would like to thank the entire Masters community, specifically those who have helped us throughout the year. We are extremely thankful to have written about a wide range of issues, in-

cluding international news, school policies and decision-making in our community. We would like to give a special thank you to our faculty advisors, Ellen Cowhey and Matt Browne, for being our mentors and friends for the past few years. You two have truly been amazing to us and we are forever grateful for your undying support. We would not be who we are today without you and all of your guidance. As young journalists, it has not always been easy to write about topics that we are passionate about without being biased, but now more than ever we understand the importance of being ethical and principled in all that we do for Tower and in our future jour-

nalistic endeavors. We know that Tower will continue to uphold its high standards in the years to come and will continue to strive for accuracy and integrity in its reporting. We encourage our staff to continue pushing boundaries while remaining respectful and having fun. To George and Mike, congratulations and good luck. Treasure your time as editors. To the entire Masters community, thank you for reading and keep up your amazing antics. Tower would not be Tower without the stories you all create or your active support.We are so grateful to have been given this opportunity. With Love, Allie, Courtney and Leo

Tower is an award-winning member of the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) and Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA). Tower has won the NSPA’s Pacemaker Award for Overall Excellence, and is a 2016 winner of the NSPA Story of the Year award in the OpEd Category, as well as the CSPA Gold Circle Award for Computer Generated Art/Illustration. We encourage Letters to the Editor, which can be submitted to the following email address: TowerEditors@MastersNY.org. Published approximately six times a year, Tower, the student newspaper of The Masters School, is a public forum, with its Editorial Board making all decisions concerning content. Commentaries and opinion columns are the expressed opinion of the author and not of Tower and its Editorial Board or its advisers. Furthermore, the opinions conveyed are not those of The Masters School, faculty, or staff. Unsigned editorials express views of the majority of the Editorial Board.

TOWER/MAY 26, 2017

OP-ED

How Masters has changed A graduating senior shares his view

Leo Psaros Editor-in-Chief Emeritus In 2010, I would never have dreamt of wearing a t-shirt to school at Masters. Sweatpants and gym shorts—forget about it. In fact, I was so scared of being dress-coded that I would spend an hour at a department store, searching for the perfect pair of jeans that weren’t too blue to catch a teacher’s attention. In my last year at Masters, however, it feels like everything has changed. Students can wear whatever they please, the Dining Hall food has immensely improved, and detentions are no longer a big deal. Yet due to all this change, the wonky, artsy and semi-prestigious independent school that I applied to has fallen into an identity crisis. When I first toured Masters, my parents were terrified. There was abstract art everywhere, Dobbs 16 was recording an album in Japan,

and half the kids we saw had colored hair. It was Masters at its best, artistically speaking. Though the school did not have the prestige it has now, the kids seemed to be having a good time pursuing their passions. But in recent years the school has become infatuated with prestige and image. Just this year the school installed expensive signs all around campus while cutting back on things like staff coffee meetings, in an attempt to make Masters look as esteemed as schools like Hackley and Rye Country Day. Continuing this image-centered mindset, Masters has made major investments in athletics in past years. The long, expensive construction of the Fonseca Center, as well as increased recruitment of athletes, are clear evidence that Masters is trying to promote its image as a sports-driven school. In addition, decreasing participation in the arts has taken its toll on the Masters community. This year, for example, there were so few people

interested in taking AP Studio Art that it was turned into an independant study for the few that wanted it. As a result of the school’s changing mindset, Masters has gone from a quasi-art school to an odd mix of athletes, artists, musicians and everything in between. Don’t get me wrong. Masters hasn’t completely changed. We still greatly value the arts, diversity and our traditions. Delta-Phi competitions have not lost one bit of enthusiasm in the eight years I have attended Masters. However, the school’s recent push for athletic and academic prestige, quite frankly, doesn’t embody what Masters stands for. We are the island of misfit toys, and we stand by it. It is things like these that make Masters the odd, quirky school that I fell in love with. If Masters continues to indulge its recent hankering for athletic achievement and academic prestige, perhaps all the things I have come to love will fade away.

COLUMN: SCHOTT’S SPOT

To end North Korean crisis, negotiate, negotiate, negotiate Drew Schott

On May 5, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, working with South Korean intelligence, allegedly failed to assassinate Kim Jong Un, the Supreme Leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), known colloquially as North Korea. The DPRK has commenced military advances that have caused significant concern in the international community. The creation of ballistic missiles, such as the Pukguksong-1, that are capable of destroying cities, including South Korea’s capital, Seoul, worries the world. Despite the failure of the Pukguksong-1 to launch, North Korea remains a potent threat, and the international community continues to fear that a dangerous conflict with the hostile, authoritarian state is imminent. In past decades, North Korea’s hostile relations with the West, catalyzed by the regime’s hatred of democracy and by Western support of South Korea during the Korean War, simmered. After its alleged role in Kim Jong Un’s assassination attempt, the United States finds itself in the crosshairs of an unstable leader who is willing to launch weapons that can kill millions. These threats necessitate that the United States and its president, Donald Trump, formulate a solution that ceases North Korea’s search for dangerous weapons. The foremost solution for the U.S. regarding North Korea is a continuation of diplomatic negotiations and a concurrent preparation for armed confrontation

Fact Checker Many people have heard of the Battle of Berkeley, where Trump supporters, free speech activists, and anarcho-communists (“antifascists”) clashed in the city of Berkeley, California. Included in the extensive footage of the event are clips, like the moment a masked activist beat someone with a bicycle lock. The police in the city of Berkeley failed to protect those attending the event. But, worse, they took sides, disarming right-wing protesters while allowing armed antifascists to crowd around a cordoned-off protest area. Police screened protesters for “imple-

COLUMN: WHAT’S ON MY MIND

What I’ve learned as a black activist Nina Hylton 1. I am more articulate and confident speaking. Freshman/sophmore year, I was hesitant to speak up because I didn’t feel like I could ever express myself in the way I so deeply desired (someone like Malcolm X, James Baldwin or Angela Davis). Ironically, I became better able to articulate my thoughts after I just stopped caring about how I sounded. I read more, forced myself to speak more and spent hours of time listening to the ways the greats spoke. Earlier this year Mr. Ives complimented me on my eloquence and how “I just make so much sense.” That meant so much to me! 2. I’m less emotional. I am still emotional, but I used to cry after every time someone disagreed with me or said something that hurt. Now, I understand better that no one at Masters is out to get me. Anyone who disagrees with me, or says something that may be hurtful to me, is speaking from their own life experiences; all I can do is try to bridge the gap. I choose my battles. Sometimes it’s worth it to pursue a conversation or argument further and sometimes it really isn’t. Make sure you take care of yourself. 3. I stopped caring about who was judging me. This includes teachers. Something that used to bother me was thinking about my teachers perceptions of me as someone who held some strong opinions. After MLK Day I remember feeling uncomfortable if one of my teachers or friends made no mention of the

day in class, or to me personally. In retrospect, it may seem it’s the truth! Purpose over popularity!!!! If you are passionate enough to risk your social standings, remember that. 4. I accepted taking on the role of an educator. In activism, we speak a lot about students taking on the roles of educators on topics involving diversity. For many students (myself included at times) that role is a lot to take on. At this point I fully embrace that role as a leader. If anyone is listening to me and learning something, I’m happy with that. Especially as a Diversity Ambassador, and as Onyx president, I take accountability in the way in which I teach and listen to others. Now, for my senior project I am creating a curriculum for a black studies course. If I had a “that’s not my job” attitude, I would’ve missed out on this incredible opportunity. 5. I recognize my own privilege. I know that I’m privileged in many ways, but, specifically in the racial realm of society, having lighter skin is a privilege. In the eyes of society (even at Masters), I am more digestible as an activist. Many of the younger generation of black women activists are lighter-skinned, such as Yara Shididi, Zendaya, Amandala Stenburg, Solange and Logan Browning, the lead in the Netflix series Dear White People.

COLUMN: ELI’S ELECTION

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

UNITED STATES PACIFIC COMMAND launching a missile for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) System, developed to shoot down North Korean missiles before they reach their targets. with the Kim regime. Concerning United Nations (UN) Resolutions negotiations, American proposals 2094 and 2270 created an embarmust benefit North Koreans to be go on all rare earth metals origieffective. nating in North Korea and banned For example, if the U.S. limits all money transfers, causing hyits military presence at the Demil- perinflation to do severe damage itarized Zone (DMZ) and curtails to the DPRK’s economy. its joint exercises with the South Steps like these are the stick Korean army, it could be imagined to the carrot of concessions, and that the North Koreans would be help weaken the Kim regime compelled to negotiate and offer while making negotiation a more concessions to the United States. enticing option. Recently, UN However, the U.S. is not dealing Resolution 2321, banned coal exwith a rational leader and Kim ports from DPRK to help halt the Jong Un’s belligerence and hatred country’s ability to fund weapfor the West creates a difficulty to ons testing. However, this ban finding a common ground in nego- has had little effect on deterring tiations. testing. Consequently, the likeliIf negotiations fail, the next hood of an armed invasion of the course of action must include dol- DPRK seems imminent because ing out harsher economic sanc- sanctions are failing to halt North tions to continue to cripple the Korea from achieving nuclear caDPRK’s economy. In the past, pability.

Antifascist violence poses a severe threat to free speech Tommy McKenna

ments of riot,” but didn’t stop antifascists from assaulting people with fireworks, mace and melee weapons. Interestingly enough, online sleuthing found that the mayor of Berkeley, Jesse Arreguin, “liked” the page of a group, the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration & Immigrant Rights, and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary, shortened to BAMN. According to the ACLU, BAMN was “thought to be involved in terrorist activities” by the FBI in 2002, and it characterized its political opposition as fascists and white supremacists. Arreguin has since disowned the group, but one wonders if his decision was motivated by politics. Equally egregious is the way Berkeley has responded to the situation, especially concerning

conservative commentator Ann Coulter’s recently proposed visit. Coulter is known for her conservative views, especially for her insistence on stricter immigration law enforcement. If Berkeley was a private university, I would have no problem with their moving Coulter’s event to a setting with fewer students. But as a public school that receives government funding, Berkeley must abide by the First Amendment. By rescheduling events based on the speaker’s views, they are furthering a chilling effect and making it clear that they will not protect student’s freedoms when push comes to shove. Berkeley decided to reschedule Coulter’s visit following riots that occurred in November, when

Continued on page 10

Government of, by, and for the rich Elijah Emery Populist forces are currently raging across our planet. The poor, upset with the status quo, are reacting to global changes, as shown by Brexit, Trump’s election to the presidency, and the generally increasing support for right -wing nationalism. The intellectual and political elite is repulsed by this change, and feels that their traditional influence is being destroyed. “Weighted democracy” is the ultimate system for maintaing stability. In this system, the number of votes a person is alloted would be based on two factors: the amount they pay in taxes and their education level. The primary method of acquiring voting rights under this system would be paying taxes. Taxes would be voluntary, and for each hundred dollars paid in personal tax, a vote would be granted to an individual. This vote granting would also apply to corporations and properties, as corporations and addresses could be granted votes for the amount of tax they pay. The second manner of enfranchisement under weighted democracy would be the pursuit and completion of higher education. Under weighted democracy, each degree or diploma a person receives would add to an individual’s vote count. To most observers, this system might appear as a step backwards by making the rich and corporations more powerful. However, there are several reasons why this system would be superior to our current one. First, more taxes would be raised from the ultra-rich (curbing inequality), as they attempt to outbid each

other for political influence, thus increasing government revenue. This would, in turn, increase funding for government services, which would help the poor and alleviate income inequality. Second, most billionaires in the U.S. are liberals. With more votes going to liberals because of the accumulation of votes amongst the wealthiest member of society, personal freedoms, such as abortion rights, will be protected. Billionaires like Warren Buffet will vote for politicians that support causes like universal healthcare. There would be an influx of capital to the middle class, as their total tax rate goes down because of their relative lack of interest in accumulating votes, and thus consumer spending would rise, stimulating the economy. Third, unions would become more powerful, as they collect fees from their members and use their votes to support candidates who act in the interests of the poor as a means of forming powerful voting blocks. In fact, the problem of campaign overspending would disappear as campaigns stop buying advertisements and instead appeal to those individuals with large amounts of votes, or to powerful groups such as unions. Last, and perhaps most important, wealthy interest groups are interested in solving issues like climate change and other problems that cause long-term instability. This system would help ensure that the best possible government is elected to stimulate the economy, help the planet and save us from the perils of populism.

TOWER/MAY 26, 2017

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This map represents college destinations of the Class of 2017 based on those who responded to a voluntary Tower survey and wished to share their news with the Masters community. Congratulations Seniors!!!

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FEATURES AND ARTS

Centerspread design by George Weed

TOWER/MAY 26, 2017

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FEATURES AND ARTS

Centerspread design by George Weed

A changing life focus: Madeline Wilson retires Vincent Alban Staff Photographer After 20 years of commitment to the Masters School, Madeline Wilson, the Chair of the Art Department and photography teacher is retiring. Throughout her years at Masters, she has dedicated her time to the enrichment of the arts program including designing the digital photo lab in Masters Hall, the Wenburg Gallery and the video and photo studio in the Fonseca Center, the creation of the Honorary Photo Society and the AP Art History class. She is a leader in the creation of new classes and concepts in the Visual Arts department. In photography courses, she has taught skills that go beyond the basics of photography and help students explore their creative potential. “My goal is to inspire students to have a lifelong love of the arts and to appreciate and find joy in their own creativity,” said Wilson. She hopes to continue her connection to art as she moves on to the next stage of her life. After studying photography and psychology at Bard College, attending graduate school at the International Center of Photography and New York University, and having a

career as a film editor and freelance photographer, Wilson took the job as a photo teacher at Masters. She eventually went on to become the Chair of the Art Department. Throughout her time at Masters, she developed her love of working with students and faculty through the creative process. Wilson’s successor as the art department chair, Cheryl Hajjar, said that as a teacher, Wilson has been a great asset to Masters. “She is consistently considerate of students and families and sees potential for creativity in all students,” said Hajjar. “She always has a very broad awareness and perspective to the arts, and set high expectations for students and faculty in the department.” A new photography teacher has been selected to take Wilson’s place. Wilson hopes to leave a legacy of a strong photo program, a healthy art department, and many creative options to the students. Wilson and her husband are moving to Colorado where they plan to retire. Though leaving Masters, she intends to stay active in the art world by developing art programs in independent institutions such as senior centers as well as her own art. While bittersweet to leave Masters, Wilson has a positive outlook for the future of the art department at Masters and her retirement.

VINCENT ALBAN/TOWER

MADELINE WILSON HELPING HER photography students with one of their criticing sessions on various photography projects of their own.

TOWER/MAY 26, 2017

FEATURES AND ARTS

Students prepare for summer work Jack Murray Advertising Manager Internships are highly sought after among high school students, yet they can be tough to get without the proper connections. Several Masters students have secured internships and have shared their experiences in finding and applying for them along with details about what they will be doing once they start work. Heather Smith, junior: This summer, junior Heather Smith has decided to pursue her passion by working with animals at the Mamaroneck Veterinary Hospital. After submitting an application and being interviewed, she earned the position. Working at a veterinary hospital is among the harder jobs for high schoolers to find due to an abbreviated education of the required skills to be a vet. In Smith’s case, that is one of the reasons she chose this particular veterinary hospital, along with it being close to her house. She will be working full time from mid-June to early August. Upon entering college,

she plans to enter a vet program. “It’s perfect for me because it’s rare that high schoolers get an interactive internship such as this one, but I’m still pretty limited because I don’t have a degree,” Smith said. She will be observing procedures and managing the kennel. Owen Lieber, senior: Hoping to get an internship at Relix magazine, a music magazine that specifically focuses on live music, senior Owen Lieber happened to be presented with an offer to work at Fans.com, a site for music concert attendees, by the owner of both outlets. Lieber had reached out to the owner of Relix, who said that he only accepted college students as interns but happened to have a spot at Fans, which connects people with similar music interests and also informs them of upcoming concerts in the area. “I’m really excited to work at Fans, because music is a passion of mine and to be introduced to the business side of music is a great opportunity,” Lieber said. He will be doing research on new bands, writing editorials on bands and adding lineups of

music festivals to the Fans database. Gene Perry, senior: Over the summer, senior Gene Perry hopes to continue working on his company, Gene’s Great Granola. The product stems from his Masters thesis, “You Are What You Can Afford to Eat,” which concerns how a lack of healthy food can lead to increased medical bills, resulting in even less wealth in marginalized communities. Perry got the idea to start a granola company after handing Head of the Upper School Matt Ives homemade granola as a thankyou gift. Since Masters Thesis requires an end-of-the-year project Ives recommended he make granola to satisfy that requirement. Since there has been a demand for his product Perry decided to expand from simply making granola for his project to making it a consumer product. Perry typically makes around two to four batches at a time, each batch includes 84 ounces of granola. He sells a small jar for five dollars and a medium jar for nine. Not only is Gene making a profit, but he also says he loves doing it.

May leaves a lasting EFFECT on Masters Drew Schott Contributing Writer As Mary May watched the newly selected 2017-2018 leadership of Masters’ student-led sustainability committee, EFFECT, take the stage in the Claudia Boettcher Theatre, a bittersweet feeling came upon her. At the end of last year, May helped create EFFECT and now, almost one year later, she realized that she would not get to witness the leadership of the students she inspired. After returning to Masters for a second time and working as a science teacher and Thompson dorm director, May will be departing the school to move to a suburb outside Los Angeles, California. The main reason for the move is that her husband got a job in the LA area. Despite the cross-country move, May

plans on continuing her study of sustainability at the Harvard Extension School. “I try to not think about my departure from Masters, but now that the year is winding down, I have realized it is coming soon,” May said. “I have loved all the experiences I have been granted at Masters, but it is the students here, who are driven and unique, that I will miss most.” After leaving Masters in 2009 and teaching seven years overseas in Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, May returned to Masters in 2016. May’s emphasis on fostering student leadership was exemplified by her support for the student led EFFECT committee helming to the students rather than a faculty-led sustainability task force. According to May, student leadership in and out of the classroom is a key tenet for high school students because it not only

teaches them how to be out of their comfort zone, but also how to be innovative and foster their own ideas. “What is unique about Ms. May is that she puts responsibility on the students. As a teacher, she supports our goals that we attempt to fulfill,” senior and EFFECT Group Leader Darryl Frank said. Before she departs, May hopes to help the students of EFFECT in continuing to institute positive change and develop their own connection to sustainability. She is also working with students to aid them in creating their own innovative ideas, such as a micro-grant program that will allow students to receive grants for sustainability-related projects. Despite her farewell, the Masters community recognizes May’s effect on the community through academic programs, teaching, and her time as a dorm director.

TOWER/MAY 26, 2017

FEATURES AND ARTS 9

Netflix drama stirs teen suicide controversy

Allie Berdon Editor-in-Chief Emeritus It is relatively common for shows, especially hit TV shows, to be filled with unrealistic plot lines, overly dramatic events and stunningly attractive characters. This spring’s newest hit, the Netflix original series “13 Reasons Why,” is no exception to this norm, even as it tackles themes of anxiety, depression, sexual assault and, most poignantly, suicide. The slew of issues that the series raises are important topics for teenagers to be exposed to, especially because the media often idealizes high school through shows such as “Gossip Girl” and “90210,” depicting lavish lifestyles and extravagant parties. However, the approach to such heavy topics in a seemingly “entertaining” platform is misguided and causes more harm than good. The show’s main character, Hannah Baker, commits suicide during her junior year of high school and leaves 13 tapes with the “13 reasons why” she killed herself. Each tape is dedicated to a different one of her peers and exposes each action, isolated or not, that they perpetrated that led to her death. While Baker faced

extreme bullying from her peers by means of sexual harassment, verbal abuse and other cruel acts, she blames her depression and eventual suicide on her assailants, making it acceptable for teenagers watching the show to attribute their own men-

Kathleen Woods, the Director of College Counseling, is leaving after nine years at Masters. She earned her B.A. at Thomas More College, and later studied at Georgia State University to complete her masters degree in counseling psychology. She is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, where she raised her children and worked as the director of guidance and counseling services at St. Pius High School. Her job includes working with students on a personal basis and assisting them in their search for the right colleges. According to Woods, “Counselors are supposed to be good listeners.” College counselor Adam Gimple, who will be taking her position as director in the college counseling office, described her as a supportive mentor. Gimple added that Wood’s departure from Masters is a bittersweet one. When it comes to choosing the right school, Woods said, “It’s hard to make a decision on a college without visiting, it’s like marrying someone you’ve never seen before.” She is a strong proponent of students attending the college which is the right fit for them. Gimple noted that she has worked with a diverse range of students and handled a variety of scenarios. Matthew Ives, Head of the Upper School, said he has appreciated Woods’, “southern sensibility.” He

fact that depression and anxiety are not simply cause and effect disorders, but true diseases. Furthermore, the show graphically portrays Baker’s suicide in the final episode of the show, depicting her submerged in a bathtub, fully clothed,

OLIVIA JOHNKE/TOWER

WHILE 13 REASONS WHY raises many issues that high schoolers deal with, the way in which they are presented to such an impressionable audience is incredibly dangerous. Suicide should not be glamorized by the mass media.

Director of College Counseling returns to Southern roots Jacob Strier Contributing Writer

tal illnesses on the actions of others. While Baker’s constant bullying and the trauma of her rape, which occurs in the last few episodes, might have exacerbated her depression, causing her to lower her self worth to a dangerous level, the show overlooks the

pointed out that during her time here, an increasing number of Masters students have matriculated at top southern institutions. He said that in the college counseling office, Woods has, “overseen immense growth”. While reminiscing about his experience with Woods, Ives said, “I really appreciate her knowledge, her kindness, her good common-sense.” According to Woods, certain aspects of New York life are going to be hard to bid farewell to. Living in the city, Woods has taken advantage of the wide array of theater options, and she enjoys the varied choices of restaurants and art museums. At Masters, she has become particularly fond of the advisory system, which she believes is an important way to get to know students personally. Charlotte Benson, one of her advisees, said that Woods, “Knew exactly what to say whenever I needed advice.” Woods’ counseling background and care for students is evident: whether it be as a college counselor, an advisor, or just as an open listener; it is clear that she has improved the lives of many students. One student who had her as a college counselor, Francesca Scorsese, described her as a “friendly presence” and someone with whom she could always talk. Woods is moving back to Atlanta, where she will be closer to her family. She will continue her successful career there as the director of a high school program handling personal and college counseling.

dramatically slitting her wrists as the tub’s clear water turns a deep red. Again, it is important to discuss the realities of suicide, especially in high school communities; however, Netflix glamorizes her suicide and makes it seem like a viable option for those struggling with similar issues. While Netflix’s attempt at raising awareness about topics such as rape and suicide is admirable, it is merely a stepping stone for true portrayals and discussions on similar issues, which should be facilitated by professionals and not writers seeking a “big break.” An article published by Jia Tolentino in The New Yorker sheds light on the intent of the show, stating, “The team behind “13 Reasons Why”… has made it clear that its members think the show is indeed performing a public service.” However, the show fails to facilitate constructive conversations but sensationalizes suicide and exploits those that suffer from illnesses. Instead of watching “13 Reasons Why,” I urge students to read Ned Vizzini’s It’s Kind of Funny Story, which is another portrayal of a young adult coming to terms with his illness and seeking help, but represents a much more realistic approach to handling mental health issues.

Wethington, Director of Residential Life, leaves to pursue further education Owen Lieber Sports Editor Whether it was teaching Honors Algebra II-Trigonometry, serving as head coach of varsity baseball, or keeping boarders in line, Head of Residential Life Thomas Wethington impacted the community. Wethington will be leaving the Masters community at the conclusion of the school year. Throughout his five years at Mas-

ters, Wethington mentioned that he has seen advancements from within the school, specifically in the Athletics Department. “I don’t view it as a shift or a change from arts to athletics, I view it more as bringing the athletics program up to par with the arts,” Wethington stated. Wethington mentioned that his first experience with Halloween at Masters was when he became aware of the culture of the school. “By honoring it as a yearly tradition, it sends a message about balance in our lives, that we should find time

to laugh, relax, and enjoy the moment.” Wethington added, “It’s a day that strengthens our bonds to each other and to our school.” After Masters, Wethington will be moving on to Columbia University where he will be obtaining dual degrees from Teachers College and Columbia’s graduate business program. “I’ve cherished my time here but in order to accomplish what I want to accomplish career-wise, I feel it is the right time for me.”

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THOMAS WETHINGTON SENDS A runner home during a boys baseball game. Wethington will be leaving the school after five years, in which he served as teacher, coach, and Director of Residential Life.

Goulian and Atlee leave their final mark on Masters Emma Luis & Alex Bentzien Web Editor & News Editor Beside the bustling city of Philadelphia sits a small suburb, surrounded by revamped steel mills and farms, by the name of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Phoenixville is the soon to be new home of two very familiar Masters faces, Amy Atlee, Director of Community Service, and Chris Goulian, Upper School Academic Dean who will be departing Masters after 32 and 24 years, respectively. Atlee and Goulian have been faculty members longer than any current student at Masters has been alive. They will be moving to Phoenixville where they hope to “rewire for a year,” and spend more time together. Though Goulian began teaching at Masters in 1994, he has been acquainted with Masters since he started dating Atlee in 1989, marking a 28-year relationship with the school. Goulian started out as an English teacher, teaching 10th and 12th grade English, AP English Literature, and even a class on Film Studies. In 1999, he took on the role of Academic Dean after the school launched a search to fill the open position. “I felt I understood both the needs of faculty and students. I had a pret-

ty good imagination in terms of what possibilities the school could handle and the potential for the academic program,” Goulian said. His job as Academic Dean is often associated with building schedules for students and teachers, the school’s calendar and managing the course placement process. However, his work entails much more. For the past 18 years, Goulian has also worked closely with the department chairs to invent, write and revise curricula for all courses and fit it together in a way that is “meaningful, logical, and practical.” “I’m a good organizer,” Goulian said of the reason he applied for his current position. His organizational skills are apparent in his office space, proven by the pencils on his desk, which are perfectly lined up, as well as the loose papers that are stacked neatly behind his desk. His organization is also evident as a passionate collector: according to Tower Advisor Ellen Cowhey, Goulian has kept every single issue of the Masters newspaper; he also has copies of all Dance Company programs, still without any creases. Among the list of collector’s items is what he calls his “vintage hat” hanging from the corner of his office bookshelf, a red baseball cap reading “PHI.” But the many Founder’s Days have not been what Goulian recalls

among of his most outstanding memories at Masters. In his first year, as an English teacher, Goulian was particularly struck that his class dressed up for their final exam as characters from literature they had read during the year. Despite his long tenure as Academic Dean, Goulian said, “I was an English teacher at first; I think I still am by trade and at heart.” Behind his desk are two boxes of crayons, which he still uses, to serve as both a reminder and a metaphor for literature and life. On the first day of school, he would give his students a page from a coloring book and ask them to color it in, and at the end have the students discuss their different images. “As with literature, a coloring book is just a collection of black ink on white pages; the reader has to appreciate the power they have as the one who colors in and assesses the meaning of the text.” For Goulian, it is the people who surround him that have made his job so special. “I’ve been here for 22 years, and working and living here for 24. The various relationships I’ve built with students and faculty over the years have been really special, and I’ve stayed in touch with many of them,” he said. As part of his role as Academic Dean, he

Continued on page 10

COURTESY OF CHRIS GOULIAN

AMY ATLEE AND CHRIS Goulian have collectively been at The Masters School for 54 years. Their departure will leave a major gap to fill in the Masters community.

FEATURES AND ARTS

Masters community will “MISH” Atlee and Goulian Continued from page 9

carefully tracks through the progress of all students who come through Masters. Through it all, Goulian hopes he will be remembered as someone capable of “managing and balancing expectations in a realistic way and reaching compromise.” “Sometimes it’s been an arduous job, but it’s important to be faithful and fair to the past while also farseeing and proactive in the future. I think the hardest thing is helping teachers, parents and students to see beyond the initial disappointment, especially when you have people with new ideas, who are confident and want to try new things.” When his work gets difficult, Goulian keeps pictures of Atlee nearby as a reminder of her unwavering support of him. The two first met in college in 1981 and started dating after Goulian returned from the Peace Corps in Africa, which Goulian calls “the most meaningful work I’ve ever done.” Goulian also uses prayer to “stay sane” and enjoys reading poetry every day, as well as watching television. “I love watching television; it is one of my many passions,” Goulian

said. He is a fan of shows like Modern Family, the original Star Trek and Seinfeld, and even Dancing with the Stars, which he and Atlee “get a kick out of.” For Atlee, this year marked her 32nd year at Masters. As a young 22-year-old and a recent college graduate, Atlee had applied for a job at Masters, then an all-girls school. Atlee immediately knew Masters was the right place for her, she recalled, after seeing the beautiful Hudson River. Moved by the natural beauty of the Masters campus and by her desire to protect it, she and a former colleague conceived of and brought into being a new club called “Rescue Earth’s Environmental Future,” or REEF for short, and together she and the student members of REEF launched the school’s first recycling program. Atlee quickly became an integral part of the school community. Serving in many capacities over her career, she spent eight years in the admissions office as associate director, traveling the country, visiting schools and alumnae, and interviewing prospective students; she also expanded and restructured the Gold Key Club.

JOE VERICKER./PHOTOBUREAU INC.

LONGTIME DRAMA DIRECTOR M.A. HASKIN gave community Service Director Amy Atlee kind words of appreciation during Alumi Weekend. Haskin and Atlee worked together at Masters for 29 years. Haskin retired in June of 2014.

Amy coached gymnastics for several years, served as a dorm parent for ten years, and taught Health for many years. The holistic curriculum she designed approached health from a social-emotional perspective and focused on, among other things, nutrition, wellness, mindfulness, and body image. As a complement to her classroom curriculum, she started the yoga program here at Masters, as well as at Children’s Village, and for many years has been teaching yoga to students and faculty. Ever since her starting day, Atlee has claimed Masters as her home, and set up shop in the dorms.“Since this was my first job out of college, and I was the youngest faculty member at the time, Masters really helped me to grow, and has been my home and family ever since,” Atlee said. For the past twenty years, Atlee has been the Director of Community Service at Masters. “I’ve always found service learning to be my true passion,” Atlee said. “When Masters offered me the job of Director of Community Service, it was everything I was passionate about all in one; it was exciting for me,” she added. In her first year at Masters, Atlee and others worked with Reverend Joe Gilmore at the neighboring South Presbyterian Church to form the Midnight Run Coalition of Churches and Schools, an organization and movement that has since spread across the tri-state area and that reaches out to help the homeless in Manhattan. Atlee was also the founding advisor to Urban Connection, and with the UC dancers, she organized a service project that invited homeless children from a shelter in White Plains to spend time on our campus with UC volunteers, dancing with them, teaching them arts and crafts, and helping them with their homework. Atlee and Goulian are both hoping for time to unwind and find new things in life, which they believe Phoenixville will be able to offer them. “As the year came to an end, Chris [Goulian] and I did some reflecting and we decided it was a good time for change. This year was a bit of wakeup call, in terms of health issues and soul searching, it forced us to rethink a few things.” Atlee said. “For us, we are both in midlife, and it’s a great time to think about being creative, passionate, and purposeful in new ways and exploring what else we have to offer to ourselves and others,” Atlee added. “Masters has long been my home, and I’ve loved it. I get a little emotional talking about it these days, it’s going to be a challenging transition, but a good one. Embracing uncertainty is hard, but it does open you up to new possibilities and ways of being in the world. We’re not retiring, we’re rewiring!”

TOWER/MAY 26, 2017

Free speech on campus Continued from page 5 “professional provocateur” Milo Yiannopolous tried to hold an event there. Yiannopolous is a notorious critic of feminism, Black Lives Matter and other progressive causes, so it stands to reason that students wouldn’t be thrilled to have him attend. However, the administration must protect controversial speakers and their listeners. The administration cited security concerns as the justification for moving Coulter’s speech. Their plan was to have Coulter speak on a day when students didn’t have classes, to minimize any chance of violence. But as a government institution, shouldn’t

they uphold the rights of the College Republicans, even if it means bringing in more police? Should they legitimize violence by allowing riots to dictate who can speak, as well as when and where they may speak? More importantly, however, should our government institutions give in to threats of violence? Violence in pursuit of political goals is the definition of terrorism. How ironic that the birthplace of the Free Speech Movement is now ground zero for violence against those who express beliefs some find offensive. Neither the city nor the University of Berkeley should be cowed by the political violence perpetrated by militant antifascists.

FLICKR/SALLY ZELIKOVSKY

RECENT RIOTS ON THE UC Berkeley campus raise questions about whether civil liberties protections apply equally to people on the right and left of the political spectrum.

Spanish teacher Yunge heads back to heartland Jake Regele Design Editor Spanish teacher Paula Yunge will be departing after just one year teaching at Masters. Yunge, a first-generation Chilean who has been teaching for almost two decades, will be moving back to her adopted home state of Nebraska to continue her tenured public high school position, teaching English to Spanish speaking immigrants. Although she will miss her colleagues, Yunge is excited to return to teaching at a public school and return to her old non-Harkness teaching method. “I really appreciate the students who put all they have into the language and really engage in the discussions,” Yunge said. Teacher pay is another a driving factor in her quick departure. “I may make 10% more than I did [in Nebraska], but the cost of living is more

than twice as expensive here,” Yunge said. “I am returning to Nebraska because I feel like I am more needed there. At the end of the day I want to be in the place where I feel I will have the most impact,” Yunge commented. “The one thing I dislike about her is that she’s leaving,” Language Department Chair Richard Simon said, “One of the most interesting things she’s done is assess less through quizzes and tests and more through work students put in portfolios, giving them an opportunity to see the evolution of their mastery over time. This fits in well with something we’ve been looking to start in the coming school year, namely, shifting assessments from performance-based to proficiency learning.” Instead of having students study to do well on specific tests, only to lose much of what they learned immediately afterward, proficiency-based learning tries to give students an accurate picture of what skills they

TOWER/MAY 26, 2017

SPORTS

COLUMN: PLAY BY PLAY

Derek Jeter: forever a Yankees legend Shawn Farhadian Mother’s Day in the Bronx felt extraordinarily special this year, as former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter visited his old stomping grounds once again. Nicknamed simply “The Captain” by teammates and fans, Jeter was recognized by the Yankees organization for his incredible career that lasted from 1996-2014. A 14-time All-Star, his legendary jersey #2 became immortalized in Yankee Stadium with numbers from all of the previous team greats. He was greeted by current players and team alumni, including iconic teammates such as Andy Pettite, Mariano Rivera, and Jorge Posada. A plaque was revealed with a sculpture of Jeter’s face at the top above a description of his legendary career: “As the cornerstone for five world championship teams, Jeter was a leader on the field and in the clubhouse, setting an example for his teammates with his uncompromising desire for team success,” the plaque reads.

The star left a lasting impact on young baseball players and fans across the country. Growing up as a Yankees fan, I watched Derek Jeter amaze crowds with his spectacular on-field play and his humble off-field demeanor. When I attended his emotional final game at Yankee Stadium in 2014, I was saddened to see a great legend move on after an extraordinary career with the most decorated franchise in baseball. His last hit to win the game for the Yankees that night allowed him to leave his mark in true Jeter fashion Jeter now plans to continue his post-retirement life. Along with former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, he led a group to buy the Miami Marlins baseball team for $1.3 billion. He runs his own charitable organization, The Turn 2 Foundation, which helps children and teenagers avoid drug and alcohol addiction. Jeter and his wife Hannah are expecting a baby girl later this year.

Girls varsity lacrosse looks for support from community to continue program David Oks News Editor For years, the girls varsity lacrosse team has been losing players. This year, because the team had one player too few, it was unable to compete in league tournaments—putting its future in peril. “I’m not sure if the team will continue next year,” senior Samantha Rusoff, the team’s captain, said. Uncertainty over the team’s future is owed to one significant factor: an exodus of players due to injuries and other commitments. The absence of these players means that girls varsity lacrosse, which is required to have 12 players to compete in the Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA) tournaments, has been unable to compete in the league. Because the team is locked out of FAA games, it has been unable to play nearly as many games as in previous years, cutting its 15-game season down to a total of only five. Team members cited several reasons for the shortage of players. Rusoff said, “I think girls, especially in high school and at Masters, have opted to go for sports that involve less running and less commitment. For example, there were about 30 girls who signed up for tennis. Girls see tennis as less commitment. They’re thinking, ‘How do I play a sport while not getting sweaty and still looking cute?’” Some attribute the team’s misfortune to insufficient support from the student body. Senior Isabelle Alexander said, “The Masters

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JUNIOR OLIVIA JOHNKE CARRIES the ball across the turf as defenders from The Brearley School follow close behind. Masters went on to lose 6-10 in their final game of the season, while playing with one less player than their opponent.. student body needs to do more to support girls sports. It seems like throughout my time at Masters, boys sports have gotten more attention from students.” Injuries also hurt player retention. Senior Mikayla Zion was the team’s twelfth player until she was concussed in the middle of a game.

With so much setting the team back, and given just five games to make a mark, the team’s players showed incredible resolve. The team won a tight 12-11 match against Columbia Preparatory on May 4. It’s ending the season with a 1-4 record, better in terms of a percentage of games won than any

Boys lacrosse plans for future Jake Regele Design Editor After one of the strongest boys lacrosse teams in Masters history in 2016, this year’s squad struggled to find that same success. After finishing the season with a record of 5-9, the team is beginning to focus on the future, and they believe they have plenty of enthusiastic young players who are ready to take the lead. With eight key players set to graduate this spring, it will be crucial for the younger players to step up in order to build success in the upcoming seasons. “They should have a strong offense next year, especially if they keep working in the off-season,” said senior Geoff Fox, “I think there was a lack of heart in the team, but it got better towards the end of the season. For soccer we’d do sleepovers and get breakfast together, but with lacrosse we just go to

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SENIOR GEOFF FOX DRIVES to the cage in the team’s senior game against Long Island Lutheran High School. The team lost the game 17-11. practice, there isn’t as much of a brotherhood.” Fox will graduate Masters as the all-time leading scorer for boys’ lacrosse. “I think now we’re pretty close, but we could definitely spend more time together as a team on and off the field,”

sophomore Dylan Canell said. If the lacrosse team can continue to build a rapport on and off the field, they should have a promising future ahead of them.

other season in years. Even though the girls varsity lacrosse team’s future isn’t certain, the players are happy about the success they’ve had within the team’s limitations. “I would say we’ve had a rough season. But overall I’m proud of us. The fact that we beat a team that was al-

most double our size is incredible,” Rusoff said. With the season over, eyes have turned to the team’s uncertain future. “Assuming we have the numbers, we’ll play,” Assistant Coach Eric Shear said.

Sports

SPORTS

TOWER/MAY 26, 2017

Nina Hylton flies high with Tuskegee signing Cedar Berrol-Young Managing Editor Nina Hylton, senior and star pitcher of the girl’s softball team, recently held her signing ceremony with Tuskegee University on May 12 in the Strayer Gym. The ceremony included friends and family all celebrating Hylton’s acceptance into Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama and the continuation of her softball career. Hylton has a unique family connection to the school, as her grandfather trained at the school as one of the Tuskegee Airmen. “I was doing most of the work the summer after junior year,” Hylton said when describing her recruitment, “which is pretty late in the typical process.” Because of her late start in the recruiting process, Hylton was initially only getting offers from local schools. After doing more softball programs this past summer, Hylton started getting more views from nationwide recruiters on

her Next College Student Athlete (NCSA) profile, a recruiting website for college scholarship hopefuls. While looking for colleges, Hylton began to look at and research historically black universities. She reached out to the softball coaches at those schools via email. After the coach at Tuskegee received her email and viewed her NCSA, he offered Hylton a scholarship. Led by coach Edward Colvin, Tuskegee finished with 18 wins and six losses in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Hylton hopes to add her pitching skills to an already impressive roster. Tuskegee, founded in 1881, is one of 107 historically black colleges in the nation and has a rich history that includes black intellectuals such as Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver. Hylton’s grandfather, Allen Wesley Hylton, was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American fighter pilots during World War II. Hylton’s grandfather was born

in Jamaica and immigrated to the United States as a teenager. Later, he became a lieutenant and trained at Tuskegee University with other members of the U.S. Army Air Corps before his time fighting in Japan. Hylton will attend the same school as her grandfather this upcoming school year. Hylton may not be the only one in her family to attend an historically black colleges and universities, but she is one of the few students coming from Masters to attend one. Hylton is the first student to attend one of the universities since at least 2011. Kathi Woods, head of college counseling, attributed this to the different experience that such schools give to students. “Most of our students are used to an integrated school. It takes a particular student who has the desire to go to a place with a different setting like that,” Woods said. Hylton reiterated this point. “I feel like it’s something that I need. It’s designed for students like me to really flourish,” Hylton said.

VINCENT ALBAN/TOWER

SENIOR NINA HYLTON FIRES in a pitch to the plate in a game against Riverdale Country School. In addition to being a star on the softball field, she is class president, yearbook editor, a member of DAA, a diversity ambassador, and a forward on the varsity soccer team.

SPORTS OPINION

Seniors-only co-curriculars can bring the grade together Sophie Buchanan Photo Editor A student’s senior year should be a time to enjoy friendships and explore oneself to figure out what the student wants to do after graduating. Seniors have so much on their plates with college, homework, and other high school requirements, that they deserve a special co-curricular option geared specifically towards their unique needs that will allow for less stress and more fun. The current Masters athletic requirement for seniors is two days per week. Seniors should not be required to do this. What if the only athletic option that a student likes is a team sport? This would require him or her to stay five days a week, late on game days, and even come in for weekend games. This requirement is overbearing and stressful to seniors which leads to low attendance for the team practices. This seniors-only co-curricular I propose would offer activities

such as rock climbing, kayaking, biking, hiking, maybe even pickup sports games, etc. A senior would need to do a certain number of these activities to fulfill the requirement. Students could do this with their friends as a fun after school activity rather than a traditional co-curricular every day. This could also be offered on weekends for students who are participating in other non-sports credit co-curriculars during the week. This flexibility would allow seniors to utilize their after school hours in more useful and productive ways. This type of co-curricular would also provide a platform for seniors to bond with their classmates. Some people may say that this type of flexibility for students would be tedious for faculty to chaperone. This can be avoided by asking students to RSVP before the activities; 48 hours before the activity the roster will be locked in and the students is required to attend. If underclassmen find this an enticing possibility, I encourage them to further refine and propose this idea to Executive Committee.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGHAN MACWILLIAMS

MEMBERS OF THE ADVENTURE club took a trip to go kayaking in the Hudson River. Kayaking is one of the options that would be offered in the suggested seniors-only co curricular.

Baseball field deteriorates as maintenance seeks solution Logan Toporoff Features Editor Many sports facilities around the school are getting advancements in their tracks, courts and equipment, but one playing field is not receiving the same attention. While many fields have implemented drainage systems to help them dry after a rainstorm, the baseball field has a system that simply does not work and leaves the field unusable after any sort of inclement weather. The underground drainage system is in such bad condition that the water just stays on the field rather than draining out of it. Senior Co-Captain Eitan Magaliff said, “Just a day of rain can put us off the field for at least two days.” He added, “It has been an inconvenience for the team when we are trying to improve but can’t even stay on the field for a full week at a time.” The field’s drainage problem has also resulted in the cancellation of almost half of the team’s games due to poor field conditions. Coach Thomas Wethington said, “We will have to go a full week or a

LOGAN TOPOROFF/TOWER

THE BOYS VARSITY BASEBALL team had a rough season this year due to the inconsistencies in the baseball fields drainage systems. While other teams have fields with updated systems, the baseball team continues to flood making games nearly impossible to play.

few days without a game, making it really hard for us to build momentum.” With this struggle in mind, the coaches have begun to look at the original blueprints of the field’s construction in order to determine the issue behind the current problem. “We are all trying to look at this as a two-season field for other teams and seasons as well, making this a whole school need, not just a baseball need,” Wethington said. In an attempt to advocate for improvement to the field, junior George Corrigan, with the support of the rest of the team, wrote a letter to Head of School Laura Danforth to notify her of the problem, and urge Masters to find a solution. “We want it to be a priority to fix this. Clarke Field has been at the bottom of the school’s list for a long time and we want it to bring it to the school’s attention to start fixing it for next season,” Corrigan said. The team has exposed this issue to community and, while they make the push for a better field, they can only hope that inclement weather and poor conditions do not cancel future games.