Layout by: Jianing (Jennifer) Lin ‘24
SALMAGUNDY The Official Student Newpaper of Miss Porter’s School
Letter to Farmington
Graduation 2023
By Olivia Montminy ‘23 Dear Farmington,
MPS Crossword Puzzle
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate. Except for perhaps…when the hike from Main to the music building before orchestra rehearsal feels like you’re climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Or when all the parking spots are filled on Revisit Day so you have to park at the orthodontist’s office across the street. Or having a different academic schedule each year that you’re here. Oh, and don’t forget, a global pandemic, just to shake things up a bit more! But for all my teasing, I know that these four years at Porter’s have shaped me, and the memories I’ve made here are some that I will hold with me forever. Whenever I light a candle, I’ll always remember walking around Brook’s Field with my Old Girl during Welcome, singing in the moonlight. Or when I sit in the grass on a sunny day, I’ll be right back to sophomore year, picnicking at the Hillstead in the springtime with my friends, our fingers sticky with watermelon and lemonade. And whenever I get a whiff of chlorine, I’ll be right back in the pool building, cheering on my teammates and getting ready to swim my part of the 400 free relay. So despite the schedule switch-ups and the minor freshman spring Zoom interruption, I will hold a particular fondness for my time here at 60 Main Street. I wouldn’t trade these experiences for anything, and I’m so grateful for everything I’ve learned and all the incredible people I’ve met. Sincerely yours, Olivia
Across 1. The Tradition that takes place in mid-October. Respektiere alle alten Mädchen. 6. The all-senior acappella group. 7. NO______IN THE DINING HALL 8. MPS is built on the ancestral land of the _____ tribe 9. The coolest senior group on campus, typically seen in all-black and arms crossed. Down 2. Your favorite local fried dough supplier. 3. The defult mode of transportation to weekend activities. Don’t mistake it for a kitchen appliance! 4. The yellow building that used to be the library before Ford was built. 5. Grades don’t count under this form of assessment!! 9. Not Drake’s first teenage love, but the name of the soccer field at MPS.
Photo Credit: Media by Mari
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GRADUATION
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SALMAGUNDY
What’s With the Purple Alien?
By Maren Frey ’23 April 5th, 2023, 8:45 AM: It was a completely normal May 8th, 2023: As Constantine continues to watch over morning, as students stumbled out of the dining hall ready campus from the flagpole, he brings joy to the community for Block 1. As freshmen discussed their TIE class and through his silly outfit and presence. Save for a few deflaseniors whispered about Ivy Day results, everyone’s at- tions and outfit readjustments, his arrival on campus has tention was drawn straight towards the center of campus. been quite smooth. He is a gift to our community that ParkThere has been an unusual addition to the flagpole, which er has endowed to us, one that brings a smile to everyone’s typically flies the American flag, a pride flag, and a Black faces when they walk by the flagpole. Lives Matter flag. A life-sized, purple inflatable alien donned with a ripped white t-shirt and a pink sequin skirt was now inhabiting the pole, making it seem like an alien invasion was upon MPS. All everybody on campus could ask was, who the heck did this? April 4th, 2023, 9:00 PM: Clarissa Parker ’23 was preparing to execute a tradition that she had been looking forward to since last spring, when the giant purple inflatable alien was passed down to her. Adorned with a willing tag declaring its name as “Constantine,” this alien has a much deeper meaning beyond simply being goofy. Parker describes Cnstantine as not only a silly little sign on campus, but a symbol of “what the seniors have overcome.” Traditionally hung up after revisit day, Constantine can be seen to represent “the beginning of the end,” as it denotes the start of senior spring for the Class of 2023. As Parker outfitted Constantine in this year’s costume (past years have included hot pink bras and hats), she thought about how the alien symbolizes the sense of belonging and community we all feel at Porter’s. Although Constantine is a spirited and somewhat weird tradition, he serves to unite us as we let him fly on our flagpole. Like everyone in the MPS community, Constantine is accepted and appreciated as he is.
“Mr. Bergin’s Worst Nightmare” a Cartoon By Diana Ma ’23
Photo Credit: Maren Frey
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GRADUATION
Grad 2023
SALMAGUNDY
Class of 2023 Multiple Choice Quiz
By Maren Frey ’23 1. Which seniors went to Porter’s summer camp together 7. Which senior dressed up as a “hypebeast” for their 9th before their 9th grade year? grade Welcome? A. Lucy Newmyer, Stella Wang, and Gigi Day A. Simone Marshall-Chaffee B. Sarah Azrin, Maddie BeVier, and Nina Bellino B. Katherine Li C. Shari Smith, Elizabeth Akomolafe, and Maren Frey C. Elizabeth Akomolafe D. Claire Kaplan, Jimin Kim, and Claire Cortland D. Clarissa Parker 2. What senior did Taylor Lautner wish a happy birthday to? A. Sadie Abramson B. Zainab Pate C. Abby Gamache D. Lucy Marshall
8. How many MPS seniors have faculty/staff parents? A. 4 B. 0 C. 2 D. 6
9. How many students are there in the Class of 2023? 3. Which senior roommate pairs are 4-year roommates? A. 92 (Select all apply) B. 67 A. Lucy Marshall and Lilly Provost C. 74 B. Elisa Cha and Izzy Sutherland D. 87 C. Katherine Li and Margo Feely D. Zoe O’Dea and Abby Ray 10. Which senior auditioned to be a guest star on the Disney TV show, “Shake It Up”? 4. Which senior used to have 5 pet chinchillas? A. Carissa Chan A. Page Peniston B. Gabby Stoumpas B. Evelyne Beaule C. Jane Torrence C. Mimi Loomis D. Sneha Kadiyala D. Mia McIntosh 11. Which Keeper can shake her eyes? 5. What is the name of the Ninja Turtle that seniors place A. Jules Rowthorn around campus every spring? B. Nora Jean-Jacques A. Raphael C. Annika Mannix B. Michelangelo D. Lauren Brennan C. Leonardo D. Donatello 12. Which Nova 9 member is from Nebraska? A. Ellen Jacobson 6. Which Perilhette went to acting school last summer with B. Zoe Brown Darren Criss of “Glee”? C. Lucy Newmyer A. Susie Dixon D. Alyssa Idusuyi B. Sadie Abramson C. Margo Feely D. Angela Royle
Senior Reflection
By Lucy Newmyer ’23 Four years ago, I had no idea what I was in for.
less days on Zoom in my home bedroom, my perspective changed. I suddenly realized how important my relationI was preparing to leave the school I had attended for eight ships in Farmington were, and how much I missed the inyears, excited about the new classmates I was meeting in teractions in passing, the traditions, and the campus. the infamous “Porter’s 2023 <3” group chat, and eager to shop for my dorm. As the summer went on and the realiza- I spent the next three years trying to soak up everything tion that I would be 1,100 miles away from home dawned Farmington had to offer. I probably walked over 500 camon me, my fears grew and grew. Did I make the right de- pus loops in my sophomore year, but I wouldn’t have it any cision? other way. Junior year, I found myself laughing, learning, dancing, and exploring with fifteen of my classmates in On August 29, 2019, my nerves disappeared as I was greet- Puerto Rico. I felt more engaged in even the smallest coned enthusiastically by my Old Girl, JAs, House Director, versations and interactions on campus. Before I knew it, I and advisor. Within a few weeks, I felt empowered to run was becoming a more authentic, confident, and ever-curifor leadership positions (#morethanvscogirls) and try new ous student and person. sports, clubs, and classes. Porter’s has undeniably shaped who I am, and I can’t believe my time as a student here has come to an end. I am going to miss the people and this place, but thanks to Porter’s, I feel eager and prepared to face new adventures and challenges. I only hope that current students will embrace all the moments here—the good and the bad—and rememWhen Covid-19 cut the school year short and I spent count- ber how lucky we are to call Farmington our home. That first year was far from perfect, though. A whiteboard in my dorm room marked countdowns to every milestone you could imagine. Rather than living in the moment and making memories at school, I couldn’t wait for the next holiday, break, or trip home. And boy, did I get a trip home!
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GRADUATION
Grad 2023
SALMAGUNDY
“My Favorite Things”: MPS Edition
By Sadie Abramson ’23 and Gabby Stoumpas ’23 The oldest residents of 60 Main Street have formed some When it came to their favorite dorm, the class of 2023 was strong preferences about the best things at MPS. too conflicted to think of a single answer. Humphrey, New Place, and Ward tied for first place, and most other dorms The seniors’ favorite tradition was Little Meeting, which gained some votes as well. We know that Heidi, Vanessa, did not come as a surprise after the incredible performance and Lauren will be happy to hear this news! last fall! Fall German was also a strong contender. “The best tradition is definitely German,” says Zainab Pate ’23, Maren Frey ’23 argues that “Humphrey is the superior a senior boarder. “It’s funny, lighthearted, and a prank is dorm because the vibes are just better”—Seniors, do you always a good way to bring people together!” agree?
For their favorite local restaurant, the seniors chose Naples. Whether it is their chicken nuggets, cinnamon sugar fried dough, or a pizza, Naples never fails to supply Porter’s students a hearty meal. Starbucks came in as a close second and newcomer to town Tres Amigos secured third place.
The seniors’ favorite weekend activity was easy, as Blueback Square came out as a clear winner. Although Westfarms, Target, and prom are all fun, maybe the class of 2023 just can’t live without Cheesecake Factory, BarTaco, or Tea Break!
Crossword Puzzle Answers Key: 1. German 2. Naples 3. Toaster 4. Jones 5. Formative 6. Perhilettes 7. Backpacks 8. Tunxis 9. Across - Keepers, down Kiki Multiple Choice Quiz Answer Key: CB(ACD)CC ABADC CA Photo Credit: Miss Porter’s School
