SALMAGUNDY Graduation

Letter to Farmington

By Olivia Montminy ‘23

Dear Farmington,

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

2023

MPS Crossword Puzzle

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.

What’s With the Purple Alien?

By Maren Frey ’23

April 5th, 2023, 8:45 AM: It was a completely normal morning, as students stumbled out of the dining hall ready for Block 1. As freshmen discussed their TIE class and seniors whispered about Ivy Day results, everyone’s attention was drawn straight towards the center of campus. There has been an unusual addition to the flagpole, which typically flies the American flag, a pride flag, and a Black 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.

May 8th, 2023: As Constantine continues to watch over campus from the flagpole, he brings joy to the community through his silly outfit and presence. Save for a few deflations and outfit readjustments, his arrival on campus has been quite smooth. He is a gift to our community that Parker has endowed to us, one that brings a smile to everyone’s faces when they walk by the flagpole.

By Diana Ma

Class of 2023 Multiple Choice Quiz

By Maren Frey ’23

1. Which seniors went to Porter’s summer camp together before their 9th grade year?

A. Lucy Newmyer, Stella Wang, and Gigi Day

B. Sarah Azrin, Maddie BeVier, and Nina Bellino

C. Shari Smith, Elizabeth Akomolafe, and Maren Frey

D. Claire Kaplan, Jimin Kim, and Claire Cortland

2. What senior did Taylor Lautner wish a happy birthday to?

A. Sadie Abramson

B. Zainab Pate

C. Abby Gamache

D. Lucy Marshall

3. Which senior roommate pairs are 4-year roommates? (Select all apply)

A. Lucy Marshall and Lilly Provost

B. Elisa Cha and Izzy Sutherland

C. Katherine Li and Margo Feely

D. Zoe O’Dea and Abby Ray

4. Which senior used to have 5 pet chinchillas?

A. Page Peniston

B. Evelyne Beaule

C. Mimi Loomis

D. Mia McIntosh

5. What is the name of the Ninja Turtle that seniors place around campus every spring?

A. Raphael

B. Michelangelo

C. Leonardo

D. Donatello

6. Which Perilhette went to acting school last summer with Darren Criss of “Glee”?

A. Susie Dixon

B. Sadie Abramson

C. Margo Feely

D. Angela Royle

Four years ago, I had no idea what I was in for.

7. Which senior dressed up as a “hypebeast” for their 9th grade Welcome?

A. Simone Marshall-Chaffee

B. Katherine Li

C. Elizabeth Akomolafe

D. Clarissa Parker

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?

A. 92

B. 67

C. 74

D. 87

10. Which senior auditioned to be a guest star on the Disney TV show, “Shake It Up”?

A. Carissa Chan

B. Gabby Stoumpas

C. Jane Torrence

D. Sneha Kadiyala

11. Which Keeper can shake her eyes?

A. Jules Rowthorn

B. Nora Jean-Jacques

C. Annika Mannix

D. Lauren Brennan

12. Which Nova 9 member is from Nebraska?

A. Ellen Jacobson

B. Zoe Brown

C. Lucy Newmyer

D. Alyssa Idusuyi

Senior Reflection

By Lucy Newmyer ’23

I was preparing to leave the school I had attended for eight years, excited about the new classmates I was meeting in the infamous “Porter’s 2023 <3” group chat, and eager to shop for my dorm. As the summer went on and the realization that I would be 1,100 miles away from home dawned on me, my fears grew and grew. Did I make the right decision?

On August 29, 2019, my nerves disappeared as I was greeted enthusiastically by my Old Girl, JAs, House Director, and advisor. Within a few weeks, I felt empowered to run for leadership positions (#morethanvscogirls) and try new sports, clubs, and classes.

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!

When Covid-19 cut the school year short and I spent count- less days on Zoom in my home bedroom, my perspective changed. I suddenly realized how important my relationships in Farmington were, and how much I missed the interactions in passing, the traditions, and the campus.

I spent the next three years trying to soak up everything Farmington had to offer. I probably walked over 500 campus loops in my sophomore year, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Junior year, I found myself laughing, learning, dancing, and exploring with fifteen of my classmates in Puerto Rico. I felt more engaged in even the smallest conversations and interactions on campus. Before I knew it, I was becoming a more authentic, confident, and ever-curious student and person.

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 remember how lucky we are to call Farmington our home.

“My Favorite Things”: MPS Edition

By Sadie Abramson ’23 and Gabby Stoumpas ’23

The oldest residents of 60 Main Street have formed some strong preferences about the best things at MPS.

The seniors’ favorite tradition was Little Meeting, which did not come as a surprise after the incredible performance last fall! Fall German was also a strong contender. “The best tradition is definitely German,” says Zainab Pate ’23, a senior boarder. “It’s funny, lighthearted, and a prank is always a good way to bring people together!”

When it came to their favorite dorm, the class of 2023 was too conflicted to think of a single answer. Humphrey, New Place, and Ward tied for first place, and most other dorms gained some votes as well. We know that Heidi, Vanessa, and Lauren will be happy to hear this news!

Maren Frey ’23 argues that “Humphrey is the superior dorm because the vibes are just better”—Seniors, do you 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!