Hornet's Nest | May 13, 2022 | Vol. 7 | Issue 8

HORNET’S NEST Proctor Academy | May 13, 2022 | Vol. 7 | Issue 8 IN THIS ISSUE: Katherine A. on Dress for Success Carter A. on the Senior Hoops Tourney Jack D. on Pandemic Habits

Reilly D. profiles Callie D. Juju H. on Life Skills Colin K. on Zach Z.

Lily P. on Reading Victoria A. on Senior Bucket List

All Gender Dorm Coming to Proctor?

By Liric Harris

Proctor Academy has been working for a long time trying to establish a non-binary dorm option for its students. Currently, there are two types of housing options and they are all male or all female dorms. It is a binary system that validates male and female identity but does not recognize any other gender. What many people don’t know is that we already have mixed-gender dorms, but will there be all-gender housing on campus next year?

Kyle Tremblay, the Dean of Residential Life, coordinates where students live and has been working with a team to officially create an all-gender housing option at Proctor. I asked her, “Do you think that having non-binary dorms would help at Proctor and why?”

Kyle is in full support of increasing this dorm option on campus. She explained, “Seth Currier, a member of the planning team, surveyed students

about this very question. What we heard through that feedback is that providing a dorm that was not tied to gender in its identity would create a safe space for students to live without a label, especially one they don’t identify with… a place where students can just be themselves without having to navigate the complications of gender identity and the social constructs placed on that. … [it would help with] Individuals feeling validated, safe, recognized, and a part of something bigger than themselves certainly helps build community.”

When asked how many dorms this would impact, Kyle said, “As many as needed to meet the needs of the students in the community. Proctor is hoping to be able to provide safe, inclusive housing for all students, and if expanding the number of all-gender dorms is needed, the school will look to accommodate.”

I continued, “How many rooms would there be in the dorm and what would the bathroom situation look like? Kyle replied, “The idea is that there is enough space for everyone who wants to live in this type of dorm and that the bathroom-resident ratio is small and allows for appropriate privacy needs.”

I also had the chance to interact with a former Proctor student. Their name is Eden Pehl, they are non-binary, and they gave me some insight on their experience here at Proctor. “I struggled with having people listen to me and understand me when I told them that I was in a space where I didn’t feel heard or seen.” A non-binary dorm on campus would provide relief for some of Eden’s difficulties and create a more supportive and welcoming community.

Dress for Success

By Katherine Alfond

Who else enjoys the ability to roll out of bed, slip on your most comfortable pair of sweatpants paired with an oversized sweatshirt for a day of classes with no thought of violating the dress code? I sure do, especially since four short years ago, this would have earned me a point for a dress code violation and I could have been sent back to my dorm to change.

Not only were sweatpants unacceptable, but the Proctor dress code of 2018 was more gender specific and detailed. Prohibited were frayed hemlines, leggings, crop tops, jeans with rips, hats (with the exception of being outside), and the list went on and on.

It is hard not to dress for comfort, especially when being in class for 280 minutes a day can feel like a drag. However, there is a longstanding theory that we “dress for success,” meaning that how we dress impacts our performance, ultimately leading to success.

I believe this to be true as my personal engagement in the classroom improves when I am dressed up instead of hunkered down in the hood of my sweatshirt and wearing slippers. This is also shown in the real world, as it is suggested to dress up and look presentable for a job interview to establish a good first impression. Obviously, when we spend a year in classes, it is not reasonable to assume that each of those days we dress our very best.

I wanted to know what was behind the dress code shift, along with other input about the statement of “dress for success.” I talked to some administrators to learn more.

Karin Clough, the Assistant Head of School, has been at Proctor since 2008, and

has had a role in revising the dress code. My first question for her was, “What was the main reason for initially considering this big dress code change?” First, she talked about how hard it was to fully enforce a dress code due to a frustration among the faculty.

Some faculty members would monitor the dress code, while others were more lenient.

The dress code caused antagonism between students and faculty and a rift between the faculty as some faculty did not demand compliance. She noted that it also became a matter of students taking advantage of the fact that some faculty members enforced the dress code while others did not. This left faculty at a divide and the dress code was relaxed and became more gender neutral.

The pandemic impacted the dress code as well. We all got used to joining class on our computers, being in and out of quarantine, and wearing masks. As a result, teachers and faculty were prioritizing appropriate mask wear over whether a student had a hat or leggings on. In addition, faculty came to a consensus that Proctor needed to do a better job of being sensitive to culturally appropriate rules for religions as well as gender neutrality. Changes needed to be made.

Today, we aren’t necessarily ‘free rein’ as students. Proctor still has no tolerance for clothing promoting alcohol, tobacco, or offending other people, races, sexes, gender, etc.

I then asked Karin if she agrees with dressing for success. “Yes, I do. I feel better when I get dressed up. I feel professional and ready to work. I feel like if I did show up with my pajama pants on, or slippers on, I feel like I wouldn’t be representing my position well.”

How does Brian Thomas, the new Head of School who stepped into Proctor post-pandemic, view our dress code? Brian only knows what the dress code is like now. He noted how hard it is to “legislate things that are really personal decisions to other people” and talked about pride and place. To Brian, pride and place means respecting self and others. If we as a community have a sense of pride and place, it eliminates potential rifts.

He also identified that throughout a series of conferences this past summer, Proctor created a goal to be “the healthiest school possible.” This goes back to pride and place: understanding, valuing, and connecting individuals to community through integrity and respect.

Karin and Brian both agree that respecting ourselves and the community is the most important value to hold true to our community. Freeing a dress code allows students to wear what they are comfortable in and allows self-expression. Our ideas of dressing up may be completely different, but Proctor strives for individuality. Removing a onesize fits all type of dress code moves us closer to that goal.

ple, I received an intriguing response that read, “I still see less of my friends, but value outdoor fires more as a relaxing place to socialize.” It was interesting to hear this, as it represents that even though the pandemic separated many of us, we were able to persevere, and found new ways to connect through nature and the outdoors.

The Last Dance: Senior Hoops Tournament

By Carter Anastasia

The wait is finally over. Ever since fall term, Proctor seniors have waited patiently for the return of the favorite upperclassmen event, senior hoops basketball.

Every year the senior hoops basketball tournament shows off the athleticism and skill of the very best non-basketball players Proctor has to offer. With such a loaded senior class, this year’s tournament is a guaranteed show.

Each team this year will be led by a varsity basketball member, attempting to lead their skilless teams to victory. With all the anticipation and excitement growing since early September, on April 8, eligible seniors looked to hoops leader and commissioner, Aidan Botti, as he selected the first overall pick of the 2022 Senior Hoops Draft. Wide-eyed in a hushed Wise Center, the senior class watched in awe as Aidan selected Donald McCarthy first overall.

This decision undoubtedly left the majority of the seniors scratching their heads.

Senior basketball analyst Mitchell LaCamera had Donald falling to a mid to late second round. Although originally confused, the genius of Aidan Botti soon rose to the surface. Donald, a two-time star goaltender for Proctor Varsity Hockey, has all the pieces to play a huge role in this year’s tournament. Aidan described Donald as “a shorter, slower Larry Bird.” His obvious athleticism and leadership used to lead Proctor hockey to multiple wins will hopefully bring Aidan’s senior squad to the top.

With teams set and the first games behind us, things are shaping up to potentially be the most competitive tournament in senior hoops history. A few teams to look out for include that of senior guard Amari Howell and hoops commissioner Botti. Aidan took the sleeper pick of the draft with Senegal’s Pape Diop. Although overlooked, Pape’s advanced soccer skills and coordination will surely buoy Botti’s team. Howell’s first-round pick, Mitchell LaCamera, brings a small frame and quick feet that will leave defenses in shambles.

Now all there is to do is wait and see who will reach the land of milk and honey, and who will be left in sorrow and defeat crying on the Proctor center court “P.” Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain, senior ball is back and better than ever.

How Has The Pandemic Changed You?

By Jack Darov

Students kept detailing how much more they washed their hands during the pandemic as well as how much they improved their own hygiene. But more importantly, 43% of the respondents mentioned that they increased their amount of daily exercise. Two responders noted, “I realize that exercising every day is important and I think more about my health.” The other commented, “I enjoy, and take more time now to exercise.”

Many students experienced changes in studying too. Unsurprisingly, some students during this past winter slowly began to lose their motivation and focus. For the most part, this can be seen as a result of the weather getting colder and the days getting shorter. One student wrote, “As the pandemic progressed this winter, my study habits went far downhill. I lost all my motivation.” Another student noted, “I am less focused than before the pandemic.” But, on the other hand, I also received positive responses regarding studying habits such as, “Yes, I’m able to get my homework done earlier rather than later.”, and “I’ve begun to procrastinate less on nights I’m busy with loads of homework.”

So, as we hopefully wrap up this pandemic, remember the habits that guided us through the pandemic can help us today.

As the world’s been slowly coming out of an almost two year pandemic, we’ve all had to adapt and change our daily habits or routines. Curious about this, I sent out a questionnaire in order to find out how students or their families have kept any social, health, or even study habits from the midst of the pandemic.

In terms of social habits, many students left old practices behind. In addition, we’ve kept certain habits, and realize how important some of those are. For exam-

and a part of the girls lacrosse team I can already tell that Callie’s smile is contagious, as well as her positive attitude and support. We are very lucky to have her.

Hey, Is Class Over Yet?

By Jack Fickenscher

Callie (#9) playing Collegiate Lacrosse at Assumption College

A Look Inside Callie Dwyer

By Reilly Desmond

Anddddd…… She blinks. She is done, no more high school football games, no more school dances, no more eating lunch with her friends in the cafeteria. Callie Dwyer is done with high school, but she is now off to the next chapter of her life, which is college lacrosse at Assumption College.

That was just five years ago. Now back at Proctor Academy, Callie is right back to some of the high school activities she experienced four years ago. And the faculty and students are grateful to have her in the math department. Additionally, she is also our new varsity girls head lacrosse coach.

Callie Dwyer (right) with Kate Austin the girls Asst. Coach (left) and captain Nat Daniels 22’

Throughout high school, Callie was a three-season varsity athlete, earning 14 letters in field hockey, indoor track, lacrosse and outdoor track. Dwyer won numerous awards and was captain of both the field hockey and lacrosse teams her senior year.

Callie is currently coaching a girls club lacrosse team. As many know, club sports are different from prep school sports.

Callie states, “I’ve had a lot of experience coaching clubs, I’ve been doing it for four years, and joined the administration for Granite State Elite.” Being a club coach

really helps her with recruiting athletes for Proctor. Callie states, “I am at all the summer camps, where I can recruit. We are already working on recruiting for next year. I also coach and train around sixty girls over the summer that I am working on recruiting.”

Looking at this spring’s team, Callie emphasizes how to foster a positive attitude and how to control the controllables so important to team comradery. She identifies the key qualities: “Our work, our stamina and our attitude. We can’t control the uncontrollables, the rifts, the opponents or the conditions outside. It is so important to focus on our attitudes. The team supporting one another, and being good teammates is at the top of my list for priorities.” Callie continued, “We have a sign that everyone touches before they walk out of the locker room that says, ‘We Over Me.’ Because our first thought on the field is our team over ourselves.”

Callie understands the need to support each other and the meaningful lesson of being good teammates. “Here is a whole new opportunity where I can choose my own team, and build my own program and [have] the freedom to do that, with the support from Kate Austin.”

I asked Callie, “What is one word to describe this team from what you have seen so far?” She replied, “The best word to describe the team is good natured, you guys are just always so happy to do whatever. If it is practice in the rain you are dancing.

Practice in the rink, you are laughing if someone falls over her feet on the slippery floor. Everyone is just happy to be a part of this team, and if we stay on this path then we will reach our top potential.” As a member of the community at Proctor,

Undivided attention for 70 minutes straight - four times a day. Students at Proctor endure this grueling task daily.

The school has currently incorporated a 10 minute extension to class blocks and this raises the question, what is the plan for class blocks in Proctor’s future?

For additional insight and information on this matter, I turned to Derek Nussbaum Wagler, Dean of Academics. Proctor did not always have this 70 minute class extension as the winter term adjusted to only 60 minute classes. Next year’s class length is being debated now.

Derek stated, “[we want to]... provide the student body with more concentration within class meetings each week with their respective teachers.” As a result, the material provided and taught within classes will not be rushed but examined thoroughly to the point of a deep understanding that might be currently absent at Proctor.

The shift to longer classes could benefit Proctor as a community. When asked how faculty will keep students engaged for this extended period of time Derek stated, “It is all about pedagogy (how the class is planned and taught). [A long class] can fly by if we are changing modes (reading, discussing, working, doing, etc...) but 20 min can feel like an eternity if it is something that is challenging and not engaging. The reality is that most humans cannot sustain the same exact task for more than 15-20 min without losing focus. So we need to be sure that we plan our courses accordingly.”

According to science.org, an informational website that has been at the center of important scientific discovery since 1880, “Lectures aren’t just boring, they’re in-

household management, and more, of 70 responses, 80% of the students wanted a life skill class - the need is real.

Derek teaching Chemistry

effective too, … ‘Active Learning’ boosts grades, and reduces failure rates…” Derek’s plan aligns with this belief that engaging students rather than lecturing students is productive. If teachers at Proctor can get behind Derek’s recommended class activities and planning, I would find the new block schedule beneficial.

As a junior at Proctor, I witness the lack of education around core tasks such as cleaning and laundry, as a fourth of our student body purchases the laundry service to wash their clothes. In addition, we don’t engage with a lot of our basic cleaning and maintenance in our living environments, as our hardworking housekeepers are tirelessly cleaning up after us.

By Colin Kwak In the US, there are only around 6,000 schools that offer Home-Ec classes. At UC Berkeley, two students started an Adulting class on life skills everyone should know. College students today find themselves lacking skills they need to make it as an adult in the real world.

Derek’s support of longer class blocks also comes from personal experience. “As a science (chemistry) teacher, I love it. I wish we could meet more regularly (4 times a week instead of 3), but otherwise I like the longer blocks. In my previous school, we had one 110 minute block a week for the science classes and it was amazing!” Despite the debate over the length of classes, the teachers here at Proctor will engage students to acquire the tools necessary to excel and learn important material.

Are We Prepared?

By Juju Hoder

We go to school to learn, yet we do not acquire the basic life skills such as how to budget, cook, or even do laundry.

In a survey to the student body asking if Proctor should offer a Home-Ec class, meaning financial responsibility, cooking,

2022: Spring Time Lacrosse In the last four years, Proctor men’s lacrosse has had a different lacrosse coach each season. At the start of this year a lot of players on the team had questions about the next head coach. Captain Andy Warren told us not to worry because something big was coming.

This spring, Zach Zavalick has arrived as the new head coach. He used to play at Wesleyan University where he won an NCAA Division 3 championship. Last year, he was an Assistant Coach at Proctor but then moved to Taft for a new job, but now, he has returned with a job in Admissions.

We should look at why we must take Intro to Programming when we need intuitive and real life learning skills to prepare us for our future? According to the website Dailygazette.com, “Not only does home economics teach students about cooking and safety but it also builds responsibility.”

There are endless tasks that come with being an adult and growing up in this modern world. Can we have a class that helps us prepare for life after Proctor?

I asked Zach, “What do you hope to achieve this year?”, and he replied “I expect our team to work hard and play together each day we are out on the field.

There is no doubt that the team has faced a lot of adversity this year, most of which is out of our control. I look at how the team chooses to respond to that adversity. We need to focus on the controllables, like our effort and energy. In our huddles, I have told the team many times to remember who they are playing for, the guys on their right and left.”

I sought the perspective of captain Andy Warren ‘23. “When you look at your teammates, what do you want them to remember in five years?” He responded, “All I hope they remember is us having fun and working hard. I just want them to remember the good times like the three hour bus ride to Hebron or the time [the team] went to Florida.”

There is a lot of pressure on Zach because he is a new coach and the last four

coaches have departed in the span of four years. Regarding the future, I asked Zach, “When you look at your players, what do you want them to remember in five years?”. Zach answered, “Wins and losses will not define this season. In five years, hardly anyone on the team will remember the score of our game against Exeter. I want the players to remember the individuals on the team. Proctor is such a special place that brings many unique people together, and the lacrosse team is an excellent example of that. My hope is that players are creating relationships with their current teammates and they will be able to lean on them in five years.”

When Zach talked about remembering wins or losses, I learned Andy’s father played lacrosse at Proctor, so I asked him, “What were the differences between he and his dad playing here?” He recalled, “When my dad, Travis [‘91] played here, he said that it was the time of his life. Travis was a starting attackman and the atmosphere he played in was amazing. …they won the Lakes Region that year with Pete Southworth as Head Coach. Comparing it to now, I still feel the fire and passion that my dad would always talk about on the lacrosse team. Since Covid, we really didn’t see that many fans at the games but this year, hopefully, it will change and we get Proctor buzzing as much as my father told me.”

Reading for Pleasure, It’s a Fading Skill

By Lily Picotte

Reading for pleasure: is it a lost art? There are books out there that will capture your attention with many health benefits.

According to Psychology Today science writer, Richard Sima, Ph.D., “The health impacts of reading last long after we put down the book, with some research showing reductions in depression symptoms persisting months or even years later in adults. And reading can not only help make life more worth living but is associated with living longer: One study found that older adults who regularly read books had a 20 percent reduction in mortality compared to those who did not read.”

Reading is also a great stress buster. When reading a fictional book, your mind goes into meditative practices by engaging your mind in one task which can help reduce stress and foster relaxation. Reading offers a positive distraction where you can ignite your imagination with words and images in your head to bring you into a different world.

Going undefeated is pretty impressive but what Andy and Zach have told us is that they just want you to become a better person/player and to remember all the fun we have as a team.

School librarian Heid Thoma provided a few names of books she is currently reading for pleasure. Some of the names of the books were Spirit Run, a nonfiction memoir, and Language of Flowers, a fictional book. Even reading a few minutes before you go to sleep each night can have lasting benefits. According to the National Lit-

eracy Trust, researchers have also found that reading helps teenagers by enhancing their academic performance, personal development, and more. Also, reading fiction books helps teenagers develop insight into more mature relationships and cultural identities. As we know, those are all important factors to growing up into an adult.

Lots of Proctor students and faculty love reading; fifty respondents replied to my survey. A glance through the West End dorm rooms reveals that many students have multiple books sitting on their bedside tables. However, there were faculty and students who shared that they are no longer reading for pleasure because they get sidetracked by other interests. People noted that instead of reading they would rather, “Walk, hike, work in my garden, be outside!” Students shared that “schoolwork, playing video games, and watching Netflix” took up the bulk of their time. I find myself doing these same activities but have learned that just reading for fifteen minutes before I go to bed is so much healthier for me than staring at my screen.

The first time I picked up a book I loved, I read it in one sitting and never looked back and that’s when I learned that reading doesn’t have to be boring!

Proctor’s Bucket List

By Victoria Antar

The journey is almost over. Some of our seniors are enjoying their last days at Proctor. I asked this class what were their best and worst Proctor experiences, what memorable moments they wanted to relive, and which ones do they regret?

What would seniors and faculty alums put on a Proctor bucket list? There were expected suggestions such as “going on an off-campus program,” “Euroclassroom and Spain,” “going on Ocean,” or “Project period.” Certainly those are special, yet living the whole Proctor experience includes small moments: • Swimming in the Proctor pond with my friends • Taking a metal engineering class • Dance parties with my roommate • Polar plunge • Hiking to the waterfall on the edge of Proctor’s property • The Snowball dance • Build a boat • Make friends with someone from a totally different circle • Climb a mountain • Sit in a tree and read a book • Sit around a campfire • Learn how to weld • Build something that will be here when you’re gone • Senior basketball

One of our faculty members commented, “I graduated more than 20 years ago and I would say that what I remember most about Proctor was my time outside of classes. I went to school there for four years and took everything imaginable for classes and remember very little of it. What I remember is standing watch on the bow of a sailboat in the middle of the ocean at dawn. I remember hiking up the ski hill and looking down on campus. I remember throwing axes with Dave Pilla. I remember ringing the bell when we won a game, we pulled the rope so hard that we flipped over the bell. Enjoy being able to talk to your friends every day.”

Seniors, if you haven’t done something you want, don’t be scared, now is the time as high school is almost over and this is your last chance to finish your bucket list.

WEEKENDLove

12:00 - 4:00 pm: Live Music 12:30 pm: Tie Dye 1:00 - 3:00 pm: Cookout 1:00 pm: Bubble Soccer

Questions? Suggestions? Get Involved with Student Activities!

Contact Gabrielle Stone, Student Activities Director at stonega@proctoracademy.org.

Follow proctorstudentactivities on instagram for all of the up to date info

2:00 pm: Spike Ball Tournament 3:00 pm: Slip & Slide 3:30 pm: Raffle Drawings 3:30 pm: Pie a Faculty

Outing Club Event