T he L og thelog@taboracademy.org
Tabor Academy’s Student Newspaper Volume 91, Number 6
May 2017
A Semester in the Bahamas
Tabor students attending the Island School next fall by Harrison Judd While most Tabor students will begin the 2017-2018 school year here in Marion, some have chosen to spend the first part of their year experiencing the sun and sand on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. The Island School gives just over 50 rising juniors and seniors the ability to collaborate with the world-class researchers at the Cape Eleuthera Institute. In addition to contributing to impressive research, students take part in physical training five times a week as they prepare for either a half marathon or a four mile swim. After completion of the program, students will be able to boast that they have completed a PADI Open Water Diver certification. According to the Island School website, students “gain deep understandings of leadership, sustainability, community, and sense of place.”
Despite the competitive admissions process, a number of Tabor students have been fortunate enough to attend the program in recent years. This coming academic year, rising juniors Max Gryska and Kellie Navarro will participate in the program.
When asked why he wished to take part in the program, Max claimed that he “... read about the Island School a few years ago when applying to Tabor,” and that “as [he] looked more and more into the program, [he] realized that this is exactly what [he] wanted to do.” Kellie’s reasons for applying were similar. She, too, had considered programs like the Island School when she was applying to Tabor, and when the applications for the Island School came out, she jumped at the chance to attend. “Going to a semester abroad for marine biology has always been something that I’ve wanted to do,” she said. “The Island School [will give] me a chance to go even further out of my comfort zone and learn about marine biology, which is my greatest passion.” Photo by Photo Pool.
Amongst other things, Max stated that he is most excited to be able to dive everyday, as diving has already been a large part of his life living here in Massachusetts, while Kellie said that she is most excited to be “completely immersed in Marine Biology.” Lastly, when asked what he hoped to gain from such an incredible experience, Max said that, “just saying that I’ve gone to the Island School really distinguishes me from other people. But what I hope to gain the most from this program is the important lessons, life skills, and everlasting friendships formed while down there.” Kellie is hoping that the semester will help her “gain complete confidence and knowledge in marine science.”
Bringing Back Tradition Boys crew to compete in the Henley Royal Regatta by Nicole Fernandes Years ago, Tabor would send their boys’ crew team to row in the Henley Royal Regatta every three years. This year, the boys’ crew team has the opportunity to race in the Henley Regatta once again.
to be going.”
As a result of the promise the boys’ crew team showed at the Head of the Charles last year, the team is sending both a four-person boat and an eight-person boat to race in Henley. The Four will be competing in the Prince Albert’s Cup at Henley, and the Eight will be competing in the Princess Elizabeth’s Cup. In the Prince Albert’s Cup, Tabor’s boat will not only be competing against other schools, but also against colleges and universities, such as Yale and Harvard.
Once the coaches have decided which other rowers will travel with the team to England, the team will begin to prepare for a few days after final exams finish. Coached by Mr. Pardo and Mr. Wakeman, the team will train in Maine for a week before flying over to England. There, they will race in the Reading Regatta, then a qualifying trial, and finally the Marlow Regatta before they begin racing in the Princess Elizabeth’s Cup or Prince Albert’s Cup.
The Henley Royal Regatta is an annual rowing event held on the Thames River in England, arguably the best-known regatta in the world.
For the most part, it is uncertain which Tabor rowers will be going on this trip, but a few of the seniors on the team definitely have spots. Bryce Finley ’17, a member of the boys’ crew team who’ll be rowing in Henley, said he is “incredibly grateful Where Are They Now? p. 2. Please recycle this paper.
Then and Now Class of 2017, insert.
The boys’ crew team would not have the opportunity to go to Henley without the generosity of Tabor alum Lou Wolfe ‘68. Mr. Wolfe participated in Henley when he was a coxswain for Tabor and made it to the finals and is helping to cover the cost of the trip.
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Where Are They Now? Checking in with last year's Co-Heads by Owen Sughrue For a year, the heads of school are in many ways leaders of the Tabor student body. They run All School Meeting and introduce speakers in chapel and come up with new ideas for initiatives that might be fun for our community. But what do the heads of school do after they have graduated from Tabor? We asked the heads of school from last year what they were up to this year, how their school year went, and what they are thinking of doing in the coming months. Ollie Sughrue (whom I’ve somehow managed to stay in touch with) goes to school in Cambridge. He is studying government, economics, and is also taking a writing elective course. He plays club golf and enjoys going to games on campus, especially hockey and football. As far as his summer plans, he is not sure yet, but his brother has some pretty good ideas for him. Ollie is thinking about majoring in history. MK McIntire goes to school at Union College in Schenectady, New York. She plays lacrosse for the Dutchmen and is thinking of majoring in economics. Next fall, MK is planning on rushing a sorority at school.
They both look back on their time as heads of school as challenging and rewarding.
Photo by Photo Pool.
Seniors Showcase Independent Projects by Erica Judd
Spring is the time of year when the seniors start to prepare for their lives post-Tabor. To do so, many seniors choose to do a senior project. Mrs. Crosby, the head of the Senior Project program, explained projects allow the seniors to set their own course for the last several weeks of senior year. In order to join the program, seniors have to complete a multi-step application process that begins in December. The first application covers the essential questions “what, why, and how?” After the students are told whether they can proceed with their ideas, the next step is explaining “how to get from point a to point b,” as Mrs. Crosby puts it. By the beginning of spring break, seniors know if their projects have been approved and have to decide whether they will pursue their projects or stay in all their classes. While seniors participating in the program can drop any non-AP classes they are taking after spring break, the projects are not an excuse to have no work during senior spring. The key elements of a senior project keep the participants busy: maintaining a journal, a two-page “abstract,” the overall merit, accountability in school requirements, the end-of-year oral presentation--and the project itself. Seniors Lizzy Hanson, Sophie Polonsky, and Sarah McGillicuddy are all participating in the program, and they shared some of the details of their projects as a quick preview
for their presentations at the end of May. Lizzy, a hockey enthusiast, is “learning about the history and the evolution [of the ice hockey mask]” and “designing and painting a goalie mask with a Tabor theme.” Sophie is “making a short film based on John Hughes’s movies” that includes “the idea that as teenagers, we make every event and problem...in our lives into these huge things.” The short film will also feature some of the songs made famous by Hughes and his blockbuster hits. With a similar artistic route, Sarah “is writing and designing a comic book set at Tabor.” Sarah went on to say that “she chose it for a couple reasons, but one of the main ones is [her love of drawing.]”
In the words of Mr. Leary, Tabor class of 1997 and senior project participant, “[the project] was challenging but so much fun and still one of the most memorable things I did at Tabor.”
Summer Renovations Changes to expect in the dining hall next year by Lillie Lovell This summer, the dining hall is being renovated to be a more efficient eating space. As detailed by Mr. Siriani, the objectives of the remodel are to update the servery and eliminate the long line, giving the serving area a better flow and replacing the bottleneck effect often created now. Other changes will be a different mudroom, to alleviate “the current book bag situation...” Overall, the dining hall and servery will have a “cleaner look.” The construction of a new conference room and fireplace in Lillard Common Room will make the space more functional and welcoming for the community.
The renovation also includes floor-to-ceiling windows on the front deck to provide diners with a view of Sippican Harbor while they eat. There will be new tables and chairs, though the seating capacity will stay the same, and the Executive Dining Room will become the new dishroom.
The diverse food options we currently have will stay the same, but a “Daily Charbroiler” will be added, and foods like hamburgers and grilled chicken will be offered everyday. There will also be a make-your-own wok station, and the glutenfree station will be expanded. Mr. Sirianni hopes that these renovations, as well as raised ceilings and new soundabsorption, will positively affect the overall atmosphere in the dining hall. Mr. Sirianni promises it will “certainly have a big wow factor.”
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Featured Artist: AJ Macrina by Hana Liu
When the whole audience in Hoyt is captivated during a Jazz Band performance, you know that AJ Macrina ’18 is playing his trumpet like there’s no tomorrow.
One of Tabor’s most decorated musicians, AJ is known on campus for the clarion sounds that come from his trumpet whenever he plays. However, the talented musician also plays ukulele, piano, guitar, and tenor saxophone. He grew up in a musical family and started learning trumpet when he was in the fourth grade. AJ has a passion for playing music because it “gives [him] a way to express [himself], and [he] gets to make [his] own [music].”
Growing up, AJ was inspired by the trumpet player Wynston Marsalis. He looks up to Marsalis because “he worked his way up, [and was] not super rich or famous” from the start. As a musician himself, AJ likes to listen to the Beatles before he performs to calm himself and “get [him] in the zone.”
Spring Community Service Day Tabor hosts the Special Olympics by Abby LaCasse Tabor held a school-wide Spring Community Service Day on April 26. Students had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities while hosting Special Olympics Athletes from all over the South Shore, a partnership that started last spring. Unlike in past years, Tabor students got to select (or at least ask for) what type of service they participated in. Options ranged from playing with the athletes and hosting teams to completing the behind-the-scenes jobs that ensured the event ran smoothly. When asked why he made the switch to this type of service day, Mr. Cleary said he was motivated by the “ease” of the job, allowing students to do what they wanted rather than what they were assigned to do. While he recognizes that not being able to serve with one’s advisory might be a “bummer” for some, Cleary believes that this day is most
effective when students can choose their activity. According to Mr. Cleary, the purpose of Community Service Day is “to engage in a service opportunity, not anything else.” Wanting to make the day the most successful and fulfilling it could be, he recognized that students would put the most effort into something that is meaningful to them. Everyone who participated saw how much of an impact every smile and high five had on the athletes. While letting students choose their own activities was an important aspect for making Tabor’s 2017 Spring Community Service Day a success, Mr. Cleary attributes much of the success directly to the students and to the work they put in on Wednesday morning.
How to Spend Your Summer
W a y s Title: t oComic make the most of the break Writer: Erica Judd and Mary Hanrahan Section: Arts Travel… Explore new places and meet new people! Words: Whether it be across the world or to the next town over, go out on an adventure this summer. New places bring new experiences, and you can bring your friends along to Due: May 3, 2017 make new memories.
by Abby Park
Apply to a Summer Program… Learn something new this summer!
Train… Get in shape and start off strong! Get in shape over the summer for your fall sport. It’s always a great feeling to come into a season ready to go and it helps you stay feeling healthy and energetic throughout the summer months. A run on a sunny day is a good way to get a tan, too. Relax… Kick back and relax this vacation!
Requirements: Summer programs can help you explore interests that you don’t have time to pursue Go to the beach or a nearby by park and relax! Time to unwind after a hard year of during the school year. It is a great way to make new friends when school’s not in classes and work. Summer is short, so go out and soak in some vitamin D. You guys mentioned that you might have ideas for a comic, so if you can put something together session. Read Books… Crack a book and read something you’ve always wanted to. would be great. Work Locally… Make newthat friends and some $$$! Let me know if you don’t want to. Getting a summer job is a great way to make money and expand your responsibilities. If you work at a local store or restaurant, you can apply with friends and still have fun over the summer while working hard.
Article:
Visit your local library or borrow some books from friends. It’s a great way to get ready for the upcoming school year and it can be an easy way to finish your summer work without even realizing it.
Find the bean amo n the g Bean the j ethe l l Jellyfish yfish Find among
by Erica Judd and Mary Hanrahan Background: http://www.drodd.com/html7/blue-wallpaper.html
Background: http://www.drodd.com/html7/blue-wallpaper.html
Meet Lily and Brian Getting to know the new Co-Heads of School by Hannah Frisch and Caroline Packard
Photo by Photo Pool.
What are you hopes for next year? What atmosphere are you hoping to have?
Speed Round Questions!
Brian: “My hope is that people can approach me no matter what… I don’t want people to be intimidated. Also, I want to know everyone’s names and successfully create an environment where students feel comfortable with who they are, which should be the goal of the school. I hope to set this example.”
Would you rather win a Nobel Peace Prize, an Oscar, or an Olympic Gold Medal?
Lily: “Next year, I hope that everyone will adjust well to the new schedule. Everything we’ve known to be a Tabor lifestyle will be changing drastically with four elongated blocks per day and a new weekly rotation. With this switch, I hope we can uphold the positive attitude we’ve exemplified the past year regarding academics and our motivation to do well. I’d also love to see everyone continue to support each other in the classroom, on the field, and on Hoyt stage. These experiences are what will help our community grow and improve our atmosphere to be able to be accepting towards all students.” What things do you want to have happen both metaphorically and physically?
Brian: “Physically? I want to grow taller and gain some weight… I have this wicked fast metabolism which isn’t really helping. Metaphorically? For this experience to enrich me as both a member of the community and as a human.”
Lily: “In terms of intangibles, I want the student body to have more of a voice. I often hear students complaining of their dislike of weekend activities, yet they are not telling the officers what they would like to see. Tell us; it’s what we’re here for! Similarly, I’d like to also have an easier way of reaching out to us. It’s understandable that one does not always have time to talk to someone about weekend activities, so making a more accessible, documented way of having one’s input heard and recognized seems like a physical necessity for the upcoming year.” Why did you want to become head of school?
Brian: “Why? So… I’m just gonna say… why not? It’s been a dream for me since freshman year, one I’m sure many other people have had, to be the face of the school. The fact that I’m going to be a Co-Head of School hasn’t really hit me yet - it still feels unreal. Also, for the experience itself… I want to be a real friend and be able to help figure out where Tabor should go from here. I’m not creating a new community - we already have a great one. The question is, how do we unveil the hidden talents and personalities?”
Lily: “At Tabor, I’ve grown significantly as an individual. The people I see everyday in the hallways have provided me with something I didn’t have before: a voice. Now, I’m not afraid to speak my mind or step out of my comfort zone and it’s because of the precedent of leadership and kindness previous Heads of School have set. I want to continue this support system for all Tabor students and create a welcoming, inclusive community.”
Brian: “Olympic Gold medal. You know why? I’d be number one in the world for whatever I’ve done and I’d get government pensions for the rest of my life so I won’t go broke. Oh, and the ladies dig it. I don’t know if I’ll continue with my career after though… too much controversy and work.” Lily: “Nobel Peace Prize.”
Number One Song On Your Playlist? Brian: “Misty by Erroll Garner. Or the Tabor Alma Mater. Haha.” Lily: “Cocoon - Milky Chance”
Dream Dinner Party Guests? Brian: “Nancy O’Brien.”
Lily: “Michelle Obama, John Lennon, Bernie Sanders, and John H. Quirk.” What’s your most embarrassing moment at Tabor?
Brian: “It was actually more stupid than embarrassing. So I was in the mailbox area and I was trying to reach my mailbox, which is high up, so naturally I stepped on one of the arms of a chair. It didn’t break. So I stepped on another, on Zach’s, and it broke… to make it worse, I thought there weren’t any teachers there but Kelli McSweeny was… and she wasn’t happy. I have a scar on my leg from it. Actually I’m wearing the same pants today as the day of the ‘accident’.” Lily: “I tripped walking into chapel for the second round of speeches; fell on the stairs, teeth directly into the ground, feet where they shouldn’t be.” What’s your favorite dining hall food?
Brian: “Either burgers and fries or sloppy joe and fries…. CHICKEN TENDERS or chicken tenders…. you can’t go wrong with chicken tenders.” Lily: “CHICKEN MARYLAND.”
Do you have a nickname for your head of school position (ex., Joslyn and Eddie were Jeddie) Brian: “Nope. Just call me by my name. Brilly? No, that just sounds stupid. If you guys want to come up with your own that’s fine, but I won’t.” Lily: “Nope. We’re breaking tradition!”