T he L og thelog@taboracademy.org
Tabor Academy’s Student Newspaper Volume 94, Number 4
January 2020
(Polar) Plunging for a Cause by Grace Mead
The temperature the day of the plunge was in the mid-forties at Silvershell. The sun created tiny blips of warmth, which were abruptly taken away by a gust of wind. The tent flapped around, leaning precariously. It was winddyyyy. Nonetheless, the plungers arrived. Laine Celderholm ’20, one of the Special Olympics Board of Directors, checked participants in. She remarked that “Almost seventy students had registered to plunge, and the Tabor community had raised over $6,000.”
she explained. When I asked her if she was ready to plunge, she grinned, “The wind is really throwing me.”
Jake Carlson ’21, another member of the Board of Directors, said he originally got involved in the Special Olympics by the encouragement from his sister, Tabor alum Lilly Carlson ’18. Along the way, he discovered how much he loved the Young Athletes Program and how “it’s a great way to help people.” Jake has raised 300 dollars. The biggest fundraiser of the day was Andrew Mottur ’21, who raised 1,130 dollars for Special Olympics Massachusetts.
Soon, the participants lined up along the water, and the countdown began. The plungers rushed towards the icy water, some shuffling in, others diving. Plungers included faculty members like Mr. Heavey. Even Mr. Quirk plunged, wearing a Tabor football uniform. Kiley Smith ’21 stayed in the harbor the longest and seemed relatively unfazed when I asked her how it was. “You just get used to it at some point,” she said. Moreover, because a group of students stayed in the water longer than Dr. K, he will be making a generous donation.
“Money is used for equipment for teams, Yes, Polar Plunge is a fun challenge, but and the Young Athletes program, so kids it signifies something much more than can keep playing and enjoying their sports,”
Photo by Photo Pool
On Saturday morning, my advisory gathered in the Dining Hall for the Holiday breakfast. I turned to Anna Olson ’20, who is on the Special Olympics Board, and asked her about the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Massachusetts the following day. She explained that the participants had to raise one hundred dollars to the Young Athletes Program to plunge on Sunday, emphasizing how much she loved the program. “It means a lot to me because my brother has autism. I like how we can teach people to work with someone who might not look the same— they still love to play sports, love to have fun, and it [Young Athletes Program] means a lot to them every week— they look forward to it.”
that. With the necessary funds, the Young Athletes program can maintain and help the Special Olympics athletes to continue playing sports, develop their independence, and build their confidence.
You can still donate to the Special Olympics, by searching “2019 Tabor Academy Polar Plunge donor drive.”
Creativity through Clothing by Izzy Cheney
Photo by Photo Pool
Towards the end of the fall trimester came preparations for this year’s Winter Musical, Mamma Mia! While the actors were auditioning for their roles before Thanksgiving Break, the costume design crew was beginning to plan and organize for the busy
winter trimester. Their season officially started with a complete reorganization of the costume closet, and they have already laid out much of the framework for the coming months.
For those who are unfamiliar with costume design, senior costume designer Peter Cheney ’20 gave a brief outline of his crew’s process. Peter explained, “We begin by going through the expansive costume closet and pulling every piece of clothing that we think will fit the cast members and the needs of the play to get an understanding of what we have and what we still need.” The designers then measure the actors and piece together specific outfits for those who participate in the December photoshoot. After Winter break, they fit the rest of the actors and carefully consider how the costumes work for each individual’s comfort level and the cast as a whole. Peter mentioned that they encourage the characters to come back from winter break with pieces of clothing they would be comfortable dancing in. All of the costumes are set two weeks before the show, after which small touches are made often up until opening night. The crew carefully watches the dress rehearsals to ensure that no costume clashes with another and that all actors have the appropriate accessories. continues on p. 2
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As Peter explained, costumes are vital to the play. It’s a combination of representing the innate aspects of a character’s personality and identity while also incorporating one’s interpretation of which traits to highlight. One of the challenges of this process is visually communicating the importance of the lead actors while also making sure everyone else is seen.
After hearing that this year’s production would be Mamma Mia! last Spring, Peter remarked, “I expected this show to be not only my favorite but also the easiest in regards to costumes...but it has proven to be the most difficult.” Since his stress for the prior musicals resulted from his unfamiliarity with the stories and characters, he assumed the roles from Mamma Mia! would be easier to create costumes for because of his knowledge of the plot, characters, and setting. However, he confessed that he and his fellow crew members had an unexpectedly challenging time capturing the musical’s simple yet vague theme of “tropical and beachy.” As a result of his four years with the costuming crew, Peter remarked that he has gained an appreciation for small details. He also said, “I think that the members of the crew are the unsung heroes of the show because costumes, elements of the set, and lighting enhance the show in so many ways that the audience may take for granted.”
While there is still a long time until the show, Mamma Mia! is quickly coming together for what will be an outstanding performance in midFebruary. Be sure to attend at least one of the three performances to witness how the Tabor musical’s cast and crew weave together the many elements of a theater production into one impressive show.
pinion
The Log welcomes diverse perspectives in op-eds and letters to the editor. You may send your pieces to thelog@taboracademy.org. Following The New York Times guidelines for publishing opinion pieces, The Log “...reserves the right to edit for space, clarity, civility, and accuracy. The Log will not publish anonymous opinions.
The Unheard Voices at Tabor Academy by Owen Heaslip
If you ever take an interest in hearing your teachers complain about politics, Tabor Academy would be an ideal place for you. Four years ago, I left my hometown Naples, Florida for Tabor Academy. However, little did I know how much life would change due to politics: over the past few years, studying in Tabor imposes a more liberal influence on my life.
My experience growing up in Florida left a drastically different political impression on me than Tabor has. Students who are absorbed in politics at Tabor seemed to be extremist compared to those at my previous school. Since the majority of the political voice around Tabor is liberal, I felt out of place. I didn’t feel at home. When talking about politics at my previous school, all parties were accounted for, no matter the discussion. Such tolerance has been missing upon arriving at Tabor. At the high school age, the majority of students are politically biased towards whatever they
have adopted within their household. My family has always identified as Republican, and it never seemed like a big deal until high school.
teaching. Many people would say that the impression mainly came from history class or economics, yet in reality, liberal penetration is much more extensive. The political ideas It all started in my freshman year at Tabor that come into play during class are usually when politics soon became a substantial part immigration in Spanish, wealth distribution of my life shadowed by the 2016 election. in economics, and many more across campus. The day after the election day, an email was I would feel surrounded by liberal views all sent to the entire school to ensure that the day long, incessantly from the lunch table to students could take a break from school to all-school meetings and chapel speeches, and find a “safe space.” They acted like the result just about every single class, even including of the election going against their way was ceramics and math class. beyond disappointment; it was a mourning On the other hand, I began to write papers tragedy. There were multiple times following that would politically satisfy my teachers that day when I contemplated, “Would they to receive better grades. In what world is have provided safe spaces for me if Trump this okay? When interviewing one of my had lost the election?” conservative friends about his political As time passed, I realized that it was not experience at Tabor, he said, “It has made me only the student body that have created extremely uncomfortable with expressing my influence in my life. Teachers have created political views, especially in the classroom. severe political influence as well. Among all I never want to experience that awkward of the classes I’ve attended at Tabor, most moment when the class finds out I’m of them had their fair share of liberal-based Republican.” And for that reason, he would like to remain anonymous.
What a Waste by Anna Olsen
I glance around me, observing the kids at my table staring blankly at the wall, half-heartedly picking at their mashed potatoes. It’s a Tuesday night, the time for mandatory community dinner for all boarding students at Tabor. Dozing off, I picture the towering pile of homework stacked precariously on my desk and wonder how long I will have to stay up to complete it. Community dinners take up valuable time, time which could be used to do our school work. It digs into the little free time that we do have, putting pressure on students to stay up late to finish their assignments. Community dinners also produce unnecessary food waste. When we have these dinners, much more food is leftover
than that on an average night at Tabor. Talking to the dining hall staff members, I learned that community dinners also make it more difficult for them to clean up, as all the dishes are brought up at the same time. If we were to have fewer of these dinners, we would both reduce waste and save money for the sake of conserving energy and resources. While community dinners certainly present an opportunity to gather together and meet people you might not know, holding one dinner per week in the spring and fall is too frequent. The dinners create a bubble: even though students are expected to enjoy the close-knit community there, an excessive number of dinners soon becomes a fatiguing and repetitive burden.
They are also not representative of our community, as only 60% of students have to attend. Mr. Cleary has expressed his affection for the closeness that community dinners brought but remarked on how the current structure of the dinners might be too much for the student body.
Therefore, rather than having one per week, we should aim to have one per month. Besides being an inaccurate representation of our community, these dinners raise student stress levels and increase our dining hall waste. Have fewer community dinners will improve their quality as they would start to become the positive experience they were meant to be, rather than the negative one that they are today.
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What’s that homework for? by Paige Franklin
You’re a senior at Tabor. Fall Family Weekend (FFW) is approaching. You’ve been on that academic, athletic, and social grind consistently for seven weeks. Exhaustion hits. Minimal time remains to wrap up college visits and applications. The thought of relaxation and being able to complete those additional college requirements before the November 1 deadline is the light at the end of the tunnel. But wait…reality hits. You are given a substantial amount of homework over the weekend, no longer earning the break you so desperately worked for.
and do homework.” Homework over that weekend contributes to students’ stress.
Kennedy, Dean of Studies at Tabor, added that “there were no restrictions on not assigning There is a lot expected of a senior. The homework [during FFW].” As a math teacher, excessive amount of responsibility seniors Ms. Kennedy herself has observed “mixed take often goes unnoticed. At the beginning results as to whether kids have done the of the fall, seniors are adapting to their new homework” over the break. leadership positions, taking AP courses, and During FFW, I was in the car for a total most importantly, attempting to get superb of thirty-two hours to visit schools in grades to include on their transcripts. They Philadelphia and Ohio, while stopping on the are also taking their final SAT/ACT, attending way back to visit a grandparent. Thirty-two all three required Saturday school days, and hours were spent thinking about the amount are participating in their daily after school of homework I had not yet completed. I had activities. All of this commitment PLUS to finish my applications, study for a math Tabor students believe homework assigned finishing the college process. Reed Porter ‘20 test, and write papers for both English and over the Fall Family Weekend has a negative remarked, “I just have so much on my plate. I History. My parents and I purposely timed influence on their ability to complete college could use an extra hour of the day.” these college visits during the break so that obligations. A survey sent to the senior class Faculty disagree, stating that homework over I wouldn’t miss school, but all it caused was posed the question “How did the amount break prepares students for their workload stress and anxiety. of homework assigned during the FFW in college and beyond. College Counselor, Imagine you’re a senior at Tabor. Fall Family impact the college process for you?” Student Mrs. Barlow-Boesch emphasized that Weekend was productive and relaxing. You responses were similarly themed: “I was professors will not be mindful when assigning were able to refresh after seven non-stop really stressed and ended up having to cram homework over breaks, so it is beneficial weeks at the academy. The weight of college in homework in the car on the way to tours; for Tabor students to learn how to manage visits and applications has been lifted off of “It added to the stress of editing college the workload now. Ms. Parente stands on your chest, as you were able to complete them essays and finishing applications.” Fin Franyo both sides of the argument, noting, “There’s over the weekend. The future is now. If you ‘20 said, “It made the weekend a lot more always something you could or should be wish you were in this position, take action, stressful when trying to do homework while doing to better yourself but, on the other speak up and petition against receiving traveling. Also, my mom wanted to spend hand, there is also value to full relaxation... homework assignments during Fall Family time with me (I don’t see her much)...During You can’t be 100% if you are not 100%.” Ms. Weekend. dinner, I had to deny [her], sit in the hotel,
Justice For Our Freedom by Sami Quackenbush
Experiencing increasing freedom and responsibility is integral to growing up. At Tabor, seniors are responsible for time management, college applications, and leadership roles all over campus. We are directors of plays, proctors, and captains; yet as eighteen and nineteen-year-olds, we can’t go to Target or dinner at Brewfish without extensive permission. Despite personal responsibility being one of our tenets, the strict rules diminish the responsibility that we have. Seniors should have comparable freedoms alongside our responsibilities.
parents about our whereabouts should be enough to resemble what we might do with a parent back home.
that there would have to be fewer weekend activities because I would have to make sure there was a faculty member in the Beebe Detentions are often given out for the wrong until 11:30 check-in.” The debate more or reasons. In college, it is a choice whether to less comes down to the simple question: is it go to class or not. We need to be prepared for worth it? that. Seniors should have the freedom to skip Tabor has to figure out if the student body is a class every once in a while without receiving willing to cut down a few weekend activities five points and a Saturday night detention. in exchange for more senior privileges. Moreover, during the study hall, we should Sometimes we have to fight for more have the freedom to work with our doors freedom. The only two senior privileges are closed. We are mature enough to decide if we study hall in the Beebe and no lights out on should do our homework or watch Netflix, weeknights. That’s it. We deserve more while On a Friday night, after a stressful week of or how late we go to bed. As a senior class, we are growing older and more independent. school and sports, I should be able to hop in our check-in should be past eleven on the Mr. Cleary admitted, “There is not an a car to go out to dinner with my friends. If I weekends. Even though students have to be incremental growth there; you would be fair were at home I would be allowed to take my in their dorms at eleven, most people stay up with that statement.” Freedom is something car and go out, yet why can I not do the same much later than that. Our weekend check- that comes with trust and responsibility, and at my presumed “home away from home”? ins should be moved to either eleven-thirty eighteen and nineteen-year-olds living away Additionally, the leave requests on SISO or twelve. When I am at home, I am given from their parents certainly deserve more should be less complicated. As seniors, we much more freedom by my parents: Coming freedom than eleven o’clock check-in, face-toare old enough to make conscious decisions back to school feels like a step in the opposite face leave requests and no access to cars. We about whom we get in a car with, where we direction to me. are being prepared for college academically go, and when we head back. Instead of the Mr. Cleary, the Dean of Students, said, “Let’s in every way. Why are we not being prepared lengthy sign-out process, texting our dorm say senior check-in is at 11:30. That means outside the classroom?
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Sports Preview
by Meghan MacDonald
Photo by Photo Pool
With a lot of talented and hard-working players, their aspirations aren’t far out of reach.
While the frigid temperatures, short days, and lack of motivation can make the winter a gloomy time of year, the Fish Center is an energetic and exciting place to watch some great games this season. The winter varsity teams are jumping right into their seasons and are optimistic that there will be lots of victories in 2020. Coming off of a 9-17-2 record last year and bringing in lots of young players, the boys’ hockey team is excited for what they will accomplish this season. While the quick pace of Prep Hockey may be difficult for new players to adjust to, co-captain Jake Cady ’20 believes that “after a few games under people’s belts, we’ll be very tough to play against.” Along with their regular-season games, the team competes in two tournaments, the Avon Old Farms Tournament and the Joshua Weeks Tournament. Co-captain Connor Tobin ’20 said, “Doing well in those will set a good tone for the rest of the year.”
The boys’ squash team is working towards a winning season and proving themselves on the court. Although he sees a lot of potential in this year’s team, captain Omar Kiwan ’20 said, “Everyone is expecting us to be bad after the #1 player in the US, Ali Hussein ’19, graduated.” The boys will face tough matches against Brooks, Phillips Andover, and Milton, but are determined to “upset a lot of teams and finish in a good spot in New Englands and Nationals.”
After a 5-12 season last year, the girls’ squash team has brought in lots of new players and focused on developing their young players. Captain Nina Sasakawa remarked on the positive atmosphere that has been created and how “every player is willing to get better,” which is a crucial factor to success. Boys’ basketball is fighting for another winning season in the Stone Gym. Captain Isaiah Bird ’20 believes that “rebuilding strong chemistry after graduating five seniors” will be challenging, but the team is committed to working hard and reaching the point where they can “compete with any team in the NEPSAC.”
You can expect big things from the girls’ basketball team. After falling 59-70 to Worcester Academy in the NEPSAC Finals last year, Kylie Swider ’20 said that they’re back and looking to secure the championship trophy. According to Cat Barry ’20, “The ISL looks to be as strong as ever this year.” She adds that the team is “high energy and will be a lot of fun to watch on both ends of the floor.”
Last but not least, captain Chris Parker ’20 and the wrestling team are hoping to dominate in their matches and bring home lots of collective wins. He said, “The team this year is a young one, but the Also competing in the Travis Roy Arena, the girls’ hockey team guys are tough and love being in the wrestling room.” He commends is looking forward to another strong winter. Their 20-2-3 season the excellent coaching staff and every player’s dedication. Altering a ended last year after a 2-4 loss to Phillips Andover Academy in the quote from the movie Dodgeball, he says, “If you can dodge a wrench, quarterfinals of the NEPSAC playoffs, but the girls are back in action you can dodge a shot.” and off to a steady start. Assistant coach Mrs. Young said, “Our goals Although our teams are very talented, they are only as good as their for the season are abundant. The big ones include winning the Taft fans; you can watch them in action on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Tournament, being the ISL champions, and winning New England.” Saturdays. Go Seawolves!!
Featured Musician: Felix Cutler
by Tessa Mock
If you’ve ever been to an All School Meeting where Felix Cutler is mentioning, “I am working with an artist in Bermuda.” The artist who playing one of his enchanting piano ballads of rap and pop songs, then goes by the name of Mad Mike has an album on Apple Music and I’m sure you understand why he is this month’s featured musician. Spotify called Sleepless Nights. Felix said, “He is super talented and Felix says he has “always had a connection with the piano,” and he feels amazing.” music has allowed him to “express emotions that [he] can’t always put into words.” When asked why the piano seems to be his instrument of choice, Felix said, “The piano has always had a connection to me, and it is something that I have always been curious about.”
He really became interested in the instrument and “how grand it is” when he took a gap year at the beginning of his high school career. He taught himself how to play, and he enjoys music as a hobby and something that brings him joy. “I’ve taught myself everything I know about music,” he said. “Music never dies, and it is the one thing technology cannot completely manipulate.” Felix has a busy and hectic life at Tabor, but he always finds time for music: “I play mostly on weekends, or whenever there is free time I go down to Hoyt and just play.” Felix is incredibly humble about his talent with the ivory keys, casually
Make sure you go to All School—you won’t want to miss his next performance!
Photo by Tracy Fang
Felix says he chooses to play songs that he knows are popular among the teenage age group. He stated, “At Tabor, I pay attention to the audience and I learn songs that the audience likes, like pop music and rap.” He feels he connects with listeners on a more personal level. When asked about possibly studying music in college, he said that he has considered going to Berklee College of Music, but is more focused on the possibility of attending the United States Naval Academy and serving the country.
Felix intends to play music until the day he dies. He wants to remind everyone to “appreciate the things that you have and always give back to the people that give to you.”
5 ! O T A E A L L A
From the iconic National Geographic show Wicked Tuna to Jim “Big Tuna” Halpert, America had tuna on the brain in the 2010s. The FDA advises that you should only eat six ounces of tuna per week, but as long as the tuna melt exists, I’m willing to run the risk of mercury poisoning. A nostalgic favorite, a good tuna melt is grilled on the outside with warm tuna and melted cheese on the inside. In celebration of the Decade of Tuna, I’d like to spotlight two of Marion’s favorite tuna melts, from Kool Kone and the Beebe.
Kool Kone’s tuna melt is a slam dunk, an exceptional rendition of the sandwich we know and love. A good tuna melt is a balancing act, and Kool Kone rises to the challenge. The white bread is grilled to a crisp but remains soft on the inside. The tuna salad is salty, but not overly so, and it’s neither dry nor soggy. The American cheese is in the correct quantity. The sandwich is heated all the way through, which is a big plus. The Kool Kone tuna melt is a very pleasant meal. The Beebe tuna melt takes a few artistic licenses from tuna melt’s classic form, but these risks pay off. It’s a panini flatbread with pickles and swiss cheese. Where the Kool Kone tuna melt is salty and cheesy, the Beebe tuna melt is sort of bitter, heavily influenced by the pickles. The Swiss cheese takes a backseat, and the pickles and tuna salad complement each other well. Overall, the Beebe tuna melt is a home run.
by Catherine Terelak
Happy New Year. I hope the 2020s bring more tuna.
Movie Review: Frozen 2
by Shanna Yuan
The movie started in Arendelle. Due to an unexpected attack on the city, Queen Elsa and her sister Anna, along with snowman Olaf, Kristoff, and reindeer Sven, embarked on an adventure to Northuldra, a magical, misty forest. Elsa and Anna risked their safety to find out the truth behind the mystery of Northuldra. Spoiler alert: the crew eventually destroyed the dam to correct a mistake their grandfather once made and restore a land of peace.
as the development of sisterhood, environmental protection, fantasy and reality, and feminism. As a result, the overflowing themes and the detaillacking actions make the storyline baffling. Some may even say that the movie is like an extra-long music video. However, the main ideas the film emphasizes are illuminating to its younger audience, helping parents start conversations with their children about these underlying life lessons, and encourage them to think in-depth. When taking down the dam is at play, Arendelle faces a severe challenge because once the barrier is broken, the city will be submerged. Even though Elsa saves Arendelle with her magic at the end, the movie reminds us that people pay heavily for their mistakes, such as resentment, misunderstanding, warfare. Sometimes, we all need to right our wrongs.
Movie poster for Frozen 2
In November 2013, Frozen 1 and its viral theme song “Let it go” swept the whole world. And six years later, Frozen 2 became one of the most anticipated movies of 2019. The expectation and controversy sparked the discussion among the viewers and critics even before its premiere, debating if Frozen 2 is simply a commercial product. It’s hard for Frozen 2 to repeat its success. However, the excellent quality of the animation, the complexity of the world behind the plot, and stirring theme songs still make Frozen 2 an enjoyable movie standing pretty close to its prequel.
The vibrant songs and exquisite effects throughout the movie blends well with the plot. The mysterious ice island, the stunning apparels of Elsa, and the scary waves all bring us into the magical world in the lyrics. Returning composers Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez wrote the heart-stirring songs in the movie like “Show Me,” “Into the Unknown,” and “The Next Right Thing.” When Anna set her mind to break the dam and walked out from the darkness, the song pushes the movie into climax: “This grief has a gravity that pulls me down...Just do the next right thing. Take a step, step again.” Anna eventually transforms from an ordinary girl without magic to a brave, If you ask me whether I like Frozen 2 or not, my answer will be a definite YES. Replicating the success of its prequel is nearly impossible decisive woman, proving herself as a reliable queen of Arendelle. and weighs down any possibility of letting it shine on its own. It’s On the other hand, many people argue that too many main ideas Incredible beauty and rich meanings, however, are truly undeniable. seem to be squeezed into this seventy-minute-long movie, such
T he L og Co-Editors: Jack Marshall Leah Kleinfeld
The Tabor Log is the student produced newspaper of Tabor Academy. The Log is distributed to students, faculty and staff. The Tabor Log welcomes Letters to the Editors. Please send submissions of fewer than three hundred fifty words to thelog@taboracademy.org. The Log reserves the right to edit submissions for space and/or clarity.
Associate Editors: Ben Ackerman Gabby Bao Yujin Hong Eari Nakano
Photo Editor: Tracy Fang
Editorial Board: Izzy Cheney Hailey Cohen Grace Crowley Megan MacDonald Tessa Mock Shanna Yuan
Faculty Advisor: Helene Sughrue
Photography: Photo Pool
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536 Who is Chris Parker? by Eari Nakano
Q: Which talent do you wish you have? I mean, like the force is definitely one. But a realistic one would be the one where you can make bird calls with your hands put together. That is cool. So handy. Q: If someone gave you $1000, what would you do with it? I think I’d buy a Popeye’s chicken sandwich. Just one and put the rest in the bank. My dad would be proud of me. Q: What are your favorite names? I like the name Marcus. Or my middle school name, Chriddy P. Q: What quality do you like most in a person? I like someone I can count on. I don’t care if they’re serious or mean, I just want someone reliable. Oh, and goofy. Q: If you had a theme song, what would it be? The Darth Vader theme song when I’m walking into a building. And “Duel of the Fates” during a test or when I’m walking out of a building. It’s also from Star Wars. Q: What is a habit that you would like to break?
Probably cutting down the swears I say. I also say the most inappropriate things at the wrong time. Q: What weird food combinations do you really enjoy? I put a glob of peanut butter in my cereal with milk. Oh, and bacon and peanut butter. I think I just really like peanut butter. Q: Who is your favorite hero of fiction? Steve from Minecraft. He took on the Ender Dragon all by himself. I look up to that. Q: If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? When I’m doing homework I start listening to music and start to dance in front of the mirror. Realistically I would be doing that all night. But if I could do anything I want to stop crime at night.