The Log April 2016

T he L og Tabor Academy’s Student Newspaper

thelog@taboracademy.org

Volume 88, Number 5

April 2016

A Legacy of Excellence Honoring Richard and Joan Roller

by Annie Waters and Madeleine Gregory

Mr. Roller agrees that being here through 4 of the 9 headmasters –- almost half of the school’s leadership -- the biggest change that he witnessed was undoubtedly the return to coeducation. Many of the other changes at Tabor, however, were a direct result of the Rollers’ involvement in the school. Mrs. Roller remembers being the girls’ basketball head coach and growing the program. “They practiced in Hoyt hall with no scoreboard, but they had great spirit,” she notes. “I love seeing how far the program has grown.” Mrs. Roller also talks about how much she enjoys working with students in the ARC and “watching their skills grow.” One of her favorite aspects of Tabor, she says, is “witnessing students

grow and change in such a supportive community.”

Both Mr. and Mrs. Roller remark that one of their favorite memories and one of their proudest moments was when the basketball court was named after them. It took them completely by surprise and was a huge honor for both. They may have been surprised, but it came as no shock to the rest of Tabor: The Rollers have much to be proud of, having shaped Tabor irrefutably over the past 46 years. Mr. Roller calls the college program, which in its current state was formed largely under his leadership, one of his proudest accomplishments. He shaped the counselling model and how students look at colleges and how Tabor presents students to college. Before he was the Head of College Counselling, however, he was the Dean of Faculty for 18 years, a position he continued to hold as Director of College Counseling. He helped to start the teaching fellows program and the summer sabbatical program, as well as to change the hiring process.

“I’m proud of what I’ve done,” says Mr. Roller, “but schools are like people –- they evolve, they change, they grow. I have no illusions that my work will stay unchanged forever, and that’s good. New people with new ideas will build off what I’ve done and

Continued on Page 3

Photo by Photo Pool

Mr. and Mrs. Roller have taught, coached, led, and innovated at Tabor for the past 46 years. Their impact has trickled into all aspects of Tabor, from administrative policy to social change to athletics to the implementation of campus-wide programs.

“The most important part for me,” says Mrs. Roller, “was being involved in Tabor’s return to co-education and building programs to get girls in the school.” She was one of two female faculty members when the school returned to co-education, and one of her proudest accomplishments was helping to build opportunities for leadership for girls.

The Rollers celebrate 46 years at Tabor.

The Cost of Convenience Not quite as much as you might think

by Madeleine Gregory Uncle Jon’s has transformed the Beebe: What used to be a diner-style hangout spot open only in the afternoon has now become busy throughout the day. During chilly winter months, desperate coffee drinkers used to brave the snow for a steamy cup of Dunkin’ Donuts. This year, they braved the walk only from the Acky to the Fish. Uncle Jon’s has certainly transformed the accessibility of coffee and the social life at Tabor, but is there a cost?

There is, of course, the literal cost. Uncle Jon’s is expensive, and the price difference between getting a coffee every day at Uncle Jon’s versus Dunkin’ is significant. Before Uncle Jon’s moved in, students had the choice between Dunkin’ or Uncle Jon’s, but when it is cold or students are tight on time, the prospect of making the walk to Dunkin’ discourages many. With a captive audience, Uncle Jon’s is free to charge prices higher than Dunkin’s and few will object. These higher prices necessarily exclude some students from buying coffee. The solution is that students could simply avoid Please recycle this paper.

Uncle Jon’s, but that is hard considering that Tabor’s social life, during free blocks especially, has relocated there. Uncle Jon’s has provided students with a place to relax and hang out during the day, but it has also increased pressure to spend money on expensive coffee.

Uncle Jon’s does not pay rent to use the Beebe space, and Tabor does not share any of the profit Uncle Jon’s produces in its Tabor location. Thus, the partnership between Uncle Jon’s and Tabor simply allows students and faculty more access to Uncle Jon’s, and Uncle Jon’s more access to the Tabor community. Both parties benefit from this new relationship.

Uncle Jon’s is also certainly doing its part to help out with costs. They recently instated a 10% discount when students use TaborBucks, which makes the coffee more accessible to many. They are also promoting sustainability by offering 10 cents off every purchase when a customer uses a reusable

Editorials....................................2

Features.................................4,5

Sports..............................7

Tabor News.................................3

Opinions.................................6

The Back Page.................8

mug, which they provide free of charge at the Beebe.

These efforts are important both in increasing the cost effectiveness of Uncle Jon’s and also in minimizing the environmental impact of their business. Tabor’s administration says that they are “happy with the new environment created by Uncle Jon’s being at the Beebe. The Beebe is now a social, academic, artistic, and entertainment hub for the student community.”

Students are overwhelmingly in favor of Uncle Jon’s being at Tabor, though their wallets may be a little more hesitant. Marion’s Dunkin’ Donuts certainly lost a good portion of business in the winter, but as the skies begin to clear and temperatures rise, more and more students are drinking from Dunkin’ cups. Uncle Jon’s presence on campus has definitely revolutionized the Beebe’s atmosphere and convenience for early morning coffee drinkers trying to get their fix before class. Though some complain of high prices or too much waste, the majority of students and faculty members are thrilled to have Uncle Jon’s so accessible.

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News Editorials Arts & Features

The Back Page

Celebrating Cultural Diversity in Annual International Week

World News

by Lydia Mead

Here are a few of the famous public figures who were exposed: the Icelandic Prime Minister; the President of the United Arab Emirates; the President of Azerbaijan; family members of Chinese President Xi Jinping; senior members of the European Union; the leader of the French right-­wing political party; Russian president Putin’s inner circle of associates; Ian Cameron, the father of UK Prime Minister David Cameron; Simon Cowell; Jackie Chan; Stanley Kubrick (deceased); and former Manchester player, Andy Cole.

(Sources: BBC, The Economist, Huffington Post)

2. On April 8, 2016, Pope Francis released a 256-­paged document titled “Amoris Laetitia,” which is Latin for “the joy of love.” In this proclamation, the Pope called for the Roman Catholic Church and priests worldwide to exercise acceptance and love. He urges the Church to be less judgemental and more welcoming towards single parents, homosexuals, and unmarried straight couples who live together. The New York Times reported that “he seemingly signaled a pastoral path for divorced and remarried Catholics to receive holy communion.”

Pope Francis, once again, set a more liberal standard for the Roman Catholic Church; however, he reiterated his opposition towards same-­ sex marriages. The document does not hold authoritative power or contain enforced edicts; its message for love and acceptance is a suggestion.

(New York Times, The Week, Huffington Post, Time)

(Washington Post, CNN, New York Times)

4. Due to recent tax­evasion scrutiny and the birth of stricter policies under the Obama administration, on April 6, 2016, American pharmaceutical giant Pfizer canceled a $152 billion merger deal with another pharmaceutical giant, Allergen. According to the New York Times, “Two years ago, the pharmaceutical giant tried — and failed — to take over the British rival AstraZeneca in a bid to become the world’s largest drug company and lower its tax bill in the process.

On Wednesday, Pfizer said another big overseas merger had failed, this time a $152 billion merger with Allergan, after the Obama administration introduced rules that would make the deal much less attractive.”

Pfizer faces limited options as investors pressure the company to make a decision: get bigger or break apart.

(New York Times, Wall Street Journal)

5. During the weekend of April 8, 2016, the International Monetary Fund hosted its semi-annual meeting in Washington D.C. The Wall Street Journal reports that the IMF “warns of possible crises for emerging markets hit by outflows.” The global economy is considerably fragile in its current state, and its fragility will be a major point of discussion among world leaders. With Britain considering its exit from the EU in June, China’s alarmingly rapid economic growth, Russia’s economic crisis as the West continues to impose oil sanctions in response to Putin’s Ukraine policies, and Brazil’s post­-FIFA economic crisis, the stability of the global economy is at risk.

(Wall Street Journal, Forbes)

Uncle Jon’s and Dunkin’ Donuts add a lot to the Tabor community. The recycling community, however, may think otherwise. Weekly, students and faculty get hundreds of coffees at Uncle Jon’s and Dunkin’ Donuts.

Unfortunately, not all their coffee cups end up in the recycling bin. At the end of one day last week, a quick scan of the wastebaskets and recycling bins in the English wing revealed that coffee drinkers still tend to throw away their disposable cups rather than recycle them. In one room, the wastebasket held five recyclable coffee cups; the recycling bin, right next to that wastebasket, had only a few small pieces of paper in it.

Mr. Watt has worked hard to develop the single stream recycling system, which allows one to put an Uncle Jon’s coffee cup in the same recycling bin as a piece of paper or an old plastic water bottle. Still, many coffee cups end up in the trash instead of the recycling bin.

Uncle Jon’s offers a ten-cent discount on beverages for using a travel mug. Why not use a mug that Uncle Jon’s supplies to drink coffee, and then simply return it the next Uncle Jon’s visit? Ten cent discounts add up over time. After ordering only twenty-five coffees, an Uncle Jon’s customer would have saved enough money to pay for one medium coffee. Dunkin’ Donuts offers a similar discount when customers use a reusable cups, further reducing the cost of their coffee. Using either disposable cups or re-useable ones can promote sustainability: Disposable cups can be rinsed out and put it in the recycling bin, or students can use travel mugs that do not get disposed of anywhere and save the buyer money. Tabor faculty along with the Uncle Jon’s staff have worked hard to come up with convenient, sustainable options for students, and it would be to everyone’s benefit to take advantage of those options.

Mr. Downes, the Director of Tabor’s Center for International Students, defines an “international school” as “a school that lives and expresses the world’s diversity in its community and daily life.” He adds that “a U.S. boarding school can be an American school with a global spirit.” Studying at an international school means that we are all lucky enough to have people with backgrounds and with cultures different from our own in our classes, at our lunch tables, on our sports teams, and in our dorms. This diversity of background facilitates a kind of learning distinct from that which we learn in a classroom. Sharing stories and traditions of different cultures makes us all better global citizens, and gives students and faculty members a new perspective.

This year’s International Week encourages our community to celebrate the diversity of our student population. Mr. Downes believes that “International Week is intended as a chance for the school to celebrate and connect with the bigger world around us” and promotes “curiosity about unfamiliar people and places.”

Jinan Al Busaidi reports, “We have a lot of new things planned and we’re hoping it’ll be a fun experience for everyone this year!” International Week is traditionally a week full of food, projects, stories, sports, music, and performances that celebrate the cultures of our diverse population. Hana Liu says, “It’s a great week to learn about other people’s cultures,” adding, “I feel happy and accomplished when I share my culture with the friends I have here.” International Week is truly a week to look forward to, and an excellent opportunity to learn about and celebrate the cultures of our classmates.

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by Owen Sughrue

Literally, an international school is a school with students from around the world. Tabor’s student body includes over 90 international students from 24 different countries, certainly meeting the qualifications of an international school. But here at Tabor, being an international school means much more than just numbers.

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What does it mean to be an international school?

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Our Cups Runneth Over

International students collaborate with faculty.

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1. On April 3, 2016, 11.5 million confidential papers, known as the Panama Papers, were published.

These documents were posted anonymously, and exposed 214,000 offshore companies and high ­profile individuals guilty of tax evasion through the services of Panamanian corporation Mossack Fonseca since 1975 to the present. This investigation is ongoing and the list has not yet been published in full. As of now, the world scrambles to grasp the magnitude and depth of this scandal. Meanwhile, China has completely censored all media coverage regarding the Panama Papers.

Wo u l

by Stephanie Zou

3. On April 10, 2016, a firework accident during a festival at a temple in Southern India killed 98 people and injured more than 540. According to CNN, “Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the fire ‘heart­rending and shocking beyond words.’”

As compensation, the families will be given $3000, and 50,000 rupees ($751) will be given to the temple for reconstruction. India has experienced many devastating fire accidents in recent years, a statistic that prompts concerns that this could have been prevented if the appropriate public safety measures had been implemented.

Photo by Photo Pool

April 2016

News Editorials Arts & Features

The Back Page

Rollers: Continued from Page 1 continue to make Tabor better.” Mr. Roller thanks Tabor for the opportunity to do so many different jobs. He was able to work as a College Counsellor, Athletics Director, Dean of Faculty, and Director of Development, which, typically, would have required him moving from school to school. “Tabor let me leave a lasting impact, all while challenging myself professionally and allowing me to grow.”

working in the college counselling office with Mr. Roller and touring colleges together, and how admissions officers sometimes thought that Mr. Sughrue was a prospective student and Mr. Roller was his dad. He remembers Mrs. Roller making sure that they wrapped up a meeting in time so Mr. Sughrue would not be late for his first date with his future wife, Mrs. Sughrue; Mrs. Roller knew he struggled with punctuality. “I could tell a million stories like these,” says Mr. Sughrue, having worked with both the Rollers for years. “There’s no way to quantify the effect they’ve had. We can only say thank you for improving the lives of so many students and faculty members. Tabor is a better school and place for

Mr. and Mrs. Roller both agree that the most important part of Tabor, and the part they will miss most, will be the relationships they have formed with students as well as faculty. “I can’t think of a family that has had a greater impact on Tabor,” says Mr. Sughrue. He recalls

the Rollers’ presence these last 46 years.”

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He is right, and his sentiments are shared by many.

They have served as role models and leaders for the community throughout their time at Tabor, and they will be sorely missed when they retire this spring. They will not be far, however, as their presence can be found in the Fish and in the Academic Center, in the Library and on the fields. They have reached every person here in some way, guiding countless students and teachers alike.

Through work that has been both behind the scenes and out in the open, Tabor has been forever improved by all the Rollers have done.

Preview of Science at Work: Dr. Amit Tandon Visiting scientist shares research with the community

by Hana Liu

Nature is truly the inspiration for life. Fascinated by the flow in nature we see everyday, like the patterns made by clouds and insects walking on water, Dr. Amit Tandon was inspired to do research on fluid flow in the ocean when he went to Cornell for his graduate degree. Dr. Tandon, senior Karan Tandon’s father, is an oceanography and engineering researcher and professor at the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth. He received his undergraduate degree at Indian Institute of Technology and his doctorate at Cornell University.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Tandon

Dr. Tandon researches eddies and mixing processes in the ocean. Eddies are whirls and jets in the ocean that vary widely in sizes. These invisible currents influence the temperature, fisheries, algal blooms, ocean currents, weather, navigation, and safety of ships. In essence, they have an effect on all of us.

At the end of the month, Dr. Tandon will come to Tabor and give a presentation on his research. He will

Dr. Tandon conducting research in the field.

Feminism™

demonstrate the formation of eddies in a rotating tank for the audience to visualize how eddies form on a rotating earth. He will discuss the relevance of density, and also his latest Indian Ocean Expedition where he used modern technology to see how the ocean affects monsoons.

Dr. Tandon currently works with organizations like NASA, NSF, and ONR. He advises Tabor students “to follow their passion and work hard at it” when taking opportunities like he did. He suggests that students “[identify] important problems and think about how to address them, [and discuss their] approaches with other smart people around [them].”

The presentation will provide the opportunity to explore current scientific research and to ask Dr. Tandon any questions, scientific or otherwise. He will be speaking in Lyndon South at 6:30 pm on Thursday, April 28.

Brand or Belief?

by Danielle Plunkett

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It isn’t uncommon for companies or celebrities to use feminism to sell whatever it is they’re producing. Two major names advocating for feminism in their work are Beyoncé and Dove.

Beyoncé uses her music and her influence over the masses to raise awareness for the ongoing struggle for gender equality, and Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty, launched in 2004, calls out the unrealistic beauty standards the media holds women to. Not everyone agrees that “celebrity endorsements” enhance the messages of feminism, but for the most part, I love seeing companies or celebrities advocating for gender equality.

Beyoncé has released a number of songs that are meant to empower women, including hits like “Flawless,” “If I Were a Boy,” and “Run the World (Girls).” The singer has been accused of using feminist themes to appeal to a wider audience and sell more albums, but if we’re being honest, Beyoncé is the last person who needs to trick people into buying her songs.

People also had issues with Beyoncé’s performance at the Made in America festival last September.

One reporter claimed that Beyoncé quoting Ronda Rousey’s speech about her body was “disappointing” because of the way the speech shames women who “try to be pretty.” In my opinion, one slight misstep such as this does not take away the good that Beyoncé has done for feminism, which is primarily the attention she has drawn to the movement. Because of her level of fame, Beyoncé has been able to bring the issue of sexism to a wider audience. While this reach may dilute the message, it nonetheless encourages all women to begin advocating for themselves and each other.

Companies like Dove use feminism in their ads (granted, to sell a product, but I think the message is just as effective). A famous Dove ad showing the behind-the-scenes of a photoshoot for a billboard, in which the model is first plastered with make-up and then altered beyond recognition by PhotoShop, was released two years ago this month. It shows how companies set impossible and even inhuman beauty standards for women, and how this has led to a “distorted” view of what beauty really is. Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty is all about how a person doesn’t need to look like a magazine ad to be beautiful, that a full figure, stretch marks, wrinkles, or other things that might be viewed as “imperfections” are what make us beautiful and

unique. I realize that this is mostly a marketing strategy: Dove is a company that sells products primarily to women, and in making their ads more appealing to the average woman, they will sell more of these products. However, I will take a marketing team using body-positive and generally femalepositive images to sell products and messages over companies that distort and demean women in their advertisements any day of the week. While feminism as a brand may offend some, it is nothing compared to the harm of sexism as a selling point.

I’m not saying that every company or celebrity who claims to be preaching gender equality is actually helping the cause. Sometimes, these so-called supporters can send the wrong messages about women and feminism in their mission to expand their fan base or make a profit. But I think what’s more important than that is the conversation that is sparked when people like Beyoncé or companies like Dove use feminism in their work. The more people talk about gender equality and the more people see the issues that stand in the way of equality, the faster we can progress towards a sexism-free society.

“Where do you see yourself in 10 years?”

In ten years, I hope to have graduated from Kansas City Art Institute and have continued on to Alfred University to have received ceramics degrees. I hope to have traveled after school and during this traveling period, I hope that I fall in love with a place that I can move to with my husband and hopefully family by then. I think that having my own business and pursuing a career in ceramics will be my ultimate goal, but in ten years, I will most likely be teaching what I love to do and selling my work.

Nicole McLaughlin ‘16

Class of 2016

Looking Forward...

Next year, I’ll be attending the Brown and RISD Dual Degree program.

I hope to use these degrees in my future career path. Ten years from now, I see myself being either a licensed architect who practices internationally, or a jewelry designer based in Beijing or Boston who has just unveiled my first collection. As I mentioned in my chapel speech, being a dictator is definitely a possible outcome for me. In terms of my personal life, I plan on focusing on my career first, so will most likely get married after I have settled into a career that I love, living in a suburban studio/house mixed together (if that’s a thing). I see myself going to wine tastings, rowing, running, and bodybuilding, as I will still be a bachelor.

Jason Ma ‘16

In ten years, I will be a franchisee of multiple Dunkin Donuts (I am currently a Dunkies employee). The class of 2026 will not know Tony, but will idolize “Mike from Dunkin”. I will be comfortably living in my parents’ home.

I’ll probably be married, and I will provide my wife with free coffee and donuts for the rest of her life. In a perfect world, I would have two boys (I always wanted a brother growing up and I think it would be awesome to raise two boys). As for pets, none, but if I had to pick, I would go with a black lab.

Mike Ryan ‘16

So, in ten years I see myself having graduated from college and law school. I also see myself living and dying in New York City. To be honest, I can’t see myself living anywhere else. As for accomplishments, I (hopefully) wouldn’t have been arrested (yet), and I would have finally paid my taxes without my mom doing it for me. I would also like to run my own line of “swaggy” dog products for dogs called Dank Dog$ where I would sell gold chain collars and leashes, grills and dog bucket hats. Solange, my labradoodle mix, would be the model for my company.

Khalida Williams ‘16

After rowing competitively at Boston University, and taking a year off after college to travel the world with one of my best friends, ten years from now, I would like to be working at a company creating, planning, and designing new biomedical equipment that will be used in hospitals and daily life.

The equipment will make lives easier and better during health tribulations (especially prosthetic limb technology). I would like to have graduated college and be working at this company until they are willing to pay for my master’s degree. I hope that I will have my life set up in front of me. I would like to have a family and be living in my own home with my wife, kids, and two big dogs.

Theo Warren ‘16

“Where are you now?”

Valerie Valant ’06 By my senior year at Tabor, I already knew I wanted to go into medicine. I figured I’d go ahead and do all my schooling at once, but I ended up taking a couple of years off in between my undergrad and med school to do some research at MassGen. Now, I’m in my third year of med school and finishing up my surgery rotation. Although I knew I was going into medicine, I definitely changed my path. I took a gender studies class in college and fell in love and ended up double-majoring in Biology and Women’s Studies, which has definitely impacted my decision to specialize in Ob-Gyn. Taking some time off in between undergrad and med school also helped me understand what I really wanted to do, too, because although I love research, I know now I want to work directly with patients.

Kearsley Lloyd ’06 My first inklings that art and design were my destiny came at Tabor, in my art courses with Mrs. Roxanne Bryant. Though I’m still following that dream, my path has changed a lot since senior year. I attended RISD after Tabor, graduating with a degree in graphic design. I took one professor’s advice and, right out of school, launched my own company of color-saturated accessories and shoes.

Growing the company was a great experience, but I didn’t have enough time to be creative. I wanted to design full-time, so I started my graphic design business – kearsleylloyd.com. Thanks to Instagram, I have clients all over the world who find me through blogs, magazines, and other postings.

I’m not sure what I would do without Will Moger ’06 in my life – among other things, he literally saved my wedding from a Nor’Easter two years ago, but that’s a long story… I live in Bermuda now, and I still sometimes see my Bermudian Tabor friends. I ended up reuniting with Roxanne Bryant recently, as well. After ten years, Tabor continues to support me, both professionally and personally.

Perry Dripps ’06 When I graduated from Tabor, I had a lot of career ideas: big dreams of touring in a band, making albums, and putting on shows. I also wanted to teach, and had a huge passion for exploring nature, which definitely stemmed from my marine science courses I took at Tabor. I knew I wanted to tie together all these interests into a grand career narrative, but I was unsure about where to start.

I currently work at a music nonprofit in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where I help create performance opportunities for aspiring musicians to share their talents with the world. I have my master’s degree in counseling, and I am now pursuing my second master’s in sustainability science, with a focus on natural resources management. I am particularly interested in the marine environment and learning about ways to help protect the world’s oceans.

In my graduate coursework, I am working to integrate my passions in music, science, education, and psychology to collaborate with my classmates in conducting research

on more multifaceted environmental issues like marine noise pollution.

I have learned a lot from my failures, as much if not more than from my successes.

During my freshman year of college, I was not picked as the guitarist for the school band. I was crushed. If I had been picked, however, I may never have gone on to study abroad or write a thesis in psychology, or take advantage of other amazing opportunities.

Will Moger ’06 I certainly didn’t think that I would be working for Google when I was at Tabor! In college, I tried a lot of different things - art, economics, architecture, sciences. I ended up majoring in Architectural Studies when I was at Connecticut College and went to a study abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, to do an intensive design program there.

After returning from my abroad program I realized that I didn’t want to pursue architectural design as a career path but was still really rather interested in the field so I looked to pivot. I was a prospective student interviewer for Conn. and decided that I really liked that so looked for roles/ jobs that would be similar to that. That’s how I ended up in Executive Search (Head Hunting/Recruiting). With a stint at Boston Consulting Group, I’m now in my current role at Google in San Francisco, CA. Tabor prepares you for lots of different experiences and I credit my time at Tabor with helping me get to where I am today.

Be flexible, be engaged, and be willing to try out new experiences - it gets you a lot more than you bargain for!

Class of 2006

Ben Smith ’06 I went to Tabor to join my brother Bubba who was two years ahead of me (Class of ‘04). Bubba was the ultimate leader and community member at Tabor and perfect brother, mentor, and friend. He tragically passed away in 2009 and I have lived every day of my life since honoring him in everything I do.

As a senior at Tabor, I planned on pursuing a career in health sciences. I assumed that ten years after I graduated Tabor, I would be almost done with any residencies or post-doctoral work. I thought my competitive athletic career would be over and I hoped that by my late twenties, I would have met the women I was going to marry.

I attended my undergrad at Harvard and received my Master’s of Science from Johns Hopkins and played on both lacrosse teams. After that, I moved to Boston, and began working at Massachusetts General Hospital while volunteering for the Harvard lacrosse program as the defensive coach.

Within a year, I had stopped working at MGH, and became the full time defensive coordinator for Harvard lacrosse. After taking my Birthright trip, I joined the Israeli National team and have competed in the 2014 World Games in Denver, CO, (where I was named to the President’s Team) in addition to the 2015 Indoor World Games in Syracuse, NY (where our team finished #4 in the world).

Turns out, I met the love my life, Kelsey Smith ‘07 (formerly Durocher), the first day of my sophomore year at Tabor near the mailboxes in the “Acky” and we got married last summer. I am now completing

my first year at Tufts Dental School where I am the President of the Class of 2019 and have absolutely loved my experience.

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News Editorials Arts & Features

pposing

Viewpoints:

The Back Page

Dress Code

Jenny Han’s View

Will Manory’s View

Every girl who goes to Tabor Academy has asked herself this question constantly before she gets out of the dorm or her house: “What should I wear today?” Believe me, it is not like Tabor girls focus on how they look too much. The real question is: “How do I dress to look good and stay within the dress code?” Not only as a regulation, but also as a tradition, dress code has existed in Tabor for decades. The dress code, which requires formal dress for both boys and girls mainly applies to academic days, which make up the majority of a Tabor student’s life here on campus.

Although being in dress code makes everyone look clean, neat and sharp, girls struggle the most adhering to the standard.

Can you imagine buying tons of dresses and skirts when many girls are used to wearing jeans and sweatshirts? Can you imagine wearing dresses and skirts when it is -20 degrees outside? Can you imagine how long it takes to put together one outfit? Can you imagine constantly worrying if the dress is long enough for the requirement of dress code?

Can you imagine being told that your exposed shoulders are “distracting”? When girls shop and when they dress each morning, they are facing this time-consuming and exhausting challenge. Boys do not need to put in as much effort as girls do. Blazers and pants keep guys warm in the winter. As most blazers look fairly similar, there is no urgent need to spend time picking out an outfit everyday and there is no need to buy a lot of different ones. It’s easier, too, not to have to worry about how to meet the dress-code requirement. It’s simple: blazer, dress shirt, and tie.

While boys need to follow a very simple guideline, girls need to worry constantly about whether their new purchases or old favorites will meet the school’s standards.

Dress code was established for the sake of looking formal and presentable.

The idea, however, that the standards for dress code are the same for both genders is absurd. Boys must wear a blazer and tie every day, along with nice pants. Because of the clear guidelines of boy’s dress code, it is almost impossible to break it without retribution. Boys cannot dress down (wearing sweatshirts or leaving their blazers and ties in their dorms) without almost immediate recognition from teachers. Boys are much more likely to be called out for not wearing a blazer than girls are for wearing a short skirt. Just walk down the math wing in between classes and you’ll see boys trying (unsuccessfully) to dodge Mr. Hrasky. Not only do girls not have to wear dress shirts and ties with pants, but they also find it easier to push the limits. They are almost never seen wearing a blazer with pants, and seldom told to change if they are not. Some have even gotten away with wearing leggings and a sweatshirt as “dress code.” This is not to say that all girls are breaking dress code, just that the rules seem to be much less strictly enforced. If the standard of dress code is supposed to promote formality and looking presentable, I would argue that it is harder for boys to relax the rules and dress casually than for girls.

NC ‘Anti-LGBTQ+’ House Bill 2 One student's opinion on the controversial law

by LuLu Ward North Carolina has recently passed a statewide law, “House Bill 2,” that stops cities and local governments from expanding protections of the LGBTQ+ community into areas such as “public accommodations” and “employment.”

This lack of protections essentially means that individual cities are unable to discern their own level of accessibility for the minority group. The legislation came as a response to an attempt in Charlotte, NC, to pass an ordinance that allowed transgender people to use public restrooms based on the gender they identify as. The state cites that the law is “a matter of safety for women and children in public restrooms and showers,” but in reality it’s simply thinly-veiled transphobia. No one’s safety is threatened by transgender people using the restroom in which they feel most comfortable, but with this law intact, the safety of those in the transgender community is put at risk by exposing them to harmful and unsafe situations.

To put the law in perspective, consider Caitlyn Jenner, a transgender woman and advocate

for the LGBTQ+ community. Under the North Carolina Law, Caitlyn is required to use the men’s restroom, as it corresponds to the sex she was assigned at birth. However, a woman like Caitlyn using a public men’s restroom in a space such as a bar, an airport, or a park could mean disastrous and potentially life-threatening consequences. Men could take Caitlyn’s presence as an invitation for harassment, abuse, or worse.

Photo by Photo Pool

This law will most likely mean that many transgender people will attempt to avoid the use of public restrooms all together, an act that can lead to consequences such as kidney infections.

North Carolina has effectively endangered an entire group, one that is historically, and presently, incredibly marginalized and discriminated against. A step in the right direction for the state— and all others with similar legislations— would be to allow transgender people to use the bathroom of their choice, the one they feel the safest and most comfortable in. The ultimate solution, however, is all-gender bathrooms in public and private spaces alike. For those who don’t necessarily conform to or identify with one specific gender, an all-gender restroom means no questions, comments, or concerns about identity.

Ultimately, every individual should feel comfortable and able to use the bathroom in any situation necessary.

House Bill 2 is a major step back for LGBTQ+ rights, but the backlash from the general public shows promise about the mindset of the American majority.

Gender neutral bathroom like these are outlawed in North Carolina.

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Artist on Campus Meet Jason Ma When did you first get involved in art?

Jason: I took my first drawing lesson in Grade 1. Then I somehow paused for a while and picked it up again during middle school.

Photo by Photo Pool

What style do you enjoy the most?

J: Surrealism and Pop art. Rene Magritte, Salvador Dali, and Andy Warhol are my gods.

How do you usually get ideas and inspiration?

J: Doodling in my sketchbook or from my dreams. My sketchbook contains some of my weirdest and darkest ideas.

How would you describe your style?

J: I don’t think I am good enough to define my own style yet. But I do tend to add surreal elements to ordinary objects to express some, you know, philosophical ideas.

Are you also involved in any other form of art?

J: I am the first-chair clarinet player in the Wind Ensemble. I also taught myself saxophone, which is more jazzy and cooler.

What do you think your relationship with art will be in the future?

Photo by Jason Ma

J: I am thinking about having a career in the design field, like architecture or jewelry design.

Jason Ma’s artwork.

GSA kicked off the week with a “NOH8” video.

Take Back the Silence Students bring awareness to LGBTQ+ community

by Lillie Lovell The Day of Silence this year was on April 15; everyone at Tabor had the opportunity to participate. One could choose to be silent all throughout the academic day or to wear a white ribbon showing support of the cause. The Day of Silence was originally started by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and is a student-led national event that brings attention to anti-LGBTQ+ name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. The GSA at Tabor’s goal for the Day of Silence at Tabor is “to raise awareness about the LGBTQ+ community as a whole,” says LuLu Ward, head of the GSA. It is also to “try to put Tabor students who may not otherwise understand the experience of LGBTQ+ high school kids in their shoes by asking them to be silent, as many feel silenced by hiding an integral part of themselves to fit in.” Students who participate in the Day of Silence experience the struggle of having something to say but no way to express it: This feeling emulates what LGBTQ+ kids have to deal with every day they hide a

part of their identity if they feel they are in an unsafe or non-accepting environment.

Participating in this day can open a student’s eyes to how difficult it must be for members of the LGBTQ+ community who are not able to express themselves and share a part of their identity with the people in their lives. “To me, the Day of Silence is really about showing support for the LGBTQ+ community,” says Grace Douvos, who plans to lead the GSA next year. “Some people are not aware of the silencing effect of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, but this day raises awareness for everyone who participates.”

Liv Kaszanek, current GSA co-head, agrees, saying, “I don’t think people realize how many people who we all go to school with stay silent everyday about who they really are. I hope this day helps make us a more open and accepting community.” Every year, students and faculty members who participate remark about how both difficult and enlightening the Day of Silence is.

REEF Studies Program

Refocused curriculum sets sail next year

by Hannah Frisch Every three years, the SSV TABOR BOY makes the 1,645 mile journey from Marion, Massachusetts, to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. On this trip, Tabor students experience the Caribbean Studies Program, now called the Research and Environmental Education Focus, or REEF. Starting in January, the “School by the Sea” takes 13-15 students each week over the course of six weeks to the Caribbean to explore and conduct research. Students also do sail training and marine science research on the nine-day trip on the TABOR BOY.

Elkhorn coral is one of the most important building corals. As the population of this coral has declined 90%-95% since the 1980’s, research into the causes of

Photo by Photo Pool

The Caribbean Sea is home to some of the best sailing winds and cruising weather in the world, allowing even the most inexperienced sailors to enjoy the sailing and learn new skills. Though the Caribbean views and warmth amidst our chilly winters are certainly a draw, the real reason Tabor students join is to conduct innovative, important scientific research. As Dr. Crosby explained at school meeting, Elkhorn coral is an endangered species -- so labelled because of Tabor students’ findings. REEF participants research white patch disease and other reasons that coral are dying out.

that decline are vital to understanding how to combat this epidemic. While snorkeling, Tabor students take pictures Elkhorn coral and then answer questions about its surroundings and the state of disease. Secondly, students test water samples. The data is then sent to the National Park Service, US Geological Survey (USGS), and the Department of the Interior for them to keep data on the long-term health of the Elkhorn coral. “When you’re in labs in school, you’re repeating experiments

Students snorkeling in the Caribbean.

that other people have done before,” says Dr. Crosby.

“In the Caribbean, students are able to participate in real, important scientific research that nobody has ever done. This is an opportunity unlike any you’d get at another school. It’s an incredible chance for students to really explore science and research deeper.”

During sailing and researching, the TABOR BOY sails around from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the British Virgin Islands. Students visit islands such as St. Thomas, Virgin Gorda, and Salt Island. On Virgin Gorda, students get off the TABOR BOY to explore the sea baths, which have caves, rock formations, and lagoons in them.

Students are encouraged to take this once in a lifetime opportunity to bond, explore, research, and learn in paradise. “I think what made Caribbean Studies great was using what we learned in the classroom and applying it to a real world problem,” says Vaughn Henry, who is a member of the TABOR BOY crew and did the program sophomore year. “It was also my first time being out of the country. In the end, it turned out to be twice as amazing as I thought it was going to be.”

The newly refocused REEF program promises the same opportunity for adventure and scientific exploration, one everyone should take advantage of.

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Chasing the Sun Meet Carter Walker

Quick Questions

Spring Outfits Made Easy with Kat Mitchell Spring has arrived, even if the weather says otherwise. This means it is time to dig out those cute sandals, sundresses, and floppy hats. If you are looking for a fresh new way to start off the spring term, what’s better than mixing up your outfits?

If you are feeling bold, try wearing a pair of sassy, studded, gladiator sandals. This choice will have your crushes taking a second up-down at you, with a response of “damn, Daniel.” Choosing a pair of new shoes may be difficult but one cannot go wrong with espadrilles. They are always a good choice for school because they are both stylish and unique.

As for skirts and dresses, simplicity is key. One easy way to nail dress code, as well as those fun summer nights, is to try a simple embroidered linen shift dress. Pair this with a simple pair of flats or sandals, and you’re good to go. Don’t be afraid to go bold, as vibrant colors and block prints are in this season. Mix up your outfit by adding a pop of color to catch the eye of an onlooker.

Spring means rain, and rain means raincoats, and raincoats love to be paired with their best friend: the rainboot. Now is the time to invest in those cute rainboots you have been eyeing for the longest time. It might be the time for the “um, Mom, I bought something” conversation. It is totally worth it! As for raincoats, find one which will go with most of your clothes.

I recommend choosing a neutral color so you do not need to plan your outfit around the color of your raincoat.

Happy spring, and stay dry.

- Your Personal Stylist

Recommended Shoes and Dress

NORDSTROM

NORDSTROM

REVOLVE

Rebecca Minkoff

kate spade new york

STAR MELA

‘Georgina’ Studded Leather Sandal (Women)

‘sedgewick’ rubber rain boot (Women)

ALLIE EMBOIDERED DRESS

by Madeleine Gregory If you were one animal, what animal would you be?

Definitely a dolphin.

How many hours of sleep do you get a night?

Usually around 7.

What’s your favorite snack?

Nothing better than a good apple in my opinion.

Describe your favorite pair of shoes.

A worn out, but very comfortable pair of Nike sneakers.

What’s your favorite season and why?

Summer, because honestly what’s not to love about it?

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Excessive amounts of video games.

Do you have any pets?

I have two labrador retrievers and two cats.

What’s your biggest fear?

Losing the freedom or desire to continuously learn, explore, and have fun.

Is there anything at Tabor you wish you’d gotten involved in when you were an underclassman?

Definitely wish I did more of the nautical classes that are available at Tabor.

What faculty member do you have the best connection with?

Mr. Chaput.

Where is your favorite place on campus?

The observatory.

Shout outs !

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ou y d

wan t a p

ro m

If yes, public or private?

po s a l?

W o

Shout out to....

84%

Yes

No

16%

66% Private

T he L og 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 taborlog@taboracademy. org. The Log reserves the right to edit submissions for space and/or clarity.

Editors-in-Chief: Madeleine Gregory Claire Brito Faculty Advisor: Helene Sughrue Layout Editors: Jennifer Joung Wendy Liu Managing Editors: Jack Gordon Nicole Fernandes Bridget Lattimer

34% Public

Section Editors: Stephanie Zou Joslyn Jenkins Jennifer Joung Wendy Liu Jason Ma LuLu Ward Nicole Fernandes Duhita Das Hannah Frisch

Tommy T’s incredible performance and workshop Mr. Cleary and Ms. Boucher for organizing the Day of Service

All Co-Heads of School Candidates Sea Dips reopening for the spring

Mr. Sirianni and dining hall staff for keeping teams with late practices/ games well-fed