T he L og thelog@taboracademy.org
Tabor Academy’s Student Newspaper Volume 93, Number 5
February 2019
Rite of Spring: Senior Projects
Seniors opt for independent study by Abby LaCasse
Before you can start a senior project, you must be approved during the three-step application process. The journey starts in December with a proposal of an idea; the next step is the initial application where you explain to the committee how you are going to produce a final product and a plan of how you will spend your nine weeks. The committee gives feedback and talks to each senior about their ideas before they submit their final applications in mid-January. Once seniors are given the okay to start their project, they must begin their three month process immediately. Every day, the seniors write a journal entry about what they learned that day and their struggles and successes; they also meet with their advisors, read two books about their topic, actually complete their projects, and prepare for an oral presentation at the end of the year. Mrs. Crosby, the head of senior projects here at Tabor, suggests that the best senior projects are the ones in which students pick something because of their curiosity and passion for a unique subject or experience. She says that the students who produce the
Photo by Photo Pool
2019 marks Tabor’s twenty-sixth year of the highly anticipated senior projects. Beginning this month, seniors have the option to finish their Tabor career pursuing a senior project in the spring trimester. Students who are particularly passionate about a certain subject, experience, or activity can put aside some of their normal responsibilities and indulge in a 9-week long project of their choosing. While a lot of people perceive senior projects as a way to get out of taking classes and having more free time, the process is a serious commitment.
best work are not always the students with the strongest GPAs or test scores; instead, the best projects typically come from students who are “great leaders who are so dedicated to their project’s purpose and goals.” When asked about what the greatest part of doing a senior project is, Mrs Crosby said that “the students are gaining knowledge about a subject they didn’t have prior to this year, and they also learn new skills such as time management that will help them in college and beyond.” She concludes, “For the senior project committee, the best feeling is when students not only see their senior projects as a passion of theirs, but through doing a project, they are able to express themselves in a new way and see themselves in a new light.”
All the School’s a Stage
Tabor’s Mobile Media Lab Arrives by Leah Kleinfeld
Photo by Mrs. Petrocelli
In late 2018, Mrs. Petrocelli and the technology office unveiled the Tabor Mobile Media Lab, a cart full of tools students need to become 21st-century learners. Located behind the library counter and in the computer room, the lab includes a large green screen, a digital microphone, a video stabilizer, and Virtual Reality Goggles. The green screen and the microphone have both been popular pieces, and some classes took to the virtual reality goggles to walk inside Anne Frank’s house and “ride a cell through the human body.” Mrs. Petrocelli notes that her main hope in opening the media lab was to prepare students for the changing “21st-century workplace,” since text is no longer the main mode of
communication and visuals have risen in importance. She stresses the importance of “sharing your knowledge in a different way”— through video, podcast or otherwise. While several classes and many students have taken to the media lab, Mrs. Petrocelli hopes to see those numbers grow exponentially. While some students may feel intimidated by the equipment, she explains that “the space is yours - yes, you have to check out the equipment, but just go in and use it.” Mrs. Petrocelli further encourages students to worry less about using the equipment in an academic way and simply to start exploring the tools and experimenting with them. Going forward, she hopes to see more of a focus on multimedia education, whether that be a Video Production course offered as an elective or teachers encouraging their students to do a project using this new technology. Finally, Mrs. Petrocelli advises that the lab is open to all, even if you don’t consider yourself a “techie”— she’s there and ready to help.
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Should Seniors Take March Exams? An Editorial
by Abby Lacasse
As Spring Break nears, classes are beginning to review for the dreaded final exams during the first week of March. Senioritis has begun to take hold of the seniors, many of whom are frustrated and annoyed that seniors, too, have to take these finals. Until 2013, Tabor students took midterms in January and finals in May. Students and faculty were overwhelmed with the two full weeks of exam time, so the policy was slightly changed to get rid of the January exams and keep the May exams. When the current seniors were freshman, May exams usually covered the whole year of material and ended the year in utter panic and stress. Yet seniors benefited from this because if they had an average of 85 for the year, they did not have to take the final for that specific class. But now, seniors must take exams for all of their classes, regardless of their progress and grades. As a senior myself, I believe the class of 2019 should not have to take March finals. Every senior has worked tirelessly over the course of this year writing many supplement essays, finishing the common application,
and achieving high marks in their classes, all at the same time. And once March comes around, the seniors are both anxious about hearing from their regular decision colleges and gaining the strength back from the lengthy college process that began months ago. The spring season is when seniors are supposed to take a break and enjoy their last few months at Tabor, experiencing everything they did not get to do in their previous years. But forcing our overworked seniors to take five or more exams, right at the end of the stressful college process is a strenuous and frustrating task. Especially with most upperclassmen students taking Advanced Placement Exams in March as well, more hours of standardized testing puts a strain on their last trimester at Tabor. But on the bright side, after March, seniors can officially say goodbye to exams and enjoy the warm weather on the waterfront.
How to... Study For Exams by Yujin Hong
Cramming the day before, praying for good guesses, simply freaking out—there are many ways Seawolves prepare themselves for the dreaded Finals. Here are a few studying tips from juniors and seniors to better arm ourselves before the upcoming battle in March. Owen Sughrue ’19: Find a studying environment that is comfortable for you!
Owen says… “I believe in finding the right place to study and I think that has to do with being comfortable. I’m sensitive to [my surroundings], so I like to find a good playlist, usually piano, and a good quiet place.”
Photo by Abby LaCasse
Editor’s Note: Many of us probably have wandered in the library intuitively looking for this kind of comfort. If you want to avoid noise but cannot concentrate with music, try white noise! Raindrops are my favorite kind. Recommended for: Students who struggle concentrating with noise or movement. Mao Matsuo’19: Get ahead of your work and use planners!
Mao says… “I would always do my homework last minute [until] I turned myself around junior year to get work done ahead of time. There is no worse feeling than staying up until 2 AM [for] an essay. Writing down what I needed to do on a calendar or planner [also] motivated me.”
resources,” but how many of us actually do? Here’s a secret: teachers are not as intimidating as they look, and they love it when students come with questions! Recommended for: Students who have no idea what has been going on in class for the past few months.
Editor’s Note: This is the wise senior speaking of a well-learned truth that everyone knows they ought to heed. Sadly, like most wisdom on Anna Olsen ’20: Write down what you have to memorize! earth, it is largely ignored. Anna says… “[When] I want to memorize something, I write it down Recommended for: Juniors entering AP hell who still have terrible on a sheet of paper 20-30 times. [For example,] I will write a word in Spanish a few times in a column, then write the English [meaning] work habits from sophomore year (*coughs*me*coughs*). next to it. This [also] works [for] formulas or definitions.” Tar Jarusirawong ’19: Use office hours and seek help from teachers! Tar says… “I go to [my] teachers very frequently [for questions] because this is my first year [in America] and I cannot understand everything in class. [This] helps me create bonds with teachers and feel confident in classes and before tests.” Editor’s Note: We are told ever so often to “use our teachers as our
Editor’s Note: Classic. The dignified method of the truly diligent. I gave up on this method in the third grade. Recommended for: Students who enjoy some finger workouts. Best of luck, Seawolves!
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Meet Tabor’s Newest Faculty:
Ms. Stump
Mr. Sanford
This year, Tabor welcomes another new faculty into the science department, Ms. Stump. Growing up in Ohio and eventually coming to New England for college, Ms. Stump had no idea that she would end up staying in Massachusetts at a boarding school teaching high school students. As an undergraduate at Williams College in Western Massachusetts, she began working as a teaching assistant for physics classes on campus. It did not take much time before she fell in love with helping other students achieve their academic goals and with sharing her love for physics. In her last few years of college, she decided that her passion was teaching. Then, working through a teacher placement agency, Ms. Stump began to interview at many private schools around New England. Once she came to Tabor and interviewed, she loved the campus culture and community along with the beautiful waterfront that she emphasizes is so unique and different from the rural areas she is accustomed to. Her awe for Tabor has not changed since she first stepped onto campus. When asked about how she is liking Tabor so far, Ms. Stump said, “I really enjoy being here. The students are great and the community is very supportive.” She admits that on her first day of classes, she was a bit nervous and anxious to start her career teaching high school students. But she says it has been a reasonably fast adjustment because of her excellent mentors and the good-natured students who are willing to work with her to make her first year as seamless as possible. Outside the classroom, Emily has had to adjust to more than just teaching. She lives off campus but is a dorm parent for the first time in Lillard, which has been a great way for her to get to know students on a more personal level. Coaching cross country and track has also been an exciting way for her to get to know some of our talented student athletes and an opportunity for to share her love for athletics. We are happy to have Ms. Stump on campus this year!
Tabor’s new CFO Mr. Sanford has taken over the Business Office for the 2018-2019 school year. Mr. Sanford is experienced in finance and management since he has been “a CFO since 1996.” He has worked for a credit card manufacturing corporation, the coffee company Keurig, a technology company in telecommunications, and is now entering the field of education for a simple reason. “I am living in Mattapoisett, and my parents live in Wareham. I knew I would love to work nearby, so I came to Tabor,” Mr. Sanford said. In his leisure time, Mr. Sanford enjoys kayaking in Buzzards Bay in good weather. Pointing at the vast map of the bay hanging on the wall in his office, he said that he had already kayaked several times between the waterfront and his home.
by Abby Lacasse
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by Gabby Bao
Photo by Tierney Haas
Photo by Tierney Haas
While many students at Tabor may not know much about Tabor’s Business Office, Mr. Sanford explained their role in general terms. “It’s like keeping track of money and taxes for the school,” he explained. The Business office collects tuition, pays bills for maintenance, supplies, utilities, and also creates an annual financial statement for the school. Mr. Sanford is also in charge of Human Resources, Plant Operations, the Dining Hall, and the Summer Program. He believes that the accounting is similar to that of his prior experiences in companies, but “the environment is different” at Tabor, especially when the school is now “moving in a fast pace with the academic calendar.” He is looking forward to the rest of the busy school year. If you have not had the chance to meet Mr. Sanford, swing by the Business Office and say hi!
Staff Profile: Mrs. Oldi by Gabby Bao
Coming from Cape Verde to New Bedford, omelet chef Mrs. Oldi has worked at Tabor for seven years.
Photo by Gabby Bao
“It isn’t that long,” she said. “Some of my colleagues have worked here for forty years. My friend Maria, who taught me to make omelets, has worked here for about twenty years.” She enjoys Tabor’s friendly and inclusive environment on campus, saying, “I enjoy working with the students
and the faculty here, and meeting with people all over the world.” Every day starting at 7:00 a.m., she makes her first omelet, while the peak of demand tends to be around eight o’clock when students line up. “The bestseller recipe is always ham and cheese,” Mrs. Oldi said, adding that it is also interesting to see international students have a different preference, “always adding everything but not meat.” After cleaning the dining hall and organizing the lunch, she finishes her morning shift at 2 PM. She then starts her a second job in New Bedford where she works as a nurse assistant for the Home Health Care Service. After working hard and earning money in both jobs, her biggest dream is to travel. “I love travelling, and I’ve been to many different places like Paris, Portugal, Las Vegas, California, and I will visit France again in June this summer,” she said.
At Tabor, many students recognize or know Mrs. Oldi as the lady who make omelets. When you are waiting in line next time, start a conversation and make a friend! She may save you a special omelet!
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The Pasta Station
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Pasta is a classic pre-game meal. I would stay light with any sauce you might use (probably tomato) and maybe sprinkle in a little bit of chicken (again, from the salad bar) for some protein. I’d go light with cheese. Lastly, if there might be broccoli available at the main entree station, adding that in is a pretty good lunch or dinner. The Main Entree Station
Here is where the game day lunch menu can be a little hit or miss. Ideally, there is some white meat (preferably chicken for me) and some vegetables. If the Main Entree isn’t appealing to you, then you might have to get a little creative. Whatever it is, I’d eat something that’s familiar to you and something that you know works well for you. Dessert
by Owen Sugrue
For this issue’s All-A-Eat-O, we are going to talk about some game day food options at Tabor’s dining hall. Everyone’s taste is different, and especially for pre-game meals. In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite pre-game meals I’ve made at the dining hall. The Sandwich Bar
My favorite between game meal when I play sports is Subway. Tabor’s little Subway is its sandwich bar. I like the ciabatta bread because it is light, but I also recommend the whole grain. I like to go fairly low on meat (roast beef, turkey, or chicken from the salad bar are all good options) and add a few vegetables. I don’t add cheese if I am playing within the next hour. Depending on your taste, you can use the panini press, just like having your sandwich toasted at Subway!
Cake and ice cream probably aren’t the best options today! I’d recommend an orange or banana. If you want, you can take one with you for the game! The dining hall does have lots of good food options. I hope these are some helpful suggestions and good luck in the games, performances, competitions, and anything else for which you might need a pregame meal!
And The Oscar Award Goes To...
Bohemian Rhapsody, A Star is Born top contendors by Eari Nakano
With the upcoming Oscar awards, many expect Bohemian Rhapsody and A Star is Born to be top contenders. While both movies are heavily built on the music industry, the plot line as well as the overall message of each film differ.
Cover art for Bohemian Rhapsody
While the two movies could be categorized as different, there is no doubt that, for both films, the music selections and performances are equally outstanding. They are definitely worth watching for every music enthusiast. For those who have already seen them both: Which Bohemian Rhapsody is based on the legendary rock band Queen, with music drama movie dominated 2018? Bohemian Rhapsody or A Star insight into lead singer Freddie Mercury’s thrilling rise, as well as the is Born ? bitter sides to his success. The lead actor, Rami Malek, successfully captures the essence of Mercury’s captivating stage presence and riveting personality. This film goes all the way back to when Mercury was a college student, struggling with the relationship between his conservative Indian parents, as well as finding his sexual identity, ending with the remarkable reenactment of the Live Aid charity concert of 1985. Bohemian Rhapsody captures the authenticity of Queen, and the ways in which the band became a phenomenon in the history of music culture.
A Star is Born starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper is the fourth remake of the classic love story between a rising artist, Ally and a famous country singer, Jack, who struggles with substance abuse and his complicated past. Throughout the film, Lady Gaga portrays Ally as a genuine, vulnerable presence, a striking contrast to Gaga’s pop artist persona she is commonly known for. Jack first sees Ally at a Hollywood drag club, and eventually falls in love as she becomes his “safe harbor.” He takes her on his tour, freeing her from her own insecurities as she soars toward success as an artist. A Star is Born features exceptional songs, such as “Shallow” delivered by Lady Gaga’s powerful voice, and Bradley Cooper’s impressive vocal abilities.
Cover art for A Star is Born
‘We’re four misfits who don’t belong together, we’re playing for other misfits. They’re the outcasts right at the back of the room. We’re pretty sure they don’t belong either. We belong to them.’ Freddie Mercury (Bohemian Rhapsody)
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Music Review: Leon Bridge’s Good Thing by Ben Ackerman
In general, the project accomplishes that goal. Bridges establishes his unique ability to produce interesting music across several stylistic eras. While maintaining his classic 60s sound on “Bet Ain’t Worth the Hand” and “Georgia to Texas,” songs like “You Don’t Know” are reminiscent of the 80s and others like “Bad Bad News” have decidedly modern influences in terms of both drum instrumentals and tempo. The weakest spots come when Bridges strays from his strength, when he attempts to sound like Pharrell or Bruno Mars on pop songs such as “If It Feels Good (It Must Be),” which simply doesn’t accentuate his ability to tell meaningful stories through his elaborate vocals.
as he wonders if he is “being foolish” to “rush into” a relationship. His warm tone and descriptive lyrics allow the listener to relate to his excitement regarding his first love. So, if you find yourself in need of a quality album to hold yourself over until new 2019 projects are released, and you like Van Morrison or Otis Redding, Good Thing might be the one for you. It combines a retro sound, impressive vocals, and easygoing content for a generally enjoyable listen. 7.5/10
Cover art for Good Things
When scouring the internet for an album released this past month to review, I was disappointed to see that hardly any music had dropped since last issue’s Oxnard. At that point, I turned to a couple of projects that went under the radar in 2018; Leon Bridges’s LP Good Thing stood out. Bridges, who hails from Fort Worth, Texas, is an R&B/ Soul singer best known for his 2015 Grammy-nominated project Coming Home. His music brings immediate flashbacks to the 60s and 70s; critics and fans alike agree that his music is heavily inspired by legends Otis Redding and Sam Cooke. After the strong 2015 album, Bridges sought to highlight his individuality and further develop and modernize his sound on Good Thing.
The highlight of the album, “Beyond,” comes four tracks in. The instrumental immediately sounds like “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison, but after a few measures Bridges vocally distinguishes the song as a light, yet emotional, piece. He pours his emotion into the lyrics, illustrating his sudden infatuation with a girl and the questions that follow. He sings, “She might just be my everything and beyond,”
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Who is Christopher Mills ? by Harper McKerrow
Christopher Mills ’19 is well known across the Tabor community. His fouryear varsity Crew career and residency in both upper and lower campus has exposed him to a variety of students and faculty during his Tabor experience. Chris now “lights the lamp” on the Elite line of THL after school, while also participating in Young Athletes every weekend. When Chris is not home in Southborough, MA, he can be found in room E6 of Pokoik House, with his roommate, Quentin Doggett.
To learn more about Chris, read the following interview below... Q: What is your most treasured possession? A: My lucky penny.
Q: What do you think about when you’re alone in your car? A: “What would happen if I were to take a hard right turn right now…”
Q: You’ve been given an elephant. You can’t give it away or sell it. What would you do with the elephant? A: I would ride it to places that people would not expect to see an elephant, such as Cumberland Farms.
Q: A penguin walks through that door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here? A: He offers me fish tacos and tells me that he is here because his home has melted due to our poor care of his environment. Q: When was a time you lied and got away with it?
A: Anytime I go to a restaurant, I tell them a different name.
Q: How many donuts are you capable of eating in one sitting? A: I have done ten, but I could probably do thirteen.
Q: How many Taylor Swift songs do you actually listen to every single day? A: I listen to all of them on repeat, except for “Look What You Made Me Do.” Q: How would you describe your Monopoly playing style?
A: If I am winning, it is because everyone else is bad. If I am losing I quit beforehand, because the game is not fair.
Q: How many times does it take for you to listen to a song that you love before you actually hate it instead? A: If it’s Taylor Swift, never. If it is country, then before I even hit play. Q: If you could change one thing about you, what would it be? A: Probably my back, because I have an elite form of scoliosis. Q: What do you think cats dream about? A: How they are going to use all nine lives.
February Shoutouts
by Eari Nakano
Mr. Nas for getting us to truly think about self identity and social constructs.
Violet Southwick, for her incredible chapel cello performance
Cat Barry for her recognition in Sports Illustrated, “Faces In The Crowd.” .
Rosella Liu for making All State Orchestra.
The founders of the I.D.E.A club for encouraging inclusive discussions.