The Loomis Chaffee Log

Issue CIII, No. 8 Est. 1915 May 3, 2019

No Changes Planned for Loomis Chaffee Name 2019-2020 Liam Scott ’19 | Editor-in-Chief Emeritus All-School Measuring the branding expression of a school is difficult to do, but there are cer- tain aspects of Loomis Chaffee’s current Theme: branding (advertisements, etc.) that leave out the “Chaffee” of Loomis Chaffee. For example, certain toasters proclaim only “Loomis.” Likewise, some sports uniform BELONGING say only “Loomis.” The baseball field has “Loomis” painted in the outfield—but not “Loomis Chaffee.” The bookstore also sells Jenny Pan ’22 | Graphics Manager sweatshirts that say just “Loomis” but no sweatshirts that say just “Chaffee.” The all-school theme for the 2019-2020 However, Associate Head of School Mr. school year will be “Belonging.” Head of Webb Trenchard confirmed that the school School Dr. Sheila Culbert collaborated with is not changing its name. “I think the name the student council to choose this theme. of the school is The Loomis Chaffee School She hopes this topic encourages students to and sometimes we use that whole name realize their role and purpose in the Loomis and sometimes we shorten it to Loom- Chaffee community. is which obviously refers to our founding “Belonging to something. . . is a very in- family, and sometimes we use LC. It really timate experience. . . it’s about forming con- depends on the situation and the context. nection,” Dr. Culbert explained. But I don’t really think that represents a re- Students and faculty not only belong to cent change.” Courtesy of Neala Sweeney ’20 the Island community, but also belong to He pointed out that while the baselines Although many “toasters” bear the full name of the school, two of them bear just the Loomis name. many other different groups, such as dormi- of the basketball court in Erickson say just tories, teams, and classes. This theme aims “Loomis,” the tennis court screens, which mentions. We also use ‘Loomis’ on some, been Loomis Chaffee’s brand for a long although not all, athletics uniforms.” time.” to improve a student’s understanding of were installed more recently, use the their own identity, and will hopefully give school’s full name. Athletic Director Sue Cabot agreed that Mr. Trenchard says he hopes that using there was no intention to remove “Chaf- just “Loomis” does not overshadow the his- them an opportunity to tell their story of Director of Strategic Communications how and where they belong, and what be- and Marketing Lynn Petrillo ’86 pointed to fee.” tory of inclusion at the school. “I think one After a brand study, the following brand of the great things about Loomis and our longing means to them. Choate Rosemary Hall, which is frequently When choosing the all-school theme referred to as just “Choate,” even within the promise was written in 2014: “Loomis history is we were chartered in an inclusive Chaffee offers an academically challeng- way from the beginning and we have con- for the upcoming school year, Dr. Culbert school’s official materials. She maintained focused on important questions like “How that there “has not been a recent shift from ing and welcoming experience, guided by tinued to try to live to that ideal. And we exceptional faculty mentors, to talented would certainly want any branding efforts do we actually broaden that to be a school using ‘Loomis Chaffee’ to ‘Loomis,’” add- that belongs to everyone?” and “How do we ing, “generally when writing a story for and hard-working students who learn to to be reflective of a core value like that.” challenge themselves intellectually, em- Still, some Chaffee alumnae are frustrat- encourage this sense of belonging among all the Loomis Chaffee Magazine, we will use students?” ‘Loomis Chaffee’ at the first mention of the brace their individuality, and inspire posi- ed by the branding expression decisions. school and then ‘Loomis’ in subsequent tive change in the world.” In an email, Ms. Continued on page 4 Continued on page 2 Petrillo added that “the promise itself has Admissions Season Breaks Records Lily Potter ’21 | Contributor During this year’s admissions season, in the admissions season and tend to have a historically high number of prospective a higher yield rate. students decided to say yes to Loomis Chaf- The yield for prospective students who fee. Loomis continues to be a highly selec- attended revisit days was even higher, at tive school no matter the residency status 65%. This high yield rate is “a huge testa- or grade for which a prospective student ment and credit to the community; some- applies. thing we hear all the time from perspective By the end of March, Loomis had re- is how warm, welcoming, and friendly the ceived 1800 applications. The admissions community is and how authentic it feels. It officers’ target was to enroll 215 students. resonated this year more than ever,” said Of the students accepted, there was a re- Dean of Enrollment Amy Thompson. cord-high yield of those who accepted The application deadline this year was Loomis’ offer of admission: 50%. January 15. Loomis normally accepts ap- More students than in years past decided plicants all the way through the spring and to say yes to Loomis, given historically the sometimes into the summer. However, this yield rate had been around 45% at the end year, due to the high yield rate, the school is of application season. This year’s 50% yield already full for next year. rate will most likely only increase because of waitlist decisions that often come later Continued on page 2 Chart by Portia Inzone ’20

May EDITORS’ CONNECT WITH US! PICKS @Loomis Chaffee Log News (Page 2) Reworking Work Jobs - 2

Features (Pages 3-5) @lc.thelog Chaffee Alumnae Spotlights - 5 Opinions (Pages 6-8)

Faculty Opinions on Family Style - 7 @thelog

PERMIT NO. 140 NO. PERMIT Sports (Pages 9-10) BRIDGEPORT, CT BRIDGEPORT, Tri-Varsity Through the Years - 10

PAID www.thelclog.org U.S. POSTAGE U.S. Melange (Pages 11-12) @thelclog

PRSRT STD PRSRT LOGRhythms for AP Testing - 12 NEWS | May 3, 2019 N Admissions Season 2019-2020 All-School Theme: Breaks Records Belonging

Lily Potter ’21 | Contributor Jenny Pan ’22 | Graphic Manager

Continued from the front Continued from the front It is unusual that Loomis would accept a However, differences in those students’ Lucy Shao ’19, student council president, to recognize, to build on it, and to take re- student very late in the summer except un- admissions process may include a more shared the student council’s decision pro- sponsibility for it,” Dr. Culbert explained. der special circumstances such as looking to personalized experience. Coaches meet cess regarding the all-school theme. “Our “It gives us not only an identity but [also] a replace students who do not re-enroll. The with recruited students and have students representatives felt that the series of events sense of security, value, and wellbeing. The admissions office “is not officially accept- on the current team meet with a prospec- that happened around the school this year stronger our community here, that’s going ing new applications right now because the tive recruited student. such as several incidents of the swastikas as to be beneficial for the members.” school is currently full, which is a wonder- “It’s not going to be something where the well as the political atmosphere surround- Dr. Culbert explained that ‘Belonging’ ful position for us to be in,” explained Ms. coach comes to us and says, ‘This is my top ing the U.S. under the Trump adminis- is also connected and similar to this year’s Thompson. recruit and you need to admit them.’ That’s tration really calls into question of what it theme ‘Mental Wellbeing.’ The school There are discrepancies in acceptance not what happens,” explained Ms. Thomp- means to feel belonged into a community hopes for the students and faculty to recog- between all types of categories depending son. and how we can foster this inclusivity,” nize the role of belonging to our wellbeing on the number of slots available in each cat- An athletic scholarship or a merit schol- Lucy said on behalf of the Student Council. and inclusivity. egory. “It depends each year on the makeup arship does not exist at Loomis. The school The all-school reading accompanying Dr. Culbert said that Mr. Batchelder, the of the applicant pool,” Ms. Thompson said. only provides financial aid to families that this theme is Brené Brown’s Braving the first headmaster, “didn’t want a group of The acceptance rate can fluctuate each year qualify for it based on their financial cir- Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging. students to be out in the world and for them in different categories depending on how cumstances. Brené Brown is a researcher and social to be able to be identified as Loomis stu- many people apply in a particular group. “Because Loomis was founded as a free scientist who has also delivered two in- dents by the way that they looked, dressed, For example, if a particularly high num- institution, it’s incredibly important to the spirational Ted Talks. In her book, Brown or by a particular attitude of mind. Instead, ber of incoming ninth grade day student mission that we reserve all of our financial writes about the importance of understand- Mr. Batchelder wished Loomis students to girls apply, the acceptance rate may be par- aid for students who need it, and that we’re ing one’s role in a community through the be their best self to be individuals.” Dr. Cul- ticularly low for that specific category, but not providing athletic and merit scholar- experiences of courage, vulnerability, and bert explained that there are multiple ways the acceptance rate for this category of ap- ships to families that can afford to pay our trust. Her book teaches readers about what of belonging to Loomis or any community it means to belong and she hopes to spread and everyone has multiple identities. the significance of finding that. “Together we form this great school. Dr. Culbert hopes that the theme of be- That’s what I want to explore: the different “Loomis continues to be a highly selective school, longing will bring the people of Loomis way you can belong and what belonging Chaffee closer together. means,” Dr. Culbert said. regardless of boarding or day, domestic or “I love this community. I think this is a really strong, warm, friendly, challenging, international, boys or girls.” stimulating community, and I want people plicants may go up the next year if there are tuition,” Ms. Thompson said. less applicants. Every family applying for financial aid Availability in particular dorms can also will submit financial aid paperwork includ- affect acceptance rates. The overall accep- ing a form, a financial statement, and tax tance rate for the school is between 25% returns. The director of financial aid along and 30%, but it has not been finalized for with other admissions officers will deter- this year since the application season has mine how much a family qualifies. If admit- not yet closed. ted, the admissions office meets its full need The admissions committee uses a ho- with a scholarship. listic approach in which they consider all “Loomis continues to be a highly selec- aspects of a student’s application including tive school, regardless of boarding or day, transcripts, recommendations, testing, in- domestic or international, boys or girls,” terview, and essays. Ms. Thompson said. Regardless of if they come to find out The Loomis Chaffee admissions process about Loomis through the athletic depart- continues to be a rigorous selection process ment, the arts department, or because they to find the best students, looking at stu- have a sibling here, everyone has the same dents holistically and assessing how they review process. It is not any different for would contribute to the community. students who are recruited for athletics. Graphic by Ashley Chung ’19

Re-Working the Work Job Program

Stephanie Zhang ’21 | News Section Editor

Whether it is cleaning up a classroom in heart of the work job program.” service and leadership positions. With the to have one 50 minute block. That way, Clark or being a tour guide, every student English teacher Ms. Kate Saxton, one of new program, there will also be a feedback they can really dive deep into the work that on the Island gives back to Loomis Chaffee the faculty members involved in the proj- system that allows students to earn ratings they’re doing.” through the Community Work Program ect, added, “We felt that it was time to take for the work they do. Mr. LaForest and the rest of the faculty (CWP). a hard look at the program and assess what If a student works hard, their ratings will involved in the reconstruction have collect- The CWP, which is part of the Norton elements were working well and what el- be considered not only when they apply for ed over 500 survey responses from alumni, Center for the Common Good, is an aspect ements could be changed, developed, or work job positions such as tour guide and faculty, and students for feedback and ideas of Loomis that emphasizes that a student’s strengthened to better serve the program’s e-proctor, but also if they simply want to about the existing work job program and actions have an impact, no matter how big mission.” switch work jobs. the implementation of this new system. or small. The group of faculty members working Faculty involved in the work job pro- “People have really spoken out in favor Over the past two years, a group of eight on this project includes Mr. LaForest, Mr. gram will also be working with students on of this program, even with its imperfec- faculty members and teachers have been Tim Helfrich, Dean of Faculty Mr. Andrew a deeper level. tions,” Mr. LaForest said. working to increase the engagement, vis- Matlack, Mr. J.R. Zavisza, Ms. Hannah Sa- Mr. LaForest uses the e-proctors as an Ms. Saxton added, “It’s been a fun chal- ibility, and value of work in the program. ris, Director of Multicultural Affairs Ms. example. “Mr. Dyreson actively commu- lenge to try and put all the pieces together The revamped system will be put in Elizabeth Parada, Mr. Andrew Bartlett, and nicates with the e-proctors about what so that the program feels consistent while place from the fall of the upcoming 2019- Ms. Saxton. Their main goal around the re- they’re doing well, what could be better, also meeting the various demands of the 2020 school year. construction of the program was to reform things like this. We want to inspire more community.” “Our goal for the rebuilding the work the attitude around the program and make conversation of this type with the new pro- With the new work job program, stu- job program was to help students see the the experience more meaningful. The com- gram.” dents will also have the opportunity to sur- purpose and value in the work that they are mittee wanted to tie together service and Furthermore, Mr. LaForest mentioned vey the work job opportunities at a spring doing, and help them see the connections leadership jobs in a more deliberate way. that they will be eliminating all work jobs jobs fair, where they can express their pref- between different work jobs, such as being “I hope that we have been able to build that aren’t “real work,” as well as all morn- erences and rank them by choice. a prefect or working on trash truck,” said a more coherent curriculum and to forti- ing work jobs. There could be additional changes once Mr. Eric LaForest, the Director of the Nor- fy the connection between student service “We want the students to feel that the the school hires a new director of the pro- ton Family Center for the Common Good. and student leadership on campus,” Ms. work they are doing is meaningful,” he gram this spring. “It won’t be a total reinvention,” added Saxton said. stated. “Students are not at their best at 7 Mr. LaForest. “We wanted to implement Next year, jobs in the CWP will belong am in the morning. Also, instead of two 25 a few new things that take us back to the to a four-year curriculum that will include minute work job blocks, we want students

2 FEATURES | May 3, 2019 F No Changes Planned for Loomis Chaffee Name Liam Scott ’19 | Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Prefects Continued from the front Betty Sudarsky, who graduated from the is Institute was chartered in 1874, but the In a Chapel talk on January 23, 1970, Chaffee School in 1969 voiced her opinion school did not open until 1914, under the Mrs. Howard Baker, a Chaffee faculty and RAs on the topic in an interview with Natalie name The Loomis School, explained LC member, addressed the concerns regarding Halsey ’20. “The issue [of the name] came Archivist Ms. Karen Parsons. The Loom- Chaffee identity that a merger seemed to up again this year. With the changes to is School began as a co-ed school, but the kindle. “I couldn’t agree more, if by ‘Chaf- Reflect branding, especially with sports, we aren’t girl’s division was ended in 1923. A lawsuit fee Identity’, one means Chaffee, just as it so sure anymore of Chaffee’s staying in the brought by Connecticut State Attorney has existed in the past, an unwanted child name,” she commented. “I believe, especial- General on behalf of the Town of Windsor of the Loomis Institute, which had to prove ly in the year 2019, where more and more and the subsequent appeal alleging a vio- its right to exist by overcoming almost in- StaWriter women are fighting to be treated as equals, lation of the school’s charter resulted in a superable odds,” Mrs. Baker said. “THAT Lana Sheng ’22 | that the female side of the school is a won- court’s mandate that required the school to identity was essential for the past, but is no Prefects and Residential Assistants play derful standard there.” educate girls. The girls division opened in longer needed today, for they want us over important roles in a boarder’s life. Serving She further reflected on the greater 1925 and was moved in 1927 to the Palisa- there on the Island and have even indicated as mentors for younger students, prefects significance of the Loomis Chaffee name. do Green in Windsor under the name the that they may need us.” often leave lasting impacts, easing the tran- “Loomis Chaffee means something, it Chaffee School. The Chaffee School moved Joyce von Dohlen Sidman, a 1974 sition of new boarders into a new school means something to the outside world, it to what is now Chaffee Hall in 1970, and Loomis-Chaffee graduate, writes of her and lifestyle. means something to the present students, Loomis and Chaffee Schools merged in time at Loomis-Chaffee in “Poetic Roots,” Similarly, RAs are seniors leaders in their and it certainly means something to the al- 1972. “So the 20s with the closing of the an article included in Cherished Hopes and dorms that ensure the dorm culture runs ums. Removing the name would eclipse a girl’s division and the reopening [...] and Honorable Ambition: A Centennial History of smoothly and the mental stability of indi- very important part of the school. If they the 70s, those are the two really dynamic The Loomis Chafee School. “We [Chaffers] vidual residents. Not to be overlooked, RAs are equals, then each name should have its moments,” Ms. Parsons summarized. knew our presence would alter this larger serve as a significant support network for place in the name of the school. Loomis The reasons behind the merger were institution forever,” she writes. their residential community. Chaffee is a very easy name to say, and it manifold. “The short version,” Ms. Parsons When asked why they want to become a honors both parts of the school.” explained, “is that by the mid-’60s there Natalie Halsey ’20 and Eric Song ’20 contrib- prefect or RA, recent applicants explained: Ms. Courtheoux provided more context was a recognition by the Board of Trustees, uted reporting for this article. “Dorm life meant a lot, since I live further on the topic. “Ten years ago, we faced the which oversaw both Loomis and Chaffee, [away], and I knew certain things that peo- same issue. A consultant had recommend- that both schools needed a new library […] ple liked or didn’t like in a dorm. I wanted ed shortening the name to Loomis. We as- and there was a need for better science labs to be generally relaxed and not overly seri- serted, that instead of hurting the school’s […] and so with limited resources […] the ous, so I could help new students make good brand, the name Chaffee and the outstand- trustees decided to create one magnificent transitions,” said Grace Wolf ’20, a prefect ing reputation of the Chaffee school served library and add on to the science build- in Cutler. “During my freshman year, I re- to enhance the brand. ing […] there just weren’t funds to build ally relied on my prefects to get through the Ms. Courtheoux added, “We’ve been two [state-of-the-art] libraries for both fall term.” dealing with [this issue] for ten years now schools.” “My prefects freshman and sophomore […] The assurance that the name would According to Cherished Hopes and Hon- year were really cool, and I wanted to step be Loomis Chaffee was viewed as a prom- orable Ambition: A Centennial History of The up like they did,” said Kyle Ge ’20, a prefect ise that our legacy would not be lost in the Loomis Chafee School, “The answer was the in Kravis. “I want to be an RA for the same future, because we all know that names do moving of Chaffee to the Island.” reason. I love feeling like I improved oth- matter. So the dropping of Chaffee, any- This move, however, did not come with- er people’s experience, and I enjoyed being where and in any space, on the buses, on out concern, especially from the Chaffee there to help people.” the playing fields and on the website, to me School. Perri Courtheoux, Chaffee’s Stu- Being a prefect or RA comes with im- is not a little editorial decision, or the sim- dent Council President when the merger portant responsibilities. plifying of a brand, but the breaking of a was proposed, stated in an interview with When asked how this role impacted her promise, and the erasing of Chaffee’s legacy Natalie Halsey ’20 that “it seemed that there experience at Loomis, Grace responded, and proud history.” was a huge fear that Loomis would gobble “There was a learning curve to becoming That history is very complex. The Loom- up this outstanding girls’ school.” Courtesy of Jenny Pan ’21 a flexible planner. Sometimes you’ll plan to A jersey for this year’s baseball teams do work, but you’ll end up talking to a pre- fectee for a long time to help them.” Grace noted, “I’m more flexible with my time management than my earlier years, and being a prefect has made me more con- scious of how to live in a positive way with Just Keep Swimming others.” “It really puts into perspective the differ- | Staf Writer ence you can make, and how you can make Nina Gildor ’19 them feel more at home in the dorm. I loved Water Warriors is a free, student-run swim, diving, and water polo teams. Water five sessions in the fall and spring. The kids being able to make an impact,” commented water safety program for children aged Warriors also formed a strong partnership enter with an wide range of abilities and Kyle. 5-10 in local elementary schools who do with the Windsor Public Schools’ Office of energy levels, challenging the volunteers to “Being a prefect in Longman has made it not have access to a pool or swimming les- Family and Community Partnership in or- adapt their teaching styles as they focus on a lot easier to form relationships with my sons. der to encourage families to sign up. progression rather than specific outcomes. prefectees, because there are only eight of 30 experienced student volunteers work The three senior leaders—Ben Laidlaw, “My favorite part is the challenge of them,” replied Anya Sastry ’20, a prefect in one-on-one with the children in Hedg- CJ Owen, and Laith Hijazi—have spent a lot working with different skill levels. You Longman. es pool every Sunday in both the fall and of time in working with Mr. Eric LaForest, must teach slowly, taking them through “We are super close, and we all talk in the spring terms. The course involves a range the Director of the Norton Family Cen- each step and using drills,” reflected Laith. common room after study hall. I loved get- of skills from the basics of kicking to jump- ter for the Common Good, to make this All the leaders agreed that they have gained ting to know the girls better, and to be their ing into the deep end. This hands-on pro- program a success by ensuring that both leadership and communication skills from older sister. It’s been really rewarding. You gram works not only to help kids feel more the kids and parents enjoy the program. working with these children. leave Longman with a whole family.” comfortable in the water, but also build an While most of the members are involved Ben said, “You learn patience and com- Now, next year’s prefects and RAs are invaluable connection between Loomis in Loomis aquatic sports, anyone with munication with adults because you must looking ahead to their new leadership roles. Chaffee students and local families. confidence and experience may volunteer voluntarily interact with parents and keep “I’m nervous about how to balance being Windsor Water Warriors was launched to help out. Ben, CJ, and Laith shared that them updated. But it’s super rewarding an authoritative figure in the dorm, but also in the fall of 2016 by Loomis student Chloe they learned about the program through when you get a handwritten note from being a friend and confidant to others,” said Irving ’17. After seeing an incredible da- teammates on the swim team and immedi- your kid saying you’re the best coach ever!” Janus Yuen ’21, a future prefect in Carter. “I tum of how many kids drown in Windsor, ately decided to join. Furthermore, the program demands a hope I won’t have to give too many sevens Chloe was inspired to make a impact in her The program provides the opportuni- strong sense of responsibility as student and that I can teach some kids to live inde- community. Over the past three years, this ty for volunteers to form a personal bond coaches are now handling the lives of kids. pendently.” organization has recruited committed vol- with the children. Each coach gets assigned There is a personal connection that results “As an RA, you’re expected to fill a role unteers, including many members of the a child of the same gender to work with for from both the work itself and the trust that to people your own age, and there will be students build with their kids. As Laith a good bridge to find between being a good said, “The point of the program is to make friend, peer, and RA,” explained Log Web them more confident, not just a better Editor Jack Glassie, a future RA in Batch- swimmer.” elder. This organization that started from such “I think being an RA will give me a a small idea has now grown into a tradition chance to better myself in general. I’m ner- that benefits both Loomis students as well vous about being able to balance my school- as the local community. As the kids gain a work, especially in senior year, and my du- lifelong skill, the student coaches acquire ties as an RA.” a new outlook on swimming and safety in “I’m excited to be an RA, but it’ll be dif- their own lives from their interactions with ferent since you will be the same age as the children. the people you are living with. I’m a little Ben realized the possible dangers of a nervous as to how I may be able to enforce pool and further suggested that “Loom- the rules and develop peer leadership,” said is should have an active lifeguard during Anya Sastry, who will be an RA in Howe. swim practices because anything [could] always happen.” CJ remarked, “It made me realize how much harder it is to start swimming at old- Photo by Ben Laidlaw ’19 er ages. Young kids are a completely differ- ent person to teach and lead.” Water Warriors at Hedges Pool 3 FEATURES | May 3, 2019 F Bringing Vietnam and Cambodia to the Island

Victoria Che ’21 | Opinions Editor

The Alvord Center for Global and En- Rights and The Genocide Convention. vironmental Studies hosted a culture and Following the foundational unit, the history immersion trip to Cambodia and class will look at two of the three case stud- Vietnam in June 2018. Traveling with his- ies of genocide in Rwanda, Cambodia, and tory teacher Harrison Shure and Log advi- East Timor. At the end of the term, stu- sor Jessica Hsieh, students explored Saigon, dents will work on a final project where the Mekong Delta, Phnom Penh, and Siem they pick another genocide on which to do Reap. more in-depth research. The group spent much of their time “I think the most important message learning about the Cambodian Genocide for anyone is that it’s really important to and the Vietnam War as they visited me- remember; and whatever that may be; it morial sites and met with survivors. In- could be to remember a genocide, a war, a spired by what they saw, students from movement or anything,” concluded Liam. the trip arrived back on campus ready to To most students and faculty on the trip, spread awareness in our community. witnessing the appalling remains of history “The school we visited really connected was both eye-opening and shocking. with me the most,” shared Grace Wolf ’20. After arriving in Cambodia, the group She explained that PEPY is a non-profit spent the first couple days in the capital school in Siem Reap that gives full scholar- Phnom Penh and did much work focused ships to young adults in rural Cambodia for on the genocide. “We saw some really dif- their high school education and provides ficult spaces and memorials and spoke to them with career training. Courtesy of Ms. Hsieh survivors. It was a very powerful and emo- Lizzie Chapman ’21, Liam Scott ’19, Jacqueline Cleary ’19 and Grace Wolf ’20 Remembering their experience of play- at a PEPY fundraiding event, a showing of the Angelina Jolie movie First They Killed My Father. tionally-moving part of our trip,” said Mr. ing with the children at PEPY, Grace Shure. brought up what struck her the most. Liam Scott ’19 has found another way to since the fall term. Mr. Shure was astonished to learn that “[They] were just so happy, especially follow up with the trip. The idea to create The class will be offered as an elective 65% of the current Cambodian population when compared to the average Loomis stu- a course first came to Liam when he was course next year. Liam stressed the im- is under 30 years old, a direct result of the dent. They had this joy that we just don’t struck by how little he knew about geno- portance of studying genocide and com- genocide. “You could feel it when you were carry with us normally.” cide, specifically the Cambodian Genocide. mented that “overall genocide is pretty there. It was young and vibrant and there Grace further recognized the value and “I wanted to study that further and teach understudied, [even though] it is the worst was a lot of emphasis placed on art, music unique nature of PEPY’s education after other students about it,” he said. human-to-human atrocity in the world.” and culture, yet there is this gaping hole of gaining deeper insight into the status quo Under the guidance of Mr. Shure, his Elaborating on the general curriculum of a generation that was lost,” he commented. of Cambodian education. After learning faculty advisor, Liam has been designing the course, Liam shared that the course will Throughout the trip, Mr. Shure wit- that educated people were executed first a course called Genocide: Media, Remem- have a foundational unit that examines the nessed much personal growth in the mem- during the Cambodian genocide, Grace felt brance and the International Community Holocaust and important documents such bers of the group. “I don’t know how one a general stigma around education in Cam- in an Independent Study Program (ISP) as The Universal Declaration of Human could go on the trip and not be incredibly bodia. moved by what we saw and experienced,” “I think that by giving rural students he said. money to go to school, PEPY is really He further commented that, “In taking breaking this stigma,” she commented. the course, students will learn about several Inspired by her connection to PEPY, different genocides through the lens of the Grace wanted to do something for the role that the media played, both leading up school. After the group nominated PEPY to the genocide, during the genocide and for the Charitable Blend program, Grace also afterwards with how they are remem- started reaching out to faculty members in bered.” an effort to host a movie night and a fund- Mr. Shure mentioned that some ele- raising event for PEPY. ments of the new course will be similar Head of the Art Department Jennifer to the Global Human Rights course, but, McCandless and Christian Ryan helped to in terms of the materials and sources that exhibit the pictures taken during the trip, student will be exposed to, the new course and Assistant Head for External Relations offers a deeper dive into the history of Nathan Follansbee helped to organize the genocides. fundraiser. Grace eventually hosted a fund- “The history of genocide is not easy his- raising event for PEPY and showed the tory to look at, yet it is so important that we movie First They Killed My Father at the are not only aware of what happened, but event. The fundraising event has collect- also aware enough to want to take actions ed almost five hundred dollars so far, an when we hear or encounter similar events amount sufficient to sponsor a small class that are ongoing,” concluded Mr. Shure. at PEPY. Courtesty of Arjun Grover ’20 Benjamin Shani ’20, Mr. Harrison Shure, Ryan Jones ’20, Aarman Pannu ’20, and Editor-in-Chief Emeritus of the Log Jamis Fite ’20 playing soccer with PEPY students

All-Gender Housing a Possibility for LC Anya Sastry ’20 | Staf Writer Since Loomis Chaffee’s opening in 1914, may identify as non-binary or gender-flu- The idea mentioned previously would all resident halls and dorms on campus have id. However, it should be noted that an definitely be a concern when implementing been single-gender, housing either boys all-gender dorm would not just be restrict- this kind of dorm and something that fac- or girls. This type of housing is the typical ed to those that identify as such. ulty would have to be aware and conscious model that is offered by boarding schools, Some may argue that having this sepa- of. with strict rules and regulations regarding rate space for people who identify as such There are clearly both pros and cons being in a dorm of the opposite gender. may seem alienating and could in fact dis- to having a co-gender dorm on campus. While this system is beneficial and tance them from the rest of the community; Ultimately, in order to even consider im- works well, there have recently been some however, those who live in the all-gender plementing this kind of dorm, I think there ideas surrounding the prospect of changing dorm could still easily connect with the rest needs to be student support, as this dorm it to better suit the community we have of the community while having their own will impact the Loomis community that all here at Loomis. That change would come space. students are a part of. in the form of an all-gender dorm. On the one hand, an all-gender dorm Initially, this idea may seem too radical might not work because some students may F to implement in a boarding school with take advantage of this safe space and ask to teenagers anywhere from fourteen to nine- be in the dorm just to live with their friends teen; however, there are potential benefits of the opposite gender. to having this kind of space at Loomis. Lily Tapsoba ‘20 commented on this idea By having a co-gender dorm on campus, and said ,“The school would have to make the school would be providing a safe space sure that [the dorm] attracts people who and creating an accepting environment want to be there for the right reasons, as for those who are transitioning, or who well as prevent it from becoming ‘cliquey’.” Courtesy of Michelle Park ’20 4 FEATURES | May 3, 2019 F Chaffee Alumnae Spotlights

Natalie Halsey ’20 | Columnist those shoes get to the ANNE point where they were held together with string SBARGE and tape. One day, the headmistress called me Anne Sbarge was a into her office and said teacher at the Chaf- “Wendy, I know perfectly fee School and later well that you understand the Loomis Chaffee the spirit of the rule as School for a total of well as the letter of the thirty-nine years. She law. Those shoes are an received her BA from abomination, and you the University of North need new ones by Mon- Carolina, completed day.” a teaching fellowship [Chaffee] was rigorous from the University of and demanding, harder Tennessee, and spent than college for me. You a year at the graduate could skate in college, school La Sorbonne in with such big classes, but Paris to study French. the level of accountability Prior to teaching at [at Chaffee] was much Chaffee, Mrs. Sbarge higher with such small served as an interpreter classes. When there are for the State Depart- ten or fifteen people in ment, thanks to her your class, you’ve got to exceptional bilingual- do the work. Most of the ism in English and teachers were brisk and French. Mrs. Sbarge not coddling. They had now resides in West us work hard, and it was Hartford. good. What is your favorite What do you think is the memory from the Chafee signiicance of Chafee? School? I think that Chaffee My favorite mem- is history, and it was a ories are of the girls, Anne Sbarge with Chaffee’s French Club Courtesty of the Loomis Chaffee Archives small, strong, proud girls’ and the fact that it was another time. The school for however many years. girls were lovely, very willing to do the memories, and they mostly have to do That’s how I’ve always seen the school, as We had 32 girls in our class, and out of work, and they were very happy to sing with classes. I had the most wonderful a merger of equals. Loomis Chaffee means them, seven were finalists for the National folk songs. They were very cooperative, math teacher my junior and senior years, something, it means something to the Merit Scholarship. I was third in my class, and they really enjoyed learning. This, and her name was ED Jangris. She made outside world, it means something to the and I went to Stanford. The two girls ahead of course, changed a bit when [...] when math magic. It was so great being in her present students, and it certainly means of me were part of the first female class at Chaffee was absorbed by Loomis. The boys class. I looked forward to her class; I looked something to the alums. Yale. brought in a different spirit; they didn’t like forward to the assignments... Precalculus We were a really strong academic group, to sing very much! The boys would say, “oh was the last class we did because back then and we had these teachers who were re- non, Madame, don’t make us sing!” I would they didn’t teach calculus senior year, and markable. They were all women who grew make them sing anyways, and they would she just made everything incredibly clear WENDY WEST NELSON up in a time where their only career op- have fun, but it was a different attitude. and fun. It was because of her that I went to tions were becoming a nurse, secretary, or If they thought I was giving too much Smith because she had gone to Smith. Wendy West Nelson, a member of the teacher. A lot of those women would have homework, they would say “oh no, that’s I think learning how to write [was also Chaffee class of 1969, attended Stanford become doctors, lawyers, or businesspeo- too much!” a meaningful memory]. I learned how to and worked with many small businesses, ple now. [...] The first woman to become Chaffee was such a small school, and express my thoughts coherently. I learned including a white river rafting company. governor of a state without succeeding her very different to what Loomis has grown how to write from an outline, which I still Ms. Nelson now resides in Pennsylvania husband was Ella Grasso of Connecticut, into. The school has become almost col- do, regardless of what I’m writing, and I do with her husband. and she was a Chaffee graduate. I think that lege-like, with so many buildings. I remem- writing for work. I think that is a very pos- says something about our school. ber the mid morning break, where every- itive memory and experience that I credit What is your favorite memory of the Chaf- It was harder to get into Chaffee than one would have an apple and meet with Chaffee for. fee School? it was to get into Loomis because of the advisors. [When the schools merged, we A couple of friends [and I are] about to smaller amount of girls’ day schools. We no longer had the breaks] and the schedules celebrate our fiftieth reunion. I think those I don’t know if I have a favorite memory. didn’t see [the Loomis boys] a lot, except became very complicated. I’m sorry we lost are the highlights of my Chaffee career. I started a little bit late, like 6-8 weeks into for at dances, which were painfully dumb. that time period, which was a very nice freshman year. I lived in New Britain, and They started blending us when I was a ju- moment to meet with an advisee and take a What do you think is the signiicance of the school system was terrible. The school nior or senior, and I took a couple courses sort of breathing space in the middle of the Chafee? had lost accreditation, so my mother flipped over there. We weren’t that intermingled. morning. out and said “We have to find you a new It was our own little world on our side of Another little memory I have is when The Chaffee history is lovely. A family of school.” [I] interviewed with the headmis- the river. I took a class outside to enjoy the spring siblings were given money by their parents tress of Chaffee, [...] and they took me! What was fun about Chaffee was that weather. We walked out to the woods and created a school to educate boys and I was one of those people who liked to read it was a girl’s world, but it was not girly. behind the Chaffee building, and we were girls together. The siblings themselves a lot. I was at a really undemanding school, It wasn’t about clothes, or boyfriends, or going to sit down in the woods to write a had no children [...] so with the money and when I arrived at Chaffee, I thought, “If anything like that. It was about school, poem. It was a very pretty day, and there they were given, they started the Loomis I can survive this beginning part, it’s going and sports, and singing, and reading, and were a few violets growing and peeping Institute. What happened was [...] the boys to be great.” pranks, and friends. The fact that all the out from the woods. Everyone was sitting were dominating the girls, and the girls When I got there, we had a morning roles went to girls was a cool thing. and trying to write their poems, and a few were not really getting a quality education, assembly on the bleachers, which they people managed to write their poems, of and so the school separated into the Loomis called “Chapel.” It was the whole school, course all in the name of springtime and Institute and the Chaffee School. about 130 girls, and everyone sat by class. PERRI COURTHEOUX creativity. For the next about fifty years, girls and Someone gave a little talk, announcements What I didn’t know was I had made boys were educated separately. We did were made, and then we went off to classes. During her time at The Chaffee School, them sit down in a patch of poison ivy. have some classes together, but basically The first day I got there, one of my class- Ms. Perri Courtheoux ‘69, née Borenstein, Most of them were still wearing skirts, so the girls were on the Chaffee campus and mates read a poem she had written, which was the student council president. Ms. my poor students had itchy bottoms! I don’t the boys were on the Loomis campus. The welcomed me to the school. The poem was Courtheoux has been a teacher for over know what happened to the poems, but female part of the history of the school is long and rhyming, and that girl became my forty years and resides in Chicago with her that was a nice springtime memory. very important. We were an all day school, best friend for the rest of my life. [...] We’ve family. and I think it’s fair to say we were the best been friends since we were 14, and now private high school for girls in the several we’re 68. What is your favorite memory from the BETTY SUDARSKY state area. We had quality classes, grade Every afternoon, we had sports at Chafee School? after grade. Chaffee. It was before Title 9, and schools Betty Sudarsky is a Chaffee alumna from The schools got back together to share didn’t do much for girls’ sports at all. But I loved almost everything about the the class of 1969. Ms. Sudarsky grew up in resources, and the catalyst was a million somebody early on must have decided that school. It was just so outstanding. I loved West Hartford, and after graduating from dollar library [the modern Katharine Brush sports were good for young women. Now learning beside these creative, brilliant and The Chaffee School, she attended Smith Library] that was going to be built on the it seems so sensible, but at the time it was wonderful young women, who have now College. Ms. Sudarsky is now retired after Loomis Campus. The trustees thought quite a lot. become my close friends for decades. I running an independent bookstore in that the Chaffee students should have use We had a dress code, too. We had to also loved [how] we were all trained to be Boston. of the library, because it was such a big wear skirts that were down to our knees, leaders at a time when most young women resource, and the most logical thing to the and I was there during the 1960s, when were not encouraged to lead. What is your favorite memory from the trustees, and my mother was on the Board miniskirts were happening. We had to Chafee School? at the time, was the merge. But they didn’t wear sturdy shoes that tied, so people wore mean that the identity of Chaffee should be brogues that looked like golf shoes. I was I actually have a mosaic of favorite submerged. They meant a merger of equals. mildly rebellious, and I remember letting

5 OPINION | May 3, 2019 O ALL-SCHOOL THEME: The Loomis Chaffee Log A Missed Opportunity Issue CIII, No. 8 Est. 1915 May 3, 2019 EDITORIAL Editors-in-Chief Opinions Section Editors Jordan Korn ’22 To those who may not be aware: The Three speakers—Travis Roy, Alex Myers, Ethan Levinbook ’20 Victoria Che ’21 Sharon Zhou ’19 2018-2019 All-School Theme is Mental and Dr. Leon Chameides—presented con- Neala Sweeney ’20 Ryan Jones ’20 Matthew Weng ’21 Well-Being. By adopting “Mental Well-Be- vocations related to our theme. All three Krishnapriya Rajaram ’21 ing” as our theme, the Loomis Chaffee ad- provided examples of courage and mental ministration and the student council hoped fortitude. In addition, although Emily Es- Managing Editors Sports Section Editors Emma Devlin ’21 to highlight mental fortitude through what fahani Smith’s convocation was cancelled Portia Inzone ’20 Julian Hernandez ’21 John Howley ’21 was expected to be a year of dialogue and due to snow, she would have discussed Angela Wang ’20 Riley Meade ’21 Arjun Grover ’20 self-reflection. However, the implementa- one’s quest for meaning in his or her life. Nina Gildor ’19 tion of this theme has not been as extensive Although the snowed-out convocation was Director of Design Melange Section Editors Anna Li ’21 as we, the Editorial staff of the Log, had in no way the administration’s fault, we hoped. feel that there should have been some sort Michelle Park ’20 Emma Goldfarb ’20 Christina Stone ’20 The administration’s definition of mental of all-school programming to make up for Andrew Park ’22 Anya Sastry ’20 well-being does not include mental health, this lost opportunity to talk about mental Faculty Advisor but rather focuses primarily on mental for- well-being. Jessica Hsieh ’08 Columnist Graphics Contributors titude. However, this definition was not While the MLK day convocation speak- Natalie Halsey ’20 Margarita Demkina ’20 communicated to students, many of whom er spoke about physical health, he did not expected this year’s all-school program- touch on the subject of mental health or Mary Roriston ’20 ming to shed light on an issue all-too-often mental well-being. The all-school read, News Section Editors Staf Writers Julia Manafort ’21 ignored: the mental health issues prevalent The Life of Pi, addressed mental well-being Stephanie Zhang ’21 Mercy Olagunju ’22 among teenagers. The LC administration’s as defined by the administration and stu- Minjune Song ’21 Brett Donshik ’21 Contributors deliberate omission of mental health from dent council, but no formal discussions of Lily Potter ’21 Abby Cannon ’20 the definition of mental well-being rep- the novel took place on campus at the be- resents, to the Log editorial board, a missed ginning of the year. Features Section Editors Zachary Davis ’21 Meghan Hall ’22 opportunity to advance discussion about Although this year’s Norton Center Jean Shin ’20 Oscar Ye ’22 Lily Potter ’21 this important topic. Discussions on the Common Good have Kelly Xue ’21 Lana Sheng ’22 The implementation of this year’s all- sparked debate about consent and affirma- school theme diverges from precedent. Al- tive action, no discussion thus far has fo- Web Edition though Loomis Chaffee’s web page about cused on mental health or mental well-be- Web Content Editors Web Director Social Media Managers the all-school theme has not been updated, ing. the website does provide a glimpse into Moreover, none of the Pelican Days so Jack Glassie ’20 Krishnapriya Rajaram ’21 Ally Velasquez ’20 many different ways in which the 2017- far this year have addressed this theme. Lauren Volkodav ’22 Hazel Le ’22 2018 All-School Theme of Globalization The upcoming Pelican Day slated for May was integrated into life on the Island. 11 will address the theme through a variety The Loomis Chafee Log is the official student newspaper of the Loomis Chaffee School in The website demonstrates that the ad- of workshops, but it will not include pro- Windsor, CT. We can be found online at www.thelclog.org, and we can be contacted via ministration worked last year to ensure that gramming for the junior or senior classes, email at [email protected]. Letters to the editor and op-ed submissions are welcome via discourse on globalization would thrive in and it is scheduled very late in the school various areas of campus life. Specifically, year. email. The Log reserves the right to edit all letters and pieces for brevity and content. The the theme was the focus of several academic A few sporadic community-wide pro- views expressed in the Log do not necessarily reflect those of The Loomis Chaffee School. courses, including the Globalization, Glob- grams did address mental health. The LC Unsigned editorials represent the collective views of the Editorial Board. al Human Rights, and International Rela- Hackathon, which occurred on February 8 tions courses; of our 2018 all-school read, and 10, encouraged students to “com[e] up ADVERTISING Exit West, by Mohsin Hamid, who then with solutions to problems around mental visited the school; and of five convoca- health on campus.” Loomis did hold a view- To advertise in the Log, please contact the Editors-in-Chief listed above. tions, including those delivered by CEO of ing of Three Identical Strangers, which Americares Michael Nyenhuis, anthropol- touches on the psychological theory of the ogist Wade Davis, and Former Secretary of tabula rasa. Stress-relieving activities were CORRECTION: Our previous six issues were labeled erroneously. These should have State George Shultz ’38. held during the review days leading up to been Issues 103, No. 2-7; however, they were published as Issues 102, No. 2-7. Please use Moreover, the LC administration facili- fall-term and winter-term examinations; tated discussion about globalization by con- however, these sorts of activities have been the form located at www.thelclog.org to inform us of any further corrections. ducting themed pelican days, organizing held during review days for several years, themed community-wide events, offering and thus do not represent a true departure the screening of documentaries as part of a from precedent. year-long “film series,” and creating a rele- It is with disappointment that we say vant WALKs essay prompt. farewell to this year’s theme; indeed there This year, however, the LC administra- are so many facets of mental well-being LC Needs a Crew Team tion has done less to promote awareness that we as a school have not touched, both Meghan Hall ’22 | Contributor and discussion of mental well-being, despite deliberately and fortuitously. By purposely their clear good intentions to do so. Within excluding mental health from the defini- the aforementioned areas of campus life— tion of mental well-being, the administra- curricula, travel, convocations, all-school tion and student council missed an oppor- read, pelican days, and after-school, com- tunity for open dialogue centering around munity-wide activities and events—the LC the growing trend of anxiety and depres- administration has, overall, failed to imple- sion among adolescents across the nation. ment the theme of Mental Well-Being to We hope that future programming related the same extent that it adopted the theme to mental health will compensate for this of globalization last year. year’s lack of discussion on this important Dr. Culbert noted that “the Student topic. Council last year, when they suggested the Aside from this, the implementation of school theme, specifically argued that they the theme of mental wellbeing—even under did not want the focus to be on mental ill- the LC administration’s definition — could ness—but rather they wanted us to explore have been more extensive. It is our hope ideas of grit, persistence, and fortitude. And that the LC administration henceforth will I think that’s what we did—through the all- strive to include the All-School Theme school read and through speakers.” prominently in various areas of campus life, Excluding Senior Meditations, Loom- as it has done in the past. is has held seven all-school convocations. The crew team practicing on the Connecticut River

Although Loomis Chaffee offers a wide we would be drawing in potential students, variety of sports and activities, it lacks a college recruiters, and alumni donations. crew program. Instead, student-athletes are Another problem surrounding sent off campus to compete and win under non-Loomis crew is that students must pay the blue and white banner of the Riverfront eight hundred dollars per season, which Recapture, a team in Hartford. Loomis financial aid does not cover. Cou- And they have done well; a Riverfront pled with being denied a varsity letter, boat made mostly out of Loomis boys student crew members have their sport placed 16th at the Head of the Charles Re- listed as one of the twenty-six intramural gatta, which attracts thousands of rowers activities offered at Loomis. There are also every year. Four years ago, former Loom- no alumni rowing in college listed on the is athlete Will Parsons ’15 even went to Loomis alumni athletes page, which lists nationals; however, without a crew team, graduates playing collegiate sports. Loomis has not capitalized on benefiting In response to challenges like these, from the success of their athletes. we should a Loomis crew team. Having a Loomis would attract more rowers in Loomis-only boat representing the school the admissions process if we offered varsity at the Founders Day Regatta would be a crew. Rather than cannibalizing our own great lifting-off point. teams by starting a Loomis crew program,

6 Graphic by Michelle Park ’20 OPINION | May 3, 2019 OPINION | May 3, 2019

Faculty Opinions on Family Style O Liam Scott ’19 | Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

“I used to like Family Style a lot -- back when we had the “old” dining hall, and circle tables. I think the tables are really the key. The tables made the atmosphere feel more close-knit, a little tighter, easier to have conversations with a larger group of people (6-10). Also, the quality of the Flik food is generally very good--at all meals--so, iron- ically?, Family Style doesn’t feel “special” or unusual anymore!” - Ms. Rachel Engelke

‘The opportunity to sit down and have a meal with one another as a community, without technology or other distractions, is one we should take advantage of and appreciate.” - Ms. Jennine Solomon

“Now that family style takes place at long tables rather than round ones, it is difficult to maintain a discussion with the whole table. I feel that a significant aspect of family style - the communication between students and faculty in a formal setting - is completely lost. Now it’s just a dinner you dress up for.” - Ms. Sara Markman

“I love the opportunity to hang out with the Warham boys and talk about the news of the day, their various activities, and other topics. An abundance of laughs completes the experience for me. I hope we sustain this important community tradi- The pie charts above and below relect responses to a survey sent to all Loomis Chafee faculty. 43 faculty members responded to the survey. All printed tion.” - Mr. Fred Seebeck quotations were comments on the survey, picked to represent a variety of opinions about family style. Some quotations were edited for length. “Family style has a lot of potential, “I think we as a community should “Family Style seems to be striving for “There are proven health benefits to eat- but in its current format there does not ask the question, “What is the outcome something like community but lacks the ing together, around a table. While much seem to be a clear message of purpose, or we hope to achieve with Family Style?” structure to implement it [...] In its current of that research revolves around traditional of expectations. I see an opportunity to Folks I’ve asked say its original intent was iteration, it seems like a chore that very few family/home settings, some of the princi- help our students practice eating a more for students to connect with their dorm people take seriously as an opportunity for pals can be applied to ‘family style’ or ‘sit formal meal with some structure. There is families. I’m not convinced that is what fellowship and community.”- Mr. Miles down’ dinners at LC. While there may be a chance to teach some basic table man- happens now.” - Mrs. Christine Coyle Morgan some logistical challenges to overcome, I ners [...] There is also a sense of energy, think the potential is there for all commu- tradition and a shared experience around nity members to benefit from the experi- family style. Family style is something that ence.” - Ms. Kendra Wiesel alumni remember as part of their shared “The performance of gender and wealth “I have left every family style smiling.” LC experience. I would like us to find a way at family style fascinates and disturbs me in - Ms. Courtney Jackson to include day students in family style at equal measure.” - Ms. Frederique Dupre least once per term.” - Mrs. Nancy Cleary

“Creates an esprit de corps, fosters and perpetuates a long, long tradition— a good “I wish that students appreciated the one! It’s good for a big school like ours.” purpose of family style a little more. I feel - Mr. Jeff Scanlon that it often feels rushed [...] I realize they are busy, but so am I, but it’s important to take time for fellowship and to have a mo- ment to relax and enjoy food. [...] I think “Family style is a great opportunity for the in theory, it is valuable, but in actuality, it’s boarding community to sit down and catch not because it’s often rushed.” - Dr. Erica up. We are all so busy it’s nice to share a Gerace meal together. The attire worn to family style is occasionally questionable and not always in line with the dress code. Some- “Family style is an important part of one else mentioned this but I am all for it. Loomis Chaffee tradition. I know that it is We should all wear robes with sashes with sometimes a push for students to shower our dorm colors, like in Harry Potter. This quickly after sports and rush to the dining would alleviate the discrepancy in dress hall, but once they sit down at the table, it’s code and, what seems to be, people trying a chance for everyone to slow down for 45 to one-up each other or make a joke of it.” - minutes and enjoy each other’s company.” - Mrs. Linda Hathorn Mrs. Lori Caligiuri

“Family style can often feel like a weekly “Some students come from families that al- chore. I think it would be nicer, and better ways sit down for dinner and this is some- appreciated, if done only once or twice thing familiar and comforting to them. a term with a nicer meal than we might Other students have families that don’t sit normally get in the dining hall. Addition- down for a family style meal and I think it ally, some students have commented that it teaches them how to sit down and commu- Graphic by Ashley Chung ’19 would be nice to sit with other dorms and I nicate over a meal.” - Ms. Liz Bucceri agree.” -Mrs. Ashleigh Harper “Great in theory but needs to be restruc- tured” - Mr. James Sainz 4.8% “Family style bring us together in groups we would not pick ourselves. It forces/ gives us an opportunity to have to speak with others whom we might not already now that well. In this day and age it helps students lean how to make small talk. Which they may have to do in the future at parties, business, travel, etc... Left to their own devices these days young people have fewer and fewer opportunities learn to make small talk. They only talk to a tiny screen.” - Ms. Julie Hinchman

“I think family style provides the oppor- tunity for boarding students to dine with different members of their dorm, that they may not usually eat with, as a “family” while learning proper table etiquette. In essence, it’s another way of bringing the community together.” - Mr. Koby Osei-Mensah

“Without family style, there might not be a single occasion all year that a boarding stu- dent sat down to eat a meal with an adult present. While I have a very high opinion of our students, I think that matters.” - Mr. Seth Beebe 7 OPINION | May 3, 2019 O “Can Black People Be Racist?” Minna Gao ’19 and Stacy Park ’19 | Managing Editors Emeritae Disclaimer: Race and racism in America is guard. Hence, when I first heard Smith’s us to stop, think about the implication of because they never had the power to do so. a complex issue that we can in no way encap- response, I was very defensive not only for and history behind the notion, and use it Smith introduced an idea that made us sulate in one article. Though we have tried to my own race but also for other races that with the gravity it deserves. wonder. He mentioned in his response that take diferent perspectives into consideration, have experienced what I would have called because black people didn’t hold the pow- we know that we have deinitely left out cer- “racism” before learning about systematic Final Opinion er to systematically suppress another race, tain opinions. This article is our relection and racism. If a black person uses hateful lan- We believe that to give Clint Smith’s re- they cannot therefore be termed racist—the interpretation of Clint Smith’s convocation and guage against a white person simply due to sponse due credit and to fully understand group without the social power cannot be his response to the last question. It is based on his or her race, isn’t that racism? Are such it, we have to first make a clear distinction labelled as the perpetrator of systematic vi- our personal experience and discussions with discriminatory actions executed by a black between Smith’s definition of racism and olence. Log advisor Ms. Jessica Hsieh and Director of person lessened or excused because of the the commonly misused definition of rac- We took the liberty to extend that re- Multicultural Afairs Ms. Elizabeth Parada. inhumane treatment toward and oppressed ism. sponse to other minority groups and other history of black people in this country? Smith defined racism as the systemic inequalities in America. We thought, “then “Can black people be racist?” ...No. oppression and dehumanization of a group can women be sexist?” Speaking technical- Snaps, standing ovations, frowns, and Minna’s Initial Reaction of people based on their skin color or per- ly, we suppose not, because women never confusion swept the audience as Clint I think I was initially disturbed by ceived race. In his definition, racism is had and still don’t have the power or the Smith answered the last question of the all Smith’s response because I thought ex- something entrenched in the laws and em- legal backing to oppress men. school convocation. We were confused and empting black people from being labelled bedded in the culture, something that no Thinking about our status as Asian doubtful of his affirmation that black peo- as racists would justify “reverse racism” and member of that race can evade no matter Americans, we pondered if Asians, or any ple can never be racist. racist remarks by black people. the socioeconomic status. people of color in America, can be racist, Students had a wide spectrum of reac- However, after considering the origin of In our day-to-day lives, we define racism because we can readily think of examples tions to Smith’s response. Laith Hijazi ’19 of legally-backed racism—the Chinese Ex- said, “I very much disagreed with him... clusion Act and Japanese-American in- there are other races than black so black ternment camps, to draw from examples people can be racist toward other races.” of racism against Asians—but we cannot On the other hand, some students voiced “The problem with defining racism as institutional is that think of any legal or cultural system that agreement. “Racism stems from discrim- discriminates and puts down white people ination against black people. In my un- it absolves individuals who make bigoted remarks in America. derstanding of it, no, they can’t be racist,” Then, using Clint Smith’s definition, Christina Stone ’20 said. or manifest racial prejudice in their actions.” the only people in America who have the Some students were more on the fence historical and legislative power to be racist and changed their opinions after giving the are white people. We find it hard to accept issue more thought. “When I think of rac- this concept as it walks a fine line between ism, I think of people being upset or hating racism, the trans-Atlantic slave trade and as that, but also broadened its definition to acknowledging a history of oppression and someone just for their skin color,” Lucia the ensuing centuries of legalized racism, prejudice or antagonism against a member justifying acts of antagonism initiated by Giannamore ’19 commented, expressing into account, using racism to label individ- of another race with the belief that one’s people of color. her initial shock and disagreement. She ual black people’s acts of hate against white own race is superior. Under this definition, We do hold reservations about this nar- then stated that “after speaking more about people seem almost a downplaying of the insensitive remarks and cultural stereotyp- rower definition of racism. The problem the definition of racism and the associa- history of black people in America. After ing count as racism. with defining racism as institutional is that tions, I realized that maybe he was right.” all, you can’t use the same label on enslav- However, if these actions are not backed it absolves individuals who make bigot- ing an entire population of people and on a by a legal system of abuse, then they should ed remarks or manifest racial prejudice in Stacy’s Initial Reaction black person offending a white person with be categorized as bigotry, as they are an in- their actions. Personally, I have experienced preju- a stereotype; there’s just such stark dispar- dividual’s misunderstanding or prejudice At the end of the day, any sort of dis- dice against Asians from a black person ity. against a certain racial or ethnic group as crimination, bigotry, or hate against an- such as making derogatory or stereotypi- The term “racist” is used so liberally and opposed to institutionalized discrimina- other race solely based on their skin color cal remarks toward Asians. Furthermore, casually nowadays (I’ve heard people say tion. is condemnable and intolerable. at the airport, I have witnessed a brown that not dating a certain race is racism, but Using the more restricted definition of skinned person being asked to go through that is just personal preference) that creat- racism, then, we agree with Clint Smith’s extra security check by a black security ing a stricter definition for it would force statement—black people cannot be racist,

Trying Something New: My LC Experience

Ashley Chung ’19 | Director of Design Emerita

Three years ago, on a crisp, sun-bathed kindness and respect, and I was happy. to the fascinating world of natural sciences September day, I stood in a parking lot However, there were many parts of my and sparked in me a great curiosity of the waiting for a van for Loomis Chaffee day journey that differed significantly from my natural world. students, gleefully expectant. Since I had initial imagination. Out of step with my As a result, I tripled up on CL Genetics, finally gotten into my dream boarding idyllic prediction of Loomis life, in my ju- CL Microbiology, and CL Guided Research school, I was anticipating a transformative nior year, I experienced a lot of stress from in Molecular Biology in my senior fall and enjoyable high school education that my classes and, more importantly, my own term. I still draw and paint regularly, but would lead me to academic success and sky-rocketing academic and extracurricular my newfound academic interests inspired a happiness as I cruised through an array of expectations. newfound happiness. attractive courses. Soon, the van arrived, I took on more CL courses and leader- Having grown as an individual and a and it carried me to my first school day at ship roles, and I was forced to learn how to student as I was pushed out of my comfort Loomis Chaffee. manage my time effectively. All-nighters zone, I feel strongly that Loomis students Certainly, many aspects of my aca- were even common when I wrote U.S. His- should embrace the unique challenges that demic journey at Loomis were consistent tory papers and furiously studied for Pride come their way, even if these challenges with my imagination three years ago. My and Prejudice quotation tests. differ from their expectations. It can be dif- teachers taught me with great passion and However, not all unexpected aspects of ficult to allow your life at Loomis to deviate care, I made a lot of close friends, and I my Loomis journey were negative, as I was from your initial anticipations, but under- joined numerous student organizations pleasantly surprised by my shifting academ- taking new activities, positions, or even including The Loom, the Art Club, and The ic interest. I had been a visual artist for as academic disciplines allow you to explore Log. I even remember my first harvest fest long as I could remember, but coming to your latent potentials and to become bold, in my sophomore year, where I ate choc- Loomis made me turn my eyes toward sci- empathetic and understanding leaders. olate chip cookies and drew on pumpkins ence for the first time. In my Advanced Bi- with black marker, chatting cheerfully with ology I and Advanced Chemistry I courses, upperclassmen. Everyone treated me with my teacher, Mr. Chaudhary, introduced me

8 Drawing by Ashley Chung ’19 Photo by Heather Henderson Painting by Ashley Chung ’19 SPORTS | May 3, 2019 LC Faculty: S From the Field to the Classroom Mercy Olagunju ’22 | Staf Writer Being a college athlete is not the easiest Cunningham noted that, “The thing I thing to do; it’s a huge commitment and enjoyed most [about being a college ath- “I loved my experience at a high level. I loved pushing requires planning ahead. So, why not learn lete] was having about 40 to 50 guys who from former college athletes, who have were like my best buddies on campus.” Mr. my body and mind beyond what I thought was faced both success and adversity athletically Cunningham indicated that having a team and academically at the collegiate level? with people who you see on a daily basis possible as a high school athlete.” Sebastiaan Blickman, a Loomis Chaffee was fun, and that he is still friends with -- Ms. Steinfeld history and Spanish teacher, played Di- most of his teammates. vision I soccer at Bucknell University in His advice for future college athletes is, Pennsylvania. “Make the most of your opportunities be- “It was the best four years of my life,” he cause your four years fly by really fast and said when asked about his experience, “the you’re gonna wake up one day and it’ll be best part about playing college sports is the over. If you want to win a national cham- team aspect and doing things together.” pionship, you have to put in a ton of work. He especially enjoyed living and prac- What you achieve is all about what you put ticing with his team, building camaraderie in. Set goals and set realistic ones and go with his teammates. for it.” Emphasizing this idea, Mr. Blickman Manya Steinfeld, a psychology teacher, said, “My best friends from college are all played division III sports at Bryn Mawr my teammates.” College in Pennsylvania. She was a three- However, concerning future college ath- sport college athlete, playing field hockey letes, Mr. Blickman advised, “It’s gonna be and participating in both indoor and out- a lot harder than expected.” door track. During her junior and senior Explaining that college athletes must go year she was the captain of her field hockey up against older, more experienced and team. well-trained athletes, Mr. Blickman em- “I loved my experience at a high level,” phasized that college athletics is not for ev- she said. “I loved pushing my body and eryone, and very few people can just walk mind beyond what I thought was possible onto the team and be players. as a high school athlete.” “If you aren’t ready for how difficult it’s Because of her bad shins, Ms. Steinfeld going to be, you might not have as much spent a lot of time in the training room and personal success as you like,” he added. He became really close with the athletic train- mentioned that one’s confidence can dip ers. when facing off against better players. “[They are] people you want on your He noted that another difficulty would side,” she said. One of her fondest memo- be the “distractions in college like school ries is “sitting in the cold whirlpool while and the social scene that can take away joking with the trainers.” Another is from your sport. Before you know it, if you “spending time with athletes from various don’t keep hold of your focus on athletics, teams.” you could be gone,” he warned. “That’s the Most importantly, her team had a special reality of college athletics: it’s fun if you pri- tradition which involved seniors picking oritize it and make it a big part of your life, a theme on which team members would and if you don’t, it can be really frustrating.” base their outfits for the “senior practice.” Courtesy of Ms. Steinfeld When asked how he fared as a new col- During her senior year, she was impressed lege athlete back in 2012, Mr. Blickman an- by the theme “Phases of Britney Spears” so swered, “I was ready for it. I got that same much that she brought the tradition to the advice from somebody when I went and Loomis Field Hockey team. “Disney char- “That’s the reality of college athletics: it’s fun if you was more prepared than anybody.” acters were certainly a hit this season,” Ms. However, he shared that he prioritized Steinfeld joked. prioritize it and make it a big part of your life, soccer almost to a fault, which hurt him Concerning future college athletes, academically. Unlike his school work, he Ms. Steinfeld advised, “I would encourage and if you don’t, it can be really frustrating.” never played “catch-up” with soccer. [them] to find a balance between athletics John Cunningham, Sports Information and other interests.” -- Mr. Blickman Director, played Division III lacrosse at She said that she joined the track and Connecticut College and graduated in the field team in her freshman year because class of 2017. she felt bored after the field hockey season When asked about his experience, he had ended and “[she] didn’t know what to shared, “I liked it a lot; we had about 50 do with all that free time.” Therefore, she people on our team and we got to do every- was able to pursue other interests outside thing together.” of athletics. “I enjoyed that balance that He said that at the D3 level, different Division III athletics offers,” Ms. Steinfeld people have different priorities. For some shared. players, other commitments came before She recommended “putting everything sports, so it depended on what you wanted you have into your sport while you are on for yourself. People had the option to work the field,” because for most college athletes, in various fields, be in different clubs, or fo- “it is over after you graduate.” cus more on academics.

Courtesy of Mr. Blickman

“What you achieve is all about what you put in. Set goals and set realistic ones and go for it.” -- Mr. Cunningham Courtesy of Brian McGuire 9 SPORTS | May 3, 2019 S Mark Valadez Looks to Reduce Waste in Athletics

Elena Anderson ’19 | Sports Editor Emeritus Mark Valadez ’19, a head Environmen- saging their shins with ice. ocean or at any kind of landfills, it’s all these eliminating single-use water bottles and tal Proctor at Loomis Chaffee and an all- According to Mark, when the training little pieces that build into huge mountains improving recycling practices have both around environmental sustainability ad- room used paper cups, “you end up tearing so when you try to address it it’s not neces- been a large focus, but Mark touts the value vocate, has begun working with the LC away the cup and every time you do that, sarily trying to push the mountain but just of each small effort in reducing waste and Athletic Training room this year to help you throw away the cup, so there are a take those little pieces out.” improving sustainability on our campus, reduce waste in athletics. lot of paper cups just thrown away every Looking to improve every aspect of saying, “If 20,000 people stopped using one According to Mark, he found this small week.” Loomis sustainability, from his athletic paper cup, you wouldn’t have 20,000 paper project because, “Us E-proctors general- Since Mark brought this to their atten- experiences to his dorm life, Mark also in- cups building up to a mountain, which is ly try to look for things the school could tio, the training room has switched to new, dicated an interest in starting a project to what generates the impact.” change for the better and [I noticed] there reusable plastic cups that you can snap the get electric hand dryers implemented in are a couple of things that go on in the top off of after the contents freeze. the dorms. For the E-proctors this year, training room that generate a lot of waste.” Mark is always on the lookout for sus- Although Mark acknowledged that tainability projects, drawing inspiration some of this waste is unavoidable, such as from his life at Loomis, including his ath- “tape rolls and stuff and that’s an inherent letic participation on the LC Cross Country waste that we need because athletes need and Track and Field teams over his last four tape,” yet he has helped work alongside the years at Loomis. The idea for this project Trainers to brainstorm ways to mitigate came to Mark because, he says, “I guess even necessary waste, including efforts to I started looking into it because I spent reduce the number of ice bags and ice cups freshman and sophomore years, particular- thrown away after a single use. ly, a lot of time at the trainers just because Mark said that “there have been a cou- of track and cross country trying to either ple of solutions brainstormed” to reduce stretch stuff out or simply trying to prevent the number of ice bags disposed of on our or recover from shin splints. I guess when campus. For example, one change that he you spend a lot of time somewhere, you has helped implement is putting a basket just notice what’s going on.” beneath the roll of plastic bags so that af- Although Mark does not know how ter people use the bags, they can place them drastically the training room has been able there to dry out and be reused by future to reduce their waste output through these athletes as long as they are clean and free changes, he says, “I think sometimes small of holes. changes are undercut just because they’re Mark also encouraged the LC athletic not big and flashy like the solar panels, but trainers to look into alternative options the reason why contamination is an issue for reusable ice cups to improve upon the is because of the scale and the quantity of former system of using paper cups. Ice cups these little things.” are a popular way for athletes to reduce in- He encourages us to think, “When you flammation related to shin splints by mas- look at plastic contamination across the Photo by Jenny Pan’ 22 Water coolers used by the athletic teams Tri-Varsity Athletes Through the Years Abby Cannon ’20 | Contributor Upon arriving at Loomis Chaffee in the necessarily a team sport. Stewart arrived knowledge about it at first set her behind. baseball, which he will play next year at fall of 1973, Norm Cairns ’78 wanted to well after the new rule was established. As After learning the basics, she found that she Amherst, along with football. make an impression. The prized freshman Ms. Cabot said, “When you look at what enjoyed the sport, and her athleticism car- For Hanley, basketball is the main sport, ice hockey recruit decided to take up JV the academic requirements were and how ried her the rest of the way. She also loved so she plays on a travel club team outside football for his fall sport. By his sophomore many courses students had to take back being part of yet another team, or “family,” of school during the Loomis spring water year, Cairns had moved up to varsity not then compared to now, it changed tremen- as she describes it. And she values the chal- polo season, in hopes of improving her col- only in football and hockey but in track and dously. I think that academic rigor clearly lenge of playing three varsity sports. lege basketball recruiting chances. While field as a hammer thrower, which he had has an impact on what you do after school.” “Since I have the opportunity to play she views recruiting as her main focus, also taken up as a freshman. Cairns had be- Hanley tries to ignore this aspect, and con- come the latest in a long line of tri-varsity stantly reminds herself, “It’s just a game,” or athletes to grace the Island over the school’s “This is just for fun.” history. Coach Stewart sees value in the multi- The tradition continues today, though sport athlete, but worries about the dan- the trend is dwindling nationwide. Last ger of specializing. “For the overall mind- year, 32 of the 700 students at Loomis par- body-spirit of an athlete,” he says, “I think ticipated in three varsity sports. By com- I am a fan of multisport participation be- parison, in Cairns’ junior year at Loomis, cause today, sports have become a chore in 21 boys and six girls each competed in some sense for a lot of kids.” He believes a three varsity sports. However, the girls’ lot of kids think, ‘I gotta do this so I can go number is deceptively low; field hockey to college,’ so it becomes sort of a job, and was the sole girls varsity sport offered in their enjoyment sometimes plummets. the fall of 1975-76. The national decline in “Somehow, a lot of kids have lost the three-sport athletes can be explained by the sense of fun that goes along with sports,” growth of opportunity in college sports, he said. “It’s now a means to an end instead and the related steady move toward ath- of a fun activity.” letes specializing in a single sport starting But there is more than scholarships or at a young age. health on the line. Three-sport athletes Loomis has experienced changes of a From the 1978 Conluence care about pride. Crump emphasizes that different kind. According to Athletic Di- Norman Cairns ’78 was recruited for ice hockey but also played varsity football and track and field. no one tweets about JV sports. And he rector Sue Cabot, as academic rigor at the wonders if you have the opportunity to school increased, the sports requirements Statistics reveal that student-athletes are multiple varsity sports,” she said, “I want play varsity sports, why wouldn’t you? were relaxed, no longer requiring students more motivated than ever to double down to be the best version of myself and push “There is a certain pride that comes with to participate in a team sport in every term. and play a single sport in hopes of some- myself to the extreme.” being tri-varsity,” he says. “Your games Throughout the school’s history until the day garnering a college athletic scholarship. Tylon Crump ’19 also values the rig- mean a lot, not just to the people on the rules change, students who were not on a According to data generated by the NCAA, or of pushing himself in multiple varsity team but also to the people in the stands varsity, JV, or third squad were required to 61 percent of Division One (D1) men’s soc- sports. “Nowadays there’s a lot of focus on and around campus. The types of things play a club sport for the one of three possi- cer players and 62 percent of women’s soc- club and travel sports and playing on these that matter to me are going out and rep- ble clubs to which they were permanently cer players were specializing in one sport prestigious teams, and I just think that is resenting my school every Wednesday and assigned, either Wolcott, Ludlow, or Allyn. by age 12, and 55 percent of D1 men’s ice the silliest thing ever,” he said. “I think it’s Saturday, year-round.” Hanley agrees. Pride Every student was involved with his or her hockey players also specialized by age 12. important to be a versatile athlete, and for goes hand in hand with being tri-varsity. team each day from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The However, 88 percent of D1 men and 83 me playing different sports and working The benefits vary for every athlete. But requirement meant that students were in- percent of D1 women playing lacrosse also different muscles helps me be that versatile most athletes agree that they would have it centivized to aspire to compete for varsity played other sports, suggesting that pres- athlete.” no other way. The challenge itself is a goal status. Interscholastic play was simply at a sure to specialize varies from sport to sport. This winter, having decided against re- worth pursuing. much higher level. According to Sky Hanley ’20, playing turning for one last season of varsity bas- Norm Cairns ’78 is impressed that so According to Head of Physical Thera- varsity volleyball, basketball, and wa- ketball, Crump instead put in extra work many Loomis athletes continue to buck the py and coach Adrian Stewart ’90, the rule ter polo benefited her, even though she preparing for the spring baseball season. He national trend and continue to play three when he was a student was slightly closer faced many challenges along the way. In confesses that at times he feels as though he varsity sports. “If you’re able to do it, power to the one we have today: students had to her first year playing water polo, Hanley missed out on his last opportunity to play to you,” he said. “I can imagine it’s harder participate in some athletic and physical struggled because she didn’t know how to for three varsity teams, or “families,” as he to balance academics with serious athletics activity after school every term, but not swim properly for the sport, and her lack of thinks of them, because of his focus on the nowadays. I am very impressed.” 10 MÉLANGE | May 3, 2019 M Are Juniors Ready to Warning: Diseased Rise Up? Track Athletes

Ryan Jones ’20 | Opinions Editor Neala Sweeney ’20 | Editor-in-Chief

Warning: Satire seniors are, in general, confident in our Walking out of the girls’ pool locker own leadership skills, even if others are not. room one fine Tuesday evening, I noticed In a little less than a month, seniors, clad In a recent survey of the junior class, only something quite peculiar. The date was in white dresses, stylish suits, and those 2% of respondents agreed that our class is March 19, 2019, the first day of spring hat thingies with the tassels, will conclude not mature enough to set an example for term. The entire track team was sitting their Loomis Chaffee tenure at graduation. younger students. However, a whopping outside the athletic trainers’ office, and each However, as seniors grow more nervous 97% clicked the “other” option, where an- and every one of them had some form of ice and excited for their big day, juniors have swers varied from, “that’s what she said” to on their body. been struggling with their own emotional “takes one to know one” to one response Obviously track is a shin-splint-inducing journey, for, the day after, we will “rise up” that was just a series of dolphin emojis. The sport, but on the first day of the season it and become the new leaders of the pelican vast majority of responses, though, came was an appalling sight. I had never seen so pack. Or tribe? What do you call a group of in the form of “yo mama” jokes and were many bodies with so many different forms pelicans? unfortunately too obscene to be published. of ice on their bodies. Someone noticed my Anyway, as the “rising up” ceremony Some students even complained that the horrified look and asked if I was okay. I was rapidly approaches, some have questioned expectations placed on the future senior unresponsive; I had never seen so much ice the future seniors’ ability to lead. “There class are too extreme, and that our class is in my entire life. have been certain concerns regarding their more than ready to assume the responsi- Walking out of the locker room the maturity,” said one teacher. “Being a senior bilities of the older students. “It’s like they second day of spring term, I expected the requires a level of responsibility and com- think we’re kids or something,” claimed Log many track athletes to have been satisfied mitment that these juniors may have yet to Editor-in-Chief Neala Sweeney ’20, while with their ice consumption. I was proven possess.” Of course, the senior class is of- actively twirling a fidget spinner. “We’re so wrong. The same number, perhaps even ten looked on as an example for younger capable of being seniors.” It should be not- more, athletes were outside the trainers students, but perhaps this apprehension is ed, however, that it was hard for me to un- icing. I started pinching my arm to assure a bit of an overreaction. Surely the current derstand Ms. Sweeney, as she was speaking myself that I wasn’t dreaming. I was not. Graphic by Mary Roriston ’21 juniors will be more than willing to act as through a mouthful of animal crackers. Emma Tishler ’20 said that “we all have role models for future students. So, are we juniors ready to accept the shin splints. That’s why we’re all here.” has shin splints unless the shin splints are When asked if she was prepared to fulfill responsibility of being role models in our Of course, I was dismayed. How on being passed on like a virus? It’s not. the various duties of a community leader, community? Have we placed too much earth could the entire track team have shin This is the cold hard truth: shin splints Abigail Schneider, a local junior, replied, pressure on rising students to properly rep- splints? That just couldn’t be possible. After are an awful sickness that spreads like the “Haha, you said doody,” and proceeded to resent our school? Is asking a series of rhe- conducting extensive research, I came to a black plague. Honestly, I’ve never seen any- dab repeatedly. When pressed further, torical questions actually an effective form conclusion: shin splints are contagious. thing so destructive. Please. Everyone. Stay however, Ms. Schneider quickly grew of journalism? Unfortunately, we’ll have to There is simply no other explanation. away from the track team. They will give bored and began chasing a nearby squirrel. wait and see. How is it possible that the entire track team you shin splints. I’m serious. Additionally, it appears we soon-to-be A Procrastinator’s A Freshman’s Tips for Guide to Promposals AP Exams Hazel Le ’22 and Mercy Olagunju ’22 Mélange Editor Social Media Manager and Staf Writer Andrew Park ’22 |

Sports-Related Promposal Ideas: over grilled cheese—“wanna be my prom- Have you ever thought, “Man, I could ternet memes. If this sounds like you, Baseball: I might strike out, but do you mate?” have gotten a 5 if I had gotten that one don’t give up the rest of your academ- still want to go prom with me? Hand them a cup of espresso and say, “I question correct?” Or have you been stay- ic career for a brief moment of pleasure. Swimming & Diving: Would you mind need to espresso my feelings for you. You ing up all night, worrying about your future diving right into prom with me? mean a latte me. Brew you want to come to and your very existence? If you said yes to 6. Time yourself – get a stopwatch Basketball: Want to give prom a shot and prom with me? We’re a good blend.” any of these questions, maybe it’s time to sit and a practice test – maybe a bite to throw down with me? down, relax, and please read the passage be- eat – and sit down. Take the practice Football: Let’s tackle prom together! If you’re desperate, follow these steps: low and answer those pesky following ques- test like it’s the real deal. This will pre- Prepare a stuffed koala and a cup of tea; tions. (Don’t worry, there won’t be any!) pare you for the testing environment. Food-Related Prom Puns: then obtain a date - the fruit kind, since Throw a pie at them and say “I have fillings you don’t have the person kind yet. Then 1. Study early – you should have been 7. Get some sleep – don’t play the “Wow, for you, want to go to prom?” tell them, “Come to prom with me! I’m a studying for at least the past month, if not I need to study right now, and I only have “This might be too cheesy, but”—hands koala-tea date!” more. If you haven’t, quick, it’s time to whip 9 hours left so it’s time to stay up all night” out the practice books and get to work! game. Even worse is the “Well, I’ve done some studying so it’s time for a little re- 2. Whatever you do, don’t drink a lot of wa- laxation with my good old buddy Netflix ter. Many people will tell you to drink lots of (or whatever entertainment service you water, but if you drink too much, you could use)” game, which is pretty much shoot- Prom Crossword get water intoxication, and that could be fa- ing yourself in the head – with useless Managing Editor tal. (Of course, you would have to drink gal- facts about that random video you watched Portia Inzone ’20 | lons and gallons – liters and liters for all you just before you went to bed at 4 a.m. metric system users – of water in the span 1 of a couple hours, but you never know!) 8. Ask yourself – do you really know the information? I mean, do you real- 3. Ask the teacher – the teachers are there ly remember that one thing your teacher 2 to help! Of course, they may be secret- pointed out at 9:44 a.m. last week Tues- ly plotting to give you the hardest test day? But seriously, don’t be content with 3 ever, but let’s not think of that. Instead, a ‘pretty much,’ strive for that 100%. 4 use them! If they’re going to try to trick you with those devious questions, make 9. Study the old material first, but don’t 5 sure to know of the trick beforehand. Just neglect the recent stuff – open your text- don’t ask for the answers – that’s just rude. book to those musty, cobweb infested first pages and start from the beginning. Make 6 4. Don’t hang out with friends too much sure to review the things you’ve just been – it’s good to have healthy relationships, quizzed on – don’t just forget something but it’s better to have a great dopamine once you’ve been graded on it. It’s al- 7 rush when you see your AP scores. Re- ways best to have as many things as pos- member, total and absolute isolation sible fresh on your mind before the exam. from society is the new popular in town! 10. Listen to some music! Coincidentally,

ACROSS Breathalyzer 7 6 Limo 6 5. Focus on studying – don’t just waltz there happens to be another article tell- 4 It’s not a suit, it’ a suit for prom.

5 Dress typically worn by female attendees. Gown 5 into the library, think, ‘I’ll study this, ing you all about what kinds of songs you

6 We have a coach bus instead of a ____. Tuxedo 4 and that, and …’ and then come out five should listen to.

7 The precautionary deuce-test before any dance. Corsage 3 hours later with a head awhirl with In-

DOWN Boutonnière 2

1 The reason for your pre-prom stab wound. Promposal 1

2 Popping the question. KEY ANSWER 3 From the garden to your wrist. 11 MÉLANGE | May 3, 2019 M Hollywood With Halsey: Missing Link Natalie Halsey ’20 | Columnist Missing Link is the latest film from the ter development, feeling like a novelty toy stop motion animation studio Laika, and that makes the same joke for most of the tells the tall tale of two adventurers at- film, and then suddenly makes a split sec- tempting to bring Bigfoot from the woods ond change into best friend forever/com- of Washington State to the mountains of panion/servant to Frost. the Himalayas. While a story of adven- Adelina Fortnight is a classic Strong ture and exploring, the film doesn’t do too Woman: she shoot gun, she fall in love, much to explore or even push narrative and she cater to increasingly irritating boundaries, even though it breaks visual man-baby’s lack of emotional competen- boundaries. cy by coddling him and fulfilling her role Directed and written by Chris Butler as Emotionally Competent Woman by (Paranorman, Kubo and the Two Strings), explaining what Frost should do in sticky Missing Link is a feast for the eyes, each situations. shot perfectly balanced and colored. The Mrs. Fortnight also makes split second red, autumn tones of the Missing Link’s, decisions that hit audiences like freight or Susan’s, fur and features reflect the main trains; she goes from despising Frost and character’s, Sir Lionel Frost, signature red throwing him out of her house, to running boots and nose, all colors contrasting with after him and declaring herself part of his the harsh, cold blue worlds of both Link’s (and Susan’s) journey, with not even a solo Himalayas and Frost’s Adventuring Club. scene to explain her change in between. The lush scenery and detailed sets, syn- Possibly the worst offender of the medi- onymous with Laika’s work, are on full dis- ocre writing is the parallel drawn between play in Missing Link, from the tall forests of the hidden away yeti society and Frost’s ex- the Pacific Northwest to the verdant jun- clusive adventurer club. And yet, Missing gles of South Asia; even Frost’s desk space Link creates a narrative parallel anyways. is filled with tiny photographs and pa- Here is where Missing Link’s problem pers, unorganized and bachelor-like. The lies: aesthetics trump story. Emotional mo- costumes are perfect down to the tiniest ments are undercut by gorgeous and tech- stitch, and each tuft of fur on the Missing nically impressive action scenes, and ham Link moves realistically. Put simply, Miss- fisted metaphors are presented on silver ing Link is gorgeous. platters. Individual character moments and However, where the film inspires oohs emotions are the missing links between and ahhs over visuals, the story lacks the the developing story and the development classic Laika spark, or any spark at all. As of characters. the first Laika film with no child protago- Missing Link is not a bad film. It’s stun- nist, Missing Link markets itself as a come- ning, funny, and dramatic; the character dy adventure instead of the usual brooding designs are interesting, although all the an- and drama-tinged Laika fare. Frost is a me- imals having their eyes in the front of their diocre main character, struggling to carry skulls was a little strange. It’s an inoffen- the film, and is never truly endearing, him- sive adventure romp that’s fun for the kids, self, to the audience until the very end of and maybe adults too. But that is all Missing the film. Link is: an inoffensive, aesthetic blanket The titular beast has even less charac- draped over the bare bones of a narrative. Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP Zach Galifianakis poses with Mr. Link on Sunday, April 7, 2019, in New York.

Instant Ramen: LOGRhythms: A Love Story Songs for AP Exams Hazel Le ’22 | Social Media Manager Emma Goldfarb ’20 | Melange Editor It was 8 a.m. on a Sunday morning. I U.S. Government & Politics...... “Hot Mess” by Cobra Starship woke up and looked at the other side of Environmental Science...... “Trees” by Twenty One Pilots the room where Elizabeth, my roommate, Physics:...... “Gravity” by John Mayer was still sleeping. I slowly crept out of my English Literature...... “Love Story” by Taylor Swift blanket, trying my best not to make even “Moskau 1979” by Dschinghis Khan the slightest noise. I had a plan. European History...... I gently pulled out the luggage from Chemistry...... “Chlorine” by Twenty One Pilots under my bed, entered the password, and U.S. History...... Every song in Hamilton unzipped the suitcase. It had been too long Computer Science...... “Mr. Roboto” by Styx since the last time I had opened it, and I Biology...... “DNA” Little Mix was surprised by the unfamiliar heaviness. Calculus...... “123456” by Fitz and the Tantrums One side of the luggage slipped out of my Comparative Government...... “We are the World” by USA for Africa hand and hit the floor with a loud bang. Statistics...... “Chances” by Five for Fighting Elizabeth rolled over…my nerves Economics...... “Mo Money Mo Problems” by Biggie Smalls tensed, and I felt a soft panic growing Every song by On An On under my chest. To my relief, however, Music Theory...... she buried herself deeper in her blanket. I sighed with relief since the loud noise did For more playlists, follow not wake her up. I looked at my treasures packed up neat- us on Spotify by scanning ly in the luggage and felt a great sense of the code to the right: satisfaction. I spent a few minutes admir- Graphic by Ashley ’19 and Julie Chung ’21 ing them and finally decided to pick the one on the top left. I hid it in my pocket and got ready for the next step of my plan. I could enjoy my little secrets. After putting the luggage away, I left I suddenly felt a strange sensation be- WARNING: Satire the room. I was walking down the stairs hind my back. I turned around, only to Editor-in-Chief Emeritus when I bumped into Lana. Lana was this catch a pair of eyes gazing at me. Oh no, Liam Scott ’19 | very nice girl living on the same floor with it was Mercy. Of course, it had to be Mer- me. But that was only a cover. What if she cy! She had had her eyes on my treasures Student Just Can’t Remember New Log Staff Thinks Changing had an insatiable greed for my treasure? since day one. I should have known bet- Which Teachers Want You to Ask Be- Fonts is Radical fore Going to Restroom “It just looks so much better now. The She smiled and said hi, but no, that in- ter. I should not have been so careless and “I know all of my teachers told me on the new fonts have changed everything,” be- nocent smile could not deceive me. “Trust closed the kitchen door. first day of school what their policy is, but gan one of the new lead editors. “Rock- no one,” I reminded myself. Holding my She must have smelt it and followed I can’t remember six different bathroom well bold is honestly so heavy. Loomis treasure tightly in my pocket, I quickly ran the scent here. There’s nothing I could policies,” said a concerned junior. “I’ll be isn’t a nursery school. Cheltenham bold away from any conversation that Lana was do now. My plan had failed. I reluctantly sitting in my Spanish class, and I want to is so much more refined. And Times New attempting to make. gave Mercy a fork, but no, she had come go to the bathroom. Do they want me to Roman for the articles? Is this an English I made my way to the kitchen, pulled prepared. She quickly pulled out a pair of ask? Do they want me to just go without paper? Crimson Regular is the way to go. my treasure out, and had everything ready chopsticks with eyes gleaming. “I’m ready,” asking? Do they not want me to leave class You’ll thank us later.” in less than five minutes. Now, all I needed she said. I opened the lid of the bowl and at all? It’s honestly more stressful keeping to do was wait for two more minutes until shared my ramen with her. track of the policies than actually doing all 12 of the work.”