News and Opinions from the Students of Berkshire School March 4, 2010

Prom to be held on campus By Jacob Weiner ’10

For the first time in recent school history, prom will be held on campus this year, according to Student Activities Director Katherine Simmons. The decision was reached after an e-mail survey of seniors. With only 53% of the class taking part, 39 voted in favor of on-campus in the Stewart Athletic Center and 18 in favor of off-campus. At a form meeting on February 11, Ms. Simmons explained the options for this year and what on-cam- pus or off-campus proms would entail for the seniors. One senior said, “I really couldn’t care less,” and left along with majority of his classmates. Among the handful of the seniors to stay after was Head Prefect Alex Colbert. “Mrs. Simmons explained Alfredo, a delivery man from Mizza's. the options to us and in the end we as a group decided that we should send out an email to all the seniors and New discovery winning pizza war those who wanted to vote could.” By Colin Puth ’10 Alex said she wound up voting for prom to be on campus. “It just made sense to me. We could stay out Manhattan Pizza in Great Barrington, Berkshire’s go-to pizza place for over ten years, has recently taken a later, we could use the professional decorations set up huge dip in popularity. While the restaurant was every student’s fall back, many began to get fed up with from Reunion Weekend, it was cheaper ($30 instead of Manhattan’s attitude towards the school. $45), and it gave us more options for senior skip day “Overtime food prices increased, orders were frequently messed up, and the delivery car began showing up because we can use the extra money we save on prom later and later,” said Jackson Beaver, a fourth-former and longtime customer of Manhattan Pizza. to travel to New York City or Boston. Overall I think With no other place to turn to, Berkshire students had to continue to put up with Manhattan’s unreliable continued on page 2 service in order to get their pizza fix. However, students recently discovered a nearby restaurant that proved much more efficient. continued on page 2

Concussions Hot Topic at Berkshire By Ryan MacDonald ’10

With the National Football League recently making news with its stand on concussions, Berkshire has experienced problems of its own, with over 20 diagnosed this year, according to head trainer Marc Wysocki. Concussions occur most commonly in rough or high-speed sports like hockey, football, soccer, lacrosse, skiing, snowboarding, and boxing. “The problem with concussions is that they are misunderstood, and oftentimes people brush Left to right: Henry Ehret, Jr. ’16, Edward Peters’ 12, Edward Gardiner ’15 them off as not that serious,” says Mr. Wysocki. “Would you brush off a minor heart attack? Remembering the memorial in Memorial No! The brain is an organ, too. People don’t By Adam Albelin ’10 see down the road.” A concussion is an injury to the brain caused by When the 90-year-old Memorial Hall is finally razed in favor of the new math and science center, the chest- a sudden blow to the head, which causes the brain nut arch above the entrance to the old headmaster’s office and library will be among the first things to be saved to shake inside the skull. In fact, the word concus- for posterity. sion comes from the Latin word concutera, which Carved in chestnut on the arch are the names of all those Berkshire alumni who served in World War I. At means to “shake violently.” This shaking causes the the crest of the arch are the names of the five men who gave their lives in the conflict. A search in the school brain bang against the skull and causes it to bruise archives found information on only three of the five. and swell. This swelling causes the brain to stop The first was Henry Sidney Ehret Jr ’16, who was from Philadelphia. His yearbook lists his accomplish- functioning properly for a period of time. This ments as football team ‘13 ’14, club hockey team ’14, baseball team ’14, hockey team ’15 and captain ’16, time can vary from a few hours to years. Committee of five ’14, Dance Committee ’15-’16, and the associate editor of class books ’16. After Berkshire Although the symptoms of concussions vary, the he attended Princeton University. immediate ones are headaches, confusion, dizzi- Edward Hooper Gardiner ’15 entered Berkshire in 1911 and was from Boston. He attended Harvard after ness, ringing in the ears, nausea or vomiting, his time at Berkshire. Some of his activities include club football ’11, fFootball team ’12, ’13, and ’14. He also slurred speech, and fatigue. Other symptoms, played club baseball in ’14, ’15 as well as being a part of the Athletic Association those same years. In ’11 and which can take hours to days to notice, are irritabil- ’12, Mr. Gardiner was a part of the Rifle Club, as were many Berkshire boys at that time. ity, depression, sensitivity to light, sleep distur- Edward Mclure Peters Jr. ’12 hailed from New York, and came to Berkshire in 1907, the year Berkshire was found- bances, and memory and concentration problems. ed. Mr. Peters was part of the Drama Association in 1908-12. He was a part of the football team in 1909. Mr. Peters The N.F.L. was recently criticized by the New too was a member of the rifle club from 1910-’11 and was its secretary of the rifle club in 1911-’12. He participat- York Times and other newspapers for its policy on ed in the green club baseball team as well as the green club football team. He served as the editor in chief of The handling concussions and has since tightened up its Dome in 1911-’12. Mr. Peters was also associate editor of the yearbook. policy. Now teams are required to remove players The two other alumni who died in the war were Edward Walson Hatch ’18 and Joseph Mallalieu King ’19. continued on page 2 A total of 123 former Berkshire students fought in World War I. Page 2 THE GREEN AND GRAY March 4, 2010

Pizza War Prom Concussions continued from page 1 continued from page 1 continued from page 1

“We discovered a restaurant called Mizza’s in prom on campus could potentially be the most well put from a game or practice who show significant signs of a Lakeville, Connecticut, after returning from winter together party that Berkshire has ever had.” concussion and bar them from returning the same day, break,” said sixth-former Mike Middelburg. “Since The prom takes place the day after Reunion according to the Times then all of deWindt has switched over to their serv- Weekend, which will be held this year while school is in However, the concussion policy at Berkshire is much ice. They arrive at any time, don’t charge for deliv- session. The prom costs each senior $30 instead of the more conservative and less scrutinized. First, one of the ery, and the food is much less expensive.” $45 for off-campus, and plans for a deejay are “in the trainers will evaluate the person and then diagnose Word-of-mouth quickly transferred the loyalty of works,” according to Karina Srb. Sage Dining Services whether the individual has a concussion. Once the train- many students from Manhattan to Mizza’s. will cater the event. er has diagnosed a concussion, an appointment is set up “It’s been great working with Berkshire so far”, Reaction to the move was mixed. Sixth-former Sierra with the school pediatrician, who will then decide said Alfredo, a Mizza’s delivery man. “Business is LaBonte, who as a fifth-former went to last year’s prom whether the patient needs to see a neurologist. going well and the students have been awesome. with Klayton Johnson, said, “Dude, prom was so much In order for the individual to participate in sports Berkshire’s got really great kids.” fun off campus last year. I was really surprised they again, he or she must take and pass an ImPACT test. Manhattan quickly took notice of its rapid decline changed it up, but it should still be good.” ImPACT stands for Immediate Post-Concussion in pizza demand. Randy Reyes ’10 said that upon hearing that his prom Assessment and Cognitive testing. According to the “The discovery of Mizza’s has certainly affected he has been waiting four years for to attend was going to ImPACT test Web site, the test measures players’ atten- Manhattan’s business,” said one of Manhattan’s be on campus, he was “really pissed off”. He wondered tion span, response variability, working memory, sus- deliverymen. “Berkshire has been a huge part of our why for his last three years he watched the seniors travel tained and selective attention span, non-verbal problem income, and it could really impact the restaurant if off campus for prom and now suddenly seniors are hav- solving, and reaction time. service continues to decline.” ing it in the “hockey rink.” The ImPACT test consists of questions that make you Manhattan responded with an all-new delivery But Randy changed his mind on the matte after remember shapes, words, and provides speed testing. For menu exclusively for Berkshire. The menu features finding out about the benefits to having prom at example, the test will show a list of words twice. Once it deals and special prices on numerous items from the “The Jack “ has shown them twice, the test will show you different restaurant, as well as free delivery service. “I was hesitant at first, but now I am looking for- words along with the words shown asking you if it was “The new Manhattan menu is a step up from ward to prom,” he said. “It’s not the building we will shown before. what they had before, but it’s clearly just an act of remember, but the milestone we reached and who we Mr. Wysocki calls the ImPACT test “a very neurocog- desperation,” said J.P. Carey, a member of the fifth- reached it with.” nitive screening tool.” The test measures the necessary form. “Mizza’s still features a more cost efficient brain functions for someone to return to the field of play. menu. Manhattan took us for granted. It’s about If you aren’t ready to return, the results of the ImPACT time we found a more reliable delivery service”. test will say so. Will Berkshire never switch back to Manhattan Fifth-former John Ryan, who has had four concus- Pizza? Will Mizza’s keep up the good work, or will sions, has taken the ImPACT test. “I couldn’t pass they too begin to take Berkshire for granted? Only the test even if I wasn’t concussed,” John said of the time will tell. test’s difficulty. Fifth-former Lacey Burns, who has had three concus- sions, agrees with John on the difficulty and effectiveness of the ImPACT test. “The ImPACT test is hard, but I feel like it works.” With the ImPACT test, experienced trainers, and all the tools to take care of patients, Berkshire can treat con- cussions, although a consistent problem here, are treated with extreme care and compassion at Berkshire.

Published monthly, with special editions at the whim of the staff.

Staff Reporters Adam Albelin ‘10 Tune Street reads the Green and Gray. Joel Halpern ’10 Ryan MacDonald ’10 Malcolm McCain ’10 Andrew McCarthy ’10 Robin’s Candy Store reads the Green and Gray. Colin Puth ’10 Dakota Richardson ’10 Ty Roselli ’10 Karina Srb ’10 Keith Veronesi ’10 Jacob Weiner ’10 Min Jung Yoo ’10

Sports Editor Keith Veronesi ’10

Music Editor Luke Johnson ’11

Staff Photographer Dakota Richardson ’10

Faculty Advisor Mr. Harris

Special Correspondents Martha Hagerty ’11, Matt Steiner ’12, Kristy Barnes ’12 Page 3 THE GREEN AND GRAY March 4, 2010 Straight from the Hearty

By Will/ Willy/ Wildo/William Robinson Hearty ‘10

The following is an excerpt of an all-school speech recently given by fifth-year senior Will Hearty of Weston, Mass.

Throughout last summer I constantly questioned my decision to repeat my junior year. Here I was, going back to the same school I had already attend- ed for four years. A handful of my best friends had graduated, including my roommate Nick Hazenburg. However, one of my best friends, Klayton Johnson, decided to stick with me this year. This doubt followed me until sometime around the second or third week into school when I realized what kept me coming back every day with a smile on my face: I am damn proud to be a student here. All of you should be too. Be proud of who you are as a person and of the ever-so-strong Berkshire com- munity that is constantly surrounding you, and suc- cess in the long run will occur. It is hard as a student to honestly find a way to thank the faculty and staff at this school. Each of us is extremely lucky to have such determined men and woman who want us to succeed, just as if we were their own children. It takes an astonishing person to become a successful working part of a boarding school faculty. There is a famous saying that goes, Those who can, do, and those who can’t, teach. Will Hearty providing accompaniment for rapper Henry Latour. Whoever phrased that saying has obviously never been to a successful boarding school campus. It is important to note that no matter how amaz- Let me be myself for a minute, a wimpy, skinny were your own child. Let it grow and prosper. In ing somebody is, he or she has failed countless white kid from a quiet and boring town outside of three months to this exact day you will return within times. As Kit Landy said many Mondays ago, failure Boston. Take my roommate Klayton, one of the these walls and I will choose the next king.” allows a person to become stronger. Personally I biggest and most intimidating people I have ever met. The crowd erupted, as boys screamed and overpow- have failed a stupid amount of times at Berkshire. I Our interest are about as similar as our physical ered the knights for their seeds. All but one boy, the have been cut from every varsity team and gotten appearance: I like doing something with little son of a peasant. An honest young man, who worked every letter grade known to man—even some I did- thought before, like jumping out of high windows or hard for his family and king, he slowly approached a n’t know existed. Surviving a normal public high walking up the stream while falling knee deep in ice knight and was given his seed. Immediately the boy school is considered amazing; surviving a prep cold water. Meanwhile, While Klayton walks by me took the best soil he had and gently planted his seed. school education is what I like to consider a miracle. laughing in hysterics as he watches his 18-year old, Everyday the boy would give the seed the perfect I have total faith in myself when I say that each one supposed-to-be-matured roommate be an idiot. But amount of water, place the dish on the windowsill, of your will be part of a miracle when you walk yet it was my first lunch ever at Berkshire school and sit across the room waiting for it to grow. Weeks across that stage at the end of your senior year. If I where we sat next to each other, and if you see a passed by and nothing happened, while other boys could provide one piece of advice, it is to separate physical difference now, you should have seen me had plants with thick stems—some so big they were the positive from negative. Sir Winston Churchill when I was a freshman. being pulled by their horses. But the young boy’s said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every oppor- I am not a very good athlete, artist or musician. plant still wouldn’t grow, no matter how perfectly he tunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every dif- Pretty much I am a kid who knows the social loops treated it. He become nervous and self-conscious. He ficulty.” If you are able to do achieve this, you have and gets by pretty well. However, look at my best wouldn’t leave the house with his plant, as boys successfully matured into a strong-willed person. friends and the kids I enjoy being around: their acco- would laugh and make fun of him. Berkshire allows students to be themselves. It is lades range from recreational sport standouts to tal- Eventually the three months passed and the road to odd to walk into a high school and see students ented actors and actresses—something that blows me the castle was packed with boys showing off their migrating from clique to clique with a smile on their away three times a year—to tri-varsity and Division plants. Some were as big as trees, others looked liked face and cracking jokes, and even more odd to see a One athletes. And even a rapper, Henry Latour, who vines, but none looked the same, and the young boy teacher walk into a group of kids and perfectly blend is part of the well-known group, Triple X, who are was the only one with nothing. Embarrassed, the in. Mrs. Bogardus is one of the teachers I can be a about to start their worldwide tour. I am lucky to young boy didn’t want to go but eventually decided complete idiot around and, I think, she likes me for have these friends; in any other high school across the to, personally knowing he tried his best to grow his who I am. Never can I put a fake smile across my country, this might not be the case. plant. He slowly slipped into the castle and hid in the face with out her knowing, and giving me grief. This My brothers are 25 and 24 years old, years older than back next to a knight, as the king began to speak. happens at Berkshire, and we should be proud of the me. To this day my parents fear leaving me home alone, “Children, all of you have done a wonderful job grow- relationships between faculty and students. not because there worried about parties, but because ing your plants,” said the King, who then ordered, At Berkshire a student can dress like he wants, act there are just scared of what I might do when I become “Knights, search the children for what we are looking for.” like he wants and still have multiple friends in no bored. So it is completely truthful to say that both of my Suddenly the boy was grabbed by the monster in way similar to him. As I mentioned before, I am not brothers still continue to be my babysitter. When I was shining armor behind him and carried to the king. a normal kid at all. Actually to be honest I will younger, one of them would tuck me in and tell me the All the boys started to laugh as the King raised the probably be one of the weirdest individuals you will following story every night: pot with no plant to the crowd. The boy cringed with ever meet. I’m that kid who wants to climb 70-foot There once was a modest but powerful king who embarrassment; as the King turned to him and trees with a chainsaw hanging from my waist, or ruled all the land as far as the eye could see. He knew secured the boy with his powerful gaze. becoming a ranch hand in the West. And when that his death was fast approaching. So out went his “To everyone here, this is the only boy who did asked by my older brother what I wanted for gradu- best messengers riding all over the land. The message what was expected of him.” Again laughter erupted. ation, I said, “I want to go skydiving.” That doesn’t spread faster then the wind, “All boys wanting to be “Before I handed the seeds out, I had them placed register as fun in most people’s minds, but that is king must report to the castle. The King will choose in boiling water, making it impossible for anything to who I am. In no way am I telling you that I am a one to replace him on the throne.” grow. All of you have showed that I cannot trust you model student. Not at all. Berkshire doesn’t have a So the day every boy dreamed of arrived. with a simple task, how could I trust you with my model student, because each of us is different, and Thousands of boys gathered within the walls as the Kingdom. This young boy is the only one who fol- that is why we succeed. Life is supposed to be lived elderly king addressed the anxious crowd. “My chil- lowed my orders precisely, and was unaffected by out- to the fullest; you do this by being yourself, which dren, each one of you will receive one plant seed from side influence, and didn’t change who he was as a per- you can do here, without embarrassment. my knights. Your job is to nurture this seed as if it son, two attributes of a great king.” Page 4 THE GREEN AND GRAY March 4, 2010 Opinion

Puth in the Booth team up with the help of the institutions head doctor Between its exceptional cinematography, superb act- Colin Puth ’10 reviews Shutter Island (Ben Kingsley) to search the island for any clues that ing, and constant twists, the film is sure to make an could help find the woman who was said to have all impact on anyone who goes to see it. In fact after of a sudden disappeared from her heavily guarded seeing the film, my associate Sam Greer and I spent Martin Scorsese fans room. As the search goes on, Teddy battles with five minutes outside of the movie theater in silence, have been waiting anx- strange nightmares of his recently deceased wife and unsure if we were in a dream ourselves. Scorsese iously for the arrival of his flashbacks of fighting Nazi’s in World War II. rarely disappoints, and Shutter Island is another one newest film Shutter Island, Throughout the film he feels as it if has nothing to of his masterpieces. which was delayed several do with the search, convinced he is just struggling times before its release on with haunted memories. February 19th. Being However, the more time Teddy spends on the such a huge fan of island, the more frequent and vivid the nightmares become. As his case begins to narrow, Teddy starts to Ty’s Take Scorsese’s last film, The Montreal: A hub of culture Departed, I walked into the theater expecting a feel as if he has more a connection to the island than by Tyler Roselli ‘10 crime thriller with the same atmosphere, violence, he once thought. The more time spent at the hospi- and gritty dialogue as the best-picture blockbuster. tal, the more isolated Teddy begins to feel from his It is no secret that every long winter weekend, a However, while the film had the same director, world and all of those around him. Overtime he large group of Berkshire students heads up to same actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and the same becomes unaware of what’s a dream and what isn’t, Montreal for some fun. Parental persuasion, fac- Boston accents, Shutter Island could not have had a questioning whether being at a mental hospital is ulty resentment, and worrying underclassmen are more different tone than The Departed, which I causing him to go crazy himself. all part of the equation. Due to the rumors and fully appreciated six minutes after the film began. Shutter Island is a psychological thriller that leaves speculation prior to visiting Montreal, I feared for The movie follows a Federal Marshall named you asking more questions with each scene. Though the situation I was about to get myself into. Teddy Daniels assigned to investigate the disappear- much is answered by the end, Scorsese leaves it up to Little did I know I was in for the cultural ance of a patient at a mental hospital. The hospital the viewers to come up with their own theories about experience of my life. houses patients known to be criminally insane and certain parts of the film. While it does have a runtime Upon arriving in Canada early Friday after- is built on a desolate island miles from any land. of two hours and twenty minutes, Shutter Island will noon, it was a scramble to gather up all of the Teddy and his new partner Chuck (Mark Ruffalo) keep you entertained literally from start to finish. Berkshire Bears spread throughout Greater Montreal. Once we were able to contact one another, the decision was made to meet at Montreal’s Botanical Garden and to begin plan- ning our weekend. Tea and Sympathy Once we arrived, it was easy to be distracted by Restaurant review by Karina Srb ‘10 the ten beautiful greenhouses and French folk music. After speaking with a few locals, the group was persuaded to briefly examine the Explorail: The Canadian Railway Museum. This Just nine miles down the adventure allowed us to view over 160 cars and road in Salisbury, Conn, is a even take a ride on the miniature train, which cozy hidden treasure: made us very hungry. Luckily for me and three Chaiwalla tearoom. other students, we were able to reserve spots in Founded in 1988 by owner the exclusive Genevieve Grandbois. There, Tyler and proprietor Mary O’Brien, Reighley, Chelsea Guerrieri, Haley Brown, and I Chaiwalla is said to be the best enjoyed delicious handmade chocolates. After lunch spot in Salisbury. A fel- indulging for quite some time, we decided to low student and I recently meet up with the rest of the group—minus sixth- decided to check it out for former George Torsilieri, who came down with ourselves. By the time we had unexpected food poisoning—for a film at devoured our first course, we Cinema Montreal to top the evening off. knew the rumors were true. The next morning came bright, early and with When we first walked in the good cause. Head prefect Alex Colbert, her sister door we were greeted by a Whitney, and Jake Hyatt, a tight knit group that friendly waiter who sat us weekend, volunteered to feed the homeless at the right in front of the fire. The Chaiwalla owner Mary O'Brien with staff member George Stillwagon. Hall Mission in downtown Montreal. While the atmosphere was very quaint three were making great use of their time, the rest and relaxing. Sketches of the cloisters were hung around the restaurant, candles on every table were lit to of us watched the Montreal Canadians defeat the keep the teapots warm, and the aroma of cooking food filled the room. The only thing missing was Pittsburgh Penguins in the most electrifying athlet- music. However, there was no awkward silence. Mary and her son Liam were busy talking to each other ic atmosphere any of us had been a part of. and to other customers, making everyone feel at home. Following the game, members of Mr. Dalton’s The menu itself made my mouth water. The first side was filled with about fifty different types of tea, anatomy class attended the infamous Bodies available by the pot or the glass. The opposite side featured a lengthy breakfast selection, available, as the Exposition in an attempt to further our education. menu said, for “whenever breakfast is for you!” The menu also featured a variety of open-faced sandwich- A highlight of the trip occurred on the way es with cute names such as “Shoppers Lunch”, “Red BMW” and “Tease Toast.” All ingredients are fresh back to the hotel when sixth-formers Adam and prepared to order. Albelin and Molly Lazio collectively saved two I finally settled on the “Eggs Italia,” a dish of baked eggs with pesto, mozzarella cheese and ham (I children and a mother from a burning apartment ordered it without the ham). My lunch date ordered the French toast with strawberries and bananas, and building. The heroic effort landed the pair on we shared a pot of Chai tea and “Tease Toast,” two pieces of thinly sliced Chiabatta bread with special the evening news, bringing Berkshire School great herbs and melted cheese. Delicious. My eggs were cooked perfectly, soft and fluffy with a runny yolk and publicity among Quebecers. Saturday evening perfectly melted cheese. The toast was also absolutely divine, but what really took first place was the concluded with some superior class bonding. French toast. It was by far one of the best things to ever pass between my lips. The plate was enough to The entire group joined for Portuguese cuisine at feed a family of five, but was devoured by the two of us in twenty minutes. Ferreira Cafe and shared stories from the week- Berkshire graduate and University of Vermont student Romi Peters ’09 used to work Sundays at Chaiwalla end and held a book discussion on Jacqueline during her senior year. In addition, she worked there every day for the past two summers and nearly every day Susann’s Valley of the Dolls over her winter break. She said she is happy to be part of the close group of staff members. Sunday morning came faster than anyone “It’s a pretty sweet job—lots free food and daily pay!” she said. The size of the staff varies from season expected. We said our goodbyes to Montreal and to season; during the winter Mary keeps two or three workers staffed. If for some reason she gets made our way to our respective homes to enjoy slammed with customers, she puts Liam to work on dishes. the Super Bowl with our families. The museum- Chaiwalla has now become a new food obsession of mine. The service was good, the atmosphere was enriched weekend came with a number of fond great and the food was outstanding. I recommend stopping by and sampling one of the many sandwich- memories and an even closer senior class. es, teas or cakes on the menu. You won’t believe your taste buds, and you certainly won’t be disappointed. Page 5 THE GREEN AND GRAY March 4, 2010 Opinion

Dakota with Da Camera By Dakota Richardson ’10

Q: If you could choose, who would the graduation speaker be?

History teacher R.J. Meade:

“Toni Morrison, the author of Mercy and Song of Solomon. She’s an African-American and a great speaker. She won the Pulitzer Prize and it would be interesting to see her thoughts on the U.S. after one year with an African-American president. I think Berkshire would enjoy what she has to say.”

Listenin’ Luke Luke Johnson ’11 surveys the music scene College counselor and history teacher Paul MacKenzie: The start of a new decade has yielded a broad array “For the senior speaker I think that User Kushaina of flavors that boil down in our cultural stew. In ath- would be great speaker. He would probably have some interesting letics, we’ve been graced with the ever-exciting winter stories to tell. He has come through Berkshire for a couple years Olympics, adding the much needed zest to our frosty taking full advantage of everything and is now going to Williams. 2010 months; the Apple iPad, the newest necessity in He can really show how Berkshire helped him, and how his life has geek chic, has left us with the sweet taste of anticipa- been positively changed by Berkshire. For the main speaker, I think tion for what else this year has to offer; and the that it would be great to get President Obama. Dr. Kohlhepp earthquake in Haiti, a bitter catastrophe, has united would also be a good faculty speaker with some interesting things the world in a relief effort, giving the soothing after to say, and Mr. McNamara would also be a good option.” taste of hope to a country in dire need. But among this cacophony of cultural spices that Selina Sun ’10: 2010 has already provided, a key ingredient is miss- ing, and that is music. The albums of 2010 have “Someone who will care about what is said. Someone who will make it been par at best, with the exception of Iyaz’s EP special for the graduating class and the entire school. Whoever does it chart topper “Replay.” Massive Attack released should make it memorable.” Heliogland, an album that encompassed the group’s traditional trip-hop sound but provided new subtle elements that could be misinterpreted as background noise added to their older releases. In the metro department, Never Shout Never released a new studio album on January 25th entitled Jorge Bordas ’10: “What Is Love?” Because Never Shout Never is not an artist I typically listen to, I feel as though the “I think that since I am a foreigner, a almost captivating effect Christofer Ingle has on foreign speaker might be nice—like teenage girls has eluded me. But even with ears inex- my brother. Just kidding. perienced in this genre, I could immediately tell that this album contrasts his previous releases in that the Mr. Maher or Mr. acoustical elements that sustained his more popular Bjurlin would do a tracks have now changed to more traditional, vocal- intensive qualities. good job.” Live albums never seem to get too much acclaim, and I myself am typically not keen on hearing fans Alex Perkins ’11: crying bloody murder while I’m trying to hear a song on my iTunes. But there’s something so energetic “Vybz Kartel of Gaza. He is a great about the Dave Matthews Band and Tim Reynolds’s performer, and after he speaks about perseverance and collaborative two-disc “Live In Las Vegas” album that stuff, he can put on a show that will make for a memo- makes the screaming fans almost necessary. Hearing rable graduation.” this live performance provides the uplifting vibe one would expect from Dave Matthews and at the same time immerses the listener into the powerful and hypnotic jams the band so frequently tapers into. Though the initial performance was in December of ’09, the album was released in early February, which Ben Colley ’12: makes it my most enjoyed album of 2010 so far, and a strong recommendation for anyone who cares to would be “Henrik Lundqvist get lost in some great music. The next few months great, very motivational, and he’s just the man. also hold promising releases from bands like Blink- He knows all about dreams and becoming some- 182, Jack Johnson, and O.A.R. thing great; he’s an Olympic athlete. If all else fails, go with Hugh Hefner. Enough said.” Page 6 THE GREEN AND GRAY March 4, 2010

Living and learning in Zaragoza By Martha Hagerty ’11

The Green and Gray recently caught up with fifth- former Chloe Lerman, who is currently studying in Spain as a part of School Year Abroad (SYA). Next year Chloe will return to Berkshire as a four-year sen- ior. Here’s what she had to say about the experience.

How is Spain? What’s your favorite thing about it? Spain is absolutely incredible. I have tried to describe my experience here to people at home or at Berkshire and am at a loss for words. It’s the most exuberant, vibrant, and beautiful place I have ever been to. My favorite part of Spain is the boundlessly rich culture that extends from hundreds of years ago up to today. Whether it is visiting the Alhambra in Granada or the ancient castle that I don’t even notice anymore on my bus ride to school or even just tapas hopping from bar to bar, Spain is full of history and a thriving present.

What got you interested in doing a year abroad? Chloe Lerman takes in a bullfight. Growing up in a household where everyone spoke Spanish, except for me. It has always been my goal Does your host family speak any Will you return to Spain in the future? to become fluent. Traveling has also always been a English? I definitely want to spend as much time in Spain as major part of my life, so when I heard of the oppor- My host family is great. They don’t speak a word of possible. It’s my new home away from home, and I tunity SYA offers, I knew I was meant for the pro- English and have no desire to learn, so it’s a wonder- intend on returning as soon as I can. gram. I also felt very constricted and limited in the ful atmosphere to really learn Spanish. Berkshire bubble and was ready to experience some- Would you recommend doing a year thing that would open my eyes to the real world. What’s it like having to speak abroad? another language to get around the Highly. It is the greatest choice I have ever made Do you miss Berkshire? country? and the best thing that has ever happened to me. I miss Berkshire, but the freedom living aboard At first, it was the most frustrating part of living Doing a year abroad opens up so many doors to meet offers is way too liberating to regret my decision to abroad, especially because all of my classes, except new people, experience a new culture, and escape the come to Spain. I miss my roommates Jessica Powell English and Math, are in Spanish. At the “cole,” which monotony of everyday life. I feel like I have gained and Nancy Conolly the most! I miss living in a dorm is what we call the school, it is forbidden to speak five years of maturity just from six months abroad, with fifty girls and being able to just let go and be English, and students are reprimanded for using it. The and suggest it to anyone with an independent spirit goofy with my best friends. It’s nice to live with a fami- more I use Spanish, the easier it flows. Every day I am and willingness to explore. ly, but I really miss having my own personal space and surprised with my effortlessness and ease of the lan- being able to eat or sleep whenever I want to. guage. Now it’s fun to use my Spanish and infuriating Fourth-formers may apply for the SYA program to study when people try to speak to me in English. At the abroad during their junior year. In addition to year-long beginning of the year, every day was a battle to under- programs, SYA offers summer programs as well. Go to stand what my host mom or history teacher was saying sya.org for more information. to me, but now I understand them completely.

Egremont Inn Recalled By Andrew McCarthy ’10

Nearly three months after being destroyed by fire, the Egremont Inn was fondly remembered by Berkshire alumni and parents. Today, those parents who come to spend a night after dropping off their child will be faced with a harsh reality when they see that all remains of the once cozy inn is just a pile of rubble. “What a shame!” Tim Schieffelin ’73 emailed Director of Parent Relations Jane Piatelli. “We day students had many fond memories there, as many of our friends worked there. My wife and I had our wedding rehearsal dinner there.” Joe Finneran ‘73 was also shocked by the news. “It was one of my most favorite places to visit when I was going to Berkshire and when I returned to visit.” The barren ruins of the Egremont Inn. When asked about the fire, school trustee and Berkshire parent Peter Kellogg ’61 said, “I often stayed at the inn, and the one thing I liked most about it was the plaque on It is unfortunate to see a building so old and the wall with all the innkeepers names going all the way back to the beginning. It was always a fun spot to beautiful burn to the ground with the antiques and visit. They had music and even sometimes guests would join in song, lots of vintage charm.” priceless mementos the Inn has gathered over the Another trustee, Heather Steck Von Seggern ’85, also had her wedding rehearsal at the inn. “I’ve stayed years inside. It was a remarkable building that dated there many times. And when my mom would come to visit that would be one of the places she would stay.” all the way back to the American Revolution, and “The destruction by fire of the Egremont Inn was a big loss to Berkshire School, both as an inn for visiting the community of Egremont, along with the people parents, applicants and alumni and as a gathering spot for members of the school community,” said past of Berkshire School, will miss it dearly. trustee president Davis Anderson, father of Robson Anderson ’09. “I remember many wonderful evenings as a trustee when we all met there for a little camaraderie to bolster our minds before and after Board meetings— and for our chance to hear Mr. Maher on the piano.” Page 7 THE GREEN AND GRAY March 4, 2010

Berkshire Parent Making Bid for Albany By Matt Steiner ‘12

Former Congressman and current Berkshire par- more winnable Senate race against the weak Sen. ent Rick Lazio (R-NY), who filed papers last spring Kirsten Gillibrand. to run in the New York gubernatorial race, faces a Nonetheless, Lazio is the current frontrunner in tougher battle in the wake of last week’s announce- the race. He has been able to capture a large quantity ment by Gov. David Paterson that he will not run of support because of his socially moderate views as for reelection. Mr. Lazio is the father of sixth-for- well as general voter discontent with the Democratic mer Molly Lazio of New York City. agenda in both Albany and Washington. While the Prior to Gov. Patterson’s exit, Mr. Lazio’s cam- governor’s mansion has a history of housing paign had garnered much more support than the Republicans, the victory of Rick Lazio in the Empire current governor, leading him by seven points in State, where Democrats outnumber Republicans the polls. It appears as if his opponent in the race nearly three to one, would be heard on the national will now be current New York State Attorney level as a huge GOP victory. General Andrew Cuomo. While the popular Mr. Lazio, who served in the House of Cuomo, the son of former Governor Mario Representatives from 1993 until 2001, is running on Cuomo, hasn’t filed papers to run for governor, he a platform of cutting taxes, reducing the size of gov- has amassed a war chest of $18 million and leads in ernment, and establishing an unicameral legislature. the polls by a whopping twenty points. Mr. Lazio grabbed national attention in 2000 when Because of this possible outcome, many have he unsuccessfully ran against now Secretary of State urged the former congressman to switch to a much Hillary Clinton in the race for United States Senate.

A family tree like no other Olympian Jim Fuchs with son Nicky ’12. By Dakota Richardson ’10 Cool Parent:

Jacob, Michael, Emma, and Madison are all name trait, though he thinks that his mom didn’t Jim Fuchs popular baby names. But not in User Kushaina’s have too much to do with the names in his family By Joel Halpern ’10 family. Instead, they preferred Unique, Resistance, “My mom’s name is Enitah, and her siblings are Berkshire alumnus Kacey Bellamy ’05 won a silver Tough, and Endure—plus an uncle called Funny. Douglas, Patrick, and Funny, so there is some of medal in women’s hockey at the Olmpics last week. How did User, who is from Zimbabwe, get his the same naming in my uncle,” said User. But over six decades earlier, fourth-former Nicky own unusual name? User also said that his father’s parents started Fuchs’s father stood on the victory podium in “I thought that it meant something like use, or this tradition, and his parents, aunts, and uncles London and then, four years later, in Helsinki. use well,” User says. “Then my mom told me that have continued the tradition. Jim Fuchs competed in the 1948 and 1952 my dad wanted me to use common sense, so he “My aunts and uncles are also using symbolic Summer Olympics, winning a bronze medal at named me User.” names. I have cousins named Zeal, Fortunate, each for shot put. Mr. Fuchs was also chosen to And his 22- year-old sister, Unique? and Patience,” he added. carry the American flag in the first-ever Pan “I guess that because she is the only girl out of “Our family names are unique, just like my sis- American Games in Buenos Aires in 1951, from my siblings, she is unique. But that doesn’t really ter’s name, but they are special to us and different. which he brought home two gold medals, one for work because she is the oldest.” Everyone always asks me if the names are com- shot put and one for discus. Then come User’s two younger brothers, mon back home, and they are really not. When I Mr. Fuchs started his track and field career as a Another, 15, and Resistance, 11. tell people my name, they always think it is my runner at Chicago High School. The list of symbolic names goes back much far- nickname or that I’m kidding. Some think the “Chicago had the best team,” he said. “I beat the ther than User’s immediate family. His dad’s name names are cool, and others think they are best sprinter in tryouts, so the coach made me a is No’doubt, and User’s uncles include Endure, strange.” sprinter.” Mr. Fuchs moved on to participate in the Tough, Goodbody, Freeman, and Silence. User’s last name, Kushaina, can be translated in Illinois State 100- yard dash. His mother’s family also has a bit of symbolic English to mean shining, or excellence. After high school Mr. Fuchs went on to Yale University as a member of its track and field team as a sprinter. His sophomore year at Yale, Mr. Fuchs played football as a running back and kicker. During the football season Mr. Fuchs injured his leg and A Berkshire Rite of Passage needed surgery. By Malcolm McCain ’10 “Through adversity, people change their lives,” said Mr. Fuchs, “If I hadn’t injured my leg, I would have Since 1978, Dave’s Driving School has instructed students and worked with them toward getting their never succeeded the way I did in shot put.” licenses. Based in Pittsfield, Dave’s charges students $600 to take the required classroom and road course. Mr. Fuchs learned shot put quickly. During his In the classroom studies, students are required to sit through forty hours of videos, tests, and quizzes. Then time at Yale he won 88 consecutive shot put compe- comes the dangerous part. Driving instructor Wilma Whalen rides shotgun with students who, for the most part, titions, earning placement placed in the Guinness have never driven a car before. She has a foot brake pedal on her side of the car to stop the car if need be. Book of World Records for the second longest winning It is even worse to be one of the kids fulfilling the 12 hours of observing time. There are always close encounters streak. Mr. Fuchs qualified for the 1948 London when sitting in the car watching other students drive. For instance, a certain senior was driving south through Great games by coming in the first four of the National Barrington in the right-turn-only lane. When she came to the traffic signal by the police station where Route 23 veers AAU championships. off to the right of Route 7, she went straight down 7 even though she was in the right-turn-only lane. Luckily, there Mr. Fuchs set the world record at 58 feet 10 ¾ was no cigar-smoking trucker in a semi in the left lane to crush the driver’s ed car. inches in 1949—“I ran around the track with the Ms. Whalen does a good job of teaching in American flag, and were people throwing flowers at class and on the road. She says that the only acci- me”—and held it until 1953. He was later inducted dent has been when a tree fell on the roof of the into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame and car and that there were no injuries the New York Athletic Club Hall of Fame. “I definitely enjoy teaching Berkshire students,” Mr. Fuchs said he stopped competing after the says Ms. Whalen. “I find it interesting because 1952 Olympics and started a company in New York there is a variety of kids from all different back- City called Fuchs Cuthrell & Company, which grounds, and they are all great kids. Not only helped place the unemployed in jobs. Retired now, have I taught Berkshire students, but I have also Mr. Fuchs devotes his time to his family and the learned a lot from them.” Silver Shield Foundation, which helps raise money to Dave’s has 9 cars and has had an average of 20 pay for the education for children of firefighters and Berkshire students a year for the past 12 years, police officers killed in the line of duty. which means that roughly 240 Berkshire students now have their licenses thanks to Dave’s. Wilma Whalen of Dave's Driving School. Page 8 THE GREEN AND GRAY March 4, 2010

POINT-COUNTERPOINT: The military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy

President Obama is considering repealing the controversial Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy that restricts the US military from asking anyone about their sexual orientation but allows them to discharge anyone who engages in homosexual conduct. In his State of the Union address, President Obama said “This year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are. It’s the right thing to do.” Two students from Mr. DeMartino’s Modern World History class argue for and against repealing DADT.

For, by Ron Sartena ’12 Against, by Jackson Beaver ‘12

In 2003, President Clinton said of his administration’s 1993 Don’t Ask, The Obama administration is calling for the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy to Don’t Tell policy, “It is clear that the policy, as implemented, is not work- be repealed. This would be an unnecessary change that would take a lot of time. ing.” Since the policy’s implementation, there has been a 67% increase in Repealing the policy now would have a more negative than positive effect on the discharge of gay and lesbian troops. It is clear that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell our country and military. Although public opinion on the issue is much more is ineffective in its goal to allow gay men and women to serve their country open to the idea of having gays serve in the military, there is one thing that must admirably. be taken into account: military life is not the same as civilian life. In 2010, public opinion, high ranking officers, and government officials DADT protects everyone’s sexuality, not just gays. The policy does have become more tolerant of gays serving in the military. According to a not call any undue attention to the sexual orientation of military personnel. May 2009 Gallup poll, 69% of national adults are in favor of allowing DADT has goals similar to those of a private school dress code. One goal of a openly gay men and women to serve in the military, six percentage points dress code is to eliminate divisions within a school community over appearance. higher than when the same group was asked in 2004. The biggest change in One goal of DADT is to eliminate divisions in the military over sexual orienta- the poll came from conservatives and weekly churchgoers. Conservative tion. Each policy aims to eliminate differences that could distract students/mili- attitudes increased from 46% in 2004 to 58% in 2009 in favor of allowing tary from their obligations. If DADT were to be repealed, gays could face gays to serve openly; weekly churchgoers increased from 49% to 60%. Our harassment that was pervasive prior to the policy’s implementation. society has obviously progressed and when the people change, the govern- For example, in October 1992 Allen R. Schindler, a petty officer in the ment should change as well. United States Navy, was brutally murdered because he was gay. According to This change within the government is coming. The Chairman of the Joint Schindler’s friends, he repeatedly complained of anti-gay harassment from his Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, said last month that “I cannot escape crewmates, like having his locker glued shut and being subjected to derogatory being troubled by the fact that we have in place a policy which forces young comments. Terry M. Helvey was responsible for stomping Schindler to death in men and women to lie about who they are in order to defend their fellow a public bathroom. When Terry was interrogated the day after the murder, he citizens.” said he hated homosexuals and was disgusted by them. This is event in particu- In 1948, President Truman lifted a ban on blacks serving in the military. lar was cited by Bill Clinton and many others in the lead-up to DADT. President Obama must take one step closer to unify this country, just as In the end it shouldn’t really matter if you are gay or straight. People who Truman did, by allowing gays and lesbians to openly serve in the military. enlist should not be going into the military to gossip about each other’s sexuali- ty; they are there to fight a war and keep our country safe. DADT eliminates the problem of sexual differences by keeping it a private matter. We cannot be so focused on changing a policy that has been in effect for 17 years when the country is in two wars and in the middle of a recession.

Fellowship and Cupcakes By Kristy Barnes ‘11

It’s a typical Wednesday at 6:15pm and com- that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and and to create a relationship of unity. ing from the Lewton’s apartment is an amazing I will be their God, for they will return to me with The members of the group are enthusiastic and aroma. Cinnamon rolls, maybe? No it’s Mrs. all their heart.” accepting. Sharnae Moore ‘10 says, “I like every- Lewton’s amazing cupcakes! Students come pour- BASIC participates in a range of on and off-cam- thing about it. We laugh, we cry, we eat, and we ing into the living room where the food and pus activities that keep the members active and hav- grow all together.” Shannon Rayniece Brown ’10 often a warm fire are waiting. But the cozy space ing fun. From on-campus community service proj- adds that BASIC is “a great place to relax and get isn’t only reserved for kids who attend Berkshire ects, talent shows, field trips to gather boxes for away from the hustle and bustle of Berkshire, and faculty and staff are also welcome and make regu- Operation Christmas Child and overnight youth to be with a great group of people and enjoy each lar appearances to BASIC 24:7 as well. conferences, the group always has something other’s presence while being silly and playing games BASIC, for short, is the Christian Student planned. “Between serving the campus by taking and still learning.” Youth Group on campus and a safe place for stu- out students’ trash and meetings with campfires and In only its second year, BASIC is growing at a dents to not only practice and express their faith marshmallows, it’s hard to decide what event I have steady rate. It is open to anyone and the group as a but also to come together and discuss topics of enjoyed the most” said Caroline Wood ‘12. whole wants to extend a welcome to everyone who concern. The name itself captures the group’s Even though the group is Christian- based, it is is interested. It is a laid-back atmosphere, yet a essence. BASIC, standing for Brothers and Sisters not exclusive. Many students of other faiths or no place of growth spiritually and mentally. Stop by in Christ, depicts the tight bond that is found faith have come to the meetings to discuss their and see what all the commotion is about. And between members. The numbers are in reference views or to simply observe. BASIC has combined don’t forget to try one of the amazing cupcakes. to the Bible Scripture Jeremiah 24:7, the purpose with Berkshire’s Jewish Student Union (JSU) on of the club: “I will give them a heart to know me, occasion for meetings to learn from one another

Think spring! This is what Buck Valley will look like a few weeks after you get back. Have a happy AND SAFE break!