THE RIVERS EDGE

Vol. LI, Number 3 The Rivers School, Weston, MA March 5, 2021 One year into COVID, vaccinations & falling cases offer US hope ters, and mobile units. BY MIA PATEL ’23 CONTRIBUTING WRITER As if the one virus wasn’t enough, a new UK variant of It all began one year ago. A COVID-19 named B.1.1.7 was virus was detected in China and introduced to the US back in mid was starting to spread. By March January. This strain has been con- it had arrived in the US and life sistently doubling every 10 days, would not be the same. due to the high number of muta- Since then, masks, social dis- tions and its ability to spread more tancing, and Zoom meetings have easily and quickly. Fortunately, become the new normal as the the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines world, and especially the US, has both prove effective against this variant. Middle school students, like members of Ms. Bartlett’s French 7 class, will have all new classroom spaces, endured a long, bleak winter. interiors, and furniture to look forward to when they return to campus next fall. (Photo: A Stephens) But hope is on the way. Although the vaccines have The rollout of COVID-19 vac- been rolling out since December cines is one of the most press- 16th, many Americans were still ing issues as we make our way getting COVID at an alarming Middle School facilities upgrade through 2021. Vaccinating all rate, mostly due to holiday gath- corners of the globe is certainly erings and travel. On January 8, a challenging task. Starting with 2021 the US reached a record to begin this summer with Prince number of cases, with almost In 2015, the Rivers Board was lacking, and what they had those most at risk, the seniors and BY WILL ELWOOD ’22 individuals with health risks, the 315,000 cases. Following this CONTRIBUTING WRITER of Trustees drafted the original that needed to be improved upon. vaccinations began rolling out. So outbreak, it became much more Campus Master Plan. In devel- Subsequently, the master plan far, 52 million doses have been common to see people double Since its grand opening last oping this plan, they considered was created. administered in the US which ac- masking. The CDC will only re- winter, The Revers Center for the whole campus and created a “The master plan is like an counts for 11.5% of the popula- quire you to wear one mask, how- Science and Visual Arts has sig- vision as to where they wanted it order of operations,” explained tion (as of Feb. 20). ever double masking is proven to nificantly enhanced both the aca- to go over the coming years. The Assistant Director of Finance Dr. Anthony Fauci, an immu- boost protection against the virus. demic and artistic experiences at goal was to make Upper School and Operations Tom Bourdeau. nologist serving as the director of If double masking, they recom- Rivers. The new building, having and Middle School spaces more “Once the Revers Center was the National Institute of Allergy mend wearing a medical mask won an ABC award for its “ex- conducive to 21st century aca- completed, the next step in the and Infectious Diseases since underneath a cloth one to ensure cellence in construction,” has set demic needs, more reflective of master plan was to address the 1984 and chief medical advisor to there are no gaps. a new standard for Rivers and the school’s interdisciplinary needs of the middle school.” President Biden, is fairly certain Americans have taken heed other schools across the region. programming, and better suited Soon, the school will be do- it will be what he calls “open sea- and cases are falling dramatical- The school’s work to upgrade to collaboration and community- ing just that. Starting this sum- son” around the end of April; in ly. Graphs visibly show the slow its programming, however, does building. The decisions that were mer, to satisfy the need for larger which the general population will but steady decrease in both CO- not stop there. In the coming made in 2015 were driven by pro- classrooms in the middle school, be eligible to receive the vaccine. VID-19 cases and deaths start- year, the Rivers community will gram, so the Board of Trustees the Prince Building, named after At this time, Dr. Fauci believes ing from the peak of January 8th. see renovations to Prince, Lewis, started at the basics. They con- the late math teacher Erv Prince, the US is on track to have mass While everyday citizens seem to and the tutoring center—the next sidered how many students they will be remodeled to hold three vaccination with the help of phar- be doing their part, the govern- steps in the master campus plan wanted, what academic offerings classrooms and two breakout macies, community vaccine cen- Continued on page 2 developed years ago. they wanted, what they had that Continued on page 2 Conservatives feel silenced in school’s liberal community we perceive as Conservative and small government, and freedom the most notable Republican at etc.) and those who support former BY SEBASTIAN CONNELY ’22 Liberal into two parties - Republi- AND CHARLIE FOLEY ’22 for the individual - which usually the time. After the Civil War and President Donald Trump and his STAFF WRITERS cans and Democrats. This associa- ranges from a strong conviction in Reconstruction era, the Republi- agenda. Recently this division has tion, however, is incorrect. free-market capitalism to freedom can Party evolved into the likes of been emphasized with senators’ One’s perception of the world Many people find that being a of speech. A common example of Roosevelt and was characterized votes on impeachment, leaving and ideologies are often shaped by Republican is to be a conservative, this being views on abortion, with by high tariffs, the gold standard, Republicans who voted to convict those of their parents, friends, and which is analogizing that all rect- the close interpretation of the 14th and a national banking system. labeled as “RINOs” (Republicans education. These views - on our angles are squares. For example, amendment and its promise of Subsequently, Reagan became the in name only) by those who are world, other people, and policies - one could be a liberal Republican, “No state shall make or enforce standard bearer for the Republican in line with Trump’s views. At are often politicized. conversely, one could be a con- any law which shall abridge the party, which was associated with the same time, just last week Rep. Election cycles certainly ampli- servative Democrat. More often privileges or immunities of citi- being tough-on-crime, the war on Liz Cheney (R- WY), who broke fy these divisions, and 2020 was people have varying views on sev- zens of the United States; nor shall drugs, and trickle-down econom- with most of her party by voting to no exception. But in a state like eral different topics in the political any state deprive any person of ics. impeach Trump, felt compelled to Massachusetts or a private school sphere. life” where the line of life defines Today, many believe the Re- state that the GOP cannot become like Rivers, being a Republican or The American conservative their pro-life stance. publican party has split, no lon- “the party of white supremacy.” calling oneself conservative can movement, more broadly high- In the 1850s, the Republican ger united as the party of Reagan, This civil war within the GOP also be isolating. lighting tradition, is based around party consisted of abolitionists believing members of the party sets the party at a consequential When we think about politics a close interpretation of the Con- and prominent northern business- have diverged into Traditionalists crossroads which could determine in the US, we often divide those stitution, the belief in having a men, with Abraham Lincoln being (pre-2014 Republicans, Tea Party, Continued on page 12 I NEWS FEATURES ARTS SPORTS SPORTS N History teacher Arturo Youth Poet Laureate Winter Musical goes Winter sports teams relishing Former Rivers, Harvard S Bagley delivers a Amanda Gorman inspires virtual with entertaining some semblance of a normal standout Jillian Dempsey stirring presentation the nation with her poem at “Bring Back the Broadway season during COVID. still chasing gold in I on MLK. the Inauguration. Lights” revue. women’s pro hockey. D Page 3 Page 7 Page 8 Page 10 Page 11 E Page 2 The Rivers Edge March 5, 2021 News Capital riots, impeachment trial mark rocky start to year a speech to his supporters, and phers captured chilling images of vened to vote on the article. In the aquitted. Comparing Johnson and BY NATALIE KLOMAN ’23 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS once again encouraged everyone rioters breaking into the Senate House, 232 members voted yes, Clinton’s actions to Trump’s sec- to march down to the Capitol. He Chamber. It wasn’t until almost including 10 Republicans. Trump ond federal offense, it is evident The start of 2021 seemed to mainly emphasized the “corrupt” six o’clock that evening when received more desertions from his that Trump is much more in the offer some hope for America. We election and that Biden would be the Capitol was actually secured. party than any president ever had wrong, as he intended to spark a could finally put the eventful 2020 an “illegitimate” president, and he Apart from his rally at the Ellipse, during previous impeachment tri- violent uprising in our country and behind us and have the fresh start verbally attacked fellow Repub- Trump, who had returned to the als. While 197 Republicans and prevent the Congress from fulfill- we needed. But within the first licans, including Vice President White House residence, only let zero Democrats voted no to im- ing its duties. week, all ambitions were instantly Pence for their disloyalty to him. out the occasional Twitter update. peaching Trump. Jumping to Feb. 9: the begin- set aside. On Jan. 6, thousands Towards the end of his address, he Five people died during the On Jan. 20, Trump’s presiden- ning of the Senate trial. On the first of rioters breached the United explicitly encouraged them again riots. A police officer was beaten cy ended once Biden was sworn day, Senators voted on whether or States Capitol as a way of show- by saying, “And we fight. We fight to death, a protester was shot, and into office. The preparations for not conducting a trial for a former ing support for Donald Trump and like hell. And if you don’t fight hundreds more people were in- the Senate trial began five days president was constitutional. With to protest the imminent transfer like hell, you’re not going to have jured. Even today, rioters are still later when the House delivered a slim majority, 56 members voted of power to President-Elect Joe a country anymore.” being identified and arrested all the impeachment article. Later on, yes, which allowed the trial to pro- Biden. The event at the Capitol left During and immediately fol- across the country. senators swore on an impeach- ceed. Maryland representative and people injured, dead, arrested, and lowing the rally, supporters As a result of the events, Trump ment oath, and Trump announced lead impeachment manager, Jamie even created another impeachment marched to the Capitol to join has been impeached for the second his defense team—David Schoen Raskin, then showed an emotional case for the federal government to the growing crowds and protest- time, making him the first presi- and Bruce L. Castor Jr. In early video on the horrific events at the deal with. Now, we look back on ers already breaking through the dent ever in America’s history to February, the House impeachment Capitol and stated, “This cannot all that happened, the causes and fences surrounding the building. have been impeached twice. On members briefed the Senate on the be the future of America.” outcomes of the riot, and how the Around 2 p.m., the Capitol itself Jan. 11, five days after the riots, the impeachment. Trump’s lawyers After opening statements, country will move forward. was breached and hundreds of ri- House of Representatives drafted responded by stating that Trump Trump’s lawyers spoke and Castor Biden received 306 Electoral oters stormed into the building by a single article of impeachment, had no involvement in the Capi- Jr. delivered a disorganized, ram- College votes and over 81 million breaking windows and pushing accusing him of “high crimes and tol riots, along with denying the bling, and boring defense for his popular votes back in Novem- past police officers. Congress was misdemeanors.” In the House’s request made by the impeachment client, while Schoen presented a ber, defeating Trump’s 232 votes forced to call for recess to make resolution, they stated that Trump managers for Trump to testify at somewhat coherent address to the and roughly 74 million popular an immediate evacuation. Mem- is responsible for “incitement of his trial. Senate during which he accused votes. Trump constantly claimed bers of the far-right QAnon and insurrection,” which translates to Trump has made history as the the House managers of portray- that the election was “rigged” Proud Boys groups were amongst Trump being the cause of the Cap- first president to be impeached ing the riot as a “blood sport,” and that there was “voter fraud” the rioters, and many neglected to itol riots and that he encouraged twice, but people are overlooking and explained why a former presi- after Biden’s win. Throughout wear masks. Some even went as violence in his supporters. They that he is also the first president dent should not be tried. Overall, the weeks leading up to the riot, far as carrying Confederate flags also pointed out Trump’s false ever to be charged with incitement most of the first day was long and Trump constantly urged his fol- or wearing “Camp Auschwitz” claims about the election, how his of insurrection. Looking back in monotonous, primarily thanks to lowers, primarily through tweets, sweatshirts. A man even went into instigations created a dangerous history, Andrew Johnson was im- Castor Jr.’s widely criticized oral to come to Washington on Jan. 6, Speaker of the House Nancy Pe- and unprecedented event, and his peached in 1868 for removing the argument. Stephen Colbert put the day of the certification of the losi’s office and left her a note say- efforts to overturn the election. Secretary of War without senato- it perfectly by saying, “Even C- Electoral College votes during the ing, “We will not back down.” The resolution ended by saying rial permission, and Bill Clinton SPAN tried to save their ratings by Joint Session of Congress. On the The siege carried on as the mob that Trump has been deemed “a was impeached in 1998 for both switching to live testimony from day of the certification, Trump forcefully stormed the building— threat to national security, democ- lying under oath and obstruction the House subcommittee on paint held his “Save America” rally at some even searched specifically racy, and the Constitution.” of justice. During the Senate tri- drying.” the Ellipse in D.C, he delivered for Pence and Pelosi. Photogra- On Jan. 13, the House con- als, both former presidents were Continued on page 12 Renovations of Prince Building to be completed by fall Continued from page 1 will benefit from many signifi- spaces. These 50% larger class- cant improvements, including rooms will enable middle school breakout areas for more room students to get up, move around, and collaboration. The space will and be more active overall. also host new office spaces for Additionally, the new break- tutoring department head Kathy out spaces will allow for more Dorrien, as well as administra- collaboration and can be used tors Debbie Argueta and Kit Cun- as advisory, meeting, and group- ningham. work spaces. A new gathering Taking the old tutoring cen- space will give students and ter’s place in lower Lewis will be teachers a place to convene and new middle school classrooms. collaborate. All classrooms will Renovations to the whole Lewis be equipped with VTC (video Building are expected to start at teleconferencing capabilities), an the beginning of the 2021-2022 important accommodation that school year. Once these renova- was found effective in the upper tions are completed, this building school to support hybrid learning will serve as the middle school’s during the pandemic. primary building. As with Prince, While making these important the tutoring center and Lewis’s A rendering from Dario Designs of the common area in Prince as it will look next September. programmatic upgrades, new fur- look and furniture will be consis- was quick to remind me that were put on hold indefinitely. to come. niture will be brought in to match tent with the impressive Revers “there’s this little thing called Now, almost a year later, the “I am so excited about the the modern ambiance and interior Center’s standard. the pandemic.” He explained that operations team is prepared and renovations,” said Middle School design of the Revers Center. The Current eighth-grader, Daniel during March of last year Rivers excited to move forward with the Latin teacher Cathy Favreau, plan is to keep the architectural Connelly ’25, expressed his ex- was preparing to begin the reno- project this summer. who has taught in Prince for near- look and feel of the school while citement for the upcoming proj- vations by the summer of 2020. Despite all of its challenges, ly 20 years. “One of the things I upgrading the spaces to enhance ect. “I am glad that the Middle However, the national COV- the project is now looking quite love most about teaching middle programming. School classrooms will be get- ID-19 lockdown began later that promising. With construction school students is how social they “A goal of ours,” said Bour- ting renovations and hope to see month, and the operations team’s starting right after school closes can be and how much they like deau, “is to bring Prince up to the the new open-design classrooms focus quickly shifted to making in June, the whole Rivers com- to learn together and collaborate. Revers Center standard.” Dario make middle school academics sure the school could run the best munity is looking forward to We do a lot of partner work and Designs, which designed Revers, an even more prosperous place it could run in a virtual setting. its completion in the fall. After projects in the middle school and is once again doing the work. of learning for all Middle School Reflecting on the past year, Bour- all, the Revers Center greatly kids need space to do this type of Also beginning this summer students by promoting more open deau said that “there have been a enhanced the Upper School ex- work. The new plans reflect this will be an exciting remodeling discussions and more space for lot of different unknowns that we perience last year. Now, it’s the thinking and are designed to ex- of the tutoring center. Starting class activities.” hadn’t experienced that we had to Middle School’s turn, and the pand the classrooms and provide with its move from lower Lewis When asked about the chal- be ready to react and respond to.” renovations to Lewis and Prince space for quiet independent work Center to lower Carlin (lower lenges faced throughout the pro- As a result, the renovations to the will benefit current and future as well. I am really looking for- library), the tutoring department gression of the project, Bourdeau middle school and tutoring center Middle School students for years ward to this.” March 5, 2021 The Rivers Edge Page 3 News Historian Bagley delivers stirring presentation on MLK the bus to pay the driver but were a “lover of [American] history” BY HANNAH LAPIDES ’22 ASSISTANT EDITOR then made to go around to the back and enjoying the opportunity to of the bus to enter. Sometimes the tell the story of the Civil Rights On January 13th, Rivers held driver drove away before the Afri- Movement, Bagley feels that the its annual Martin Luther King Jr. can American passengers got back more important reason for his ex- Assembly. This year, due to the on the bus. When Rosa Parks re- citement at being asked to speak is assembly being virtual, it consist- fused to give up her seat, she was “it’s important for us to remember ed of one keynote speaker: Rivers arrested, and Dr. King was chosen the importance of that struggle for history teacher Arturo Bagley. to lead the Boycott, which ended human rights and equality and to Bagley began his speech by when African Americans were remind ourselves that the struggle telling the story of King’s visit to given more rights to be able to sit is not over. There is still a great India in 1959. King met with un- anywhere they pleased. deal to be done, although there has touchables, people of the lowest Bagley, who earned a BA from been progress.” Bagley expressed level of the Indian caste system. Emory, a master’s from UNC, that people don’t know as much as When he was introduced to some and later a law degree from Yale, they should about the Civil Rights high school students as a fellow then went on to describe the ac- Movement, so he hopes that he untouchable, King was surprised, tion King took in Birmingham, Dr. Martin Luther King’s Drum Major Sermon in Atlanta, 1968, em- was able to inform people through as he came from a long line of Alabama, which, in 1963, was the phasized serving others. Getty Image his speech. pastors and had received a presti- most segregated city in America at One major part of his speech complishments, but what is more gious education. However, when the time. It was decided that chil- icans, was passed. Bagley ex- that stood out to Bagley is his ex- important is serving and advanc- King considered his position as a dren would take part in the peace- plained that as black southerners planation of the Drum Major Ser- ing the humanity of others. King black man in the United States, he ful demonstrations so that fewer were allowed to vote, they began mon. Bagley wanted to stress that did not want to be remembered for realized that he, along with every protestors would be arrested, but to elect black candidates, and the there are two parts to the United his Nobel Peace Prize or the hun- other African American, was, in this strategy proved ineffective. long term effects of these elec- States’ emphasis on liberty: citi- dreds of other awards he had re- fact, an “untouchable.” Bagley explained how more than tions were demonstrated when zens’ rights to free speech, reli- ceived; instead, he wanted people To preface his discussion of the 2,000 children were thrown in Reverend Raphael Warnock was gion, and so on, but also respon- to remember him for how he tried Civil Rights Movement, Bagley jail, and the inhumane treatment elected to the Senate from Geor- sibility and community. Bagley to love somebody, how he tried to explained that the freedoms that of the protestors by the police was gia. included the discussion of King’s feed the hungry, how he tried to the Declaration of Independence shown on TV for white people to The attempts to prevent black Drum Major Sermon in order to visit those in prison, and so on. bestowed upon Americans did see and consider more equality in people from voting have also car- remind everyone that “a society Bagley said that on Martin Luther not apply to African Americans, Birmingham. ried to today, Bagley explained. can only be great when individu- King Jr. Day, we would remem- and the Civil War can be seen as Bagley explained how the ac- Former President Trump’s claims als are concerned about other ber that “what is most important black people’s fight for those free- tions that the police took against that the 2020 presidential election people’s welfare, not merely their in life is the extent to which we doms and equal rights. Because the protestors in Alabama went was fraudulent stemmed from own.” become our best selves by helping they were not willing to give up against King’s practice of non- his assertion that votes in minor- The Jan. 6th riot at the Capitol others become their best selves.” their superiority, white southern- violence, which was effective ity communities should not be led Bagley to add another layer Finally, Bagley emphasized ers implemented Jim Crow laws, because white people felt guilty counted. to his speech. Bagley considered that democracy and equality are and in Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896, when peaceful black protestors Bagley concluded his speech the peaceful protests of the Civil the core American principles, and the Supreme Court confirmed the were arrested and because it re- with a discussion of what Amer- Rights Movement in contrast to sometimes we fall short of pro- inferiority of black people with spected American ideals. Bagley cians should remember on Martin the mob that stormed the Capitol tecting those principles. The Civil the approval of separate but equal. used this opportunity to empha- Luther King Jr. Day. He described and killed the Capitol police offi- Rights Movement should help Bagley then began his discus- size that the Trump riot at the how King’s fundamental belief cer. “Later I read that one of the guide us to the goal of living up sion of the Civil Rights Move- Capitol on January 6th did not system centered on his caring for mobbers who was arrested com- to those principles and warn us ment, which, in his opinion, respect American ideals and went all people. King often said, “In- pared himself to Mahatma Gandhi of the destructiveness that events “Deserves the recognition of a na- beyond free speech. justice anywhere is a threat to jus- and Martin Luther King, Jr. The like the riot at the Capitol incite. tional holiday,” he said, “because To further connect the Civil tice everywhere.” As an example, thought that the January 6th mob The Trump supporters who par- it is an attempt to help the nation Rights Movement to modern-day Bagley explained how King op- could be seen as comparable to ticipated in the riot sought to in- live up to the promise of its found- America, Bagley explained how posed the Vietnam War because the protesters of the Civil Rights terfere with democracy, and they ing as a true democracy in which the right to vote is the central right he believed that the Vietnamese Movement made me angry.,” refused to accept America’s core all of its citizens have equal rights, to American citizenship. Although had the right to decide how they Bagley said. values. Bagley urged us to see our a promise which it has never fully black men got the right to vote were governed. King received Many of the students watching responsibility to reject their false achieved.” in 1868, southern whites found backlash, but he stood by his re- the assembly have or had Bagley claims “if we care to save our de- He opened with the Montgom- ways to keep them from voting sponsibility as a clergyman to ad- as a teacher for U.S. History, so mocracy.” ery Bus Boycott, which started in by implementing policies such as vocate for the rights of everyone. they were accustomed to his pas- In regards to Bagley’s feelings 1955. Black people paid the same literacy tests, which were impos- Bagley also talked about sion for American history. How- about his speaking at the assem- bus fare as white people, Bagley sible to pass. King’s Drum Major Sermon, ever, the content of his speech bly and Martin Luther King Jr. explained, but they were forced As a result of the Selma to which he delivered two months was not something the students Day in general, Bagley said it was to sit separately and give up Montgomery march in 1965, the before his death. King said that it had heard from him before. “an honor” to be asked to speak their seats to white people. They Voting Rights Act, which made is natural for people to be “drum “I was struck by how much of this year. Aside from his being walked up the steps at the front of voting a reality for African Amer- majors” and show off their ac- the Black history that Mr. Bagley outlined wasn’t part of the Ameri- can history curriculum I expe- rienced in his class,” said Lucy Nation may be turning the corner on COVID TonThat ’22. Some at Rivers might know Continued from page 1 tions. Comparing these numbers decades was conducted called addition to a few unrelated cas- that Bagley is related to Martin ment has stepped up as well. Dur- of the US population, 18% are the Tuskegee syphilis study. The es at the same time, the school Luther King Jr. His Aunt was ing the first three days in office Hispanic/Latin, 5.6% are Asian, “treatment” on African American quickly shifted to zoom for an Coretta Scott King, Martin Lu- President Biden was busy imple- and 13.4% are Black. Biden’s men for medical research without online week. Following that ther King Jr.’s wife. Although menting plans and laws which Covid-19 health equity task force their knowledge, caused dozens week, school-wide testing was “that relationship is not a secret,” required masks, expanded ac- is set to address these concerns by to fall ill and even die due to the held during on-campus classes. Bagley chose not to include it in cess for treatments, and creating putting forth time and resources researchers harmful experiments The results of those tests revealed his speech. a health equity task force among as of “disparities in COVID-19 and lack of care. three people were positive. Sev- “My job was to discuss why other initiatives. outcomes by race, ethnicity and Massachusetts has moved into eral more had to quarantine due King and the Civil Rights Move- Studies show that ethnic mi- other factors.” the second phase of its vaccina- to contact tracing. Varsity athletes ment remain important to our na- norities have more severe out- These staggering numbers in tion rollout, and as soon as March, continue to be tested on campus tion and our world today. Talking comes of the virus than people part are due to the US’s inequi- teachers and administrators may each week prior to their weekend about myself would not do that,” who are white. This makes it table rollout of the vaccine and be eligible for the vaccine. games, most of the time yielding Bagley explained. “I was too especially unsettling to discover health system as a whole, but also While Rivers has been suc- negative results. young to be a part of that move- that of the vaccinations given some resistance from some mi- cessful overall in maintaining With time we will see how ment. If I had been old enough to only 11.5% were received by nority groups to get vaccinated. in-person classes, a rarity for this all plays out, and hope for participate in it, then I might have Hispanic/Latin people, 6.0% re- It is no surprise ethnic minorities both public and private schools, the best. In the meantime, Rivers found it relevant to talk about my ceived by Asians, and 5.4% were remain hesitant of the vaccine the school has not been totally can keep its community safe by experience in the Movement, but I received by Black people, accord- because of the history of unethi- immune. After a small outbreak maintaining the six-feet distance did not have that opportunity.” ing to a study done by the CDC, cal experiments. In the 1930’s among a varsity team resulted in from one another and continuing within the first month of vaccina- an experiment lasting several seven COVID positive cases, in to wear a mask or two. Page 4 The Rivers Edge March 5, 2021 EDITORIAL Totalitarian Twitter and the Orwellian backlash About two months ago, after former president Donald Trump was permanently suspended from Twitter (and a host of other social media sites) for inciting violent riots at the United States Capitol on January 6th, his son Donald Trump Jr. took to Twitter to respond. Trump Jr.’s tweet read, “We are living Opinions & Editorials Orwell’s 1984. Free-speech no longer exists in America. It died with big tech and what’s left is only there for a chosen few” (@ DonaldJTrumpJr 8 Jan. 2021). Similarly, Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri invoked Orwell Let’s get to work, President Biden in a tweet directed at his former publisher Simon & Schuster 13: Decide Which of the 15 37: Guyz Night With Doug for canceling his book deal after he directly challenged the BY DANA LOWITT ’23 STAFF WRITER Blue Suits You Will be Wearing and Barack (watch the Bachelor Electoral College vote and encouraged right-wing extremists 14: Promise to Vaccinate Ev- finale) near the Capitol building. He tweeted, “This could not be more We all saw the momentous oc- eryone 38: Find out why everyone is Orwellian. Simon & Schuster is canceling my contract because casion when President Joe Biden 15: Keep Pushing Back Fed- obsessed with Stopping and Gam- I was representing my constituents, leading a debate on the was officially sworn into office, eral Loan Payments ing Senate floor on voter integrity, which they have now decided or, in my case, we heard about it 16: How Many Politicians 39: Start a finsta to redefine as sedition. Let me be clear, this is not just a con- from our friends because Doc kept Does it Take to Screw in a Light- 40: Realize finstas can’t be us late. Whether you are jumping bulb? created via Facebook tract dispute. It’s a direct assault on the First Amendment. Only for joy or holding your confeder- 17: Leg Day 41: Buy a Bitcoin approved speech can now be published” (@HawleyMO 7 Jan. ate flag out like a lightsaber, it is 18: Reverse Trump’s Immigra- 42: Find out Bitcoin can’t be 2021). important to acknowledge that we tion Policies carried in your change purse These are only two examples, but a handful of other promi- have a new president in the White 19: Wait? We Can’t Sledge- 43: Send 1,000 bags of Dori- nent public figures and journalists have used similar language House. But what does he actu- hammer the Wall? tos to Mar-a-Lago to describe recent events. So, now that the word “Orwellian” is ally stand for? I am embarrassed 20: Hey, Jill! 44: Start a Hashbrown: #Hip- to admit that I was so focused on 21: Facetime Barack to Watch WithTheKids getting so much usage, what does it even mean? In short, the watching the theatrics of the elec- Dancing with the Stars 45: Remove Regulations Re- word refers to writer George Orwell and a fictional totalitarian tion that I forgot to actually re- 22: WHO’s with me? garding Trans and LGBTQ+ Indi- regime he depicted in his novel 1984. Thus, “Orwellian” would search Biden’s platform. For any 23: Make a TikTok Account viduals in the Military be best used in describing something or someone that practices of you who did the same, congrats 24: Increase Police Reform 46: Discover Room Service is totalitarianism and/or directly threatens a free society. For ex- for failing the democratic system. 25: Get a Toad as the White a thing in the White House ample, in the book 1984, the government controls and surveils In my opinion, the list below House Pet 47: Go Bowling is what Biden should be doing for 26: Ban the Discrimination of 48: Discover that Bowling is all media consumption, activity, language, and even thought his first 60 days. People Based on Their Sexual or Not Hip with the Kids of every citizen. Totally totalitarian, right? By this objective Gender Identity 49: Green Infrastructure definition of “Orwellian,” Trump Jr. and Hawley clearly have 1: Paris is Calling 27: Look into Miracle Hair 50:Binge Watch Wanda Vision no idea what they’re talking about. 2: Do the Mask Thing Grow 51: Create BidenCare for Co- Both men cite a breach of the First Amendment as the 3: Is there a backsies button? 28: Mandate Mask Wearing in vid Long-Hauler Syndrome “Orwellian” factor: if the First Amendment was indeed broken 4: No Fracking all Public Transportation 52: Let Kamala sit Behind the 5: Make a Twitter Account 29: Buy Yourself a Pair of Ber- Resolute Desk when Twitter chose to ban Trump, what part of that choice 6: Realize that there are Two nie Mittens 53: Discuss School Wide was unlawful? The First Amendment protects our right to free Twitter Accounts and that You 30: Start a Massive Program Mask Mandates speech, which is something Trump continues to enjoy, even Forgot Both Passwords for Educational Reform 54: Learn that Hashbrowns are without Twitter and other social media. The amendment also 7: Cure Climate Change 31: Check in with Sullivan not the same thing as Hashtags specifically outlines our right as American citizens to peaceably 8: Ride an Elephant to Show about Getting a Ring Doorbell 55: Mmmm… Hashbrowns assemble to address issues with the government. Ironically, Support for Republicans 32: Wear Red for Republicans 56: Stop calling people 9: Make Press Conferences a 33: Look Presidential “Folks” Trump’s unequivocal encouragement of violent insurrection Thing Again 34: 100 Mask Challenge 57: Push for Tax Reform seems more of a violation than Twitter’s mere removal of his 10: Covid Stimulus Package! 35: 10 Squats Get The Buns 58: Make Less Money to online presence. #NotOrwellian. 11: Clean Out the Tanning Burning Avoid Paying More Taxes due to Moreover, what exactly is “Orwellian” about a publishing Beds 36: Watch The Hunger Games Tax Reform company canceling a book contract with an author after they 12: Find Barron Hiding in a to see if Lady Gaga’s pin was re- 59: Alliance Rebuilding demonstrate values inconsistent with those of the company? By Tanning Bed ally Katniss’s symbol 60: Mic Drop. calling Simon & Schuster’s actions “Orwellian,” Hawley draws an unlikely parallel between the company and Big Brother from 1984. It seems like a stretch to compare the publisher of The Rivers Edge Co-Editors Meredith Shah’21 the best-selling children’s book Are You A Cow? to an omnipo- Max Meyerhardt ’21 tent government that brainwashes its citizens as punishment for Associate Editors Will Conway ’21 noncompliance, but Hawley has done just that. 2021’s off to a Kendall Diamond ’21 great start, clearly. Ellie McCarron ’21 Interestingly enough, in each of these examples, some of Assistant Editors Sam Lyons ’22 the most powerful people in the US try to convince millions to Amanda Gary ’22 believe blatant lies. Now how’s that for Orwellian? Hannah Lapides ’22 Faculty Advisor Alex Stephens This Day in History Copy Editing Lucy Kapples Staff Writers: Sebastian Connelly ’22, Sophie DuBard ’22 Charlie Foley’22, Natalie Kloman ’23, Dana Lowitt ’23, • March 5, 1616 - Nicholas Copernicus placed on Catholic Michael Pasko ’22, Abigail Sikorski ’22 Forbidden index. Contributing Writers: Charlotte Diamond ’23, Jack Dosantos ’23, Will Elwood ’22, Christina Gomez ’23, Maddie • March 5, 1770 - The Boston Massacre occurs, killing 5 • March 5, 1931 - Gandhi and British viceroy Lord Irwin Guiliano ’22, Teagan Jannis ’24, Ellie Layish ’24, Abby Matsuasu ’23, Ava Palazzolo ’23, Mia Patel ’23, Cailyn Mur- sign peace pact. phy ’23, Sylvie Pingeon ’21, Brendan Poirer ’23, Will Reale ’21, Eric Rosenblum ’21, Calvin Smith ’21, Megan Sweatt • March 5, 1971 - “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin ’24, Elena Zuvekas ’22 performed live for first time in Ireland. Photography:Meredith Shah, Max Meyerhardt, Adam Richins, Alex Stephens. BIRTHDAYS • Henry II (1133) THE RIVERS EDGE is published by the students of The Rivers School. THE EDGE is an open forum for the • Michael Irvin of the Dallas Cowboys (1966) news, events, ideas, issues and concerns of the student body. Letters and contributions from the entire Rivers com- munity - students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni - are welcomed and encouraged. Unsigned letters will not be published, but names will be withheld upon request. Please send letters to The Editors, THE RIVERS EDGE, The Today is National Cheese Doodle Day (Really!) Rivers School, 333 Winter Street, Weston, MA 02493. March 5, 2021 The Rivers Edge Page 5 Opinion Being true to yourself essential to being happy, successful a clearly contrived and obvious- friend group. Entering middle dividual bonds with each friend. I’d be stuck in a room with a BY ERIC ROSENBLUM ’21 CONTRIBUTING WRITER ly unrealistic plot point to which school at the age of 12, I eagerly We still hung out every weekend stranger for the rest of my life, we needn’t pay any mind. For immersed my confused and in the fall, but by March, we with whom I’d be traversing The following is the speech Eric if we faced the common thread budding ego into the collective, were avoiding eye contact in life’s challenges, it’s failures Rosenblum delivered to the Up- between our existence and drowning all authenticity as I the hallways, and I was deep and triumphs, sorrows and bliss, per School in February. Frosty’s, well, we’d see just how conformed to the communities into the rapids. I was now on and so, I thought, I might as little we know about the bare I wanted to be a part of. And I my own path, stepping into the well get to know him. That’s ’m Eric Rosenblum, and I basics of us. And, if we know should have known it was the void within to find and get to how I found meditation. To suppose I’ll be speaking to anything about humans, it’s how wrong thing to do, just by the know the small speck of a true meditate was to sit and allow you about what that’s come overwhelming and frightening fact that it was so easy. I learned self that had miraculously stood myself to simply exist as I to mean to me. Candidly, that void of the unknown can be. that there’s a threatening inertia the test of conformity. But let observed it. At the beginning, the bare concept of self has Thus, too many of us shut, to conformity, one that coaxes me be clear, there was no grand, thoughts of previously neglected I lock, and neglect forever the our pure selves to cover up, shy immediate introduction to this realities bombarded me as I always freaked me out, and the simple fact of my existence has daunting doors to that mystery away from our personal truths perfect entity inside, and I tried to breathe. Pent up worries, always been excitingly mind- within, too afraid to take the and follow someone else’s lead. didn’t glow from my center with regrets, and insecurities were boggling to me. To think that necessary introspective leaps And it’s such a dangerously self-esteem as soon as I stopped relentless in their confrontation, trillions of simple atoms can inside oneself and face whatever compelling current because, talking to these guys. No, not at but after a while, and I mean a connect and organize to create it is they may find. And I get it. like I said, it’s easier. It’s easier all. Instead, I ate a fair amount while, I had dealt with all that a being that I can consciously How vulnerable it is to build a to sit in ignorant bliss on your of lunches alone, or out of place felt the need to be resolved, and call myself is nothing short of a relationship with yourself, to tube flowing down a warm, lazy at tables with people I didn’t I found a silence so pure, sim- magical mystery to me, and one open up your heart, soul, spirit, river than to jump off and fight know well. For over the past ple, and present, that it couldn’t that I think too many people fail and mind, and take the risk to against icy rapids, seeing what few years, I hadn’t thought to be anything else but me. to acknowledge. get to know them. To confront you’re truly made of and where maintain or build bonds with Now, I meditate multiple Just take the star of every- the uncharted within, with all you are fighting to reach as you individuals outside my friend times daily and relish the time one’s favorite nondenomination- the beauty that adorns its walls, fight to get there. It’s easier, to group. And I hadn’t thought to during which I am able to be al holiday cartoon, Frosty the and, inevitably, too, all the ugly neglect the unknown, and sink build a bond with myself. And alone. But, most importantly Snowman, to see what I mean. with which its dusty corners into that which has been estab- so, walking to class to the sound of all, when I think about that Frosty is composed of countless are riddled. Embarking on this lished for you, and allow that of my own feet and studying in freaky mystery of existence individual, inanimate snow- adventure of self-discovery current of conformity to slowly solitude in the library was, for a that’s allowed me to speak flakes, and parents and children takes courage, it takes faith, and, pull you farther and farther while, just an awkward feeling. today, and allowed you all alike have no trouble feeling sometimes a little push to get away from your individuality. I was left to myself during most to listen, I get butterflies of the raw wonder of his sudden, you started. By October of my sophomore of the school day, and I realized excitement in my stomach, and unexplainable sentience. Yet, My push occured at the year, I found myself leaning how utterly uncomfortable that dormant hairs on my forearms we’re only able to acknowledge beginning of sophomore year, over my tube, gazing into the made me feel, and I needed to stand in hope, for I’m beginning this remarkable circumstance when I realized that, quite sim- direful mystery of the waters change that. to see just what it means to be because we write it off as fake - ply, I no longer belonged in my below as I gradually lost my in- I felt like I was just told that Eric Rosenblum.

E-commerce & the entrepreneur School gives up on Class BY WILL REALE ’21 chance. find that Justin, a Snapchat- mar CONTRIBUTING WRITER I awoke the next morning to keting specialist, had been trying find people around the world on to reach me due to the success of of 2021, cuts two weeks My phone buzzed in my pocket my website and buying my prod- my ads. Justin and I met several during Ms. Sorenson’s math class. ucts. My final attempt was proving times, in order to optimize my However, the school’s complete It was from an unknown number, to be successful. campaign for the upcoming holi- BY CALVIN SMITH ’21 lack of faith in the senior class so I ignored it. Over the next two Over the course of the next day season. As Black Friday and CONTRIBUTING WRITER being able to function until said hours, I got two more calls from couple of weeks, I earned enough Cyber Monday approached, I was graduation due to three previ- the same number. It was only when in sales to purchase my first car. ready. One night in late November, In an announcement last ously disappointing years was I checked my email that I discov- Having reached my goal, I my phone started buzzing twice a Friday, it was revealed that the confirmed by a tip this reporter ered who had been calling me. could have stopped my venture minute, each notification meaning school administration had giv- received earlier today from an Five months earlier, as my road there. However, I realized that my a new sale. I looked at my phone en up on the Class of 2021 and unnamed AP United States His- test approached, I knew I wanted business didn’t feel like a job. It in shock. decided to move graduation up tory and Government teacher. a car. My parents weren’t going to had become something I truly en- Seeing my success, I took more by two weeks. Assistant Head “I certainly supported the buy me one, and I knew I needed joyed doing. risks. I quintupled my marketing of School Jim Long said in movement,” the teacher said. “I to figure out a way to earn enough I knew I wanted to do this long budget, and in just one month, his address to the Senior class give up on my students 2-3 times money to buy one myself. They term, but I realized that part of more than 30 million people had about the changes, “There’s a class so I’m excited for what suggested lifeguarding, scooping my business model had become seen my ads. Because I was target- no way to sugar coat it, but this precedent means for the ice cream, or being a camp coun- a nightmare. I was dropshipping ing my ads towards high school this year has been difficult. We future.” selor. But I had different plans. I from China to distribute my mer- students, there’s a good chance have faith in you, seniors.” Many in the senior class are wanted to run an online business. chandise. I had to send products you saw one yourself, without Inside sources, however, critical of the decision and argue I wanted to combine my under- from different Chinese suppliers even noticing. report that this is not the case, that they might want to treasure standing of social media, graphic to people all over the world. Some In the fall of my junior year, and that the school administra- their last weeks on campus. design, and technology to create addresses, like ones written in Jap- everything seemed to click. I be- tion has privately given up on However, most students agree something I could call my own. anese, I couldn’t even decipher. gan to apply the skills I acquired any hope that the senior class with the school’s decision. A se- I spent dozens of hours study- And many of my customers com- while running my business to my would be able to complete the nior says after being quarantined ing YouTube videos on entrepre- plained that they didn’t get their academics. I learned how to work normal school year, resulting for six weeks in a row, “I guess neurship and e-commerce. I set up merchandise for weeks. smarter, not harder, using many in the two week cut. Reports I don’t mind… How is school a store on Shopify to sell phone I shut down my website. I knew of the skills that I’d developed by of bitter arguments between by the way?” Due to the change, cases, but after a week of no sales, I wanted to create more online creating my business: research, top school officials about the events such as Mind Reader, the I realized that my product niche businesses, but I needed to figure planning, risk-taking, and commu- decision were overheard by Whitewater Rafting trip, and the was too broad. I switched to sell- out how to make them more effi- nicating with others. an anonymous bystander who Senior Banquet have also been ing paracord survival bracelets, cient and better for my customers. My story might sound interest- reported to The Edge. The moved up accordingly to fill but that niche proved too narrow. After seeing their rising popu- ing and unique but the reality is, bystander, choosing to remain the two weeks that would have I’d invested nearly all of my larity online, I discovered my next there are many people doing the anonymous because of fear of presumably been spent perched savings. Still, I had nothing to winning product: LED light strips. exact same thing. And the even violent retribution, claimed on the MacDowell Library roof, show for it. Noticing the recent Thus, “Lazerwave LED” was bigger point is that the world of to hear a speech by Head of acting without Integritas et Se- spike in popularity of the Netflix born. I redesigned my business retail and e-commerce is changing School Ned Parsons quoting dulitas, and general tom-foolery. series “Stranger Things”, I decided model, networked with others, and very rapidly, and our generation President JFK: “We do school “When Senioritis reaches this to sell merchandise related to the focused my marketing on Snap- is leading the way. No longer do not because it is easy, but stage there’s very little we can show. I made the decision to pay chat, all while negotiating with you have to be sitting at a desk in because it is Hahhhd!” do,” said the senior class dean an Instagram influencer to adver- various Chinese manufacturers. an office with a college degree in Top school officials have Nick Jordan. “A fake prom, tise on her account for 24 hours. I Shortly after I began running order to be noticed by others in the further maintained that the maybe some boating, but really watched the last $20 in my Paypal ads on Snapchat, I received that business world. My phone call in scheduled changes are only due the main thing is to make sure account disappear to someone I’d unknown call in math class. Later pre-calc last year is a perfect ex- to the extenuating circumstanc- that they’re as comfortable as never met. I knew this was my last that day, I checked my email to ample. es this year due to COVID-19. they can be until the very end...” Page 6 The Rivers Edge March 5, 2021 Features Alumni help seniors imagine “Life Beyond Winter Street” communications at the Uni- BY KENDALL DIAMOND ’21 and ELLIE MCCARRON ’21 versity of South Carolina were ASSOCIATE EDITORS truly once in a lifetime. Though this captured only one moment “Life beyond Winter Street” of inspiration, it is assured that is a concept the Class of 2021 there were plenty more. Mero- is now beginning to ponder, and pol instilled in her a sense of last month they got the chance confidence and elation for her to sample what it might be like. next four years of education. On February 4th, members of “We would have loved to the senior class got the oppor- welcome our alumni on campus tunity to meet and engage with and have them be live with the Rivers alumni ranging from the seniors, but holding it through class of 1998 to 2013. Zoom proved to be incredibly Marc Stroum ’98, Director productive,” said Marc Stroum. of Alumni Engagement, and the “The intimate breakout rooms Alumni Office put on this virtual provided a comfortable set- event with 30 Rivers graduates ting for the seniors to open up to provide insightful advice and have a dialogue with our about life after Rivers. The event alumni.” was well received last year and Thirty alumni from the last 15 years shared their post-Rivers and college experiences with seniors during The opportunity for seniors members of the Class of 2021 the annual “Life Beyond Winter Street” program sponsored by the Alumni Office. (Photo: M. Stroum ’98) to learn about all the different found it worthwhile. paths alumni take after gradua- “I thought this event was Rivers. The seniors were then like today. scouts (Lawton), the senior class tion was something extremely educational because we as broken off into Zoom break-out Mollie Franklin ’21 described was left inspired and excited to unique and advantageous. current seniors, were granted rooms where they were able to these conversations as “ex- spread their (red)wings come Although this year’s event took insight into what life beyond ask individual questions to two tremely rewarding and helpful May. place on Zoom instead of in the the Rivers campus will look or three alumni. These questions as they assured me that I would Senior writer Ellie McCarron Campus Center, current students like,” said school co-president mainly concerned the transition be successful in my endeavors ’21 exited the event Thursday and alumni were able to connect Aidan Keusch ’21. “It provided from Rivers to college and the post Rivers. I got the chance to evening feeling ready to tackle just as they have in years past. a sense of hope and relief that connection to Rivers as alumni: talk to Ope Olukorede (Class of communications school. After “This really is a great way Rivers gives us the effective Did you feel as though Rivers 2013) and Will Lawton (Class a conversation with Ian Mero- to prepare these seniors for life tools we need to have a success- prepared you enough for col- of 2006), hearing different pol ’98 (son of science teacher beyond Rivers whether its next ful and fulfilling career after lege, academically and socially? perspectives on how Rivers Doc Meropol), she felt assured year or later in their careers,” graduation.” Do you still keep in touch with shaped them into the people she had made the right decision said Stroum. “They may have The conversation began with your Rivers classmates? How they are today.” The students to pursue a collegiate career spent two, four, or seven years Ali Stein ’01 as she kicked off did you choose a college major? got two rounds of interactions in journalism. He told her that here, but they will be a part of the night listing her collegiate Alumni also got to ask the se- with different alumni. From the experiences and internships this amazing alumni association and career achievements post niors what life on campus looks doctors (Olukorede) to MLB he was granted while studying for life.” Alternative energy needed to live up to school’s mission

BY ELENA ZUVEKAS ’22 and sustainable sources is essential. man said. Impact Science,” but she helps the student experience here at MADDIE GUILIANO ’22 Fossil fuel powers close to 80% However, making the transi- ambitious students find their Rivers,” Wasserman said. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS of the energy in the U.S. Of that tion to solar energy is no simple voices surrounding environmen- Societal goals are an additional According to the Rivers mis- 80%, the EPA reveals that elec- task. tal justice. Her students have be- layer that must be taken into con- sion statement, not only does the tricity provides for 27% of the use The first necessary step is to gun to draft proposals for mitiga- sideration when planning for the school value “responsibility, hon- of fossil fuels. Although Rivers’ partner with a company willing to tion efforts regarding the electric future. According to Robert Bull- esty, compassion, diversity, and current energy situation meets install and manage the solar pan- carbon emissions. ard, “father of environmental jus- respect,” but also acknowledges Massachusetts regulations, it has els. Finding a suitable company Additionally, this upcoming tice,” you can’t get around “real “that our actions have a profound the potential to establish a sus- is extremely difficult since deals summer, Shepard will have a solutions without talking about impact on ourselves, on others, tainable solution, further reduc- with high capital costs such as running spreadsheet document- justice and equity.” When solidi- on the environment, and the com- ing its carbon footprint. this one can last upward of twen- ing Rivers’ significant utilities, fying Rivers’ plans, the school munity as a whole.” Rivers works with Eversource ty-five years. “Our challenge is to which helps to identify the carbon will need to anticipate “more than In order to stay committed to Energy, but most of the energy find the right partner for that kind footprint as a school. This docu- just greenhouse gasses and parts such values, many in the Rivers comes from a different supplier of duration,” Wasserman said. mentation will help Rivers and per million,” and must recognize community are urging the school with whom Rivers has a long Additionally, because this in- its administrators better under- “that issue of which communities to recognize its very own impact term contract. stallation will likely be on Mac- stand where we are from a current are vulnerable, which communi- on the environment and work to “The benefits of this arrange- dowell’s roof, Rivers must ensure emissions standpoint, which will ties have contributed least to the lower its carbon footprint. ment are both cost savings on the that the rooftop, which is already help us assess any improvement crisis, but are feeling” its effects Burning fossil fuel, such as supply side and cost certainty as 18 years old, can support the pan- in the end. the most. coal, oil and natural gas, is the we are protected from volatil- els for at least another 25 years. Ms. Shepard suggests the When creating contracts with most prominent contributor to ity in energy markets and, thus, If the roof is not strong enough to Weston Power Choice Plan as a new companies, Bullard asserts, the surge of greenhouse gases, can have some budget certainty,” last that duration, replacing it is possible organization to partner “we must make sure that our according to the United States said, Jon Wasserman ’88, Direc- necessary to make the solar plan with. The Weston Power Choice plans do not further marginalize Environmental Protection Agen- tor of Finance and Operations. a reality. “Given the size of the Plan is a possible fix to reduce an already vulnerable popula- cy (EPA). Fossil fuel is mined, As these contracts come to an building,” Wasserman said, “this the school’s carbon footprint by tion” and think about “the group drilled, and then burned to sup- end around 2023, many on cam- is not an inexpensive proposi- implementing a plan that would that may not necessarily be in the ply energy, steel, and plastic. The pus hope the school will begin tion.” provide 80% renewable energy. room.” burning of fossil fuels results in investigating solar energy feasi- When examining sustainabil- Ideally, sustainable energy While student environmental large amounts of carbon dioxide, bility. ity plans for the future, it is cru- would be more widespread; how- activists on campus recognize a greenhouse gas, released into A popular, climate-friendly cial to balance environmental, ever, economic and social aspects that making changes to the en- the atmosphere. By trapping heat, energy solution is solar panels. economic, and societal needs. are major constraints. Economic ergy system is complicated and greenhouse gases consequently Solar panels require vast amounts In terms of ecological focus, the factors play a significant role in expensive, the group argues it is increase global warming. The of space and sunlight, which are goal is to recognize how we can the decision to go solar. Although imperative that Rivers explore average temperature has already significant limitations for many be more sustainable and reduce the initial expenses of investing in its options. In order to tackle the begun to rise. Continuing to in- institutions. But not at Rivers. our carbon footprint. solar energy are intimidating, and myriad environmental issues al- crease at this rate will be haz- “Since our campus is some- Catherine Shepard, a current long term savings are not always ready affecting our climate, Riv- ardous due to its impact on sea what constrained in terms of science teacher, plays an active guaranteed, this new electricity ers as a whole should strive for levels, extreme weather, animal open space and the configuration role in researching new eco- source will reportedly be cost ef- the reduction of emissions and extinction, insufficiency of food, of some of our rooftops, the best friendly energy solutions and fective in the long run. stay true to its mission statement and poverty. candidate for some kind of solar educating students about the situ- “Every dollar that we don’t by recognizing the school’s “pro- To begin combating the ef- installation is the roof of the Mac- ation. Not only does she teach a have to spend on electricity can found impact...on the environ- fects of fossil fuels, introducing dowell Athletic Center,” Wasser- senior elective entitled “Carbon be used for continuing to enhance ment.” March 5, 2021 The Rivers Edge Page 7 Features Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman inspires a nation way in which our country can still lauded Gorman for her perfor- BY AMANDA GARY ’22 ASSISTANT EDITOR come together and can still heal.” mance. While Gorman wanted to share “I’m amazed at her resilience, “Poetry is typically the touch- her excitement about the inaugu- writing a poem that is supposed to stone that we go back to when we ration and the future, she also ac- capture the moment of the country, have to remind ourselves of the knowledged the difficulties of the set the tone for the new administra- history that we stand on, and the past and the present that the Unit- tion, and not stray too much from future that we stand for,” the in- ed States has faced in an interview the traditional format of inaugu- augural poet and National Youth with the New York Times: “We ral poetry, all at once,” said Lucy Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman have to confront these realities if Tonthat ’22. “I was invigorated by remarked in an interview with the we’re going to move forward, so her fresh style and the challenging New York Times. A wordsmith that’s also an important touch- content of her work, attempting to and change-maker, 22-year-old stone of the poem. There is space bridge so much difference in our Gorman is an award-winning for grief and horror and hope and country. I really look forward to an writer and Harvard grad who was unity, and I also hope that there is administration where young voic- tasked to write a poem about unity a breath for joy in the poem, be- es can call our attention to issues and reconciliation in a politically cause I do think we have a lot to of oppression, racism, feminism, divided country enduring a devas- celebrate at this inauguration.” and identity as Amanda Gorman tating pandemic. Gorman finished her moving has paved the way.” It would be a herculean poem the night after pro-Trump Added Keira Thompson ’22: task for any writer, but Gorman rioters sieged the Capitol Building “The way she performed [“The Amanda Gorman delivered a stirring and inspiring poem, “The Hill We succeeded and in the process cap- on January 6th. With her intention Hill We Climb”] was incredible, Climb”, at President Biden’s inauguration. (Photo: AP) tivated the nation. of addressing what she saw, she and it brought so much life to her Born and raised in Los Ange- explained to the New York Times, words.” Thompson has also been which it can heal us and kind of for her is a victory for all of us who les, Gorman started writing poetry “In my poem, I’m not going to in able to involve Gorman in the resurrect us.” would like to see ourselves repre- at a young age and became the any way gloss over what we’ve class “Art for Social Change,” Not stopping there, Gorman sented as women of color in office. Youth Poet Laureate of Los An- seen over the past few weeks and, where the class is painting “por- plans to make history by run- It makes it more imaginable.” geles at 16, only soon after serv- dare I say, the past few years.” In traits of power.” She has chosen ning for president in 2036. She Gorman’s first picture book, ing as a youth delegate for the “The Hill We Climb,” she high- to paint Gorman’s portrait and is described her background as a Change Sings, and her poetry col- United Nations. While studying lights the resilience of democ- weaving the powerful words of “skinny Black girl / descended lection, The Hill We Climb, will sociology at Harvard University, racy after the riots at the Capitol: Gorman’s poem into her artwork. from slaves and raised by a single be out in September. She told The Gorman was named the first-ever “We’ve seen a force that would Leading the way for others with / mother” in her poem to subse- New York Times that she strives to National Youth Poet Laureate of shatter our nation rather than share another first, Gorman brought po- quently reveal her dream about “create poems that stand the test of the United States in 2017. In order it, / Would destroy our country if it etry to Super Bowl LV by reciting being president. Recognizing the time and counter the fragmented to be selected for the position, one meant delaying democracy. / And “Chorus of the Captains.” In her immense progress made, Gorman news culture of today.” Amanda must demonstrate their strong po- this effort very nearly succeeded. / interview with “The Daily Show,” celebrated the inauguration of Ka- Gorman has inspired many people etic, leadership, and social activist But while democracy can be peri- Gorman said, “These are the mo- mala Harris as the first woman and with her poems and commitment skills. Gorman encapsulates all of odically delayed, / It can never be ments I strive for in my lifetime, woman of color to serve as vice to social justice. All the while, she these qualities with her unmatched permanently defeated.” which is to bring poetry into plac- president and said in her inter- never fails to find light in the dark- talent and commitment to social With her last lines, Gorman es that we least expect it, so we view with the Los Angeles Times: est times. justice. encourages America to unify and can fully grapple with the ways in “There’s no denying that a victory Gorman is the founder and ex- speaks directly to the people as ecutive director of One Pen One she addresses the need for so- Page, an organization devoted to cial change: “If only we’re brave providing creative writing pro- enough to see it. / If only we’re Inauguration fashion statements grams for underserved youth. brave enough to be it.” She em- Appearance is everything, but far as symbolism goes, the addi- Oprah Winfrey: a caged bird ring She has written for the New York phasizes that the United States in some cases, the most successful tion of Harris’s signature pearls to acknowledge Maya Angelou’s I Times and was the L.A. leader for can live up to its prominent name, people can totally pull off a simple now serves as a figure of feminism Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Nike’s 2020 Black History Month but only if the country unites with jacket and mittens. On Jan. 20, the for women throughout the nation, Female icons Lady Gaga and campaign. She has received the courage to overcome dividing is- nation welcomed President-elect and her purple dress stands for Jennifer Lopez both performed at Poets & Writers Barnes & Noble sues. Joe Biden into office, and with the unity—a place where red and blue the inauguration. Gaga astonished Writers for Writers Award and a In addition to confront- new president came some breath- can come together. Hillary Clinton the audience with her black, red, Genius Grant from OZY Media. ing the nervousness that public taking inaugural outfits. There is and Michelle Obama also wore and gold dress by Daniel Rose- With performances for Lin-Manu- speaking presents, Gorman also only so much one person can say, purple outfits to reinforce unity berry. She also wore a large gold el Miranda, Al Gore, Hillary Clin- talked to the New York Times but all the outfits displayed -defi on a critical day for our divided bird brooch that was intended ton, and Malala Yousafzai and in- about facing her own challenge nitely made a statement. nation. At Harris’s side stood her to portray a dove with an olive vitations to the White House under with her speech impediment: “The Certainly, the looks served by husband, Doug Emhoff, wearing a branch, again to emphasize unity the Obama Administration, Gor- writing process is its own excruci- Kamala Harris, Michelle Obama, classic and simple suit designed by in a nation that has long been di- man is a widely recognized and ating form, but as someone with a and First Lady Jill Biden were re- Ralph Lauren. Although Emhoff vided. Lopez wore a white dress prosperous poet. Yet, her many speech impediment, speaking in markable, but it is important not to blended in with the other men’s by Chanel. The color white stood accomplishments so far have only front of millions of people pres- diminish their accomplishments suits, thanks to Harris, he did not as a key color in the women’s suf- been the beginning of her poetic ents its own type of terror.” Gor- by only acknowledging their go unrecognized. frage movement and expresses an journey. man was diagnosed with auditory clothes. These sensational women On Jan. 20, Harris was not the anti-Trump sentiment. Making history alongside processing disorder in kindergar- represent every little girl watch- only strong woman entering the Finally, saving the best for last, many other monumental triumphs ten and has been working on her ing wide-eyed at the inauguration, White House. Alongside her came we have Bernie Sanders. Sporting at President Joe Biden’s inaugu- speech articulation for her whole exhilarated to have someone who Dr. Jill Biden, another symbol the fresh look of a brown Burton ration, Gorman recited her poem life. Yet, in an interview with may look just like them sworn in of female power for the United winter jacket and knitted gloves, “The Hill We Climb.” She per- the Los Angeles Times, Gorman as the Vice President. Their out- States. Dr. Biden dressed in a blue the Democratic senator from Ver- formed her poem for a televised emphasized that she looks at the fits are only a small part of what cashmere coat with a blue dress mont became an instant icon and audience that numbered in the bright side of her speech impedi- makes them so inspirational to the marked with Swarovski crystals showed that even for special oc- tens of millions and followed in ment and has learned more about American public, but nevertheless, and elegant pearls. Her husband casions it is most important to be the footsteps of the five preced- poetry by paying close attention to each ensured that her fashionable also wore a suit by Ralph Lauren. comfortable...and warm. ing inaugural poets, Robert Frost, sound: “I don’t look at my disabil- contribution struck Americans You also probably saw poet If you have learned anything Maya Angelou, Miller Williams, ity as a weakness. It’s made me the across the nation. laureate Amanda Gorman deliver from the inaugural attire, it is that Elizabeth Alexander, and Richard performer that I am and the story- Harris, Obama, Biden, and the her truly inspirational poem, The an outfit is not just an outfit—it can Blanco. The youngest inaugural teller that I strive to be. When you Biden granddaughters undoubted- Hill We Climb. Gorman grabbed have a more profound meaning. If poet in U.S. history, she gracefully have to teach yourself how to say ly provided a vital splash of color the attention of the audience with you are Bernie Sanders, then your delivered a composition that in- sounds, when you have to be high- against the freezing Washington, her striking yellow coat by Miuc- outfit could just mean that you spired hope in the American peo- ly concerned about pronunciation, D.C. winter day. It would seem cia Prada and bold red satin head- are cold. However, despite all the ple amidst a global pandemic and it gives you a certain awareness wrong to start with anyone other band. The vibrant yellow worn turmoil and hardships our nation political turmoil. Following the of sonics, of the auditory experi- than our first female Vice Presi- was Gorman’s way of expressing endured in 2020, the inauguration theme of the inauguration, “Amer- ence.” dent, Kamala Harris. Harris wore gratitude to Dr. Biden for her role stood as a day filled with hope for ica United,” Gorman said to the Along with Gorman becom- a purple coat and dress designed as the inaugural poet and to bring the years to come, and the clothes New York Times, “What I really ing a “viral sensation” throughout by Christopher John Rogers, the a sense of hope and relief after a worn reinforced just that. aspire to do in the poem is to be America with her poem at the In- same designer who has previously year of turmoil. Gorman’s jewelry by Ava Palazzolo ’23 able to use my words to envision a auguration, the Rivers community designed for Michelle Obama. As was a gift from none other than Page 8 The Rivers Edge March 5, 2021 Arts Virtual musical: “Bring Back the Broadway Lights” leased, which many took advan- BY ABBY MATSUYASU ’23 and CHRISTINA GOMEZ ’23 tage of. “Recording isn’t as nerve STAFF WRITERS wracking because if you mess up, you can record it again,” said the Curtains go up. Spotlights talented Massarotti. “Whereas if train on the stage. Hushed whis- it’s a live show, you get one shot, pering in the wings dissipates. and if you mess up, that’s it.” Excitement pulses through the A new and difficult role in the theater. Sadly, not this year. production of the musical was the This year, the two former stars experienced video editor, Parker of the winter musical, Rinny Wright, as he was tasked with Leeming ’23 and Alex Massarotti splicing together the different re- ’23, go home, open their comput- cordings submitted to produce a ers, and hit record. seamless outcome. Much of the Bring Back the Broadway recording process had to happen Lights, this year’s musical, was up to a month in advance of the unlike ever before. Instead of screening, so this year the actors putting on a show with one con- have been feeling a kind of de- tinuous plot line, like last year’s tachment from both the creation highly regarded Legally Blonde, of the show itself and the people The virtual musical featured fun numbers, such as a song from Aladdin sung by seniors Calvin Smith and T this year featured songs from a involved in it. “The musical is a Sallie (inset) while members of the cast performed an accompanying dance. (Photo: Rivers) wide array of musicals, from new place where I can truly be myself gans that build morale. It brings implications of this deadly virus. audience. In normal times, it was sensations Hamilton and Mean [and she misses] having the atmo- an unlikely group of people to- “It’s crazy to hear how many a hassle for some students to go Girls to beloved revivals of Com- sphere of a cast,” Leeming said. gether, and it is a place where musicals have shut down and to the theater and watch the show, pany and The Music Man. All of In the past, one of the musical’s anyone and everyone can feel how many people work both be- but this year Leeming mentioned these Broadway shows were shut main appeals for many students welcome. hind the scenes and in the spot- that “you can watch it from the down due to the COVID-19 pan- was the social aspect, which has “Everyone who acts does it light” Leeming noted. “It’s a lot comfort of your own home.” In demic. The Rivers show was a been removed by the COVID-19 because it’s what makes them of people who are unemployed at usual Rivers fashion, the opening musical revue of 17 songs, each pandemic and its restrictions. The happy,” Massarotti said. “The the moment at that large scale.” evening of the musical was a no preceded by a brief introduction performance opportunity used to pandemic has affected people’s Theaters on Broadway have homework night, and a majority and description of the musical be built around cast bonding ac- mental health because they can’t remained closed for almost a year of the student body tuned in! from which it originated. This tivities and shared experiences, do the things that they love.” now, and the actors have had their The winter musical has always new format allowed more people and the small amount of contact The performing arts are a entire livelihoods put on hold. been something that students look to have the chance to belt a solo from in-person dance rehearsals place where many students get to During a hectic and unpredictable forward to each February, and and to have their moment in the did not truly replace the normal express themselves in ways that year for everyone, the musical has this year was no exception. Since spotlight. culture around the musical. Said they don’t normally have the op- surfaced the realities that many there were a diverse selection of The bulk of the musical was Massarotti, “It doesn’t feel as portunity to do so, and the pan- people face outside of Winter shows represented, there was sure recorded from the safety of the tightly knit as it normally does.” demic has made it difficult. But, Street. As a privileged commu- to be something for everyone. The actors’ homes in the place of a Moreover, this year’s musical the fact that Rivers was able to nity that is able to attend school newness of the performance was live performance. Though all of can also be viewed as one of the put on this production remains a in person, it is critical for students exciting for both the actors and the choreography was recorded at many examples of COVID-19’s bright spot in this very dark year. to have a wider perspective on the viewers, and it was something school as a cast, all other aspects impact on mental health because With the musical’s theme of the tragedies that face the entire that Rivers had never seen before. of the musical, including the sing- it has prevented the widely-loved bringing back Broadway lights world, and the winter musical is With a stellar cast and show stop- ing, was done individually. Par- social experience contained in the and focusing on shows that have spotlighting these challenges. ping numbers, Bring Back the ticipants of the musical had the performing arts. Normally, there actually been shut down due to Another benefit of this new Broadway Lights was a highlight opportunity to perfect their parts are cast parties, weekend get- the pandemic, cast members have style of musical was the greater of this unprecedented year. before the final product was- re togethers, and rehearsal shenani- gained new understanding of the accessibility to a larger viewing Cast and crew persevere in unique fall drama production

BY ELLIE LAYISH ’23 compilation of scenes rather than given the opportunity to lead and had five days to film because -mu Despite the technical chal- CONTRIBUTING WRITER a play.” direct their group. “Directing sical auditions were scheduled lenges, the final product was “Each play was very differ- was really fun and was some- for the following week. Was- lively and entertaining. Although Under the best of circum- ent and unique, some funny and thing I had never done before,” serman added that filming the the cast never got to hear the stances, producing a play re- some sad,” Bua said. “But all Bua said. “It was also more diffi- scenes was “sort of a last minute roar of the cheering crowd, the quires timing, choreography, syn- together, the scenes really show cult than expected as you have to decision that stemmed from performance has been viewed chronization, and memorization. the talent of every person in the come up with a full image inside COVID precautions.” by many members of the Rivers As challenging as it can be to cast. These many plays allowed your head of what the characters Without a sound engineer or community and also by friends run a successful production, the us to delve into our characters are like, blocking, story arcs, and professional videographer, the and families beyond. cast and crew of the annual Riv- and use the scenery of the Rivers of course we had to keep in mind crew had to work through all of The entire cast and crew ers fall play had to do all these the COVID restrictions.” adapted to the unique circum- things with one major obstacle in For the actors, the experi- stances, and ultimately delivered their way: the pandemic. “Each play was very ence of being directed by their “[The students] were a successful production. English For the winter musical different and unique, friends was also unique. Eli flexible and...worked to teacher Juliet Bailey, the faculty Wasserman, also a senior, who production, some of these chal- some funny and some create interesting, director of the fall productions, lenges included maintaining had been involved in many prior was very proud of the group. She social distancing, frequently sad. But all together, the productions, highlighted this three-dimensional celebrated the “grit, resiliency, rehearsing virtually, and broad- scenes really show the aspect of the winter play. He did characters that breathed and talent of our school actors casting the final product via not serve as a director but did life into the wonderful and directors this fall.” Zoom. But per usual, the Rivers talent of every person in “find it fun to have one of [his] “They were flexible and ac- community banded together with the cast.” friends direct [him].” Although alumni/ae plays they commodating and worked to cre- perseverance, creativity, and hard Wasserman missed hanging out were a part of.” ate interesting, three-dimensional work, and ended up delivering with a full cast, he noted that the characters that breathed life into - Juliet Bailey an entertaining and successful - Cecily Bua ’21 small group structure allowed the wonderful alumni/ae plays production. each rehearsal to be “a little more they were a part of,” Bailey said. Instead of delivering a single campus to our advantage and focused and productive.” the technical parts of producing a “Their effort and can-do attitude, major play as they generally creatively.” In a typical year, months of video performance. During out- especially that of our seniors, would last fall, the group decided This approach offered several hard work usually culminate in door filming, this even included fueled our creative energy. While this year to present a series of unique advantages during the a series of live performances, dealing with an unwanted “actor” we weren’t able to offer a live smaller one-act performances. pandemic. In particular, it en- shared by the whole Rivers –– a bluejay who would not stop final performance, I will remem- Senior Ceily Bua, an experienced abled the cast to rehearse within community. This year however, chirping throughout the record- ber the fun, the laughs and our actress who has been involved in smaller groups and maintain the the play was not performed live, ing. “Performing outside was ability to create theater in this the theatre program throughout school’s COVID protocols such and was instead broadcasted via very fun, and being filmed made uniquely demanding environ- her time at Rivers, described as social distancing. With this Zoom. This created a new expe- it feel even more professional,” ment.” the performance as “more like a structure, several students were rience for the cast, which only said Bua. March 5, 2021 The Rivers Edge Page 9 Arts Exhibits showcase impressive student art work from fall

BY MAX MEYERHARDT ’21 specific to each class is great,” EDITOR IN CHIEF Clark said. “These art making supplies, coupled with specific With the conclusion of every curriculum make the remote time fall trimester comes the show- relevant, engaging, and related to casing of all the hard work of the concepts and skills particular Rivers’ student artists in the fall to each course.” student art galleries. Currently, These tool-kits include an pieces created by students this array of materials specific to fall ranging from photographs to each class that prove valuable to sculptures to ceramics and more students in their ability to create coat the walls of the Bell Gallery art at home. and the Baldwin Art Commons “I am so grateful that the in Revers for all eyes to see. teachers put in the time to “I’m always impressed with prepare these kits because they the powerful statements students allow students to continue work- make with their work - from ing on their art projects and revealing a piece of their identity developing new artistic skills to addressing key social issues while working from home,” said and beyond,” said visual arts senior advanced art student Jess Upper School artwork from the fall trimester on display in the Revers gallery. (Photo: M. Meyerhardt.) teacher and gallery coordinator Bargamian. Nicole Winters. ing out to the viewer. “Human Senior Jameson Mannix The social aspect of art has In the face of a pandemic, You can rarely walk through connection has almost become echoed the words of Mr. Clark: always been one of the most en- Rivers’ artists are still going Bell or Revers without seeing necessary to feel whole and “Seeing all the art of my peers is joyable as Rivers art classes are strong and blessing the eyes of students and faculty alike gazing with this pandemic we do our always an awesome experience collaborative, and artists always the entire community. in admiration at art, discussing best at reaching out to those we and a cool way for me to learn support one another through “It has also been amazing to with classmates, and some even care about through any device more about them while admiring offering advice and conversing witness the community looking taking photos of the work of we can,” Oyaronbi said when their talents,” he said. with each other, but doing so has at and enjoying the artwork in their friends and peers. Many discussing the message behind Being able to facilitate student been difficult this year as Winters the Baldwin Art Commons from students across grades, including his sculpture. expression during the pandemic noted. my studio space,” said Clark. seniors, chose to utilize their art Visual arts department chair has certainly not been an easy Due to the efforts of art Ms. Winters is also proud as an outlet of expression, among and ceramics teacher Tim Clark task for art teachers across the teachers like Clark and Winters, of the students and their ability them Cailin Cobey with her col- was thoroughly impressed by world, and Rivers is no excep- art students this year were sent to persevere in their passion of lage dealing with mental health, the student work on display and tion. home with at-home tool-kits to expression and what it means to Cara Schmidlein with a self- is always proud to see students When asked what challenges allow students to continue mak- the community. portrait exploring identity, Noah express themselves through their she had to face in being able to ing art and express themselves “I feel that the art galleries at Naddaff-Slocum with an intricate art: “For the community, hav- allow students to create art with at home too through periods of Rivers are important for both the painting concerning racism, and ing student artwork on display all the separation and protocols online learning. makers of art and the viewers of much more. invites us to engage (look, think, concerning COVID, Ms. Winters Mr. Clark praised his fellow art,” Winters said. “Uncovering One may notice an especially marvel, question, and seek said: “There have been many… staff’s efforts in creating these an artist’s intentions can help captivating piece in Baldwin by understanding) with what the With our tables spaced out, and toolkits when saying. “The ad- a viewer better understand the Adebiyi Oyaronbi. His sculpture artists have created as one (or maintaining social distancing, dition of the at-home art tool artist, themselves, and the world depicts a hand reaching out from more products) of their self- communication with fellow art- kits that have been thought- around us.” a shiny black slab almost reach- expression.” makers is not quite as easy.” fully stocked by the arts faculty, Senior Maggie Leeming has made her mark on the stage BY SOPHIE DUBARD ’22 talents to the fall comedy, Puffs. being able to create a show of the STAFF WRITER Later that year, she was cast as same caliber in times of social Anyone who has seen a Riv- Vivienne Kensington in Legally distancing and masks, but this ers musical in the past seven Blonde, flaunting her versatil- year’s cast put in the work, creat- years probably knows that Mag- ity as the token “mean girl.” ing Bring Back the Broadway gie Leeming ’21 is a shining star Among an extremely talented Lights, a review of Broadway on stage. Growing up in a family cast, Maggie starred alongside shows that shut down due to the of theater fanatics, Maggie has her sister, Rinny Leeming ’23, pandemic. Maggie performed had a knack for theater through- who played lead Elle Woods, her “Waving Through A Window” out her whole life. As a seven- rival-turned-friend in the show. from Dear Evan Hansen as a year veteran at Rivers, Maggie “It was so fun to get to act out duet and “Six” from Six with has participated in almost every a rivalry with my sister because the other five senior girls in the theater opportunity presented our relationship isn’t like that cast, along with two all-cast to her. From Disney musicals at all in real life,” Maggie said. songs from Mean Girls and Dear in middle school to this year’s Indeed, the Leeming sisters put Evan Hansen when the show’s “Bring Back the Broadway on a fantastic show. recording debuted on Feb. 18th. Lights”, she has been a part of The production got a stand- Bringing both her talents and eight productions during her time ing ovation and left audience spirit to the musical this year as Maggie Leeming ’21 has appeared in productions on the Rivers stage as a Rivers student. members to buzz about the show an upperclassman, Maggie was a and Black Box for the last seven years. (School file photo). Maggie began her career as at school for weeks. Maggie leader in uniting the cast which Added Kassay: “I cannot say is something that you put your Woodstock, Snoopy’s sidekick, explained that the audiences’ re- was definitely a challenge while enough positive things about her. entire self into, so it’s really in her kindergarten production of sponse proved the hard work that staying six feet apart. The direc- She keeps everyone in the cast special to be in a cast where Charlie Brown. Years later, in the went into the show to be worth it. tor of the musical, Zoë Kassay, focused and the energy fun.” everyone is completely involved. Rivers middle school, Maggie “Legally Blonde is definitely my affirmed that Maggie did it with After she graduates from You get really close with your performed in Charlie and the favorite production I’ve been in,” ease. “Not only is she a gifted Rivers in May, Maggie hopes to castmates, so it’s amazing to see Chocolate Factory, Alice in Won- she said. “With such a big cast actress, but Maggie has been a continue theater in her free time the final product after everyone derland, and Shrek. As she grew and a fun show, I was so glad the role model to many in the musi- at Wesleyan University, speaking has worked so hard.” older, she became more seriously audience loved it as much as I cal,” Kassay said. “Her love for enthusiastically about the vast She explained her hopes for involved, even joining “Weston did.” theater and the community is so opportunities the school has to theater at Rivers in the future: “I Drama Workshop”, a summer Although the fall play and valuable.” offer for students not majoring in believe theater really brings di- theater program, in her downtime musical had to be revamped this It is clear that Maggie has theater. versity of thought and character from Rivers productions. During year due to Covid-19, Maggie made a huge impact on her cast- But being a part of the Rivers to the student body.” The Rivers her freshman and sophomore was able to participate in two of mates at Rivers. “Not only does theater productions meant a lot stage will miss Maggie Leem- year, she participated in the eight short plays written by Riv- Maggie shine on stage, but she to her. ing next year as she embarks on winter musicals A Funny Thing ers alumni, “Casting a Shadow” also shines as a kind, genuine, “As a cast member, you a new chapter of life. We have Happened on the Way to the and “The Single”, this fall. After and loving person in all produc- get to perform and bond with truly been blessed with her talent Forum and Zombie Prom. During such an amazing musical last tions,” said longtime castmate students you don’t normally hang and what she has done for the her junior year, she brought her winter, it was hard to imagine Hannah Long ’21. out with,” Maggie said. “Theater theater program at Rivers. Page 10 The Rivers Edge March 5, 2021 Sports Winter varsity teams grateful for the chance at a season Boys’ and Girls’ Hockey to often do dynamic warmups in Many team members were With so many key decisions the often cold and unpredictable highly complimentary of the about player safety still to be made weather conditions. With the lack coaching staff and captains on heading into the winter season, of bus services provided and the their leadership throughout the both athletes and coaches were un- inability to get dressed in a single season. “Although it has been a sure of what to expect of the 2020- locker room for contact-tracing very unpredictable and inconsis- 2021 Rivers hockey campaign. purposes, teams have had to find tent season, the coaches and cap- When Keith Zalaski, the Ath- other ways to bond. Jenna Mac- tains have done a great job making letic Director, was asked if he had Donald ’21, captain of the girls’ this into a very developmental- to modify his plan for the hockey squad, was worried going into based season for the team,” said season in any way, he joked that the season about how the team Izzy Chitkara ’23. it actually came down to “making chemistry would be affected due Starting the season off strong, modifications every hour.” Going to these setbacks. Despite the ad- the boys’ team beat Belmont Hill into the season, Zalaski was op- versity, she feels both teams have 3-1. New head coach Freddy timistic but for him, that “didn’t been able to find ways to come to- Meyer and assistant coach Brett really mean wins and losses. It’s gether. Abel led the team through many more about what type of experi- The girls’ team opened the sea- hard fought victories. After they ence the kids were going to have.” son with a 3-1 win against Thayer. went on to play a tough game Zalaski was just glad that stu- The Red Wings had strong lead- against Thayer, they squeezed a dents would have the opportunity ers on their team with new head win over Nobles with a score of to be out on the ice. Thankfully, coach, Courtney Sheary, assistant 3-2, guided by their captains Cole- as a result of the hard work of coach, Paige Capistran, and senior man Nee ’21, Sam Amato ‘21, and the coaches and athletic depart- captains MacDonald, Abby Weiss Ryan Bell ’21. Games this year are ment, both the boys’ and girls’ ’21, and Mallory Hasselbeck ’21. viewed as a privilege and no lon- varsity hockey teams have been Rivers faced tough competition ger a given. Week to week, day to able to practice three times a week against Nobles and then went day, the schedule changes and the and compete in scrimmages since on to play Thayer several more athletes and staff have to adjust. they’ve been back from winter times. The team has been mak- As a new coach this season, Meyer ing the most of their ice time to remarked that it has “been hard to break. While Covid has made the Senior standout Cam Tongue puts up a shot in the Red Wings’ scrim- develop new skills and plays that quantify,” but it’s been great to “be structure and consistency of pre- mage against Thayer. (Photo: Adam Richins) vious years seem like a distant they carry over to their games. Not out on the ice, smiling and learn- center court and plays rock-paper- practices on to Zoom so that they memory, both teams appreciate working toward winning a title, ing.” He said for some teams, the scissors for who will receive the can view film as a team. Although the normalcy that the time on ice the team has shifted the goal of the lack of games in the schedule can ball at the beginning of the game. not the ideal scenario, Zoom film has created. season, which is now to build and be looked at as a downfall, but he Whoever wins gets to inbound the sessions have proven a useful tool Both varsity teams have been progress as a team. considers this season a successful ball from their side of the court to for the team as these meetings practicing two or three times a The captains have done their experience just being able to be begin the game. bring the players closer together week, alternating practice days best to bring the team together dur- on the ice, skating and practicing. During all games and practices, which translates to chemistry on with the JV teams, and playing ing such an unprecedented season. The standards of the “perfect” sea- players also must wear masks at all the court. The Zoom film sessions games on Fridays and Saturdays. “It’s definitely been tough this sea- son have definitely been adjusted, times. If they don’t do so, referees have proven themselves as a place Before their games, athletes re- son because there is limited time which only makes the players are given the authority to remove to talk and get closer with team- ceive testing on Wednesday in to make connections with each more motivated to make the most players from the game. On top of mates. Players also regularly seek hopes for games later in the week. member of the team,” said Mac- of what they have. this restriction, close huddles of each other out during school hours Not playing in front of fans has led Donald, who will play for Harvard Talking to athletes, students, players have been eliminated. At for conversations. Jayden Ndjigue to a very different experience for next year. She went on to say that coaches, and athletic department stops in play, including timeouts ’23 attributes the on-court success both teams, especially the seniors, the season has been extra hard staff about their experience this or halftime, teams can no longer to the great chemistry created be- some of whom are playing in their because we “never know for sure season has highlighted that there’s huddle in close to discuss the game tween players off the court. last hockey season. However, what our schedule will be like due so much to be grateful for in a sea- plan, but must remain spaced out The girls’ varsity team is also friends and family have been able to COVID” and everything is “last son when it is easy to be ungrate- to maintain distance. Another way finding their way through -obsta to watch games through Vimeo minute.” Trying to find the good in ful. Athletes don’t feel a sense of spacing is kept is eliminating the cles and creating a productive and and Live Barn, something which the situation, she comments that frustration that there haven’t been use of a bench by using chairs that beneficial season for themselves. wouldn’t have been possible sev- limited practice time “makes ev- as many games or practices, but are spaced out along the sidelines Although they have found it dif- eral years ago. Teams cannot ar- eryone appreciate our time on the rather a feeling of gratitude that to prevent contact with players on ficult to manage the many stops rive more than 30 minutes prior to ice even more,” giving full effort there has been a competitive sea- their own team. When players en- in the season that have come with game time which limits the time each time they set foot on the ice. son at all, no matter how different ter the game from the bench, refer- school cancellations and campus to prepare as a team, forcing them from past seasons. Nothing is cer- ees require that the players sanitize closings, the team has found time tain, even the sport itself, but it can their hands using hand sanitizer to play five games as well. They be an outlook for these athletes to placed at midcourt. have played Thayer three times, escape the craziness of life during One in-game rule that had a beating them twice, and losing a pandemic and find some peace large effect was the new rule about once in overtime. The Red Wings playing the game they love. inbounding the ball. In normal came up short in their two games By Cailyn Murphy ’23 and years, if a player knocks the ball against a strong Nobles squad. The Mary O’Brien ’23 out of bounds in the direction of team has been severely restricted the hoop that they are defending, during most of these games, how- Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball the offensive team inbounds the ever. The entire lineup has only Despite the restrictions COVID ball from under said hoop. This been able to attend one game this has imposed, student athletes and year, those sort of inbounds pass- season. Many games they have coaches of the boys’ and girls’ es have been removed from the had to play short handed due to basketball teams are still finding game. quarantines or injuries. One game a way to have a beneficial season. In addition to the new ISL against Nobles was also played “This season completely sur- rules, Rivers varsity teams have directly after a two-week break passed any expectations I had for now been practicing only three from school and practices, when what we would be able to do with days a week instead of their usual the same could not be said for the restrictions,” said girls’ captain five to allow space for more teams opponent. This season has proven Elise Harvey. to fit into the schedule. Despite quite difficult, but the team- re A few new rules have been in- this, both teams have found ways mains excited about their upcom- troduced by the ISL this season to to have an exciting season, al- ing games. keep players safe. New this year though unusual. “The team has been so resil- is the removal of the tip off which The boys’ basketball team got ient with the on and off schedules, traditionally consists of one player off to a 5-0 start. Led by captains too,” said Harvey, who will play from each team jumping at half Cam Tongue, Nicky Johnson, and for MIT next year. “I could not be court and attempting to tap the ball Jack Richard, the team focused on more proud.” to a player on their team to gain improving chemistry and skills by Jack Dosantos’ 23 and possession at the start of a game. this season. Making sure to work Brendon Poirer ’23 Now, with ISL restrictions, one Girls’ varsity hockey team member Lindsey Berlucci ‘25 warms up hard in on-court practices as well, captain from each team meets at before the team’s scrimmage against Nobles. (Photo: Adam Richins) the team shifted some of their Continued on page 12 March 5, 2021 The Rivers Edge Page 11 Sports Dempsey ’09 still chasing gold as leader of Boston Pride to a historic season, closing with NWHL teams enter a “bubble” in BY ABBY MATSUYASU ’23 CONTRIBUTING WRITER a 23-1-0 record, losing only to the snowy Lake Placid, NY, to com- Minnesota Whitecaps. pete, but the final games would be “We’re coming for the cup, Unfortunately, the COVID-19 televised on major media network we’re coming.” pandemic terminated their re- NBC Sports, a major advance- Despite it being a season like markable season just short of the ment for professional women’s no other, Rivers alum and hockey ultimate prize: the Isobel Cup. hockey. phenom Jillian Dempsey ’09 has Quickly, Dempsey’s reflection “All of that excitement, and not let up during the pandemic. in the crisp, clean ice turned into all of the build up, and then hear- A quick and shifty forward and her reflection on her computer ing about NBC Sports,” Dempsey team captain for the Boston Pride screen amongst 20-some fidgety says. “It was going to be incred- in the National Women’s Hockey young children trying to learn ible.” However, Dempsey and League, Dempsey has been push- through Zoom. Like many wom- the Pride had a slow start, losing ing the boundaries, on and off the en playing professional hockey, a three consecutive games in a row. ice, and to no surprise, she has second job is a must. Not provid- Though these losses were not the achieved nothing short of great- ing the players with livable sala- outcome Dempsey had hoped ness. ries, with an average of around for, as captain, she did not give As a founding player of the $15,000 a season, these women up, propelling her team to win girls’ ice hockey program here at have to lead double lives. In con- games when it counted. “It took Rivers, Dempsey set the tone for trast, the average NHL salary is us a while to start gelling together the culture of the competitive and roughly $3 million , proving the as a team,” Dempsey adds, “and supportive hockey team we have stark dichotomy of the gender it took until we were in an elimi- come to cherish. “I remember wage gap in sports. nation playoff to really make it what it was like at the very, very Jillian Dempsey ’09 hopes to lead the Pride to a title. (Photo M. Jay). Transitioning from the heart work.” beginning, and to see the growth reer came to a close, Dempsey a year later, Dempsey helped pumping adrenaline rush of hock- At last the Boston Pride “felt that the program made is amaz- felt an overwhelming feeling of her team to victory, winning the ey to a regular desk job within on fire. [They] were a very cohe- ing,” Dempsey says about her loss. “Those years flew by,” she Clarkson Cup in 2015. hours, is a skill in itself. Going sive group, and everything was days in the MacDowell Arena. says. “And then I ended up get- Soon after, Dempsey signed on her sixth year of teaching, clicking on the ice.” Sadly, just as After leaving Winter Street, ting cut from the Olympic team with the Boston Pride of the up Dempsey currently teaches fifth the Pride got on a winning streak, Dempsey continued on her war- that same season. I was crushed.” and coming National Women’s grade at Arthur T. Cummings Ele- once again the final few games path a mere 15-miles east at At a crossroads in life, uncertain Hockey League (NWHL). As a mentary School in her hometown for the Isobel Cup were cancelled Harvard University. As captain, of her future, Dempsey was given founding member of the NWHL, of Winthrop, Massachusetts. due to COVID-19. Dempsey led the Crimson to a #2 the opportunity to continue play- Dempsey did not waste any time, As COVID-19 has changed From her time at Rivers, to ranking nationally and ultimately ing hockey at the next level. “It winning the Isobel Cup Cham- the classroom setting, the pan- Harvard, and finally to playing securing the 2013 Ivy League would have been foolish to stop pionship in the league’s opening demic has also affected the hock- professionally, Dempsey is an in- championship. Additionally, after playing. I don’t even know if I season. Since this first victory, ey season as well. spiration to many, and a role mod- being a nominee the year prior, would have been able to stop,” the Boston Pride and Dempsey “We were training all season el to hockey players everywhere. Dempsey was a finalist for the Dempsey says. “There was just have not slowed down, now lead- with the hopes of having some And it’s clear what motivates this Patty Kazmaier Award during her so much left.” ing the league in all-time goals. kind of season starting in January, inspiring athlete and person. senior year, the highest possible After graduating from Harvard Last season was no exception as not really knowing what it was “I just absolutely love the individual achievement in college University in 2013, Dempsey only Dempsey reached new heights, going to look like, or whether game” she says.” I love hockey. women’s ice hockey. Dempsey is hit the gas harder. Professionally, scoring the most points (40), it was possible, but still train- I love watching it, I love playing the definition of a student-athlete she joined Teach for America and racking up assists (23), and set- ing nevertheless and practicing it. Hockey has been a part of me continuing her academic prowess athletically, was named the Ca- ting records in the Franklin Accu- hard,” she says. “After what felt since I was five years old. That in earning the title of ECAC All- nadian Women’s Hockey League racy Shooting competition during like years of waiting, the moment passion continues to make me Academic every season. (CWHL) Rookie of the Year play- the All-Star Weekend. As a cap- finally arrived when the league want to lace them up and play.” However, as her college ca- ing for the Boston Blades. Only tain, Dempsey also led her team announced that not only would Hockey coach Freddy Meyer brings wealth of experience MI. NTDP was founded by what would end up being many - coaching. hockey,” Meyer said. “Our BY KENDALL DIAMOND ’21 ASSOCIATE EDITOR USA Hockey in 1996 as an elite seasons in a National Hockey To begin his coaching ca- leadership group has been great program for gifted ice hockey League jersey. reer, Meyer assisted coaching welcoming the new players on From the rinks and local players under the age of 18. On May 21, 2003, Meyer the Manchester Monarchs of board and continuing to push ponds in Sanbornville, New Meyer was a vital defenseman signed with the Philadelphia the EHL for two years before the pace at practice. I’m excited Hampshire, Agganis Arena, for NTDP from 1997-1999. Flyers, his official NHL debut. becoming the head coach of for the last couple weeks of our all the way to the pros, Freddy During Meyer’s time in Michi- “I never imagined I would the East Coast Jr. Wizards of season and hopefully we get the Meyer has had an exceptional gan, he led his U-18 team to play professional hockey. I was Eastern Hockey League. Shortly opportunity to continue to com- career as a professional U.S. the International Ice Hockey an undrafted, undersized defen- after these coaching positions, pete against other ISL schools.” hockey player. Meyer is one of Federation World Champion- semen with an average skill set,” Meyer created a well-known Battling the challenges of Rivers’ newest additions to the ship held in Switzerland in May said Meyer. “Obviously, as all hockey skills development pro- the pandemic, Meyer has led athletic department. In his first 1998. Ultimately, Meyer’s high kids dream about playing in the gram called Dream Big Hockey the boys’ hockey team off to a months at Rivers, the new boys’ school and junior hockey careers NHL, I never thought it would Stars in the summer of 2012. 2-2-1 start with hopes of more varsity hockey coach and assis- were imperative to the player he become a reality.” From private lessons and camps victories to come before the end tant athletic director has been an became in later in his career. Nine years later, Meyer has and clinics to tournaments, of the winter season. integral part of the 2020-2021 The Agganis Arena was played for the Flyers, the New Dream Big Hockey has taken Members of the team have athletic season. home to the many games Meyer York Islanders, Arizona Coy- off and grown into one of the nothing but great things to say Meyer grew up in the sub- dominated in his time at Boston otes, and took a trip down south premier hockey institutions in about the program’s new coach. urbs of New Hampshire with University. “I had four incred- when he signed with the Atlanta Massachusetts. Within the start “It’s pretty amazing how much a dream like most young boys ible years at Boston University,” Thrashers in 2010. Throughout of his coaching career, Meyer he’s been able to help and get spending their days playing ice Meyer said. “It was an honor his time in the NHL, Meyer says married his wife Lindsey and to know each of us over such a hockey to make it to the NHL. being a Division 1 student-ath- his most memorable hockey had two sons, Freddy and Carter, short time,” said senior captain He spent his academic days as a lete and living out a childhood moment was “stepping on the who, naturally, are hockey play- Sam Amato ’21. “We’ve estab- youth at the Cardigan Mountain dream.” He did indeed have four ice for my first NHL game.” He ers themselves. lished a really good relationship School—an all-boys indepen- incredible years from 1999 until credits his college days when he Rivers has been fortunate this year and he’s played a huge dent boarding school in Canaan, his graduation in 2003. While a said, “BU prepared me physi- enough to have Meyer as part part in the team’s success and NH. He also played hockey Terrier, Meyer was declared the cally and mentally for the chal- of our team. He described these my personal success as well. We in the 1994 and 1995 Quebec 2003 BU Male Athlete of the lenges of pro hockey and how to past few months with the Rivers have a really good group and International Pee-Wee Hockey Year and was part of the NCAA perform consistently day in and boys’ hockey team as “awe- really good team dynamics and Tournaments. At the age of East First All-American team. day out.” In August of 2012, 281 some.” that starts with him. I’m really 18, his hockey career began to His teammates and coaches games later, Meyer officially “We have an incredible group glad he’s here and I know there take off and soar when he got respected the player that he was retired from being a professional of young men that are extremely are many others who feel the drafted to the National Team and he was named captain of his ice hockey player. He would passionate about hockey, open same way.” Development Program (NTDP), team. Meyer’s collegiate athletic now take his skills and passion to new ideas and want to chase originally based in Ann Arbor, career was only the beginning of for the game to a different arena their dream of playing college Page 12 The Rivers Edge March 5, 2021 Winter sports: ski teams compete against league rivals Continued from page 10 ent types of practices. They either Freshman Coley Schaefer said Nordic & Alpine Ski Teams had running workouts which took his favorite part of the season this Both the boys’ and girls’ ski place on campus, or skiing work- year has been the few chances they teams have had to adjust sig- outs at the nearby Weston Ski have gotten to get out on the slopes nificantly for this season, but the track. Athletes who ski were out in the snow. The team hopes to teams’ positivity and flexibil- on the trails at 7:00 AM when they have more chances to compete and ity never wavered throughout the trained for an hour before school be out on the slopes next season. winter. began. While the skiers skied, run- “It’s really been a privilege to It is safe to say that all sports ners took part in running workouts be able to ski in the middle of the teams have had to adjust during back on campus led by Coach week, and it’s super fun to hang the times of Covid, though the Nisbet. When remote, the team around friends and zip around the Nordic Ski team made some dras- did dynamic stretches together mountain,” Schaefer said. tic changes. They merged with the on zoom before splitting off to do Similar to how Coach Adams Cross Country team to form what workouts on their own. “Running describes the nordic ski team at- they call “The Winter Endurance and skiing provide a great way to mosphere, Coley said the team is Team.” stay fit, get outside, and stay safe very chill and everyone is extreme- By expanding their program to regardless of whether we are at Charlie Stuart ’23 heads down the course. (Photo: Adam Richins) ly hard-working. “Our coach, Mr. include endurance training, with home or at school,” said Nordic grow and improve. He also en- during which the team did a mix Gormley, is very enthusiastic and both the lack of snow early in the coach John Adams. joyed working with Coach Nisbet of calisthenics, running, and yoga. pushes us to do hard work that we season and due to COVID precau- In addition to a match against who he said brings energy, knowl- When they were not doing dry are reluctant to do on our own,” tions, the team adapted from past Belmont Hill, the Nordic team edge, and is able to connect with land, the team was skiing at the Shaefer said. Like the nordic ski years. This decision to expand the competed in Race for the Snow. members of the team. In addition Nashoba Valley Ski Area. captains he shared that the alpine team came from the acknowledge- The fundraiser to support the fight “the captains have done a terrific When at Nashoba, athletes ei- captains are very supportive and ment of the fact that having regular against climate change was a safe job setting a positive example and ther competed or trained gates to good at communicating with the formal races would not be an op- way for Rivers athletes to compete leading the team through the vari- prepare for competitions. The al- team. Along with freshman skier tion. The Winter Endurance Team remotely as a team against other ous transitions we’ve had to and pine ski team had three total com- Alex Carlstrom, they agreed that has had 27 athletes who were out- schools in the Boston area. decided to endure this season,” he petitions this season. At the most this year’s season has been a really side and ready to train five days a Coach Adams said that his fa- said. recent races, the team’s own Nico great environment that they are week. vorite part of this season has been Rivers’ alpine ski team usually Stuart placed 5th and Lindsay glad to be a part of. This year featured two differ- seeing every member of the team had two dry-land training sessions Filoon placed 8th overall. By Megan Sweatt ’24 Conservative students feel they can’t share their views Continued from page 1 tive, however, we wanted to cap- all of our students to engage fully once again believed there to be an here: first, we need to understand Republican electability in future ture how conservatives at Rivers in their learning and in-class dis- underrepresentation of conserva- political vocabulary and ideas elections. feel, not the political makeup of cussion,” said Mr. Caplan. “We tive values and perspectives in the better so that we can express our- The new Republican party has the school. It first asked students want students to voice their ideas curriculum. Several of the survey selves with greater clarity,” said shifted and been redefined as a to identify themselves as conser- freely in order to create a rich responses said they don’t feel Eng- Dr. Enright. “Second, we need to party made up of voters who have vative/conservative-leaning, lib- learning environment.” lish classes, in particular, reflect an recognize the crucial role that em- been forgotten by mainstream, eral/liberal-leaning, moderate, “I In the survey, students were equal representation of political pathy - defined as understanding establishment politicians and don’t know”, or other. Of the 128 also asked if they felt there was views or leanings. Whether it was and caring about other people’s saw promise in Trump with his responses received, 44 (34.4%) enough conservative representa- material represented and discussed emotions, as Dr. Jamil Zaki taught anti-establishment approach. This identified as liberal, 60 (46.9%) tion at Rivers. This question had in a certain way, a teacher infus- us back in October, plays at the has only been supported by talks as conservative, 17 (13.3%) as similar answers to the first one; ing their own bias or views into heart of every authentic commu- about Trump potentially breaking moderate, and the rest fell under “I most respondents feel there isn’t the material, or having to “write nity. In this time of political po- off and forming his own new par- don’t know” or other. enough conservative representa- papers without truly revealing larization and racial reckoning, it ty. This move would considerably The first question posed was tion on the Rivers campus. Some my own views because I fear my takes a deliberate commitment – weaken both their influence and “If you are a conservative, or even called this “a good thing,” teacher will give me a poor grade on all our parts - to ‘consult your ability to attain office at a national know a friend who is, do you/ while others called attention to and look at me differently.” hopes, not your fears,’ and lean in level. they feel comfortable expressing why they think it is a bad thing. Teachers, however, argue that to trust one another.” Historically, and still to the their true political views at Riv- “When the administration bias should never enter into a stu- This survey clearly shows the present day, Massachusetts has ers?” The overwhelming majority takes positions that are politically dent’s performance assessment. unfortunate truth that conservative been a very liberal, progressive answer to this was “no.” There charged with respect to broader “The English Department fac- students don’t always feel com- state. Massachusetts has voted were some who answered yes, but American politics (often liberal ulty members want students to fortable expressing their true opin- Democrat in the vast majority of most students flat out said “no” or positions on social issues), it is det- share their own original thinking ions at Rivers. Based on the feel- elections since 1928. In fact, it was highlighted negative experiences rimental to the effort of promoting in their writing,” said Mr. Caplan. ing of many surveyed, the school the only state in the presidential relating to their own conservative productive debate and discussion “I can assure you that teachers lacks an open, respectful discus- election of 1972 to vote to elect views or views of a friend. among the student body,” wrote give feedback and assign grades sion and debate concerning poli- the Democratic Joe McGovern, “To be completely honest,” one one respondent. “Conservatives based on the quality of the ideas, tics that allows the community and opposed to his Republican oppo- respondent wrote, “I do not feel think they aren’t heard, and liber- argument, and analysis, not on students to grow as students and nent Richard Nixon. A sentiment comfortable whatsoever sharing als think their views are 100% cor- any possible political bent in future citizens. Rivers’ mission is reflected in the most recent 2020 my views at Rivers which saddens rect and shouldn’t be questioned.” those ideas. It’s always important clear in that one of its goals is to presidential election results, in me. Rivers preaches that it’s a safe While it’s not surprising that for students to communicate with make the community a diverse, which Joe Biden received 65.9% space for everyone to share their conservative-leaning students feel their teachers about any concerns equitable, and inclusive place for (2,382,202) compared to Trump’s views but in my experience, this is this way, some liberal-minded that they might have about their all. Judging by the survey results, 32.2% (1,167,202) of Massachu- far from true. Only students who ones agree with them. “I think coursework.” many conservative-leaning stu- setts’ votes. share the same views as the teach- there is a lot of demonizing of the Dr. Amy Enright, history teach- dents feel they have been silenced, This common misjudgment and ers are ‘safe’ to speak their truth.” other side,” one respondent wrote. er and director of the Center for which begs the question: How can generalization of all Republicans The respondent explained that “And even though I’m very, very Civic and Community Engage- Rivers truly be the equitable and brings us back to Rivers and where a fear of backlash from peers or left, I do think there should be ment (which was created four safe place it espouses to be if the the school community stands. receiving a bad grade made them more of a focus on understand- years ago to analyze and address culture and political climate sup- Many conservative students at shield their true opinions. “There ing the other side because people issues like this), hopes conserva- presses the ideologies and political Rivers feel their political views have been days where I sat in si- typically write them off as crazy tives at Rivers can join the politi- views of a portion - however large can be invalidated and suppressed lence out of fear or just played which is unproductive and just not cal discourse. or small - of the study body? as they are in the center of a pre- along with what ‘the teacher want- the right approach.” “There are two opportunities dominantly liberal state at a liberal ed to hear’ to avoid any conflict or To the end, some conservatives institution. This is most likely the disagreements,” he said. “I have feel they are incorrectly and un- reason why many students at Riv- felt like my teachers are against fairly lumped in with hate group, Trump impeached again Continued from page 2 ers who describe themselves as me and any little thing that I say arguing their belief in small gov- Friday, the impeachment manag- conservatives or Republicans feel could get me in trouble or a bad ernment in no way correlates to The following few days of the ers and Trump’s lawyers made marginalized, silenced, and unable grade. Walking on eggshells out hating a group of people because trial proceeded. On Feb. 10, House their arguments, followed by ques- to publicly voice their opinions. of fear is not the way I wished my of their race, gender, religion, or managers revealed never-before- tions from the Senators. On Feb. In order to accurately encap- high school career would go. But sexual orientation. seen video footage from inside the 13, both sides made their closing sulate conservatives and conser- sadly it has.” The final question of the survey Capitol during the riot that was arguments and the Senate voted on vatism at Rivers, The Edge sent In response to these negative was if students thought that con- terrifying to watch. Former Vice whether to convict Trump or not. out an anonymous survey to all experiences, The Edge reached out servative ideologies were equally President Pence and his family A total of 57 Senators voted yes students. Given the name of the to Mac Caplan, chair of the Eng- represented compared to liberal were seen being escorted out of and 43 no, way short of the two- survey - Conservatives at Rivers - lish Department. ones, in our curriculum. While a the building, while staff members thirds majority needed to convict, we recognize that a lot more of our “I’m sure that I speak for my handful said there was an appro- had to barricade themselves in an so Trump was acquitted that day. respondents would be conserva- colleagues in saying that we want priate balance, the vast majority office. Between Wednesday and