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Deerfield Varsity Field Hockey (DAVFH) joins their new head Coach Hannah Goodrick-Armstrong this year. Coming from the Loomis Chaffee School as a coach for Varsity Water Polo and Varsity Field Hockey, Coach Goodrick-Armstrong brings over a decade of coaching experience across a variety of levels and sports to Deerfield. She played field hockey for Williams College, coached field hockey at Loomis Chaffe, and served as a head coach for both youth and collegiate club water polo. Coach Goodrick-Armstrong’s excitement for coaching at Deerfield is rooted not only in her own passion for field hockey, but also in the strength and dedication of a team filled with talented and hardworking players: individuals who push each other both on and off the field. “I absolutely love it. It has been an incredible beginning to the year and the fall season … I feel really lucky to be a part of [the team], and it all stems from the players that are on the team,” she explained. Although Coach Goodrick-Armstrong has been part of various sports in her coaching history, field hockey has always been special to her. Her desire to lead a program herself stemmed from how much the sport added to her life, inspiring her to give back to young women through the sport. Due to the similar size and nature of the student bodies at both schools, the transition from Loomis to Deerfield has been smooth for Goodrick-Armstrong. “It[Loomis] is a place like Deerfield,” she said, “[Deerfield] has such school spirit, so much support for these programs, and just really incredible student-athletes. It seemed like a great fit.” The support of the team extends beyond just the players; it includes the help from the assistant coaches Ellie Bicknell and Muffie Masambani ’20. Coach Goodrick-Armstrong mentioned that they both have been a vital part of the team’s success this season, saying, “Coach Bicknell has been with the program for many years and has really just taught me so much about where the program has been and where we’re hoping to bring the program.” Coach Masambani, a Deerfield alum and former member of Varsity Field Hockey, went on to play at Amherst College and helped Coach Goodrick-Armstrong understand the program’s culture. Players have also noticed the growing relationships Coach Goodrick-Armstrong has built with her assistant coaches. “I’ve definitely seen her relationships with Coach Masambani and Coach Bicknell grow so much, and she has been building trust with us the same way she builds trust with them, and it’s really cool to see them get so close and work off of each other really well,” said lead captain Peyton Wierl ’26, and a four-year member of Varsity Field Hockey. Coach Goodrick-Armstrong also mentions that it is not just the coaches that lead the team, the captains are a foundation for this year’s success as well. She said the 2025-2026 captains, Peyton Wierl, Ilsa Borgen ’26, Chloe Cleaves ’26, and Lilly Oliver ’26, “work together seamlessly.” “They each fill slightly different roles, their leadership styles are slightly different, they connect really well with the other players on the team, and I think a lot of our early-season success contributed to their leadership,” Coach Goodrick-Armstrong added. The captains have been an essential part of helping the team stay focused and build the team’s bond. Together, they have set goals for the season: to make the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council tournament and contend for the championship. Beyond tactics and technique, Coach Goodrick-Armstrong emphasizes a positive team culture rooted in gratitude, reflection, and collaboration. One of the most unique traditions she introduced is the use of green notebooks labeled “DAVFH.” These serve as journals where players are encouraged to reflect, set goals, and express gratitude daily. Inspired by a college coach who once told her to “take the time to be grateful for what you have each day.” Coach Goodrick-Armstrong uses these notebooks as a way to help athletes stay grounded and present. Before every practice, players are given time to journal quietly, a brief pause in the day that helps them reset and mentally prepare. Wierl also noted that the notebooks have improved the team culture and positivity. “I love that, I think it’s a great idea!” she said. Complementing this routine is the “quote of the day” tradition she brought to Deerfield. At the start of the season, Coach Goodrick-Armstrong selects daily quotes, prints them out on sticky notes, and places them inside the players’ notebooks. As the season has continued, she has passed on this responsibility to assistant coaches and players, allowing the team to have more flexibility and take ownership. The addition of the quotes were in hopes of encouraging both motivation and reflection, helping the players develop the mindset they need to succeed, not just in games but throughout their time at Deerfield. Coach Goodrick-Armstrong frequently expresses her gratitude for every player on the team, emphasizing that it’s not just a group of individuals, but a united program with purpose and cohesion at every practice. “I’m grateful that we have 46 players in the program and all 46 are quite bought in, which is incredible,” she said. For her, this level of commitment across both the Varsity and Junior Varsity team is a reflection of the culture the players have built, one of mutual respect, goals, and love for the game. Each athlete plays a role in shaping the team’s identity, showing up every day ready to support one another. Coach Goodrick-Armstrong believes this is what turns a good team into a great one.

Sports Page Editor of the Scroll Evelyn Kunde ’26, captain of Girls’ Varsity Volleyball, explained the positive influence of Friday themes. She expressed that “...Friday themes are not only a good way to end the week on a strong note, but they are also a form of expression where you get to learn a little bit about your teammates each week with every theme. ” She stated wearing green and white before Choate day as her favorite Friday theme, though she also enjoyed the recurring themes of beach day, neon, and white lies. Additionally, Julia Yates ’26, Girls Junior Varsity Soccer captain, described that Friday games further define her team’s identity, distinguishing her team from others on campus. “I think it’s what makes us the most fun team on campus this Fall,” she expressed. “Other teams have theme days, but I feel like no team goes all out like ours. It really brings us together and gives us positive vibes before the weekend games.” Yates listed some of the most common themes the Girls’ Junior Varsity Soccer team has done in the past: “Rhyme without reason, blackout, neon day, beach, color wars, and team olympics day.” Among her favorites were rhyme without reason and color wars, which she said have almost become annual traditions. For many athletes, Friday theme days bring a sense of belonging into the team, and create long-lasting memories that are remembered even after the season. Kunde and Yates expressed how certain themes are repeated each year and how teams look forward to planning new ideas. “It’s a chance to be creative and have fun, showing our team personality before focusing on the game,” Yates said. For Dupont, she remembered when her team dressed for emo day, with players fully committing to the dark eyeliner and heavy accessories.. “It was really funny, everyone went all out,” she said. When asked about future possibilities, she suggested a “Freaky Friday” theme, inspired by Cross Country. Beyond team culture, players mention that Friday theme days offer an opportunity for teams to show unity to the rest of the school. According to Dupont, the dress-up days signal the team’s excitement and cohesion to other students and faculty. “It lets everybody know that we’re a united team about to play a game,” she said. So, if you’re ever walking to practice on a Friday and spot a volleyball player sneaking around in full spy gear, a soccer captain in a Kris Jenner wig, or even someone dressed up as an ugly boar, you’re probably witnessing Friday theme day. Dressing up has turned into a tradition that pulls everyone in, makes new players feel part of the team, and brings an extra spark heading into the weekend games.

What is your favorite part about being a dorm faculty in JL, and what is one favorite memory you have with your residents? I really like the girls on my hall. They're so nice. A couple of years ago, my proctors were having a lot of fun. One of the proctors had a pink wig and they decided to try to put it on my dog…and she wouldn't sit still. It was just hilarious, and we were all cracking up. What's your favorite dorm feed? I make a lot of brownies, and I think the kids seem to like the brownies, so that's good. I like brownies. What’s your favorite Deerfield tradition?  I think the singing of the Evensong… just seems so nice. It's a lovely song, and everyone seems to really enjoy doing that together. What made you choose Deerfield? I taught in three different schools in three different states. I was looking for a change, so I did a national search. I hadn't really been looking for boarding, but when I came and visited, I was like, this seems like it would actually be a really great place. I took the chance.  What's a hobby of yours that most people don't know about? I make all my own greeting cards and Christmas cards.  Do you have any hidden talents?  I can knit and crochet rather well. What is your favorite chemistry mnemonic?  I always tell the kids, ‘Start at seven, make a seven to memorize…’ the seven diatomic molecules.  What are the most memorable moments you had during a lab?  I really like it when the students just really get… into it. They just really seem like they're interested in what they're observing. When we do the flame tests, everyone gets really excited to see a green flame or purple flame, because it's not what we're expecting. The first time a kid sees a chemical reaction and two clear liquids turn into bright yellow, they get excited about it, and that's just fun. What are some Deerfield teams that you enjoy spectating?  I have to say it would either be my own Thirds volleyball team, and I really do love track and field. I know I coach both those things, but I do like watching them. I really enjoy watching our pole vaulters compete, or I love watching the four-by-four relay on the track.  What’s your take on the cell phone policy?  I really appreciate that we're trying to build a community where the students are all interacting without being on the phones. I know it can be really tough for a lot of the students, but I do see a lot more interactions between students at Deerfield. I like all of the intentions behind it, and I think [the students] are going to be better off.

In 2007, His Majesty King Abdullah II ’80 founded King’s Academy at Jordan, starting a partnership with Deerfield that continues to this day. His aim was to bring his “Deerfield Days of Glory” to fellow Jordanians and other international students, and, as Head of School John Austin put it, “[to] educate the next vanguard of young leaders for the Middle East.” King’s held close ties with Deerfield since its inception. Before come ing to Deerfield, Dr. Austin served as the second Head of School of King’s Academy. He comments that the start of the relationship between the two schools was “natural, without a lot of formal planning.” The exchange of culture, connection, and spirit between the two academies not only influenced the founding of King’s Academy but also continues to inspire faculty and students at Deerfield today. Many current Deerfield students and faculty members also began their academic journeys at King’s Academy, one of them being Arabic Teacher Lina Samawi. After finishing her Master’s degree in English literature, Ms. Samawi started teaching Arabic to faculty members at King’s Academy. She taught many teachers who are now at Deerfield, including History and Social Science Teacher John Leistler, Director of Planned Giving Matthew Westman, English Department Chair Anna Steim-Miller, and even Dr. Austin—although Ms. Samawi claims he didn’t show up to classes very often. Later, she began teaching students Arabic too. “I started my career there, so it was a lot of trying different things and learning who I am as an educator,” she said. “There was a lot of trial and error trying to figure out my voice and my style.” Before coming to Deerfield, Mr. Westman taught French and coached volleyball and basketball at King’s Academy for eight years, where he also met his spouse and English Teacher Ms. Hadley Westman. “One big thing I learned is [that], in [certain] academic environments, eloquence or language ability… is something we value and prize, particularly in education in the U.S.,” he said. “Working at King’s, I met thoughtful [and] creative people who contributed in so many ways, even if their English wasn’t very strong, and that pushed me to think further about prejudice around accent or language.” After spending seven years at Deerfield, Dean of Ethical and Spiritual Life Jan Flaska taught at King’s Academy through an exchange program, where he taught King’s students about Islam. “I’m a white Christian, European, American person. And I’m teaching them about their religion,” he said. “They were very patient with me, and I learned so much.” He eventually returned to Deerfield, and the name he goes by today, “Mr. Jan,” is a tribute to his time at King’s Academy, where students refer to their teachers by their first names. Jean Meza ’26 was also a part of an exchange program between the two schools. In 2023, he went on the spring CSGC trip to Jordan and was able to visit King’s Academy for a few days during the trip. What Meza said impressed him during his stay was the incredible pride the students had in their school. “It was a great experience for me to get out of my comfort zone and get to know new people. I think that’s really the point of the trips, for whatever contexts that they’re in,” he said. “You branch out in a way that you didn’t expect to before you went on the trip.”  Before coming to Deerfield as a sophomore, Cosi Whitely ’26 went to King’s for her ninth grade year in 2023. “I wanted to do something different and I wanted to go away from Connecticut,” she said. King’s Academy differs both in culture and religion from Deerfield; over half of Whitely’s classmates were from the Middle East and practiced Islam. “I would celebrate Ramadan with them; I would pray and fast with them,” she added.  At King’s, Mr. Leistler said that the King of Jordan would often pay visits to the school. Not only did His Majesty often speak about why he created the school, but he would also Q&A’s where students could ask direct, uncensored questions. Mr. Leistler offered a few thoughts: “I would hope that they [Deerfield students] would go to Jordan some day and see what the land is like, and know that there is an oasis of calm there and that they’re trying to become Deerfield-like.” He added that students and faculty at King’s Academy didn’t define what being “Deerfield-like” meant but left it up to the individual to decide. In his mind, it was about the ways adults connect with students and the knowledge that being challenged is a good thing.  Going forward, Dr. Austin hopes to maintain a strong tie between the two academies. “We’re always going to be close,” he said, and he looks forward to “maintain[ing] these exchange programs as we move into the future.” Through these students and faculty members who have sat at sit-down tables on two sides of the world, Deerfield and King’s connection continues to foster.

Dr. Anne Bruder, Deerfield Academy’s current Dean of Academics, has been appointed as the 16th and first female Head of School of The Hotchkiss School. She will succeed Craig Bradley, who is retiring after a decade of service to the Hotchkiss community, in the 2026-2027 academic year.  As Deerfield’s Dean of Academics since 2022, Dr. Bruder has overseen its academic life, from shaping its curriculum to developing faculty and refining pedagogical practices. “I have immensely enjoyed my time at Deerfield, and I was not looking to depart after my fourth year,” she said. “I could have imagined a very long career here. I’m super excited about the work I’ve done.” The opening of the role didn’t come to Dr. Bruder’s attention until she was contacted in the spring by an educational search firm, a professional organization that recruits candidates for school leadership positions. Hotchkiss had tasked the firm with identifying candidates who fit their needs, and the firm had solicited anonymous nominations from the educational community; Dr. Bruder had been one of the nominees.  Though initially hesitant, Dr. Bruder found herself convinced to continue with the selection process after she spoke with Tim Sullivan, President of Hotchkiss’ Board of Trustees. “We started a conversation that was really exciting, and it seemed as though my particular interests aligned nicely with what [Hotchkiss] was seeking,” she said in an interview with The Scroll .  Indeed,  in her first address to the Hotchkiss community, Dr. Bruder outlines her vision for secondary schools as “places of growth and transformation where young people prepare not merely for college or career but for lives of deep meaning.”  “That kind of school revolves around a rigorous academic and co-curricular program that cultivates lifelong habits of curiosity, judgment, resilience, and joy,” she writes. “It thrives when the community commits to this shared purpose while also celebrating the range of ideas and practices that make schools vibrant learning laboratories.” Dr. Bruder also recognized how rare such an opportunity was. “These jobs turn over infrequently. If I wanted to lead a school, this was likely the optimal school for me,” she said. “I had spent time in my early twenties there as a teacher, so I knew the school and was really excited to return." Dr. Bruder’s enthusiasm is rooted in familiarity—her career began with two formative years at Hotchkiss, where she taught English, coached, and served as a dorm resident. “Hotchkiss schooled me: when to listen and when to lead, how to build an educational culture elevated by curiosity while grounded in diligence, and why living in a community that collectively teaches the whole student is so deeply rewarding,” Dr. Bruder wrote in the same address.  Dr. Bruder will also be Hotchkiss’ first female Head of School. “The title role being female is meaningful to me. I spent much of my career studying unusual forms of women's education and women educators. It's particularly satisfying to join that crew,” she explained. “When I visited last week, young women—especially ninth and tenth graders—came up and said, 'We're so excited to have a woman lead our school.' That was gratifying." However, she recognizes the role that women have played throughout Hotchkiss’ history. “It's important to remember that there have been women leaders throughout the school's history—the founder [Maria Hotchkiss] was a woman, and even as a [previously] all-boys school, there were women in leadership roles,” she said.  Still, Dr. Bruder’s experiences at the Academy will accompany and aid her in her new role. “One of the things I've most loved about Deerfield is living, learning, and working in a tight-knit community, which takes incredible intentionality and care,” she said. “I hope to bring that same intentionality to all aspects of campus life—academics, residential life, advising, athletics, and the arts. I'm also interested in coherence across these areas, so the school feels unified.”

Beginning his musical journey at the age of two on the piano, Kwasi Oteng Adu-Gyamfi ’26 showcases versatility in his artistic abilities through playing multiple instruments, adapting to various dance styles, and engaging in music composition. When Adu-Gyamfi first started playing the piano, he believed it “got [his] ear trained at a young age” in order to adjust to learning other instruments, such as the guitar and saxophone. In middle school, Adu-Gyamfi also played the viola, and when he picked it up again during orchestra practice, Adu-Gyamfi described the process as “a matter of muscle memory, and [having] to remember how to hold the bow and where [his] fingers were placed on each string.” Adu-Gyamfi’s musical range spans from woodwind to brass instruments, such as the clarinet and saxophone, to the strings family, which includes the viola, bass guitar, and ukulele. He is particularly passionate about jazz piano and saxophone, with his saxophone teacher, Bruce Krasin, comparing his “warm tenor sound to jazz performers like Coltrane and Sonny Stitt.” Currently, Adu-Gyamfi is actively involved in multiple musical ensembles at Deerfield, including Concert band, Jazz band, Orchestra, and two a cappella groups (Reme-Ds and Mellow-Ds). Director of Deerfield’s Music program Tom Bergeron states that Adu-Gyamfi is “a daily motivation that is driven by curiosity to harness music’s transformative power, and never driven by his own ego or the pursuit of recognition.” As one of the three leaders in CoDA, Deerfield’s student-led pop jazz and rock band, Adu-Gyamfi serves as the group organizer, writing full scores and separating them into their individual parts for students to learn. As for now, Adu-Gyamfi is working on the arrangements from La La Land, which he hopes to be performed during the fall term Koch Friday Concert. Adu-Gyamfi’s talent and musical capabilities have also been recognized by his peers. Associate Editor of Deerfield Scroll and one of CoDA’s leaders Tim Wang ’27 described his experience working with him: “I started working with [Adu-Gyamfi] in my freshman year in band class and was impressed by his improvisation skills on the sax.” He added that Adu-Gyamfi is “an extremely talented musician, composing great arrangements and playing every instrument you can imagine.” Aside from composing different parts for CoDA, Adu-Gyamfi plans to compose a piece for the Jazz band in the spring as part of his Honors Jazz project. In addition to music, Adu-Gyamfi is a part of Deerfield’s dance program. He began dancing at the age of eight and claims “to never feel nervous before performing on stage.” Adu-Gyamfi has choreographed pieces, including a trio with Yewon Kim ’28 and Features Page Editor for the Scroll Lucia Kinder ’28 last spring, and is currently co-choreographing a hip-hop piece, set to the song “Taste” by Tyga, for the fall dance showcase with Joshua-Michael Graham ’26. Adu-Gyamfi believes what sets him apart from other performers is his own approach to dance performances: “I just work my way through it,” reflecting an improvisational style that also mirrors his musical style on the saxophone. Hip-hop is a dance genre Adu-Gyamfi has a special passion for, drawing inspiration from dance crews and groups. “Jabberwocky’s iconic looks with the white masks and bucket hats,” he explained, sparked his interest in breakdancing. During a Center for Service and Global Citizenship trip to Tanzania, Adu-Gyamfi performed in an impromptu dance competition in front of 600 people. History and Social Science Teacher Conrad Pitcher described a memorable highlight: “Kwasi played to the cheers and laughs of the crowd, riffing off the movements of his foe/partner. He and this student he had just met moments ago put on a show that looked like it had been choreographed for months. The whole school was abuzz with excitement.” Whether he is perfecting the drum parts on the wide variety of songs and styles for School Meetings or showcasing his dance moves on stage, Adu-Gyamfi exhibits his musicianship and diversification through various interests.

This summer, before the school year started, Deerfield Academy’s Varsity Boys and Girls soccer teams went on a 10-day preseason trip between August 9 to 19 to Valladolid, Spain. Accompanying them were Head Coach and Sports Information Director Carly Barbato and Assistant Coach Jeanette Boudway for the Girls’ team and Head Coach and Dean of Spiritual and Ethical life Jan Flaska and Assistant Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Coach and John Taylor for the Boys’ team. In total, twenty-five boys attended the trip led by captains Cooper Johnson ’26, Alex Salvo ’26, Jadin Smith ’26 and Owen Tymchuk ’26. Salvo found the trip beneficial, saying, “The preseason just helped us as a team in general, with chemistry, bonding, and all that.” Furthermore, he believed that in addition to letting the team prepare and improve their soccer skills, the trip also allowed the team to meet the new players for the upcoming season. Tymchuk has played on the Varsity soccer team since his sophomore year when he first arrived at Deerfield, and has participated in every preseason trip. He described the multifaceted nature of the trips, saying, “We [pace] ourselves well, never having more than one practice or game in a day, and I think that left a lot of time for cultural experience which was a big part of the trip.” The dynamic of this year’s trip has improved from previous years. “This trip felt less soccer-based than years prior and more evenly balanced, it almost felt like a CSGC [Center for Service and Global Citizenship] trip in some sense,” Tymchuck said. Johnson, who is returning from an injury this season, found the trip eye-opening and constructive. “It was beneficial because we got to work with the Spanish coaches and they knew a lot of stuff we had never been taught before, and they had a different outlook on how to play. We carried their systems over into our games at Deerfield and how we are still playing now,” he said. The Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team also had similar feedback on the trip, finding it enjoyable. “I thought the Spain trip was super fun! After some of our games we would eat with some of the other teams. It helped to learn more fluent Spanish,” said Captain Keira Austen ’26. Austen has taken Spanish throughout her time at Deerfield, but found opportunities to expand her understanding of the language while spending some time in Valladolid. Other than daily practices, the two teams have engaged in other team bonding activities. “We toured around a bunch of arenas which was a really cool experience, and one [of] the best things was just playing charades with the team on long bus rides back,” said Austen. The same sentiment is expressed by other players on the team, who appreciated the experience during the trip. Post Graduate Cole Barrett ’26 said, “It was a wonderful experience, [and] I would do it again in a heartbeat. Coming in as a new person, I didn’t know a lot of people on the team, and it gave me a chance before school started to meet a lot of people.” During the preseason trip, both teams engaged in building connections, enhancing their soccer skills, and expressing appreciation for one another. The teams also aimed to gain an understanding of one another and their team dynamics. Looking ahead, both teams hope the positive experiences gained over these trips can be transformed into success on the field for both programs and during Choate Week.

On September 26, Deerfield hosted a “Pink Out” themed Friday Night Lights football game where the Boys’ Varsity Football Team played against Cheshire Academy. The event was in collaboration with Deerfield’s Cancer Connection Club to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Prior to the game, the club notified both students and faculty members to show up in pink colored clothing. Football players stuck pink Deerfield door stickers, provided by the Cancer Connection Club, onto their helmets. Club members lined the railings with pink balloons and adorned the spectator stand with pink ribbons. On top of this, they also distributed pink powder packs throughout the bleachers, which were thrown in handfuls across the stands during celebratory moments in the game. Members of the Cancer Connection Club began planning the event three weeks prior to the football game. Associate Editor of the Scroll and Cancer Connection Club Co-Chair Tess Ho ’27 said, “I’m so glad we were able to organize this Pink Out event. I believe it’s important that students acknowledge wearing pink isn’t just for the spirit, but it’s our way of showing that we are here to support those fighting for breast cancer and to honor those we’ve lost.” Another Cancer Connection board member, Danny Weller ’27, added, “It was amazing to see the student body come together for such a great cause.” Like all weekend activities, a group of students and faculty coordinators organized the event, including Student Activities Coordinator Connor Merrill, who organizes campus events and weekend activities. Cancer Connection Club board member Anne Kelly ’27 further noted that, “the game was important in showcasing how cancer touches everyone. Uniting everyone against this disease can make hard times so much easier. No one is alone and this game showcased this.” When asked about what the participation of students meant to her, Co-Chair of the Cancer Awareness Club Riley Farmer ’26 stated, “It meant so much to see the community rally against something that hits so close to home. It was amazing to see how much people bought into the theme and the message, and I am just so excited to see what else we can plan to bring awareness to our community.” The support exuded during the Friday Night Lights and Pink Out event stems from student’s demonstrated support for their peers, Deerfield tradition, and giving back to the greater community. Furthermore, the event gained further appeal and attention due to its unique time frame on a Friday night. Pink Out, through school spirit and passion for athletics, attempted to spread awareness about prevalent topics such as cancer. On the other hand, the Friday Night Lights event was also created as an opportunity to let students unwind for the weekend. These events show how life in Deerfield can be more than just academics, but a mixture of both fun, worldliness and passion for students and causes alike.

“Milk and Cookies,” a Deerfield Boys Varsity Football Team tradition, is a pre-game meeting and preparation that takes place the evening before each game day. This tradition exists exclusively among the football players and, according to many players, is one of the most cherished experiences among the team. It has defined and continues to define the brotherhood of the football program. Head Football Coach and Eleventh Grade Class Dean Brian Barbato emphasized that unique bonds form through football and the rituals which surround it. “Football is a special game, and what we do to prepare is unique,” he said. “Some of my fondest football memories are hitting a gap to protect my buddies, celebrating after a win or a sack—there’s no feeling like it in sports, even close.” Coach Barbato further believes that this sense of connection and brotherhood is reflected in the team’s “Milk and Cookies” tradition. The process begins with a speech from Mr. Barbato, followed by the sharing of milk and cookies among the team. Once everyone is seated again, the team enjoys a round of speeches from underclassmen and upperclassmen alike. These speeches serve as opportunities for players to build team atmosphere and strengthen bonds. Captain Will Machnik ’26 described the tradition as “something very important for the football team,” adding that “it builds a good community within the guys, and it's a chance for them to either get the team pumped up or share something that's personal to them and brings the team together.” Players also reflect on the uniqueness of the experience. “It’s my first year, and I think it’s good,” said Gavin Jeffries ’26. He continued, “I didn’t really have a tradition like this back in my old school, so I really feel like it's something that I really like. I appreciate the fact that we're able to come together as a group. Teams can talk, Coach can talk, all that.” The captains believe that “Milk and Cookies” helps new players and underclassmen on the team bond with more senior players on the field. Machnik recounted his time as a freshman on the team, where “watching older guys open up really makes you feel like you are a part of the team at a young age.” In this sense, the tradition not only serves as a team bonding exercise, but also allows new and younger teammates to understand that their senior players share similar experiences and the same love for the game. Meanwhile, the upperclassmen and returning players perceive these meetings as an opportunity for them to speak about their experiences. The meetings promote players to share advice and continue to nurture the football program’s culture. Bishop Benham ’26 reflected, "I've only been here for two years, but last year was a great thing, and even when I was hurt, I showed up to it. So yeah, I think it's good for the younger guys, good for the older guys. [It] builds seniority, but it also creates a kind of comfortability among the team, where people can talk." Overall, Jefferies noted that the tradition helps players play with the utmost effort not only for themselves but also for their teammates. He stated, “I think it gets us all mentally on the same page and gets us all prepared to be our best selves and be as prepared as possible for the game tomorrow.” Coaches and football players alike credit “Milk and Cookies” to helping build an individual’s testament, promote discipline, and foster love among the team. They expressed that through bonding experiences like “Milk and Cookies,” teammates have become brothers who share the field.

After over a year of construction, Deerfield Academy’s new dining hall is finally nearing completion. Director of Food Services Michael McCarthy says that the space is designed to honor tradition while bringing the campus dining experience into the modern era. The new building is scheduled to open its doors over winter break. The Academy’s construction leaders designed the new dining hall with student and faculty experience in mind. The redesign specifically focused on acoustics. In the old space, high ceilings created an overwhelming noise level that made conversation difficult. Project Manager Andrew DeMado noted that they prioritized this issue from the very beginning. By the time the dining hall opens, Mr. DeMado hopes “that people can sit at a table and actually hear each other – to build community. So we’ve added acoustic treatments through the ceiling in both the main dining area and surrounding spaces.” In addition to improved sound quality, the new space features a layout intended to foster togetherness. Previously, some students would sit in raised “bubble” areas on either side of the central dining hall area during meals, separating themselves from the rest of their classmates. The expanded and leveled dining area can now allow the entire student body to eat together on the same floor. Mr. DeMado noted that “Dr. Austin really wanted it so that everyone was on the same level,” emphasizing Deerfield’s goal to strive for more unity within the student body. The Academy’s emphasis on shared experiences also affected the decision that Mr. DeMado and Mr. McCarthy made to keep the entire school in one communal dining room. Sophie Simonds ’26 has experienced both the original dining hall and the temporary dining hall. Soon, she will attend the opening of the new dining hall along with everyone else on campus. She agrees with the choice to have one communal dining hall, stating “I really like the fact that they expanded it so that they could fit the whole student body during sit down meals.” Additionally, Simonds commends the planning and consideration for students and faculty while construction was happening, saying, “I do think it was the most thoughtful situation instead of just removing sit down meals for multiple years like I know other boarding schools have done.” Mr. McCarthy added: “Sit-down meals are our thing, and a lot of the design was built around accommodating them, the equipment that’s in the kitchen and the layout of the dining room.” Among the most visible changes are updates to the serving model itself. The new building includes a true servery, which will allow the kitchen to present food through dedicated stations. “From an operational standpoint, it’s going to be much more efficient,” McCarthy said. Another unique addition to the dining hall experience is the introduction of service carts for both first and second waiters. The three-tiered carts will help students deliver food more efficiently by carrying trays, glassware, and even bus buckets, which hold dirty dishes, all at once. “Instead of having to carry a tray, you’ll be able to place your tray on top of the cart and be able to load your food up in the kitchen and then roll it out,” explained Mr. McCarthy. Inside, the dining hall balances modern functionality with traditional aesthetics. Much of the wood trim was custom made to reflect the style of the original building. DeMado noted that “students said…we want to come into this place and feel like we should be in class dress,” explaining the decision for some of the architectural design aspects of the new dining hall. The renovated building now features ornate columns, fluted trim, and high ceilings. Even with the challenges the construction team faced such as unexpected obstacles when doing demolition on an old building, the entire crew found the project rewarding. According to Mr. DeMado, not only was the process incredibly collaborative, but the dining hall has also, in effect, been modernized. He explains that the dining hall “really hadn’t been upgraded since the late 1940s. So we had a separate food service designer that worked with us and then worked with the directors, so that it really brings their operation into the 21st century.” The new dining hall is set to host its first meal in early January, just after students return from winter break. According to Director of Food Services Michael McCarthy, they plan to transition just after students leave campus for the holidays. “Our first meal that we serve will be that Monday sitdown lunch.” McCarthy explained that Monday’s lunch will mark the beginning of a new chapter in campus life, one that many faculty and students have been eagerly anticipating. In addition to regular meals, the new dining hall is also expected to host major campus events, including Commencement for this year’s graduating class. The dining hall, used by both faculty and students alike, is a shared space where the community comes together. DeMado described it as “the heart of campus.” While Simonds hopes for the preservation of some previous features such as the senior bubble, and she is “excited for the opening.”

“The way life goes is not always in a straight line,” History & Social Science Teacher John Leistler said during his Convocation speech on September 1. As the 2024 recipient of the Greer Chair Award, Mr. Leistler had to deliver a speech at Deerfield’s Convocation ceremony. Ringing the whole auditorium with stories of his voice and experience, he hoped to provide a unique message that would stick with students, faculty, and staff. For Mr. Leistler, the auditorium was his classroom, and he viewed the “speech” as another meaningful lesson for the whole Deerfield body. “It felt to me like a class of mine, so it should mirror the way a classroom might be,” he said. In his “class,” Mr. Leistler brought in an artwork of the French Romantic painter Théodore Géricault. In the painting, the majority plummeted into an abyss of cannibalism, while a few overlooked ships of potential rescue on the opposite side of the horizon. Through his presentation of the painting, Mr. Leistler hoped to underscore how these ships are always present at Deerfield and beyond, and the people—peers and adults—are there to help and look after one another. In an interview afterwards, he said, “It’s a legitimate thing to feel distress, but when you are feeling distress, I encourage you to always look for hope.” The Greer Chair award brought forth another “class,” but also an acknowledgment to the recipient’s commitment in teaching. Language Teacher John Taylor, the 2025 Greer Chair award recipient, felt the recognition and gratitude people have in him. “This award really brought me confidence, especially when seeing the comments from the students. The moment of announcing the recipient was a very special moment for me, and I received congratulations from the entire community afterwards,” he said. Mr. Taylor’s sense of gratitude was drawn full circle by cycles and relationships between students and teachers, he described. “I am very grateful and it confirmed that I’ve never lost my love to teach,” he added. For Mr. Leistler, he felt a similar emotion in finding gratitude for continuing the passion in himself. The Greer Chair award was established in 1998 by the Greer family awarded to a faculty member who has had a significant impact on students—not only by exhibiting enthusiasm and understanding in his interactions with students in the classroom, but also by serving as a role model for students in their daily lives. Chief Advancement Officer Chuck Ramsay said, “I think they [the administration] wanted a way to recognize excellence among the faculty and to reward them.” In 2023, the award was “[expanded to] also honor staff members on campus because they recognize that they’re a couple hundred people in this community who were not faculty, and that they make an impact on the lives of students,” explained Mr. Ramsay. Through this award, Mr. Ramsey hopes that the Greer family’s perpetual influence and effort will leave behind a lasting legacy and community. The history of this award inherited and continued its traces to contemporary classrooms—the impact of teachers is significant in a class’s success, Mr. Taylor described. He pointed out the crucial stand of care as the ultimate purpose he wanted students to feel. “I tried to make my class a balance of challenges and fun, and I genuinely cared for all my students,” he said. Mr. Leistler viewed his classes in the same way: “I would like people to say that when they’re in class with me, that they feel seen,” he said. A teacher’s impact on students often lasts for decades, Mr. Leistler added. He remembered attending the wedding of one of his former students and said, “The groom whom I taught introduced me to his new wife and said, “‘I’d like you to meet the man who taught me how to think.’ I would like that to have an impact. Not that I have to be the one who taught you better thought, but just that I helped you in that process.” The Greer Chair brings to light teachers who go above and beyond in and outside the classrooms—as Mr. Ramsay put it, “I see a lot of legends on that list—people whose names I hear over and over again.”

In the spring of 2024, Deerfield’s Class of 2004 started a memorial fund in memory of their classmate Lynn Gordon (Gordie) Bailey, who was hazed to death by his college fraternity on September 17th, 2004. Gordie’s Bench and Overlook memorialize the victims of hazing incidents on campuses across the United States. According to Hazing Info, a database made through a partnership between the University of Maine and the University of Washington Information School, there have been at least five reported college hazing deaths since 2000. Gordie’s death was one of them. At Deerfield, Bailey was active on the varsity football and lacrosse teams and a regular actor in theatre productions; he received the “Class of 2004 Award for Excellence in Drama” and won the New England Championship with the football team. In a Scroll Article from 2020, Bailey’s former advisor said of him, “I don’t believe I have ever known a student in my thirty-six years of teaching that had a sunnier disposition.” However, three weeks into college at University of Colorado Boulder, Bailey passed away from alcohol poisoning while pledging a fraternity. According to the Gordie Center’s website, Bailey and his fellow pledges, following a fraternity tradition of initiation, were forced to drink four handles of whiskey and six bottles of wine. After spending the night passed out on a couch, his fraternity brothers found him dead at 9 a.m. the next morning. Student Life Office Senior Associate Mr. Kelly described how “there was a moment there where he had died while everybody was still around, and they wouldn’t know it.” Dean of Ethical and Spiritual Life Jan Flaska remembered first hearing about Gordie’s death when he taught at King’s Academy, the Deerfield’s partner school in Jordan. “My very good friend at college died at age 20, and I remember his mother saying to me, ‘parents are never supposed to outlive their kids.’ That was the first thing I thought about,” he said. Gordie’s Bench sits on an overlook that faces towards the Lower Fields, near a plaque that lists his date of birth and death along with lyrics from the Deerfield Evensong: “Deerfield Days are Days of Glory.” The sun radiating on the bench is a reminder of “his sunny personality,” Dean of Student Life Sam Bicknell said. “When you look over the fields, it’s a wonderful spot where students can soak in that sun and enjoy a peaceful setting.” Vivian Monopoli ’26 noted Gordie’s Overlook has personal significance. She calls it a “special space on campus that is very reflective… I have good memories there.” She also said that the bench “exemplifies what we value as a community.” In an address during the reunion of the class of 2004, Bailey’s best friend at Deerfield remarked upon his death. “In his short 18 years, Gordie lived a full lifetime.” Alex Kleiner ’04, said. Deerfield follows Massachusetts state law guidelines regarding how to approach teaching about hazing, and the Academy also uses Bailey’s story to personalize its approach to teaching. In tenth grade health class, students watch Haze, a documentary made by Bailey’s family that explores his story. In May, the seniors rewatch this documentary. As Dr. Melvion put it, “One student said it hits differently when you know where the story is going.” After the seniors rewatch the documentary, Dr. Melvion and Mr. Kelly speak with the graduating class about the takeaway from the documentary. “The message we want to deliver to the senior class when they go to college is to have some lines in the sand that you will not cross,” Mr. Kelly said, adding, “We want our students to graduate with a sense of pride and self-esteem and be able to be independent men and women.” The class of 2004’s memorial fund is in memory of Bailey and three other classmates that passed away: Charles Denihan ’04, Christopher Diggs ’04, and Micheal Walsh ’04. Their goal is to raise $1.8m by their next reunion in 2029 to establish a permanent endowed fund, which would pay for the tuition for one Deerfield student. As Mr. Kelly said, “The highest honor we could give him is knowing that his death is not in vain.”