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The hashtag #DeleteFacebook is trending on social media and news outlets throughout the country. Facebook’s most recent controversy stems from the breaking story that a company called Cambridge Analytica gained access to the private information of more than 87 million users on the social media platform. In addition, the data of nearly all 2 billion of its users has been collected by outsiders at some point in time without the users’ explicit permission. Cambridge Analytica is a London-based political data firm that was also hired by President Trump’s 2016 election campaign. It gave the campaign information on the personalities of American voters and offered to influence voters’ opinions with conservative digital ads, fake accounts, and posts. In 2014, information was collected from Facebook profiles through a personality quiz app called “thisisyourdigitallife.” This app was downloaded and installed by approximately 270,000 users in return for one to two dollars per download. Subsequently, information from users’ Facebook profiles, as well as from their friends’ profiles, was scraped away and retained. Since most Facebook users have at least a couple hundred friends, the number of people affected turned out not to be just 270,000, but over 87 million. The specific information siphoned off included “details on users’ identities, friend networks and ‘likes’,” according to . This allowed Cambridge Analytica to map out people’s tendencies, personalities and common interests based on their likes and home pages. With the guidance of Cambridge Analytica’s data, President Trump’s digital operation during the election proved highly effective. According to Martin Moore at the Center for the Study of Media, Communication and Power, Trump’s campaign “was using 40-50,000 variants of ads every day that were continuously measuring responses and then adapting and evolving based on that response.” Computer Science Teacher Forest Reid believes that although Cambridge Analytica has been engaging in such activity since 2014, “It only just came to our consciousness because of Robert Mueller’s investigation into the last presidential election.” For many students at Deerfield, the story of Facebook and Cambridge Analytica is unfamiliar. However, the idea that a company was able to manipulate people’s political beliefs based on computer algorithms was certainly shocking news for Samara Cummings ’20. “This almost reminds me of Big Brother, and complete government control,” she said. Deerfield students and faculty were most likely attacked by the harvesting of data as well. A majority of our student body relies on the Deerfield Academy Student Forum to post and receive relevant information about school events. Just a couple weeks ago, a Facebook group called “DA Girls” was formed for girls to coalesce into one united group, and nearly 200 girls have joined since. Because Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has admitted that most Facebook users should assume that their public information has been exploited by a third party, it is safe to say that at least one member of our community, if not more, has had their data taken from them. Director of Information and Technology Services Kimberly Butz works on networking, infrastructure, and the protection of Deerfield’s digital network from hacks and attacks. She said, “I wasn’t particularly surprised to hear the news. I really don’t think that any of the major social media platforms have done enough to protect people’s data.” She emphasized, “Individually, we should be actively standing up for our own privacy rights. Most people don’t read the fine print under terms and conditions before clicking ‘I Accept,’ which makes it possible for incidents like this one to occur.” However, there is only so much individuals can do. Even limiting social media use has not shown to protect one’s data from exploitation. Dov Seidman, CEO of LRN, an ethics and compliance management firm, reflected that social media executives also need to acknowledge the potential strengths and weaknesses of their platforms, stating, “We need to start by pausing to reflect on how our world, reshaped by these technologies, operates differently – and on the kind of values and leadership we will need to realize their promise” he said. Most Deerfield students trust social media with much of their private information, including phone numbers, addresses, school information, friends, family, and more. The question ahead is if and how technology should bear the responsibility of keeping that information safe from hacking.

When most think of spring break, they think of rest and relaxation, but for many of Deerfield’s dedicated athletes it is quite the opposite. Instead of lying on the beach or spending restful time with friends and family, athletes from the lacrosse, tennis, crew, softball and baseball teams travelled to Florida on preseason trips to prepare them for the upcoming spring season. The baseball team traveled to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where the boys managed to beat one of IMG’s baseball teams that included many Division 1 commits. “[It] showed us what we’re capable of when we throw strikes and don’t make errors,” said Captain Jared Pantalony ’18. Boys lacrosse also had a successful trip to IMG Academy. They scrimmaged against New Hampton and Belmont Hill and brought home two wins, which boosted their confidence going into this season. Ned Lynch ’19 predicted great team chemistry, saying, “We have an awesome group of guys and we’re optimistic about a successful upcoming season.” Both of the rowing teams had productive training sessions at the University of Central Florida. This trip was not for the faint of heart, with the athletes racking up a total of five hours on the water in addition to dryland workouts each day. That is not to say it was not an enjoyable experience. Girls crew captain Anna Scott ’18 recalled a fun team memory: “The guys and girls did March Madness racing relays. Even though there was no prize, it was still fun!” The softball team had a productive trip to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando to work on their skills for the upcoming season, spending countless hours on the field in preparation for future games. The team recalled lots of fun memories they had of the trip especially those spent exploring Disney World and other team bonding activities. “The team has lots of spirit and potential — I love the girls that I work with,” said Coach Rebecca Melvoin. She believed the team chemistry improved greatly over the week spent training in Florida. The week before the softball team entered Disney World, the girls lacrosse team was training there. After leaving right after finals, they spent the first four days of spring break practicing at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and competing against other teams down there. Goalkeeper Maggie Tydings ’20 addressed the difficulty of a first-week training trip, saying, “Leaving right after exams is hectic for everyone, especially seniors who give up spending time with their friends. But, our trip was super productive and we were able to get a lot of great work in while also having a hoot in Disney!” Both the boys and girls tennis teams also traveled to IMG Academy for their preseason training. A highlight of the trip for many of the players was meeting Maria Sharapova, a renowned Russian professional tennis player who is an Olympic medalist and career Grand Slam winner. Claire Koeppel ’18 recalled the trip as “extremely productive and fun!” After practicing for five hours each day, and doing many bonding activities, the tennis teams expresed that they were ready for any challenges this season might throw at them.

Reasons to Say Yes School Singing: You might not be the best of singers, or you might lament having a “bad” voice, but singing at Deerfield will remove these doubts and insecurities. Whether you are singing the Deerfield Evensong or the Fight Song, your voice will always fit in. Dress Code: We’ve all heard it: look smart, feel smart. Come to Deerfield because you’ll feel smart in every class (even if you’re barely passing), and who doesn’t want that stylish and sophisticated look? Freedom: You’re at a boarding school! It’s your life from here on out, and you’ll have a lot more time to be with friends, or binge watch Netflix. Of course, you have to do your work and you won’t have your mom nagging you about chores. Cool Merch: Just imagine, a closet full of green clothes! That’s what heaven really looks like. What more could a kid want? Dessert All Day: Who doesn’t love dessert? At Deerfield, you get dessert pretty much 3 times a day, except breakfasts but that’s just for health issues (but coffee cake counts right?). You won’t ever need to worry about satisfying your sweet tooth because you get dessert with every lunch and dinner, and if sweets aren’t your thing, there is always fruit too! Birthdays: When that special day comes along, you know that all of your friends will come and sing to you at lunch. You’ll absolutely love it! Just try not to fall off your chair. Reasons to Say No Fortnite Addiction: Our campus has seen a large increase in Fortnite players. If you’re easily addicted to games, then you might need to consider other schools, but if you can play Fortnite in moderation, then Deerfield is the school for you. The Patriots: Where are my Cowboy fans at? When February rolls around the corner, and the Patriots are headed to the Super Bowl yet again, you can expect to find Patriot fans everywhere around campus. Campus Size: When you live in a 330-acre campus, you should expect some long walks. Especially if you live in the Village, walking to the the Lower Fields will take a long time. The Middle of Nowhere: Living in the middle of a valley in Western Massachusetts means that you’re pretty far from big cities like Boston and NYC. The drive can take as long as four hours, so you should anticipate some serious car jam sessions. New England Weather: One day it might be sunny, but before you know it there might be a snowstorm on its way. It rains and snows often, so if you can’t live without a full year of sunshine, Deerfield might not be the place for you. Absurd Talent: You’re coming to one of the most prestigious schools out there, so of course there’s going to be competition. But take on the challenge! Competition is what helps you grow, and being in an environment where those around you are so smart and talented inspires you to do even better.

Dear Members of the Deerfield Community, As promised, I write with an update on dress code. First, I want to thank everyone who shared comments with me: regardless of whether you offered criticism or support, it is always encouraging to see people stand up for their convictions. This sort of open, rational discourse is the […]

After English Teacher Andy Stallings’ first year teaching at Deerfield Academy, he travelled to visit his family in Mississippi, where he sat down one day and wrote the first 50 poems of his latest book, The book was released on April 15, 2018 and is his second work published by Rescue Press. However, he explained that the process of writing the book was one to which he was unaccustomed. Stallings described his new book as “a broad representation of myself, my family and the world and everything that I experience.”  is a book largely drawn from Mr. Stallings’ own experience at Deerfield, especially during his first year here. Mr. Stallings explained that the tools he used in the classroom during his first year of teaching at Deerfield influenced his style, changing the way he wrote. This sudden shift in creative process started when he began starting his classes with a ten-minute free write. He reflected back on that teaching choice and said, “The free writing process opened up my ability to write quickly.” He was therefore able write many poems in one sitting, as he did that day in Mississippi. Mr. Stallings said, “If it works with students, I’m willing to use it for myself.” As for what the Deerfield community can expect for Mr. Stallings in the future, this is his second publication and he won’t be putting down the pen anytime soon. Mr. Stallings affirmed that he intends on continuing his career as a writer. He said, “It is such a part of life and thinking. If I’m writing, to say, stop [writing] — I can’t imagine doing it!” by Andy Stallings As I stood looking out at our hundred yards of bobbing net near the Ugashik River’s mouth, net which we couldn’t tend till the opening was officially called, but which the river seals could tend as they wished, Barnwell came out from the Quonset hut with a rifle, which he handed to me, instructing me to shoot the seals if I could, so I knelt on the sand, and aimed the rifle, and shot. Ice of morning, bumper crop of dawn. The house on the bluff belonged to one uncle, the house by the pond to another. Not a double life, she insisted, but two lives. One in text, one in body. As opposed to word and experience, perpetually misaligned but each sufficient. Out in surf city, approaching the false horizon. But anywhere will do if the student is right. The student of light.

The Von Auersperg Art Gallery is home to a new, cutting-edge exhibit by Nigerian-American artist, Imo Nse Imeh. stems from Nora Case’s 1907 children’s book and nursery rhyme about ten African American girls. Mr. Imeh’s exhibit features pieces reflecting ten “forgotten” girls, with each piece aiming to explore the unique story of a girl who has been quieted and neglected by society. Imeh chose to use pencil, charcoal, and India ink for his pieces in order to represent peril. The majority of the exhibit is composed of black and white series of the ten girls; however, he also includes color pieces from a series still under development. The exhibit being shown is the Chibok kidnapping series, based upon the 2014 abduction of 276 Nigerian schoolgirls from the Nigerian village known as Chibok. In some of his pieces, Mr. Imeh includes musical notes derived from “coon songs,” which hold derogatory messages regarding African Americans. The artist’s goal in incorporating these drawn lyrics, either on the bodies of the girls or in the background, is to stand up against negative stereotypes and demonstrate the importance of these young Nigerian girls despite the color of their skin. The universal message of his series is that it “shows the amazing beauty and resilience that these and so many other young women around the world demonstrate in times of great pain and challenge” (according to a plaque in gallery). Mr. Imeh is a Nigerian-American artist and a professor at Westfield University in Massachusetts. His work reflects his perception of our culture at large, as well his personal struggle, as he explores language, history and the appalling realities of race in America. Mr. Imeh is a multi-medium artist; he has not only created visual art but also written a book about the ideals of feminine power. He notes that the process of creating a piece is just as important to him as the finished work of art itself due to the revelations he has while working and revising. On Sunday, January 28, the tour guides for this exhibit came together for their initial training. Tour guides are there to be facilitators of conversation. In preparation for touring, they created poems describing each piece. Visual and Performing Arts Teacher Mercedes Taylor explained the purpose of this exercise: “The poems were meant to allow them to work in unison to connect directly to the image and the labels given by the artist. When the artist gives you something, you bring your own perspective, and you make it happen.” Henry Pan ’19, a leader of tour guides for the “Forgotten Girls” exhibit, also spoke about the experience of being a tour guide. When asked what he hoped people would get out of his tours, Pan noted, “The ‘Forgotten Girls’ exhibit is at its core a thought-provoking series. I hope that through the confronting imageries people can have conversations about the issues at large, and ultimately become more aware of these issues intuitively.” Mr. Imeh has created an artistic series that helps give a voice to the unheard, allowing them to finally be recognized as the individuals that they are. He acknowledges that, while this series focuses specifically on Nigerian girls, the issues they face are universal. “Forgotten Girls: Black Heroines on the Edge of Darkness and Hope” is an exhibit which calls into question society’s treatment of the minority and honors girls who have been disregarded. The exhibit will be open until March 2.

The Deerfield Academy squash program has gained an impressive reputation in the squash realm. Boasting the gorgeous Dewey Squash courts, Deerfield Academy has become notorious for its rigorous squash programs. This year, the Deerfield boys and girls varsity squash teams began their seasons with a bang, playing with grit against various teams in the league. The boys team consists of captains Chaitanya Shah ’19 and Teddy Durfee ’19; returners Jason Liu ’19 and Max Geraci ’19; and newcomers Charles Braff ’21, Merritt Wurts ’21, Robert Sawyers ’21, and Mason Horton ’19. The boys have had a successful season, beating tough teams such as Tabor Academy, Phillips Exeter Academy, and Choate Rosemary Hall. This year, while competing in the National Squash Championships, the boys were initially placed in Division II. However, upon petitioning and re-evaluation, the boys were then moved up to Division I. Along with the hectic petitioning and division change, Shah, the number one seed on the team, suffered a concussion weeks before the tournament; he was forced to sit out and rest in order to recover for the tournament. Despite the injuries and division changes, the boys team emerged victorious, placing 12th in the tournament. With a few more teams left to play, the team currently holds an 10 – 5 record and hopes to finish their season with more wins. Shah said, “Our season had its ups and downs, but I think everyone works hard and buys in, which definitely helped us at Nationals. I’m confident this will carry over to New Englands, and hopefully we will place within the top five schools.” Along with the boys team, the varsity girls squash team began their season with the proud title of New England Champions on their shoulders. After graduating five senior members of the team, the returners Emily Henderson ’19, Sasha Hinckley ’19, and Soo-Min Lee ’19, along with captains Ashley Manning ’19 and Harbour Woodward ’19, welcomed Isabella Rolfe ’21 and Griffin Dewey ’20 to the team. Following the team motto of “be the player in front” the girls trained hard to open with an undefeated season. Unfortunately, the girls lost to Andover with a close score of 3-4, which closed their undefeated season. However, the team continues to boast the best record of winter teams at Deerfield, winning 85% of their matches. After the Andover match, the girls competed in the National Squash Championship the following weekend. Despite injuries and illnesses, the girls fought hard and placed 8th in the tournament. Captain Ashley Manning said, “I think that the girls squash team has had a great season. I know we didn’t perform as well as we had hoped at nationals, but I was still beyond proud with how everyone played. Going forward, I am so excited for our last few matches and I know that we will crush it at New Englands!” With this sentiment, the girls varsity squash team hopes to bounce back and reclaim their title as New England Champions. As their seasons come to an end, both the girls and boys varsity squash teams will play in the New England High School Championships. Both teams are placed in Division A; the boys will compete at Choate Rosemary Hall and the girls at Phillips Exeter Academy. With a few matches left before New Englands, the teams are working towards playing hard and finishing their seasons strong.

Around 8 p.m. on February 15, a Deerfield faculty member discovered a large swastika and the word “heil” on the sidewalk outside DeNunzio dormitory. The graffiti was written with a stream of water, and was removed shortly after the discovery. The local police, campus security, and administration are currently conducting an investigation on the incident. In an initial email to inform the Deerfield community about the hate crime, Head of School Margarita Curtis wrote, “To be clear, we utterly denounce the hateful ideology these symbols represent — and this type of hate speech is totally unacceptable. Deerfield stands for the value and dignity of all people.” Dr. Curtis addressed the school at a sit-down lunch on February 16. She began her remarks by referencing the current rising tide of anti-Semitism in the United States. “When we started the school year in September, it was on the heels of disturbing news coming from Charlottesville, Virginia,” Dr. Curtis stated. “If you remember, we spent a great deal of time processing those events — discussing their relevance to our lives here at Deerfield.” Dr. Curtis also referenced the recent shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland, Florida, a brutal event that occurred a mere two days before this incident. “This is hate speech,” stated Dr. Curtis, “and hate in any form has no place at Deerfield.” She continued: “Racism and xenophobia are repugnant views — they are a special type of learned ignorance, borne from the idea that emotions can eclipse facts.” Dr. Curtis was clear about the presence of hate and anti-Semitism at Deerfield, affirming: “If you do understand the meaning of these symbols — and yet you still feel they have a place in your life — then I think Deerfield might not be the place for you.” After the hate crime, a Crisis Response Team (CRT), comprised of Deerfield faculty, security, and administration met twice On the afternoon of February 16, two meetings were held for the Deerfield community. The first was for the Jewish Student Alliance and Jewish employees, and the second meeting was for any students who wished to speak about the incident or demonstrate allyship. Close to 100 students and faculty met in the Caswell Library for this second meeting to discuss the crime and the presence of hate speech at Deerfield. Before this meeting, Curtis encouraged students: “Listen first to understand. Accept others’ truth.” Emma Earls ’20 discussed her reaction to the meeting: “Deerfield’s done a lot of talking about change, but at last week’s meeting I think we all realized how drastic this display of hate was. I don’t think anyone realized that there was this kind of hate on the Deerfield campus, but I think we’ve all realized how crucial it is now to make a change.” Helen Lipsky ’20 discussed the importance of change on campus, stating, “I think that a lot of students and faculty members on campus don’t really know what to do in response to incidents like these because we’re not supposed to see them on high school campuses.” However, Lipsky confirmed that she still viewed this change as a possible initiative: “When we do see these incidents, it’s important as a community to understand that anti-Semitism existed before the Holocaust, during the Holocaust, and continues today even after the Holocaust. The coupling of the swastika with the work ‘heil’ is generally a prominent attack on all groups that fell victim to the Nazi regime during World War II and it is a communal job to recognize that. So, the best way for Deerfield to move forward is to continue this recognition.” Director of Counseling Dr. Joshua Relin spread positivity on the sidewalks around Denunzio on the morning of February 17th by providing sidewalk chalk and encouraging students and faculty families to draw positive messages. This event, colloquially dubbed “Bringing Out the Colors,” brought together a range of Deerfield students and faculty, aiming to engender hope, rather than fear, throughout the Deerfield community.

This winter break, Adrian and Arthur Yao ’20, along with their parents and sister Rachel Yao ’16, visited North Korea for four days. Arthur said, “We were talking with our parents about where to go this winter break, and I said, ‘North Korea.’ I meant it first as a joke, and then I realized how exotic and interesting it would be, as well as how much we would learn from it.” Most South Koreans and Americans, and journalists from all countries are denied visits or are only approved under special circumstances. However, having Hong Kong passports, the Yaos did not face many difficulties acquiring a visa. All tourists are required to be accompanied by North Korean guides. The family traveled with two tour guides who were fluent in English from studying the language at a North Korean university. They were “very interested” in the family’s lives, as they were foreigners, according to Adrian. Adrian and Arthur mostly explored Pyongyang, the capital and largest city in North Korea. Most destinations were tourist attractions and historical sites, such as Kim II-Sung Square, the Victorious War Museum, the Mausoleum for deceased leaders, Grand Monument on Mansu Hill, and Kim II-Sung’s birthplace. At each place, the twins learned about the history of North Korea, relations with the U.S. and South Korea, as well as the portrayal of foreign countries through the media and propaganda. The Yaos visited a middle and high school, an art studio, and used public transportation systems. Further, they went to many recreational facilities, such as an ice skating rink, soccer stadium, bowling alley, and a zoo, where the family saw many locals. Arthur shared, “I think the two main things that Western media report about North Korea are nuclear weapons and how poor they are, but looking around, [I realized that] awareness of nuclear weapons are not part of the people’s daily lives. They’re normal people.” The effect of North Korea’s famed totalitarian government on its citizens was also clear; officials were very strict with enforcing rules of respect for images or symbols of their leaders or flags. “The citizens are proud of their country. They usually wear pins of one of the two deceased leaders,” Arthur observed. Adrian also described that North Korean society is “quiet and conservative compared to America.” Commenting on a cultural nuance he observed, Adrian further remarked, “My tour guide [said with a smile] that it is a requirement for men to be the breadwinners and women should tend the house.” The twins’ favorite site visited included the Demilitarized Zone, which serves as a border between North and South Korea. Standing on a tower, they were able to see both countries at the same time. Adrian and Arthur agreed that the trip was “definitely an enriching experience.” Adrian added that the trip “gives you more credibility [when talking about North Korea] because you’re speaking from a firsthand perspective.” The twins had contrasting opinions on whether or not they want to return. While Arthur expressed he would like the trip to remain a one-time experience, Adrian stated, “This trip really reopened my mind and showed me that there is a lot to learn. [I would like to come] back, but not as a tourist, so I can truly dive into the quirks of this nation.”

Time and time again, Deerfield students grapple with what it means to “do good” in the world. Most students are already aware of the basic principles that Deerfield, and the greater world, define as “good,” such as kindness, honesty, gratitude, and hard work. However, “doing good” extends into a deeper meaning among busy Deerfield students often wrapped up in their own concerns. Deerfield teachers and mentors discuss the importance of curiosity, within the classroom and outside of it. We need to broaden our curiosity to the people around us. How often do you find yourself simply answering “I’m good, thanks” when someone asks how you are doing? How often do you find yourself not really expecting any other answer from someone when you ask this question yourself? While eating a sit-down meal, spending time with friends, or enjoying a feed in your common room, how often do you find yourself looking around and noticing what expressions are on people’s faces, how they are feeling, or if they seem different than usual? Our consciousness is often distracted by toiling over a homework assignment, what we are going to do this weekend, or an interaction we had earlier in the day. While it is natural to be absorbed in our own needs and desires, we can also more deliberately direct some of this care towards others. Deerfield prides itself on being a strongly woven community. It is up to us, as students, to strengthen these bonds among us. Instead of asking “How are you?” we can try asking, “What was the best part of your day?” or, “What is on your mind?” or “What was something really funny that happened to you recently?” When someone asks you “How are you?” you could answer with something that made you happy, something that is causing you stress, something you are puzzled about, or something that you are looking forward to. Instead of falling into habits of short answers and superficial interactions, can we deepen our relationships by communicating more freely? Being thoughtful towards others does not only lead to more meaningful conversations, but can be essential in taking care of one another. A community is responsible, to a certain extent, for the wellbeing of its individuals. Take a moment to think about your hall, for example. Is there someone who you haven’t seen lately? Is there someone who you know is worried about tryouts, a big test coming up, or something happening back home? Is there someone who you have observed to be a little down? Is there a new student who you haven’t really gotten to know? Reach out to them and ask them how they are doing. And listen. Really listen. We can extend this practice to our classes, our sports team, or to our group of friends. Caring for others has a clear impact on the community, but also has an impact on you. A recent study from Brigham Young University looked into what factors can most prolong one’s lifespan. The study examined tens of thousands of people over the course of several years and considered every aspect of their lifestyles, from their diet, to their medical history, to the places where they lived. To the researchers’ surprise, the number one factor that prolongs one’s lifespan the most was social integration. Having close relationships was in second place. To put that into perspective, exercise ranked in seventh place, and breathing clean air ranked in tenth. Another recent study found similar conclusions about increasing happiness. This means that being aware of others, saying a genuine hello on the path, meaningfully chatting with your peers, and caring for a struggling friend strengthens the community while also improving your own life. “Doing good” means taking the extra time to mindfully ask and listen to everyone we come in contact with, including seeking out those we don’t. Isn’t mindfulness towards others an important part of mindfulness? It is our responsibility to look out for one another and to create lasting, meaningful, and honest memories during our high school years.

When did the long-standing Deerfield tradition of “senior grass” begin? While the tradition has been in place for decades, the exact origin is blurry. Math Teacher Sean Keller ’86 recalled that senior grass existed even before he arrived. He speculated that senior grass originated as a way of preserving the condition of the grass for graduation. “Since graduation was often held in front of the [Main School Building], the seniors possessed some degree of motivation for keeping the grass in good shape. While seniors could walk across the senior grass, my recollection is that few of them actually did,” Mr. Keller elaborated. English Teaching Fellow Anna Gonzales speculated, “Perhaps, the grass is kept in good condition because visiting families usually see the Main School Building first. Moreover, Deerfield is all about the privileges you ‘earn’ throughout your time here, and taking a shorter route to your classes is a privilege.” Although the precise origins of senior grass remains a mystery, there have been many memorable moments relating to the tradition. One year, as a part of a prank, seniors placed sod over the center walkway leading to the front doors of the Main School Building, so technically only seniors could enter through the main entrance. In another instance, the Class of 2012 secretly planted tulip bulbs in the fall, so that in the spring the colorful flowers bloomed to form “2012” across the lawn. While many students view being able to walk on senior grass as a rite of passage, some members of the community question what school values the tradition promotes. Assistant Head of School for Student Life Amie Creagh has mixed feelings about the exclusivity surrounding the tradition: “As much as possible, I think all spaces on campus should be welcome to everybody. Having spoken with a lot of students, though, I know they look forward to the time when the senior grass is theirs exclusively.” She also shared her hope that seniors would react with kindness when they see a student walking unaware across the grass. Speaking about the future of senior grass, she continued: “I don’t know that [the tradition] is likely to change. If it does, I think it would come from seniors who feel, as fun as this is, and as much as [they] have waited for these moments, they’d like to demonstrate their leadership by welcoming others to that space.” In contrast, Katie Whalen ’18 believes that the senior grass is not particularly exclusive. One of her favorite Deerfield memories was during the “storming the grass” event for rising seniors. She said: “Having the opportunity to walk across the senior grass is a celebration of making it this far in your Deerfield career. It’s fun that there is something new and exciting for each year at Deerfield.” Similarly, Student Council President Amelia Evans ’18 commented, “The anticipation that was built up in the prior years made the reward of being a senior with special senior privileges that much greater.”

Dear Reader, This marks the last issue for the board, vol. XCII! After seven cycles of passionate meetings, long nights of layout week, and the pressure of deadlines and headlines, the has become an integral part of our lives. It seems almost too soon to say farewell, but we are proud of what we have accomplished since last April. We let articles flow from the front page onto an additional News page, allowing us both to report on a greater number of topics relevant to the Deerfield community and to address those topics in much greater detail. We also added a Buzz page, which served as a platform for some more light-hearted content and revived our beloved Margo, Rita, and Curtis advice column. Perhaps more importantly, we are proud of the wide variety of topics that we have covered over the past year, such as race, mental health, and gender inequality. Though these issues may be uncomfortable or difficult to discuss, we firmly believe that it is important for our community to be exposed to a variety of perspectives and opinions. Even though we may disagree with each other, we must be willing to respect and learn from those differences rather than limiting ourselves to what we are comfortable and familiar with. Of course, we most certainly would not have been able to accomplish all this on our own. We would like to thank our fellow editors Kiana Rawji, Sarah Jane O’Connor, Uwa Ede-Osifo, Maya Hart, Doris Zhang, Alli Norris, Roopa Venkatraman, Claire Zhang, Ines Bu, and Simon Lam for their tireless dedication to the . We also thank Perry Hamm and her board for training us and for providing us the space to grow as editors and writers. We thank Mrs. Schloat and Ms. Gonzales for guiding us through our positions and pushing us to accomplish more than we thought possible. Their endless support not only encouraged us during restless layout weeks, but also challenged us to delve deeper in our reporting. We are delighted to announce that the next editors-in-chief of the will be Joshua Fang and Orlee Marini-Rapoport. It has been a pleasure to work with the both of them, and see them grow during their time at the . Orlee, Josh and their board have been shadowing our board these past few weeks, and they have been doing an incredible job. In fact, the incoming board was largely responsible for laying out this very issue. They all bring such commitment and enthusiasm to the newsroom, and we are so excited to see what they will accomplish over the next year. We thank Josh and Orlee for all their hard work so far, and we wish them the very best of luck for the future. And of course, we extend our deep gratitude to you, the reader, without whom the would have no purpose. We are most proud to be members of the great Class of 2018 and to call Deerfield our home. All the best, Kevin and Jillian