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The winter season at Deerfield is a long one, but many teams have one particular game that carries a significant amount of excitement. Whether that game is for a trophy or a New England title, this one game often represents more than just a game. For the girls varsity hockey team, that game was played against Pomfret School for the coveted Hastings Cup. This year, on January 25th, Deerfield won 7-1 to take home the Cup for the second year in a row. Playing for the Hastings Cup has been a tradition between Pomfret and Deerfield for seven years. Named after Brad Hastings, this cup has served to honor Hastings for his contributions to both Pomfret and Deerfield girls hockey teams. In his role of Dean of Students at Deerfield in 1979, Hastings elected to coach the girls hockey team during the Academy’s second year of coeducation. Mr. Hastings served in this role until leaving Deerfield to become Head of School at Pomfret in 1991. He was also the first girls hockey coach at Pomfret. The Hastings Cup fosters a healthy rivalry between the two schools and has helped drive a high intensity game for the past seven seasons. Deerfield has won the cup for the past two years, while Pomfret won the two before that. The two schools are relatively even in their Hastings Cup winning records, and this even pairing lends itself to more competitive play throughout the game. “The Hastings Cup has become one of those games that we get excited about because we know that there is something more to play for than just the game itself,” commented Deerfield girls varsity hockey Coach Genevieve Pitt. Similarly to the annual Choate game, the Hastings Cup has become a big tradition to look forward to for the girls. During the game, the girls kept their composure and played until the last buzzer. That high intensity level of play was “motivated by wanting to win the Cup and maybe even more so not wanting Pomfret to win the Cup on their home ice,” said Coach Pitt. Winning this game, along with many others this season has shown that the girls “want to win no matter what,” Coach Pitt stated. “This group is a really dedicated, really committed group.” Both the girls and Coach Pitt are looking forward to a strong end to the season.

In my seventeen years of life, I’ve experienced the joys of inclusion and the loneliness of exclusion. I’ve had friends of all backgrounds who have accepted me for who I am, and I’ve met people who have refused to get to know me because of those very idiosyncrasies. I have had my third-grade crush tell me I’m a terrorist, have dealt with a hall-mate at a camp who was very vocal about her distaste for Muslims, have attended a Catholic school from kindergarten until 9th grade, and have witnessed federal agents interrogate my father after 9/11. Yet I always tell myself not to take negative experiences to heart. I firmly believe that the only way to overcome ignorance is to rise above it with the power of education. In total honesty, it does not bother me very much that I’m considered a minority in Deerfield. But I’ve never experienced as much loneliness on this campus as I did on January 27, 2017, when President Trump ordered a travel ban on immigrants and refugees from seven predominantly Muslim countries. I became aware of this executive decision as I was sitting in my room after the dance showcase on a Friday night. At first, I thought it was a joke. “How can the laws of the world allow this?” I thought. It sounded ridiculous, but as I continued my research, I realized that it was real. The “Muslim Ban,” one of the greatest orders that I feared during this election season, was becoming a reality. I feared for my people, my family, and for the hundreds of millions of young Americans who will have to grow up in a country with a close-minded leader who serves as a supposed role model. It was the first time in my Deerfield career when I felt truly alone. I curled up in my dark green bungee chair, afraid of what the future had in store. While my hall mates were laughing and screaming out of joy and excitement for the weekend, I was alone in my room and didn’t know what I could do to be proactive. Merriam-Webster’s Thesaurus defines “ignorance” as a noun that means, “the state of being unaware or uninformed.” Would I be ignorant for not understanding why Donald Trump is truly doing this? Would I be ignorant for starting a riot? After all, he is assuming the intentions of millions of innocent people. He is the one who is making every Muslim in this country feel alienated. He is the one pushing out people who simply want to find a safe haven without the fear of war. My parents left their loved ones in Pakistan for the opportunities available to them in the United States, Mr. Trump. My parents have dedicated their lives as physicians for this country, Mr. Trump. Why can’t you reciprocate the respect? Why only ban the countries that you don’t have business with? Why do your decisions seem as if they are from a master business plan for bankruptcy and corruption rather than a plan to better our country? This doesn’t make any sense in my eyes. This doesn’t work. In the ninth grade, I took Ms. Friend’s “Asia in World History” class. On countless occasions, my classmates and I discussed what makes a leader great, and my answer was always the same: open-mindedness. An open-minded leader who is culturally competent is the key to a successful society. Why? A culturally competent leader is able to understand people of all backgrounds and work collaboratively with individuals from those groups. This way, the government serves everyone, not just certain groups of people. A culturally competent leader does not run away from his or her problems. A culturally competent leader believes in teamwork and is open to implementing new ideas and beliefs. A culturally competent leader is not someone like Donald Trump. But I believe that it is our responsibility as a community to be open-minded and culturally competent. From the day most people are born, we are taught to be kind individuals and to always treat others they way you want to be treated. I believe that Deerfield strives to implement this value in its students and to help its students become independent leaders who know how to take action in various settings. But it seems to me that now is the time more than ever for Deerfield to help its students become culturally competent individuals who are able to understand that people are influenced by their cultures. Deerfield needs to teach its students how to make a change, rather than simply stating the fact that it is doable. I believe this is the time that we, as a community, need to come together to provide support to each other and help each other create change, even if that means allowing others to shine more than our own selves. Deerfield has the resources to provide for its passionate students who want to create a difference. Yet, for students, sometimes it seems as if staying quiet might be “safer” than speaking out. Sometimes fear outweighs passion for change. Questions like, “What if this isn’t cool?” or “What if no one will support me?” always fill a Deerfield student’s head. I believe that we need to learn how to be more courageous, unlike our President, whose reaction of fear is to just ban others rather than actually dealing with the situation. I believe we need to learn how to rise above ignorance and not be afraid to seem “wrong” initially. I dare you, Deerfield, to step out of your comfort zone. I dare you, Deerfield, to get to know yourself and accept yourself. I dare you, Deerfield, to share the spotlight for the better. I dare you, Deerfield, to be the change that you always talk about wanting to see.

On Sunday, January 29th, a group of Deerfield students travelled to Yale University for the day to learn about architecture and art from Deerfield alumnus George Knight ’85. Mr. Knight graduated with a Master’s in Architecture from Yale University and has taught architecture at the university since 2004. For the Deerfield students, this was an opportunity to learn and engage in the subjects of architecture and art beyond the classroom. Mr. Knight generously offered to lead the trip for Deerfield students. Ms. Mercedes Taylor, Deerfield Spanish and art teacher and one of the trip’s faculty leaders along with Ms. Hemphill, said, “[Mr. Knight] offered his expertise and the opportunity for us as a school to visit, as he would be willing to take us around on a tour.” The students travelled to two museums over the course of the day: the Center for British Art and the Yale Art Gallery. The trip was focused around these two buildings, both designed by the renowned architect, Louis Kahn. Daniella Faura ’17 appreciated the opportunity to learn about Kahn’s work: “It was interesting to see Louis Kahn’s architecture, as I had never really known him as an architect. Through Mr. Knight’s teaching, I was able to learn a lot about his specific style.” Alina Xu ’17, a student in Post-AP Topics Art, spoke about the opportunity to look beyond the artwork and appreciate the building that housed it: “Being an art student, I was initially drawn more to the artwork in each gallery, but hearing Mr. Knight describe the decisions [Kahn] made while designing each building made me appreciate the role that architecture plays in museums.” However, not all students in attendance were studying art or architecture. Ally Bazarian ’18 explained why she attended the trip despite not taking an art or architecture course at Deerfield: “I’m really passionate about architecture, and I thought it would be a great experience to hear from an expert in his field.” She also appreciated the contrast in the two buildings built by the same architect, saying: “I loved watching the switch between the first gallery and the second one…the change in architecture showed the evolution of the person as he got older and his thoughts changed.” The range of the artwork that the two galleries exhibited left an impression on the students. Faura expressed her appreciation for the artwork in both galleries: “I didn’t realize how much of an extensive collection the two galleries had.” Faura also spoke about the connections with the curriculum in her current art class: “We saw a Jackson Pollock piece, … we had done still-life’s with his art style in Topics. We also were able to see “Constables” in the British Art Gallery, which were the inspiration for another project we did.” Beyond just the art and architecture in the galleries, students were able to see and appreciate the architectural significance of the buildings of Yale University’s campus. Faura said, “I loved walking around Yale’s campus. I never had gone around a school or really anywhere to look at the buildings themselves. It opened my eyes to a different type of perspective to look at a building and appreciate its beauty and structure and function and how that all comes together.”

Islam probably looks violent, barbaric, and dangerous to you. So why would you want more Muslims in America? You find assurance and strength in Trump’s executive order. There are unknown dangers abroad.Our citizens must be kept safe. With a country still latched to the attacks of September 11th, with anti-terrorism as a main platform for most politicians, and a media that sensationalizes terrorist attacks, a fear of terrorism is not surprising. However, closing our nation’s borders to tens of millions of Arabs who have no correlation to known terrorism reflects an illogical and caustic state of fear, and thus an unhelpful response to the terrorist crises both foreign and domestic. The public would be better off taking a stand against vehicular accidents, gun violence, alcohol or tobacco, as these things take more American lives and present every day a greater threat to us than Islamic terror. In reality, we disproportionately focus on terrorism and support a ban that solves a problem that does not exist. Instead the ban inhibits refugees from finding safety and fulfilling basic needs, perpetuating their suffering, disregarding their struggle to escape violence, and consolidating their hopelessness. While the ban mitigates your irrational worries, it intensifies the nightmare in which refugees live. Middle Eastern refugees are fleeing the daily terrorist attacks in their homeland; some, risking their lives and their children’s at sea in doing so. They are willing to enter a foreign land with a foreign tongue and endure prejudice for the simple reason of survival. So, to those who support Trump’s Muslim Ban, I understand you are afraid, but please understand the fears and risks of refugees are much more real, rational, and palpable than yours.

Dear Reader, This is it! Seven issues later, and my time as Editor-In-Chief is finally over. It really is hard to believe that I am writing these words, as it feels so recent that I watched Bella write her version of this letter one year ago. My time as Editor-In-Chief has been undoubtedly challenging, but — and perhaps consequently — immensely formative. More than anything, the experience has been rewarding. After weeks of writing, editing, and laying out each page, there is nothing quite as fulfilling as the tangible result of a newspaper issue. My wish is that every Deerfield student has found some experience in their time here as gratifying as mine with has been. Of course, I couldn’t have done my job without many others doing theirs. I thank Nia Goodridge endlessly for questioning me in ways that allowed me to see the bigger picture, and for her reserved leadership that fostered balance in room. I also have Ethan Thayumanavan, Kiana Rawji, Karen Tai, Richard Park, and Liam Jeon to thank for their dedication and effort. Each one of us is remarkably different, and yet we worked cohesively and appreciated each others’ efforts. Mrs. Schloat, who has been with as long as I have and longer, has let me run with so many ideas that many others would simply have never entertained. I thank her for trusting me and for simultaneously encouraging me to think outside the box. Ms. Gonzales, who joined again this year as an advisor, after being Editor-In-Chief during her senior year at DA, brought valuable lessons from her time in my position. I am thankful I had the two of them to guide, teach, and challenge me. I am incredibly excited to announce that next year’s Editors-In-Chief will be Kevin Chen and Jillian Carroll. We decided that this year, two Editors-In-Chief made more sense than an Editor-In-Chief and a Managing Editor. I am grateful to Kevin and Jillian for their commitments to during their time at Deerfield, and I know they will continue to do great things as they take on their new roles. I am looking forward to watching the two of them put their ideas into action, and to witnessing the thoughtfulness and purpose with which they will lead. As Jillian and Kevin step into their positions, and the new board navigates its responsibilities, I, along with the other seniors on the board, will step down and serve as mentors for the first half of the Spring term, and then hand the reigns to them in May while we enjoy all that Deerfield has to offer in our last few weeks. Seniors, cherish your last days — graduation is around the corner. Even if your Deerfield experience was challenging, commit yourself now to appreciating what this place can offer. I am lucky that my experience with was one that is closing out my time here, and that I will forever be a part of a class that made Deerfield what it is today. All the best, Perry Hamm Editor-In-Chief

Maddie Thies ’17 developed a lifelong passion for dance after taking jazz lessons with friends in kindergarten. “I just really loved to perform… –I loved having the attention on me. I always wanted to be front and center, so that’s what kept me going and wanting to be better,” recalled Thies. A four-year senior, Thies has danced in every dance showcase and participated in the dance co-curricular for most terms. She has also been a member of the Advanced Dance Ensemble since her sophomore year. In her last year in the Deerfield dance program, she is one of two seniors in Advanced Dance Tutorial whom Ms. Jennifer Whitcomb, Deerfield Director of Dance, describes as her co-directors. “They’re producers [of the student choreography showcase] as a well as choreographers and dancers. It’s a lot of work,” explained Ms. Whitcomb. Having never choreographed before coming to Deerfield, Thies put together a beginner hip hop piece for the first time last year with 35 dancers. She remarked, “That was a really fun experience, and it was a big deal for me to be able to see all those people onstage with my choreography. It was a really proud moment.” The impact Thies has made on the Deerfield dance program has always been evident. “[Thies] leads by example,” said Ms. Whitcomb. “She demonstrates that quality of selflessness that is so important for a strong leader. Oftentimes… she tends to hang back and let other people take the limelight.” The collaborative nature of dance is one of the reasons why it is so close to Thies’ heart. “I love the connections you make in dance,” shared Thies. “Everyone I’ve met whom I dance with­ — they feel like family for me. When we all come together, each piece is emotional. There’s a story to tell, and you’re putting your full effort into it, so everyone becomes much closer.” Mae Emerson ’19, a fellow dancer in the Advanced Dance Ensemble, commented, “Working with Maddie is so much fun. She will make you feel welcomed right when you walk into the room. Her ability to snap into focus but still joke around and have fun is something everyone should have.” Thies’ breadth of mastery across all different styles of dance and her exceptional work ethic that allowed her to develop these skills have been praised by Ms. Whitcomb, who described Thies as a dancer whose ability to improve knows no limits. “Her style of dance is very unique. [Maddie] is one of the few primarily hip-hop dancers in the ensemble, which brings a new edge and clarity to the movements. She is always accentuating the beats and energy of the music,” said Mila Castleman ’18, a fellow member of the Advanced Dance Ensemble. Thies is certain that dance will continue to be a part of her life in the future, whether it is dancing in a club at college or just for fun. “I don’t want to do it very intensely, but I’ll always love that feeling of accomplishment of when you put your piece onstage.” Above all, dance is a creative outlet that allows Thies to gain confidence, who is happiest when she gets positive feedback from the Deerfield community for her performances. She expressed, “When I step onstage, I feel like I’ve become a more confident version of myself, and I can let it all go. It’s the best feeling when you know you’ve given it your all and danced your heart out.”

This fall, Ms. Melanie Onufrieff joined the Deerfield community as the new girls varsity rowing coach and a college advisor. “Coach O,” as she is often called around campus, came to Deerfield after coaching rowing at all levels from high schoolers to Olympic athletes on the United States National rowing team. Ms. Onuffrief’s personal love for rowing began her freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania when her roommate introduced her to the sport. After a swift introduction and instant attraction to the sport, Ms. Onufrieff made the University of Pennsylvania’s girls varsity rowing team as a freshman. During her four years on the team, she was selected twice for both the Hope Barnes Memorial Award for Excellence in Rowing and the Academic All-Ivy League Team. She also served as captain in her junior and senior year. Ms. Onufrieff graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor’s in biology. During her coaching career, she served as an assistant coach at Princeton University from 1997-98, Rutgers University in 1999, Clemson University from 2012-14, and the Baylor School afterwards. Additionally, she took up head coaching positions at Cornell University for six years and Columbia University for seven. In the novice Eastern Sprints Competition, she directed Princeton to silver and gold medals 1997 and 1998 respectively and coached the Rutgers boat that placed second the year after. In 2002, she led the Cornell varsity team to the NCAA championships and placed 14th overall nationally. She also brought the Columbia Lions to their highest ever national ranking at 19th in 2010 and helped coach the Clemson’s varsity 4+ boat that won the ACC championships in 2012. Coach Onuffrief was honored with the Eastern Association of Women’s Rowing Colleges Novice Coach of the Year award twice (once with Rutgers and again with Princeton in 1998) and won the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year honors in 2002 Additionally, she was an assistant coach for the United States National Rowing Team during the summers of 2001, 2006, 2007, and 2008. She helped the the top four rowers win silver at the 2008 Senior World Rowing Championships in Linz, Austria and the women’s U23 win gold at the 2007 World Championships in Strathclyde, Scotland. Throughout her 21 years of college coaching, she also happened to work with rowers from Deerfield. Ms. Onufrieff was always impressed by the particularly “down­-to-earth” nature that Deerfield students possessed. She wished “[she] could have more of them!” With this experience in mind, she began contemplating the idea of working here at Deerfield. Upon arriving on campus, she instantly fell in love with the community and the “passionate” people within it. She described the transition from college to prep school as “awesome” and in fact quite smooth because she had also coached college freshmen. Ms. Onufrieff commented, “ There is a similarity between what you see with a college freshman and what the high school student athlete” looks like. Coach Onufrieff recognized that “there is a good tradition of success” in Deerfield’s athletics program. As she aspires to maintain Deerfield’s historic competitive drive, she also wishes to cultivate a “team first” mentality amongst all members of the rowing program. Additionally, she is interested in seeing the novice crew program grow and considers it essential to the overall development of rowers. “We don’t row very much here compared with what I know,” she observed. “Fall rowing gives those kinds of students a chance to really sink their teeth into it.” Ms. Onufrieff has been very happy with her transition into the Deerfield community and is excited to work with her rowers this spring. Coach Onufrieff hopes to “be involved in not just the athlete’s life on the athletic side, but helping them to develop as a whole person.”

Over Long Winter Weekend, 13 Deerfield seniors and two faculty advisors, English Department Chair Mr. Michael Schloat and Science teacher Ms. Heidi Valk, embarked on a trip to New Orleans, Louisiana as part of the English course “Telling True Stories.” Tarah Almonacy ’17, a student in the class, explained, “The premise of [this trip] was to choose a city in the United States that we could study and visit and then come back and write a nonfiction piece on our findings.” Jacqueline Alvarado ’17 added, “The main purpose… was for us to experience being freelance writers… we wanted to write in the style of magazine journalism.” After researching potential cities in the US, the class narrowed down possible choices to five cities: New Orleans, LA, Washington, DC, Austin, TX, Brownsville, TX, and New York City, NY. Miles Menafee ’17 stated that the class ultimately “decided on New Orleans because it offered such a variety of topics to study,” such as food, music, architecture, and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Mr. Schloat explained that the trip was primarily organized by the students. He said they were in charge of staying within a budget, finding affordable flights and hotels through a school-appointed travel agent, and organizing interviews, tours, restaurant reservations, and tickets to shows. The students were divided into six groups that concentrated on different topics related to New Orleans, including jazz music, low-income housing, and architectural history. Additionally, Mr. Schloat highlighted, “Once [the students] return, each individual writes their own piece. For example, in the low-income housing group, one student may choose to write a profile on people trying to obtain housing after Hurricane Katrina, while another may study a specific low-income housing project that is currently taking place.” On the trip, both students and faculty found that the people of New Orleans were eager to share their experiences. Mr. Schloat commented, “Students learned how generous most people are with their time and expertise if you just reach out and ask.” He explained that this lesson is especially relevant to the current generation.  Students also learned important lessons about independence. Cassie Deshong ’17 mentioned, “[this trip] gave me a taste of the real world… [it] taught me that if I want something, I have to be willing to step out of my comfort zone and ask.” According to the students, some highlights of the trip included sampling the local cuisine, exploring unique neighborhoods, and visiting an authentic New Orleans jazz club. Although this year was the first time that the “Telling True Stories” class partook in a student-run trip over Long Winter Weekend, Mr. Schloat confirmed that he was “thrilled and impressed by the students’ conduct and behavior,” and would love to go on a similar trip next year. The students echoed this sentiment, expressing that they enjoyed this memorable and enriching experience.

In order to be admitted Deerfield, how well an applicant takes a test or if he or she can pass an 8th grade physics class is not enough anymore. A student must have talents outside the classroom in order to distinguish him or herself from other applicants, and it seems that many of the admitted students here at Deerfield have been selected for their complementary athletic talent. Year after year, thousands of students apply to Deerfield in hopes that they’ll find a new home in the Pocumtuck Valley in the fall. Although this is only the case for a select few who are supposedly the most qualified, the question for those who do not obtain a spot is, “What was I missing?” Head of Admissions Mr. Charles Davis said that rather than athletic talent, Admissions considers personal integrity and character to be “the starting point from which all other conversations can go forward.” Admissions is collaborating with the new athletic director, Mr. Bob Howe. Mr. Howe said that he is “helping coaches be more strategic as to how they recruit students and think about their teams; meaning it’s not just about feeding them, so to speak, to help them in the short term.” Mr. Howe has given athletic coaches and director of the arts the “opportunity to put a finer point in on programs that have greater needs.” Admissions is also continuing to working closely with program leaders of other cocurriculars. An applicant is more likely to be admitted when multiple adults from different programs are advocating for the same candidate. Mr. Davis clarified that the specific programs are “of less importance to [me] than the fact that [the applicants] can work in those multiple areas.” The question remains as to what is actually prioritized and what Admissions likes to see in a candidate. Mr. Davis pointed out that there is no ideal candidate that Admissions favors, but that the school rather prefers students that have a “breadth of interest.” He elaborated on this idea, saying “[The Admissions office] likes applicants who actually have multiple areas where they can contribute, acknowledging their contributions inside the classroom but also outside the classroom.” Mr. Davis explained that the Admissions Office has used various analogies to think of enrollment over the years. At one point, there were “buckets” labeled with categories such as diversity, athletics, or art, into which candidates were placed. But this method confined students, as an athlete can be a musician as well as a student who brings diversity. When speaking of his personal analogy about admissions, Mr. Davis commented, “I would like to think of the ideal candidate like a target with a bull’s eye. The center is their personal character. As you branch out, you start to attend to their intellectual capacity, their redeeming talents, any other interesting life experiences that they bring to that office. Athletics live in one of those middle rings. It’s not in the center, but it’s also not in the perimeter.” Admissions is not just looking for athletes; it is looking for students who are able to show talent in multiple areas. With the help of Mr. Howe and different program leaders, Admissions will be able to accept a healthy ratio of athletes to artists in the upcoming future. Therefore, there will remain a stable balance of the strength in every program. It’s not about making buckets anymore; it’s about hitting the right target.

Felicia Renelus ’17, four year senior and small forward from from Valley Stream, New York, has played basketball all four winters of her Deerfield career. She was named co-captain of the varsity team last year, and came into her senior season with two years of experience on the varsity team. As of February 17, the team’s record is 8-10. Tess Mannix ’20 had high praise for her captain, noting her charisma and leadership: “She’s always motivating; she always congratulates you, high-fives you. If you’re having a bad game, [Renelus] picks your head up.” On her growth throughout her basketball career, Renelus mentioned the importance of having a good work ethic and staying positive. “Keep working hard, keep doing what you do best, know what you’re good at and keep working on it,” Renelus reflected. “Even if you think that right now you’re not getting a lot of playing time or you’re not seeing any improvement, it will come.” Mannix also commented on Renelus’s competitive drive: “Off the court, she puts in the extra work, cares about her teammates, serves as a great leader, and her desire to win… has led us to a [competitive] season.” While Renelus does her job to rally her team, her current coach, Ms. Caroline Stedman, described her as a “coach’s player.” Coach Stedman expressed high praise for Renelus’s sacrifices for the other 13 players and the consistent effort which she has given from the winter of 2015 to this February. While Renelus did not make the varsity team her freshman year, she worked hard and eventually stepped up to responsibility as a starter. “I made [the varsity team] my sophomore year but never really played often,” Renelus remembered. “It was a quick turnaround my junior year when I was starting and playing the whole game because we lost a lot of players. That made me a stronger player to just realize that I had to really shape up [for the team].” Many of the players have followed Renelus’s example, and Coach Stedman says her girls make up one of the hardest working and competitive teams that she has been a part of since she’s been at Deerfield. Renelus’s final advice to younger players: “Never feel discouraged [from lack of playing time] because your time will come… also keep working hard. For me, I didn’t play for half of my Deerfield career and then, things changed and [they] are going pretty well.”

Every February, Deerfield Academy participates in the Green Cup Challenge (GCC), a nationwide initiative to conserve resources and reduce their carbon footprint. The challenge began at Phillips Exeter Academy (PEA) in 2003 as a competition to see which dormitory could conserve the most energy. It saved PEA thousands of dollars in utility costs and raised awareness about greenhouse gas emissions. Since then, the GCC has spread to over forty other schools and has been overseen by the Green Schools Alliance, an organization dedicated to sustainability education and action. This year, Deerfield is competing with seven peer schools – Phillips Andover, Phillips Exeter, Choate Rosemary Hall, Northfield Mount Hermon (NMH), Hotchkiss, Lawrenceville, and St. Paul’s – to see which school can reduce its energy usage the most. Unlike previous years, this year’s challenge is organized and run completely by students. On January 22, Sophie Opler ’19, Fatima Zahoor ’18, and Sydney Williams ’17, all students involved in organizing the Green Cup Challenge this year, attended a summit at NMH to meet with other school representatives and discuss ways to motivate students to participate in the challenge. “Many people don’t know that the most important thing isn’t [turning your lights off], but unplugging. Having a cord plugged in like a laptop charger or fan uses electricity even when it’s not on,” Opler noted. “[And] having somebody to remind you really helps.” However, Deerfield’s Green Cup Challenge hasn’t always met its goal. Global Studies, Sustainability, and Service Fellow Ms. Heather Wakeman recalled one particular incident: “Students were buying headlamps so that they could work with their lights off, which actually increase[d] their carbon footprint,” Ms. Wakeman said. “we were hurting the environment, not helping. It was all very backwards.” Wakeman stressed that the mission of the challenge wasn’t necessarily about the exact amount of energy saved, but about helping students develop good habits and understand their personal impact on the environment. While the dorm that reduces the most energy this month will receive a prize of a feed, Opler, Zahoor, and Williams all agree that what really matters is the learning experience. Opler stated, “If Deerfield can teach our students how to live effectively in the real world and how to reduce energy where they can… I think it’s a good takeaway.”

On January 27 2017, President Donald Trump issued an executive order entitled “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States.” The new policy cited the September 2001 attacks and other recent terrorist acts as its motive. Components of the policy included the controversial “Refugee/Muslim Ban” which suspended the entry of refugees into the United States for a period of one hundred twenty days and placed a ninety-day hold on entry by citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries: Syria, Iraq, Libya, Iran, Sudan, Somalia and Yemen. In addition, any individual seen as a threat to national security would have his or her visa suspended or have additional immigration benefits, such as eligibility of employment and residential status, revoked. Talha Tariq ’17, a Muslim student, stated that in his opinion, “Implementing a ban solely based off geographic location is unconstitutional.” Fernanda Ponce ’19, a member of the Spiritual Council, stated: “I was astounded that the President could… ban people based on their religion, especially since the First Amendment of our Constitution allows people to practice any religion they choose without discrimination… The Muslim Ban… sends many wrong messages, such as that Muslims are all terrorists even though less than 1% are.” Many experts have echoed the same sentiment. Lee Gelernt, an American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) attorney, stated in an interview with Fox News on February 7th, “The president can’t get away with discrimination by simply taking out some words… The Supreme Court has made clear that you have to figure out what the intent is.” On the other hand, some students argue that the ban is not discriminatory. Mason Horton ’19 stated, “The ban protects our national security by allowing the government to restructure our vetting process while still permitting immigration. Additionally, the ban is temporary. I do not feel it targets the Islamic faith, as several predominantly Muslim countries were not targeted. Instead, the policy is directed specifically to countries where the administration, and I, think the threats of terrorism need to be addressed.” Though Head of School Dr. Margarita Curtis announced that Deerfield would not take a political stance, the administration is monitoring how the new changes affect the Deerfield community, although there are no current Deerfield students from the seven countries. “We tried to be proactive to get students ready, also looking at the implications for daily travel. Our stance is that we are here to support,” said Ms. Marjorie Young, Director of Inclusion & Community Life. Since refugees were first detained at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City on January 28, organizations such as the ACLU have legally represented detained individuals. These civil rights and non-profit organizations saw a surge in donations the weekend following the Executive Order. On the other hand, some critics argued that the ban is not comprehensive enough, because it does not include other countries that could possibly pose threats to national security. For example, 15 of the 19 hijackers during the 9/11 attacks were Saudi Arabian. However, Saudi Arabians have not been barred from entering the United States. The controversy heightened when, on February 3, Federal Judge James Louis Robart put a temporary restraining order on the travel ban. The next day, the Trump administration appealed to reinstate the ban. However, a three-judge panel on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth circuit unanimously upheld the restraining order. Ms. Young stated that even with the restraining order, “We cannot be complacent and assume that it’s business as usual. We need to be prepared for the unpredictability of the decisions that this new administration is making… Things are changing pretty quickly.” Iqbal Nurjadin ’18, a head of the Muslim Student Alliance, remains optimistic about the future. He reflected, “If Trump’s ban was meant to spread hatred towards Muslims, then it seems to have done the opposite. Never have I seen so much support for Muslims in my time here than after the ban was enacted. That feeling of support tends to dominate my fear over the situation, leaving room for hope that the American people and politicians can prevent Trump from causing too much damage.”