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Within Deerfield’s student body thirty-six states are represented as well as forty-seven countries. International students make up a significant portion of the Deerfield community and the experiences and culture they bring with them greatly contribute to the school’s unique student life. But how does their experience as international students at Deerfield compare to that of domestic students? Giulio Migliarina ’25 first heard about Deerfield in 2019 from family friend Kikka Giudici ’20. During the application process, he consulted Head of Boys’ Swimming, Mark Spencer. Through conversations with Mr. Spencer, Migliarina was connected to members of the swim team. Referencing this experience, he said that, “I was very impressed and speaking to them gave me a good sense of how school life would be. They made me feel welcomed and happy and that made me very comfortable to accept this school.” During the application process, international students are asked to submit a test of the English language. Other potential costs include travel insurance. In terms of the financial cost of attending the Academy for admitted students, tuition rates are the same for both domestic and international students. Director of Financial Aid Melissa Persons shared that there are additional costs including obtaining a Visa as well as other travel-related expenses. However, regarding extra costs imposed by Deerfield itself, Mrs. Persons said, “Deerfield does require international students to have health insurance which is $1,995 per year. However, most international students who receive financial aid will also receive a grant to cover some or all of the total cost of health insurance.  The school’s financial aid policy is consistent amongst both international and domestic students. Mrs. Persons explained, “We treat international students the same as we do domestic students throughout the Admission and Financial Aid processes.  If a student is admissible we will admit them without consideration of their country of origin.”  Members of the Deerfield Admissions team led by Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Chip Davis typically take a trip overseas, when international health policies and schedules allow. Mr. Davis shared that for the first time since 2019, due to the pandemic, he will be traveling to Asia next week and plans to visit both Singapore and Seoul. He shared that, “Usually the trip includes Beijing, Shanghai, and or Hong Kong, and Mr. Spencer from college advising goes with me. The last time, Dr. Austin also came, so the events are pretty high visibility.” Prior to COVID, Deerfield admission representatives traveled to many places including Brazil, Mexico, London, and Dubai. Now in the wake of the pandemic and Zoom, fewer people interview in person, but the receptions still attract many prospective international students.  One prospective applicant and now current Deerfield student Kamsy Alli ’24 said that in Saudi Arabia, a large percentage of her friends went to boarding school after either the eighth or ninth grade. She shared that, “In Saudi, in the company that my dad works for, there is no high school. For me, I knew I would apply to boarding school, it was just the matter of which one. I did a lot of research which ultimately led me to Deerfield.”  Regarding the number of students who apply from each region of the world, Mr. Davis said that, “There are certain markets around the world where we have a steady application volume … then other countries, you have these wild swings in candidate volume.” He shared that a few years ago, there was a spike in the number of applicants from Brazil. Mr. Davis explained the cause of this, saying that, “Particularly during COVID, the power of social media from kids posting [from] schools like Deerfield created a lot of interest.” Many other prospective students hear about Deerfield either through alumni, current students or even from online rankings. Mr. Davis said that, “Broadly, I think a lot of families who aren’t familiar with boarding schools will look at rankings on niche.com or boardingschoolreview.com.” These sites include experiential knowledge of the school that may be second or third hand, which caused Mr. Davis to warn viewers of the reputation content. Relating these websites to Deerfield admissions, he said that, “Social media is powerful and can work for you at scale or against you.” Deerfield student Miu Yatsuka ’24 said that back home in Hong Kong, many of her peers were also applying to boarding school. In terms of what drew her to boarding school, she shared that, “I went to NMH for a summer program, and that’s when I first experienced boarding school life. Compared to my life back in Hong Kong which felt very condensed, the idea of going overseas and having independence while also being able to interact with people from different parts of the world was really interesting.” After arriving this fall as a new junior from Germany, Arthur Fink ’24 also expressed the ease of transitioning to life at Deerfield. Fink said that, “Adapting to life at boarding school has been a really great experience for me—it couldn’t have gone any smoother, because I have met so many great people that life was already extremely comfortable. Of course, sometimes I think about home, but I genuinely think coming here was the best decision ever.” Migliarina shared his experience being an international student saying that, “I’ve always been viewed as foreign in my previous schools, even in Italy as I am of mixed ethnicity. However, being at such an international school like DA makes me almost forget that I am an international student since to an extent we all share a common experience of being away from our parents.  After coming here, I have really realized how important my heritage is and how much my roots influence me as a person.” Perhaps the sentiments of Deerfield’s international students reflect the success of Deerfield in instilling the values of being worthy of our heritage — no matter its origin.

With many of Deerfield Academy’s faculty living on campus in dorms or in houses along Old Main Street, their lives are connected to Deerfield in a more unique way than just coaching a team or teaching a class. Due to this close proximity, faculty children are often affected by teams or other groups on campus.  Some of the more popular teams on campus, such as Girls Varsity Soccer or varsity Volleyball often interact with faculty children. According to Alex Hermsdorf ’25, a member of the Girls Varsity soccer team, “Ms. Boudway’s daughter, Uma, sometimes comes out to watch practice.” When asked about the effect a faculty kid has on a team, Hermsdorf says, “It definitely makes us act more grown-up. When you know these faculty kids look up to you, it brings out the best in you.”  While these larger teams have the most interaction with children around Deerfield, some of the smaller teams get to spend just as much time with faculty children. These teams, such as the Boys Junior A soccer team, get to spend lots of time with faculty kids. Or, in this case, a child. Head of the history department Brian Hamilton and one of the coaches of the Junior A soccer team have firsthand experience in the effect teams have on faculty children.  Mr. Hamilton’s son, William, can often be spotted at practices or games. William can be seen helping with picking up balls and helping his father coach during practice, and has even hit the road with the Junior A squad in some away games. When asked about Willy’s presence on the soccer team, Mr. Hamilton says, “When we got here, Covid made it challenging to make those connections. But I remember last fall, Willy came down to watch a thirds game decked-out in Deerfield gear, and I remember that was the day I really felt the neighborhood feel here.” And when asked about the impact Deerfield students have had on Willy, Mr. Hamilton says, “Interacting with young children seems to bring out the best in Deerfield students.”  There is no doubt that the Junior A boys feel a bit of responsibility for Willy and how he sees the team. When asked about how Willy’s presence affects the team, Shogo O’Connor ’25 says, “We definitely feel a little responsible for Willy. When he shows up to practice, we all sort of make an effort to be our best selves and show Willy how Deerfield students act. We know that students can have a big impact on how faculty children see Deerfield, and we all want Willy to have a positive view of Deerfield. These bonds, such as the one between Willy and the boys Junior A soccer team is what makes Deerfield unique. Where else could a faculty member’s child form such a close-knit bond with a smaller team? This sense of community, between faculty and students, is what makes Deerfield such a great school and likely a contributing factor to its appeal to students across the globe.

In any athletic conquest, losses are an inevitable part of the journey to greatness. However, this does not mean that these losses are any easier to digest. But the only thing that teams can do is to learn from their mistakes and move forward to make sure that such mistakes are not repeated. On October 22nd, 2022, a majority of Deerfield teams made the substantial trek up to Exeter, New Hampshire for an athletic conquest against Phillips Exeter Academy, but not a single team was able to return with a win. Deerfield Academy has traditionally been seen as a school with some of the strongest athletic programs in the country. With the football team that won the Mike Silipo Bowl last year as well as a volleyball team that won the New England Championship, Deerfield has seen an almost unsustainable dominance for its fall sports. With such athletic success comes the scrutiny and focus of other teams as they gain the will to knock down the most dominant teams in an attempt to become the leader of the pack. Varsity Football, though filled to the brim with talent, had a slow start to the season, losing their first two games before bouncing back with two wins. Coming off of a loss against Loomis Chaffee, the team stood with a record of two losses and three wins as they entered the game against Exeter. Yet these hopes of bouncing back did not come to fruition as the Big Green fell against the Exeter Lions. With a game almost wholly controlled by the Exeter team, Deerfield had little chance of breaking through the Exeter defense and struggled to stop the scoring of their opponents. Though the Deerfield team is undoubtedly talented, especially the younger students, it seems as though they do not have the discipline that is required for a successful team. On the other hand, Deerfield Volleyball has seen great success in their campaign this year, mirroring their championship win from last year. As the #3 seed in the tournament last year, Deerfield was able to pull through, with all members of the team contributing to the incredible result: Deerfield’s first ever NEPSAC Class A Championship Win. This season, the team got off to a blistering start, winning 10 games in a row with most of these wins attained without dropping a single set. On this particular Saturday, however, Deerfield was coming up against another incredible talented team. The Phillips Exeter Girls Volleyball squad was another undefeated team coming into the match, and only one of the teams would walk away with their undefeated record intact. With a strong start to the match, the Exeter team was able to take the first set, a situation that Deerfield had yet to face this season. The Big Green had only dropped one set up to this point in the season but had always taken the opening set. This put the Deerfield team in untested, uncharted territory as Exeter was likely the best team they had yet to face. With momentum as well as the home court advantage, Exeter was able to take the second set as well, marching to a 2-0 set lead. Though Deerfield attempted to rally and push back, their efforts were only able to delay the loss. While Deerfield took the third set, Exeter took the fourth, cementing the Deerfield loss in stone and eliminating the hope for an undefeated season for Deerfield. Deerfield athletics faced an incredibly tough weekend as not a single team was able to return from New Hampshire with a win under their belts. Yet the Deerfield spirit is not to be deterred as teams look to the future and their coming battles against various schools as the fall season comes to a close. Many of the teams that traveled to Exeter learned much about both their strengths and weaknesses. Using the lessons learned from such a difficult loss, many of the Deerfield teams seek to bounce back and end the fall season with gusto.

What is your favorite childhood meal? This sounds pretty basic… but its just rice and corn with butter. What is your favorite thing about math? I like how abstract it is, and when you’re doing math problems for fun, there are no real consequences. You get to just have fun with the puzzle. When did you get into working out? I’ve kind of always been into it. Especially during my time in the army. I set goals in the beginning of 2022 and I was going to accomplish them. What is your favorite bulking meal from the dining hall? Probably Sunday brunch. You just load it up with eggs and waffles, and… yeah. What Personal Record are you proudest of? At the end of 2022, I hit 5 sets of 6 reps squatting 315 pounds. This year I want to do the same but with 415 pounds. Favorite hobby other than working out? I like playing the piano. What is your all time favorite movie? I like Forrest Gump. It teaches you how to look for the simpler things in life that are so overlooked. Is it true that you failed Algebra in high school? If so, what drove you to want to teach it? I did fail Algebra in high school. Why did I want to teach it… that’s a good question. I think I just wanted to be there in case other students didn’t necessarily like it. I didn’t when I first took it, so I want to be able to teach people the fun parts that are in it.

Many people know Mathew Westman as their Spanish or French teacher, but to puzzle-seeking minds, he is known for his monthly crossword puzzles. Mr. Westman’s journey with crossword puzzles began in July 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. His mother had saved a stack of crossword puzzles from the Boston Globe and sent them to him shortly before the birth of his son. While in the hospital for the delivery of his son, Mr. Westman did the crossword puzzles to stay awake. Then, during the 2020 school year, Mr. Westman began to create his own crossword puzzles. To do this, Mr. Westman uses a computer program with a dictionary and tinkers with clues to align all the across and down words. Mr. Westman started by making crosswords for the students in his dorm. During the pandemic in 2020, students were heavily restricted and spent most of their time in their rooms. Mr. Westman understood the challenges of this isolation and passed out a new crossword puzzle every day after study hall to the gratitude of his residents. Once they completed the crossword, Mr. Westman would give them food as a prize. Mr. Westman is also proud to share that he completes the New York Times crossword daily. This skill is quite impressive as the puzzles get increasingly difficult as the week progresses, with Monday being the easiest and Sunday borderline impossible. He shared that his strategy for solving crossword puzzles is to “start with something [he] knows.” Mr. Westman also stated that he uses charts that show how likely a letter is to be in a specific spot in the English language. He explained, “Many words in English finish in e, d, s [and] only a few finish in x.” Mr. Westman’s work has surpassed usual basic hobbies, and last year he was published in multiple famous newspapers, including the Boston Globe and The Wall Street Journal. He has also submitted work to the New York Times, which he hopes will get published by them soon. Mr. Westman’s work with crossword puzzle-making has not only benefited the Deerfield community but also many solvers across the country

An unfamiliar alarm sounded through the walls of McAlister (Mac) dorm on a quiet Thursday evening in December. The sound was comparable to a fire alarm but without the same intensity and shrillness. Instead, it carried somewhat of a slow build that made you wonder if the ringing was just coming from within your ear. Minutes had gone by, and the soft yet quite unpleasant sound persisted. My hallmates and I exchanged glances of confusion and concern as we passed each other, unsure of what to make of this peculiar chime. Nearly fifteen minutes passed before the entirety of Mac was ambushed with an evacuation. The Deerfield Fire Department ordered us to leave our rooms immediately. Once we had all left the premises, word traveled around that the the off-putting ringing we had just brushed off as annoying had been the carbon monoxide alarm. The December air that evening was especially chilly, so we Mac residents found secure shelter elsewhere: the Greer. Just one issue… most of us were backpackless. Unplugged, if you will, with no computer or access to Canvas at 8 p.m. on a busy weeknight. Though, at the time, this wasn’t my most pressing concern. As my hallmates and I sat tired around one table, we came across some frightening information on Google about carbon monoxide exposure. We read about the possible side effects, including nausea, vomiting, personality changes, vertigo, loss of consciousness, and death. “This was it,” we thought. We could already imagine the Scroll headline: “Forty-Five Deerfield Academy Students Suffer Extreme Cases of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.” Our delusions were getting out of hand. A special thanks to Mac Resident Alex Kelsey ’23 for the live updates. This brave connoisseur stood outside our home (Mac), watching, protecting, and documenting each event with a text in the group chat. Just as we started to really make ourselves at home in the Greer, Kelsey reported that we had been given the green light to return. Excitedly, we hopped up from our seats and made our way back towards the dorm. As we made our way through the glass doors of the Athletic Center and towards the Mac entrance, we were greeted by Deerfield Security, Ms. Mac (ironically), and multiple Deerfield firefighters. Once we were in earshot, a security officer explained that they had discovered a plethora of contraband items upon searching students’ rooms for what could have possibly instigated the carbon monoxide leak. Of course, they weren’t talking about the type of contraband you may be picturing. Coffee makers, kettles, candles, crockpots, toaster ovens, and more had been confiscated from inside students’ rooms. Evidently, the Student Life Office continued searching the dorms in search of more dangerous, illicit items. So, if you or a friend is suddenly missing a candle or a coffee maker, blame Mac.

Welcome to Deerfield Academy, where the only things more wild than the deer in the forest are the students themselves. As you embark on your journey through this prestigious institution, you may find yourself feeling a bit overwhelmed by the rigorous academic demands and the social hierarchy of the student body. But fear not, dear reader, for I am here to guide you through the wilderness that is Deerfield Academy. First and foremost, let’s talk about the academics. You may be wondering how you’re supposed to survive a schedule packed with classes like “Quantum Mechanics for Poets” and “Advanced French Philosophy.” The key is to remember that at Deerfield, grades are like bear attacks: they’re inevitable. So, embrace the challenge and embrace the grind. And if all else fails, just remember the words of our dear Head of School: “C’s get degrees.” Next, let’s talk about the social scene. At Deerfield, dorm life can get pretty wild. These majestic structures are home to some of the most eccentric and zany individuals you’ll ever meet. From the student who always forgets to wear pants, to the one who insists on talking in a British accent 24/7, the dorms are a veritable treasure trove of comedic gold. Additionally, you’ll find that the student body is divided into two groups: the athletes and the non-athletes. If you’re an athlete, you’re probably wondering how you’re supposed to survive the constant pressure to win and the constant stream of adoration from your peers. If you’re a non-athlete, you’re probably wondering how you’re supposed to survive the constant stream of derision from your peers. My advice to both groups is the same: just remember that at Deerfield, everyone is equal in the eyes of the Dean of Students. Finally, let’s talk about the faculty. At Deerfield, you’ll find that the faculty are like the forest: dense, mysterious, and full of surprises. Some will be kind and nurturing, while others will be harsh and unforgiving. My advice is to treat them all with respect and try not to get lost in the woods. In conclusion, Deerfield Academy may seem like a wild and unforgiving place at first, but with a little bit of perseverance and a good sense of humor, you’ll find that it’s a truly unique and rewarding experience. So, grab your backpack, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Just remember, when in doubt, always follow the trail of the Red Bull cans.

Every Senior Fall, students scramble to list the activities that sets them apart from every other high schooler applying to colleges. Below is the standard Deerfield Academy student’s Common Application activity list. Head Babysitter, Deerfield Academy Big Brothers Big Sisters Sacrifices Friday nights wandering around the Athletic Center for an hour and a half of uncompensated babysitting. My favorite part is the evening debrief and filling out the reflection form that always loads with the WiFi in the dining hall basement. Commits Graphic Editor, Self Employed Run my own startup off my iPhone editing pictures of Deerfield’s biggest commits. DM me a photo, school, and five dollars and you can have your very own one-of-a-kind sports edit. Notable teams I’ve edited for include Dartmouth lacrosse, Harvard hockey, and DA quad squad. Greer Store supplier advisor, Deerfield Food Committee Spend my Tuesday lunches eating with my fellow food committee members and discussing the lack of avocado and acai in the dining hall. Also occasionally help cook dinner for my peers, serving undercooked We Toss and taking pictures in chef outfits. Game Coordinator, DSPN Transcribe daily game schedules from the Deerfield athletic website to the DSPN Instagram, along with designating a theme like beach, ’80s, or Misanthropes. Also serve as host of our own Instagram DSPN talkshow, wearing a collared shirt and tie, but no pants, and carrying around a sportscasting table. Community Engagement, Proctor Continuously disrespected by my proctees. I had to start locking my door out of fear they would redecorate my room or steal my clothes and sell them. They do not appreciate the food I give them every week. Also free babysitting. Manager, Boys Varsity Lacrosse Help organize the boys’ walk down to the field by the most melodic and popular instrument ever created: the bagpipes. Create spreadsheets for the parents to sign up and provide feasts for the players after the game. Orders cigars en masse for the parents. President, Deerfield Alliance of Alliance leaders Organize bi-weekly meetings to talk about the importance of having alliances. Always bribe people to come with Dunkin’ Donuts or Big Y pizza. Committee Member, DC/AHC Committee Keeping kids out of trouble since 1797. Buzz writer, the Deerfield Scroll Waits until the last second to write Scroll articles about college, after they thought they were done with their applications. Does anyone even read these?

1. Holiday This merry and lighthearted theme will ensure that the stands are full of festive cheer and joyous unity among spectators and athletes under the spirit of Father Christmas. However, this theme is only effective during the holiday season (particularly during Turkey Term), but its powerful effect of unity among spectators is undeniable. 2. Green out Bleed green while looking stylish at the same time. The theme is reasonably available to the typical Deerfield student, and it carries the additional benefit of being discreetly intimidating to the opposition (unless the competition is Berkshire). It also allows us to project the unbreakable school spirit and pride that Deerfield holds dear. This theme is sure to bolster the confidence and morale of the Deerfield athletes, even if it may be a bit cliché. 3. PJ’s Sleep in, kick back, and relax! Even if you slept through your Wednesday morning alarm, skipped three periods and school meeting, you could still make that 2:00 p.m. volleyball game! But be careful if it’s cold outside as your pajamas are probably less than ideal for braving the chilly weather, regardless of how comfortable they might be. 4. Black-out Cover the stands with darkness and embrace the formidable atmosphere and team spirit without having to find an extravagant-looking costume. The theme is one of the easier ones to take part in as most students already have the clothing needed to participate. You may even find yourself participating in blackout unknowingly at some point! Even though black-out can have the same problem as white-out (the problem of everyone forgetting to participate), black-out edges out white-out because black clothes go well with almost anything. All around, black out is a simple yet amazing theme that really proves that less is more. 5. White-out The counterpart of black-out, white-out envelops the bleachers in a blanket of white. Oftentimes, students put little to no effort into this theme even though it requires less consideration than some of the other ones. However, if the spectators do manage to pitch in and dress up fully, white out becomes an appealing theme with a simple yet powerful effect. 6. Jerseys Have you ever wanted to support your favorite sports team and Deerfield Academy simultaneously? This two for one theme combines the best of both worlds and adds a tasteful touch to your style. Wearing a jersey also lets you embody the spirit and essence of a true sports fan. 7. Beach Button up a Hawaiian shirt and wear a pair of sunglasses. You can almost hear the sound of waves crashing on the shore, the warm sand on your back, and the salty scent of the sea, even if you’re in the chilly indoor hockey rink in the middle of January. This idyllic theme is always a welcoming sight. The theme brings tropical summer vibes to Deerfield and a rowdy crowd to cheer on the Big Green. Although this theme creates the exciting feeling of going on vacation, sadly the beach is not included. 8. Disco Take a trip back to the ’80s and show how hip you are! Hopefully, you bought some disco-themed clothes from Salvation Army in Turners Falls earlier in the fall because finding retro-themed clothes in person can be tricky. Hours of online shopping is usually the more painful but more successful route. Unfortunately, the careful planning and commitment required to participate in dressing up and finding a proper outfit places Disco at the bottom of our list.

Wintertime is a sign of nature that the world is changing. The days get colder, shorter, and sometimes lonelier. During winter, especially here at Deerfield, many people may feel a gush of sadness as the temperatures drop. Besides going to home games and the occasional weekend activity, there is little to do on campus during the winter term. Some students may not even want to go outside as the days get colder and the nights get longer. Thus, students experience short days on campus, with the sun setting as a constant reminder. Being away from home, mixed with dull days of homework, can add up to a day not well spent. To help combat this wave of sadness that has taken a chokehold, we’ve prepared a list of things to do to help you survive winter term. First, make arrangements with your friends and hang out together. Find a time when all of you are free on a weekday or weekend and spend the day together. For example, make a study group in the library, meet in each other’s dorms and watch a movie, or journey off campus and have lunch at the Bittersweet Bakery & Cafe. Hanging out with friends can motivate you to get through the winter term. Second, find a new hobby that piques your interest. There’s no better time than the now to try something new. Outside of the Hess is an outdoor hockey rink. Grab a pair of skates from the office and try to glide on the ice for a while. Lastly, the weekends can serve as the perfect time to get ahead on your upcoming assignments. Throughout the week, Deerfield students have to go to three classes every day from 8:30 AM to 2:50 PM and go to co-curricular from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. That doesn’t even include clubs and study hall after dinner. Thus, students may have their schedules backed up through and through. In this case, take some time for yourself over the weekend. Get cozy in your favorite library or dorm room spot and get started on some work.

Every Sunday I wake up brainstorming ideas to contribute at the Scroll writers’ meeting. My brain is so chock-full of amazing headlines that I get an aching headache for the rest of the day. At Sunday sit-down, my veins are filled with adrenaline as I envision pitching my ideas for the Buzz section. However, when I finally arrive at the Kendall, my mind goes blank and all the ideas escape. I scramble to come up with a viable article. Suddenly, one springs to mind. Why not write about the outdoor rink? Alas, that article has already been written. I come up with another idea: why not write yet another “What your [blank] says about you” article? Too boring. Finally, a brilliant piece materializes in my mind. Why not write about the pipe construction in the quad behind the Main School Building? The idea was an immediate hit but for News… not Buzz. The next day I immediately begin to brainstorm and plan out my interviews. I email the Student Life Office (SLO) asking for an interview and patiently await their reply. The clock ticks by and still no ding has notified me of their response. Anxiously, I worry over the looming disaster. With no interview, how will I ever find out the mystery of the pipe? The next day I finally succumb to my nerves and send a second email, CC’ing editors on the Scroll. To my horror, the SLO still has not responded. Frantically, I email the Scroll staff for advice. Who should I interview? I quickly learn that the SLO only allows interviews during Thursday community time, derailing any hope of finishing my article early. Leading up to my interview, I write a few questions and brainstorm, but really putz around, bored and unable to continue my diligent Scroll work. Finally, the day of my interview I sit before Mr. Bicknell and ask what the pipe is for. As I diligently listen to his answers, I learn the pipe is for heating—a revelation that will surely shock all my future readers. Even before the interview finishes, I already begin writing the first paragraph in my head. I run back to my dorm, and zip open my backpack. As I open the computer I set my fingers on the keyboard, poised to type, when suddenly, I forget what to say. Staring at the blinking cursor on my screen I cannot for the life of me come up with a first sentence. Slowly I chug away in my mind, but in the end I decide to sleep on it. And then sleep on it the next day, and then the next. Suddenly it’s 11:30 p.m on Sunday night, my article is due in twenty-nine minutes, and I still haven’t written anything. I madly type away any ideas that pass by my mind, cobbling together a semi coherent stream of consciousness about some heating pipe. Finally, right before the clock strikes midnight, I wrap up the first draft of my masterpiece. In only a few weeks time, and a flurry of editing, I will have my own exciting article in the Scroll.

Head Boys’ Varsity Basketball Coach and Student Life Coordinator Connor Merrill joined Deerfield just a few months ago at the start of the 2022-2023 school year. Born in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Mr. Merrill played high school basketball at Vermont Academy and later at Skidmore College. After graduating college in 2015, Mr. Merrill was the assistant boys’ basketball coach at Vermont Academy for three years. He continued his coaching career as assistant coach at Springfield College for two years and Middlebury College for four years. In the past few months, Mr. Merrill said that the biggest thing that stood out to him about the school was its strong sense of community. “Kids just love being here for what Deerfield has to offer,” he said. “They rally around each other and they really support each other. It’s a very competitive environment…but not at the expense of anyone else.” Mr. Merrill also expressed feeling welcomed by teachers and staff and enjoys having conversations with students he hadn’t previously met. Mr. Merrill credits his parents for showing him that good things come with persistence and hard work. Everyday, he tries to bring that mentality to best support and lead the athletes and students at Deerfield. Mr. Merrill’s traits of determination and diligence have allowed him to influence students to work harder, hustle, and perform to the best of their ability. Although his time at Deerfield has just begun, Mr. Merrill already has made a significant impact on the basketball program. Chandler Dicks ’23, one of the team’s starters, said, “We have already reached a record of five wins, three losses, while in previous years, it took us twenty-something games to five wins.” The team’s early winning record might have something to do with the vigorous training regiment Mr. Merrill instituted since becoming the head coach. Throughout their preseason, Mr. Merrill led open-gym practices and pushed players to improve day after day. Now that the season has officially started, players lift, train, and review videos of past games, maximizing preparation time on and off of the court. In addition to increased training time, the team has also developed bigger goals, with players working as hard as they can under the leadership of Mr. Merrill and Assistant Coach Conrad Pitcher. Peter Shea ’23, a senior on the team, said, “If I have to run that extra bit longer and that extra bit harder so that we can squeak out one more win or two more wins on our records so that we can get better players to try to come in here… I’m more than happy to do that.” Looking forward, one of Mr. Merrill’s many goals for Deerfield’s basketball program is to increase the program’s recognition as a respected interscholastic competitor. He said, “I’ve always seen the program as a sleeping giant.” By using recruiting connections that he has built over the years, combined with his impressive leadership skills, Mr. Merrill hopes to strengthen the team and attract student athletes on a national and global scale.