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With spring break coming up right around the corner, you must remember: pics or it didn’t happen. That’s right, I am going to teach you how to get the most jealousy inducing instagram posts, vsco photos, and snapchat stories for all of your loyal followers. All of your friends, enemies, and potential love interests will be dying to know what you’re up to.  Step 1: It’s important that in each photo you make it clear where you are, but make sure to never tag the location or overdo it, as you want to keep an air of mystery. The lack of information will guarantee that your followers will be checking up on your snap map or zooming in to analyze your surroundings.  Step 2: Candids, aka, your little brother snapping the idyllic picture of you and the blue ocean. Your dad’s job is to ensure perfect lighting and your mom is directing the photo shoot. As they say, it takes a village. In all seriousness, please refrain from obviously staged photos — they aren’t a cute look. Throw in a little laugh or a fake sip of that smoothie to elevate the image. A little smile goes a long way.  Step 3: To top it all off, the caption needs to hit different. This is where people tend to fall short. Do you go for the funny inside joke, the cryptic call out, or the string of confusing and unnecessary emojis? It’s a tough choice. My advice? Text a trustworthy friend so they can impart their wisdom on you. A good example would be: “getting turnt and burnt with a turt named burt.” (Camille Glatt) Please don’t use this as I plan on doing so for one of my posts.  Now that the dirty work is done, just sit back, relax and watch the likes and comments roll in. Next thing you know you will be blowing up in the girl group chat, getting that text from your ex and actually enjoying that smoothie that you were fake sipping before. I sincerely hope this helped. If all else fails, don’t post at all. It’s a tough world out there.  xoxo, Grace and Camille

HARRY: It was Thursday, January 31st, 2020, and I was eager to attend the Harvard Model United Nations Conference. After five months of preparation, the day had finally arrived when I would get to show off my skills to my peers and to people from around the world. It took a lot of hard work, late nights, and research to be ready for the challenge that awaits. After a grueling week of preparing for the conference and completing the homework for that week and the following, I was prepared and organized for any curveball that may come my way.  Until a sudden email sent all of that dedication into a spiral — the one thing I wasn’t prepared for was Deerfield not allowing us to attend. Upon receiving an email titled “Update on Harvard MUN Trip,” I was astonished to read that Deerfield canceled the trip out of fear of the 2019 Coronavirus strand. The other nine students and I planning to attend the conference were shocked and disappointed, as this email was sent an hour before our scheduled departure. We received no prior information or warnings, just an email at the last minute. Rather than Deerfield giving us a fair chance to explain the severity of canceling such a vital event, we were given no opportunity to explain our frustration before the event was canceled. Deerfield also did not give a clear or concise response as to how Harvard responded to their inquiries over the prevention of the Coronavirus. As students, we asked multiple times about the response the Harvard Model UN team sent them; however, we were left with subjective comments that didn’t explain Harvard’s reasoning or prevention methods or contain a direct quote from their response. But rather than canceling all trips outside of the Deerfield area, only academic clubs were prohibited from attending their competitions. That same weekend, the Science Olympiad club was scheduled to attend a tournament, but it was later canceled last minute. The next weekend, the Deerfield Swim and Dive team visited Florida for their preseason trip, and people traveled back home for a long winter weekend. This situation then begs the question, why did Deerfield only cancel the academic tournaments students would be attending but long winter weekend and athletics trips remained the same?  By canceling all academic trips and none of the athletic trips, Deerfield set a precedent for which extra-curricular they support more. Deerfield showed how they were willing to risk students participating in an athletic event more so than an academic’s extra-curricular competition. Frankly, for the students who participate in these academic events, it is disheartening to see how Deerfield values our competitions as lesser than. We are able to bring just as much prestige and reputation to the Deerfield name and should be given the same amount of attention and care, not just a last-minute email that doesn’t explain much as to why this event was cancelled.  MARK:  Recent decisions like those of Harvard MUN and the Science Olympiad have made it clear that clubs and student groups are beginning to lose their prominence across campus. As a member of the Asian Student Alliance board,  it has been disheartening to see the ways in which the alliance has been limited since my freshman year. Ideas for special events and opportunities always boil down to the question of “ can we afford this? ”  and recent cuts to our budget have further exacerbated these concerns. This has led to a sizable portion of overall expenses coming out-of-pocket, along with a cutdown on events throughout the year. Although it is still unclear as to the reasoning behind lower student group budgets, it nonetheless has had a direct impact on our engagement to the community.  It’s clear that many clubs across campus require a level of dedication and time more comparable to athletic co-curricular than to simple student-led groups. Often, these clubs give an opportunity for Deerfield students to connect with and present to those beyond our campus, through which they are able to create a lasting image of the school. Much like any athletic team, these groups need off-campus experiences at competitions or conferences, to grow and develop, and limiting them is only disincentivizing future participation. TOGETHER:  Ultimately, we believe that Deerfield needs to raise academic clubs accordingly to a caliber in which participants are able to engage themselves at a higher level. At this point, the lack of proper resources and opportunities to allow for the development of experiences is directly leading to a decline in participation, especially from newer students. With this trajectory, many groups risk losing even the few chances they get to share their interests with others. This isn’t helped by the fact that student groups at Deerfield are restricted in their abilities to fundraise, leaving their limited budgets as their only source of resources. We, as a community, need to open up to changes that allow for greater freedom in club leadership in order to cater to the needs of every group. Whether that be by allowing for fundraising activities, increased time slots to hold meetings, or providing more opportunities to participate in off-campus events, significant changes must occur to sustain the culture of student groups on campus. A good way Deerfield could show academic extracurricular the same respect as athletics would be to introduce club coaches. Teachers who have participated in Debate, Model United Nations, Classic Certamen, or other clubs can pass their knowledge down to our students, and build strong teacher and student relationships; thus, students would be able to advance their skills in a field they are passionate about pursuing.  In the future, we hope Deerfield values its clubs as strongly as its athletics. Many of our clubs have and will continue to win awards in Deerfield’s name and gradually advance its reputation. We believe that these groups hold just as large of a presence in the culture and tradition of Deerfield as any other extracurricular activities, and it should be our goal to sustain them to the best of our ability. It’s up to us to choose where their priorities lay and if they will support students who chose to participate in academics over athletics.

If you happen to be walking through the athletic center on a Wednesday afternoon, you’re likely to hear laughter coming from down the hallway, emanating from an unlikely hub of activity: the athletic stockroom. A small crowd of students is seemingly always present around the stockroom window, deep in conversation with the new Athletic Stockroom Coordinator Cathy Markowski.  Ms. Markowski came to Deerfield at the beginning of this year. To most, she is the friendly face that provides uniforms and equipment for every game, match, or practice. Those who get to know her better discover her deep passion for athletics that stems from her wealth of experience as an athlete and a coach.  Ms. Markowski discovered her love for coaching at 17 years old when she was offered a position at Greenfield Middle School to coach basketball and softball. At the time, she was a freshman in college at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.  “I was very young,” Ms. Markowski said. “I thought I wanted to work in the hotel industry. That’s what I went to school for.” Ms. Markowski played volleyball at UMass and quickly became enthralled with the art of coaching and pushing athletes to improve.  “Coaching is honestly what I love. I like seeing people start at the beginning and then actually reach their potential; it’s just an amazing sight,” Ms. Markowski said. In the ensuing years, Ms. Markowski landed jobs as head volleyball coach at Elms College and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She also coached Deerfield’s varsity volleyball team from 2008 to 2011. Just last year, she led the volleyball team at Loomis Chaffee to a NEPSAC Class A championship.  When asked what she most values as a coach, Ms. Markowski responded with “consistency,” and “having athletes willing to go that extra mile whether they want to or not.”  She said, “I’ve felt that myself and I’ve seen athletes get to that pinnacle, and it’s priceless.” Ms. Markowski’s own coaches played a major role in her journey towards a career in athletics. She said she had two outstanding coaches in high school for volleyball and for softball.  “They just welcomed us right into their homes and their families,” Ms. Markowski said. “That has always stuck with me.”  Ms. Markowski emphasized her belief that a coach holds a uniquely influential position with a team of adolescents, which is why she has always enjoyed coaching teenagers.  In contrast, Ms. Markowski mentioned that her college coaches were directly the opposite. She called their style of coaching “brutal,” teaching her what kind of coach she did not want to be.  Now, back as Stockroom Coordinator at Deerfield, Ms. Markowski spends time getting to know many of the student-athletes.  Norm Therien, Deerfield’s Athletic Stockroom Coordinator who has worked at Deerfield for 46 years, said, “She’s so good with the student body, and she does a great job with the teams… When I heard she had applied, I was very much for her being part of this department.”  Students at Deerfield are constantly amazed how after hours of hard work managing equipment and uniforms all week, Ms. Markowski still manages to remember their team, size, and number to make game days run smoothly. “She’s like my advisor,” Morgan Moriarty ’22 said. “I can come talk to her about anything and she’ll listen.”  Moriarty spent many hours talking to Ms. Markowski after being assigned to the athletic storeroom for community service through the Deerfield Academy Perspectives Program, commonly referred to as “DAPP”.   Ms. Markowski said that she felt she could relate to student-athletes in particular, having been one herself.  “I’m just happy to be back,” she said. Ms. Markowski grew up in Turners Falls, Massachusetts. Faithful to New England, her family has turned down three separate job offers to move to the West, deciding instead to stay in Feeding Hills, MA with her son going to Eaglebrook. During her time at Deerfield, Ms. Markowski has touched many lives. Moriarty, a varsity athlete, said, “She always says ‘Keep your head up, you’ll get through the season,’ because I have this shoulder injury that’s been acting up … I have no words for how grateful I am for her.”

Few of us remember the first time that we heard it — perhaps it was through our Green Keys during orientation, during a sit-down table discussion, or at a dorm feed. One way or another, virtually every member of the Deerfield community comes to know of this idea of ‘buying in.’  ‘Buying in’ can loosely be defined as embracing the Deerfield experience, showing up and experiencing the opportunity of a Deerfield career to the fullest, and ultimately figuring out what said experience means to you. In a community as tightly knit as ours, it is an idea that is inseparable from everyday Deerfield.  An intuitive example of ‘buying in’ is Choate Week, one of the first events that we associate with the idea of ‘buying in.’ From bonfires to crowd chants, Choate Day is an incredibly fun experience that unites the community. Events like Choate Day celebrate not only the athletic games, but have also become celebrations of Deerfield as a whole. Although not all of us play on varsity teams or understand the sport, everyone showing up and cheering for games on Choate Day is what makes it a unifying event. The nature of ‘buying in’ to the idea of Choate Week empowers the activities and spirit displayed.   At the same time, I urge us to consider the possibilities of extending our definition of ‘buying in’ and channeling the same energy into other activities. While it is important to get rowdy and show up to games, it is also equally important to remember that there are other ways to buy into the Deerfield community aside from athletics. And while it is impossible to show up to every event on campus, there are certainly a wide range of activities to support.  For example, other ways to ‘buy in’ include attending the orchestra or chorus concerts. To name a few other examples, one could choose to: watch the dance showcase or the season’s theatre production, all of which were made possible through hundreds of hours of audition and rehearsal; attend events such as TEDx which are organized and run by student-led teams; read independent publications such as Albany Road, The Greenlight, and Focal Point which feature a wide array of material; participate in clubs such as Debate, Model UN, DMV and Classics; support alliances that uphold our diverse student population; and, on the weekends, join in on authentically-Deerfield weekend activities such as dances and parties. Broadening our community understanding of ‘buying in’ to embrace the range of community interests also broadens possibilities for many activities on campus in the future, as the community is what truly empowers Deerfield activities and events.  These are only a few examples of the many ways members of our community can find their own way to ‘buy in’ to Deerfield. But, even beyond activities and events, ‘buying in’ shines through our day-to-day interactions with the community. At Deerfield, this means greeting each other on the path, participating in conversations with those at a new sit-down rotation, and striving to understand others even through disagreement. The opportunity of a Deerfield education is a once in a lifetime opportunity to join in and contribute to a community; it’s only as good as we make it.   Beyond contributing to the community, expanding  our collective definition of ‘buying in’ also recognizes the diversity of interests within the student body. Deerfield holds multitudes, and ‘buying in’ to Deerfield means embracing all of it.

In spring 2019, the administration made the controversial decision to install security cameras around the campus to better ensure students’ safety across campus. While the administration stated that the cameras would not be used to monitor students’ actions, recent cases of disciplinary action utilizing the footage from security cameras are causing concern among members of the community. Since Deerfield Academy is split by two public streets, Old Main Street and Albany Road, the Academy does not have legal control over all aspects of the campus. As a result, there have been cases of trespassing and robbery by individuals from outside the community, which could be dangerous for all members of the community. After several incidents, the administration made the decision to install 25 security cameras on the exterior of various academic and athletic facilities. While the installation of the security cameras was initially met with mixed reactions, most students have not reported any problems or complaints regarding them. However, several students have recently undergone disciplinary procedures after the security cameras captured footage of them violating a school rule. In one incident, a group of seniors climbed the roof of the athletic facility and received letters of reprimand in the following days as a result of camera footage that had caught them on the roof. Zane Smith ’20 said, “My friends and I climbed the roof and were emailed by Mr. Kelly a few days after the event to have a meeting about the situation. We were given letters of reprimand and our parents were notified.” Smith also noted that there was no explanation of who notified the disciplinary committee or how they were caught on the roof of the athletic facility.  “We weren’t told at any point how we were found to be climbing the roof since we knew so many others to have done so without repercussion, so we were rather confused as to how in this instance we were the ones caught,” Smith said. Smith and his friends understood the situation only when the “security guard overheard and chimed in that he was in fact the one that saw [them] via a camera that was placed above the squash courts’ upper entrance.” For Smith and his friends, this incident has caused them to reconsider their personal opinions on the significance and purpose of the security cameras.  Arthur Yao ’20, who was also on the roof of the athletic center, said, “If the administration has the time to sit in their cozy offices to watch security footage tapes all day, they should also have the ability to actively support students who are the victims of these crimes instead of punishing them. I wholeheartedly agree with the notion of safety and security for all, but I believe these cameras have significantly compromised student privacy.” Smith ’20 agreed, “I think that the cameras reflect a lack of trust in the student body if they are used to monitor on a live basis the activities of students and subsequently punish them. I think that – on principle –  the letters of reprimand given to my friends and [me] ought to be expunged if Deerfield seeks to continue to uphold the narrative that the cameras are not to catch or simply punish students, [but] simply just to be used in the case of criminal activity.” While some students expressed the need for change, the administration and the deans remained firm on their position regarding the security cameras. Dean of Students Samuel Bicknell wrote, “It is of utmost priority to ensure that community members are safe on this campus. For that reason, it was recommended that we install cameras on campus. As a result, I believe the cameras are being used appropriately.” When asked about utilizing the security cameras for student surveillance, Mr. Bicknell responded, “We do not go out of our way to look for students on camera. Again, a breach of security and/or community safety will prompt a review of our security camera footage. And if our Security Officers identify people in the footage, we will follow up with those individuals.” It is important for all members of the community to understand that the main purpose of the cameras is to protect everyone at Deerfield Academy. While the security cameras are never aimed towards surveying students, if the footage contains instances of a school rule violation, further actions could be taken.

What’s your favorite part about being a math teacher? The students.  If you could travel anywhere in the world right now where would it be and why? Italy—I lived there for a few years in the 1990’s and love the food, language, and art. What’s your biggest pet peeve? The schedule.  If pink were a number what number would it be?  Pink? Three. Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met?  William F. Buckley.  If you could have any pet and it wouldn’t be illegal what would it be and why? Golden Retriever—we had a wonderful dog for 12 years and there is nothing like living with a Golden. Every day is a good day and every person is their best friend. What’s your favorite Ben&Jerry’s flavor?  What’s the one with Monkey in it? Chunky Monkey. What was your favorite class in high school? I didn’t have any. I’d say English. If you were a kitchen utensil what kitchen utensil would you be?  A blender.  What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened in one of your classes?  I stepped into a trashcan during class. Did you fall? No.  What’s the best meal you’ve ever had and where?  The best meal would be in Italy. It was a grilled lamb. What’s your best joke? There are no good math jokes. Why was six afraid of seven? Because seven ate nine. Was your high school experience anything like Deerfield? No, not at all.

IF YOU HAVE NOT VIEWED THE FILM PARASITE , PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS ARTICLE AS IT DOES CONTAIN SPOILERS!  Sweeping the Oscars with a total of 4 awards (including Best Film), Parasite has become one of the most popular names in the theatre industry. Bong Joon Ho, regarded as one of the best directors of this decade, created this masterpiece to center around the class difference between the Kim and Park families.  The Park family lives in an extravagant home, with well-watered gardens and an entire team to keep the house neat and tidy. The Kims live partially beneath the ground, keeping their windows open for free insecticide from the street.  Due to the large contrast in social class, the Kims hold resentment towards the Parks. They gradually assimilate into the Park household by becoming tutors, drivers, and caretakers. A necessary aspect of their assimilation plan is to keep their familial bonds outside of the Park’s home. Bong Joon Ho, in order to display the contrast between these two families, uses three motifs: the stairs, a window, and a rock.  The stairs represent the class change that occurs throughout the film. The Park’s extravagant house, built specifically for the film, centers around a grand staircase. At the beginning of the film, we consistently see members of the Park family leading members of the Kim family up the stairs, symbolizing the movement of social class.  But Bong  Joon Ho places another stairwell behind the shelves of the Parks’ home. In the second half of the film, the Kims’ struggles shift from the class hierarchy they face with the Parks towards trying to keep their familial relationship hidden. In an unplanned event, Moon-Gwang, the housekeeper who was forced out of the house by the Kims, returns to the Kim family sharing a feast in the Parks’ home when the Parks leave on a camping trip.  Moon-Gwang threatens to send the Parks a photo of their feast if they do not allow her to enter the house and collect what she left in the basement. She enters the basement, where her husband, on the run from shark loans, has been living for many years, unknown to the Parks.  The story shifts here, quickly becoming a fight for power. As Moon-Gwang and her husband fight the Kims to prevent them from revealing this secret to the Parks, each character shows a power change while running up and down the basement stairs. When at the bottom of the staircase and in the basement, the characters display a loss of power as they remain hidden and without a voice, but those at the top of the staircase are free to reveal secrets to the Parks. In the film Parasite, two major staircases come into play, one representing the social hierarchy of Korea and the other representing a contrast in power.  Bong Joon Ho also places the window within the film Parasite as another motif. The film begins with the window which looks into the Kims’ house. It is a decrepit window that faces the street outside, where a drunk man continuously pees into their home. They have no privacy within their home and face many negative impacts from the outside world.  But, when staying at the Parks’ home, the Kims experience a large window that faces onto a well-watered garden. Rather than the coach’s arrangement being seated in front of a television, it instead faces the outside world, representing how to them, everything outside of their homely bubble appears to be entertainment. Large bushes and trees provide the Kims with a new sense of privacy. The privacy that the Parks live with is just one example of the privileges that are given to the wealthy elite. The two windows display the different lives the two families live and the simple right to privacy that is only offered to the rich.  The rock, otherwise known as a suseok , is given to Ki Woo, the Kims’ son, by his close friend Min. Min gives Ki Woo the rock in hopes that it will bring wealth and stability to the Kim family.  During the first half of the film, the Kims are running a successful scheme, making thousands of won off of the Park family. During the later end of the film, the Kims face a flood that leaves their house in ruins. But rather than reaching for money or passports, the Kims grab the rock and leave their home behind holding nothing but this object. They have a strong tie to the rock as it represents the stability within their lives, and they believe in the superstition that the rock has brought them their newfound success.  But this success begins to fade when the power struggle between the Kims and Moon-Gwan comes into play. The Kims slowly lose grip over the stability they once had, and the film begins to turn into a chaotic sequence of unplanned events.  This lack of stability comes to fruition when Moon-Gwan’s husband hits Ki Woo over the head with the rock. The narrative completely loses direction and turns into complete chaos. The crashing of the rock in this last scene where some resemblance of stability remains for the Kim family.  In my mind, Parasite is a well thought out and planned film where every action, angle, and image is carefully crafted. When watching the film for a second and third time, I’m able to notice new and interesting aspects emerge. Bong Joon Ho was able to masterfully construct a film that displays the class divide in Korea through three very subtle motifs. The three motifs are all small but still able to represent a larger mosaic. Moving elegantly around one another, each motif comes together in the end like a play or a dance. We should applaud and celebrate Bong Joon Ho on this masterpiece he was able to create!

The impact that Thatcher Smith ’20 has made both in and out of the pool has enhanced the Deerfield community immeasurably. Through his kind nature and fierce work ethic, Smith is a true testament to the generosity of spirit and grit that each and every Deerfield student should strive to achieve. Smith started swimming at age 8 with his local pool’s summer swim team. At age 10 he started swimming year round and by 2017, he participated in YMCA nationals, which he has participated in every year since. At Deerfield, he joined the team as a new sophomore and made an immediate impact. Now, as a captain in his last swimming season at Deerfield, he continues to contribute to the team in and out of the pool. In the water, Smith has been one of Deerfield’s most versatile, reliable swimmers. Some words that came up when his teammates were describing Smith were: “relentless, team-focused, dedicated” by Robert Amundson ‘22, “driven, fast, supportive” by Mark Cai ‘22, and “electric” by Mason Zhao ‘20.  Assistant Coach of Boys Varsity Swimming Mark Spencer as well as Head Coach Patricia Batchelor described Smith as “curious, hard-working, loyal” and a“compassionate team player.”  Ms. Batchelor recalled one instance when Smith exhibited his never-quit, team first attitude: “At NMH, in the 400 free relay, which is the last event of the meet and everyone is tired, [Smith] caught up a substantial distance to win. For me that is really impressive and has a profound impact on everyone else.”  This year, due to the small size of the team, each member of the swim team has had to swim a variety of events, and as one of Deerfield’s fastest swimmers, Smith has swam almost every event. However, not only has Smith stepped up to each occasion in the pool, but he has also inspired younger swimmers to step outside of their comfort zones. The work ethic and focus he brings to each practice have definitely contributed to the team’s “small but mighty” culture that led the team to success against much bigger teams.  In light of his contributions, Smith described swimming as “the time every day that I get to unwind and enjoy being the water. I have fallen in love with the sport and it means the world to me… I swim because it is the most consistent aspect of my life that will always be there for me.” When asked what makes swimming special to him, he replied: “Swimming is different from other sports because there is a simple equation that determines the results you see during competitions: amount of time spent training + how hard you work in that time = your results. Simple!!”   Smith also identified the team atmosphere as what he loves the most about swimming at Deerfield. “The team is my family and the respect we have for one another is unparalleled by any other swim program I’ve been a part of,” he said. “Swimming has given me a family and put me in a large network of amazing student athletes who all have the same understanding and appreciation for the sport and love to do what they want.” Ms. Batchelor praised Smith’s development throughout his years at Deerfield, saying:  “[Smith] has developed as a leader and someone who is in tune with their teammates and is perceptive about how they are feeling.”  His exceptional leadership has made Smith a role model for many underclassmen on the team. For Robert Amundson `22, Smith is an encouraging mentor who has helped him through numerous challenges and hardships. “[Smith is] always there to push me through hard practices and is always there to motivate me to go faster during meets and practice,” he said. “He is willing to do anything for the team and will swim whatever he needs to for the sake of the team.”  For Mark Cai `22, “Seeing him [Smith] either in my lane or the lane over always pushing the pace no matter the set is always impressive to watch, and pushes me.” Next year, Thatcher will continue his swimming career at Division 1 Colgate University. The Deerfield community thanks Thatcher for his friendliness and countless contributions to Deerfield swimming. Although he will be greatly missed, his lasting impact will stay with the team for years to come.

A confident leader and force to be reckoned with on the squash courts, Griffin Dewey ’20 is the embodiment of a Deerfield student-athlete. Dewey has been playing squash since she was little. As a new sophomore, she joined the girls’ varsity squash team in the winter of 2017 and has been crucial to the team’s success ever since. Now, as a senior, Dewey has led the team through a very successful season alongside co-captain Isabella Rolfe ’21. The team’s 7-3 record is due in no small part to the outstanding performance of Rolfe and Dewey. The two grew up in the same town and have played alongside one another for almost ten years, and their close relationship has allowed them to effectively lead together. In speaking about their leadership dynamic, Rolfe said that she has “loved growing up with [Dewey] on and off the court.”  In addition to many new athletes filling the shoes of the six graduated seniors, the team also gained another new addition, Head Coach Tyler Gardner. Although large changes to the group this year have presented a new dynamic for the team, Gardner says Dewey made his transition to the position seamless by being “willing to meet with me before the season to outline team values, culture, practices, and history.” This dedication to the Deerfield tradition has earned Dewey’s teammates and coach’s respect, and her “positive and hard-working attitude,” as described by Rolfe, has maintained the high standard of the Deerfield squash program. Emma Kahle ’22, a new sophomore on the team this year, spoke to Dewey’s leadership qualities, saying “Griffin is an amazing captain and teammate. She was really welcoming to me as a new member of the team and always gives it her all at practices and matches. Grif is always smiling and bringing positive energy to the courts, and I’m so lucky to have her.” Dewey has remained the face of Deerfield Squash both in and out of the DA uniform as she maintains a strong presence at countless tournaments outside the Valley. Balancing these recruiting tournaments and the team’s schedule is incredibly difficult. Commenting on this struggle, she said, “It’s always tough to miss class but ultimately the team comes first and I’ll only play in tournaments when it won’t impact the team negatively.” Dewey’s team-first attitude is just one of the many ways she has been able to contribute positively to the team’s dynamic. With their season coming to a close, Dewey has high hopes for the team’s upcoming matches. She said, “I’m so excited for my last New Englands and Nationals with the team, and I really believe we can make it the best one yet. We have such a strong, amazing group of girls and I have so much confidence in how we’re going to end the season.”  Dewey will be continuing her squash career at the University of Virginia next year. She is most looking forward to forming new friendships with other players on the UVA team. “I’m really excited to go to UVA because I like the team and I like playing for a team and am super excited to continue this in college,” she said. The Deerfield community cannot wait to see Dewey’s continued leadership and success at the collegiate level.

As part of a larger effort to prevent sexual misconduct on campus, the Deerfield administration formed the Sexual Misconduct Response Committee (SMRC) in the 2019-2020 school year.  Sexual misconduct cases used to go through the similar process as disciplinary cases, but with a panel of all faculty rather than both faculty and students. This year, each SMRC case has involved the Dean of Students, the Class Dean, and three trained faculty members. A third party may be involved to help with the investigation if facts are in dispute or the school finds it necessary.  “We want to be attentive, sensitive, and responsive to the nuances of a situation like sexual misconduct when compared with other possible rule violations,” said Amie Creagh, the Assistant Head for Student Life.  Dean of Students Samuel Bicknell explained that no students are a part of the committee as “these are heavy cases and we have a duty to all students involved to make sure it stays private and confidential.”  Mr. Bicknell added that the administration created the SMRC to better respond to sexual misconduct cases. He said, “Our philosophy is that we always want to be responding in the most effective and thoughtful manner in order to best support those who have been mistreated.”  The current faculty members of the committee are Health Issues teacher Dr. Margaret Brown, History and Social Science teacher Samuel Chapin, Athletics Director Rob Howe, Associate Dean of Students Kevin Kelly, Associate Dean of Students Rebecca Melvoin, History and Social Science teacher Conrad Pitcher, and Director of Inclusion and Community Life Marjorie Young.  The faculty members on the committee received training through an afternoon session with a worker from RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network), an organization which works to educate and train people on how better to respond to cases of sexual harassment. Members were chosen through expressed interest, experience, and availability, as faculty are usually assigned to only two committees.  However, some students continue to worry about the makeup of the committee.  Juliette Lowe ’21 said, “All of the faculty on the committee are wonderful and trustworthy adults. However, I do feel that there is an underrepresentation of women and [people of color].”  Subha Sivakumar ’21 shared a similar sentiment when she stated, “The statistics are that women are more likely to be sexually assaulted and, of that, women of color are even more likely to be sexually assaulted, and that should be better reflected in the committee.”  Ms. Creagh said she would be happy to discuss this concern with any student. She explained, “It is always a goal to have broad representation of the faculty.”  Students have also disagreed with some of the policies and decisions the committee has made.  Although it is difficult to know much about the cases as a student, Lowe stated, “I feel that the response should be more targeted to the issue…Suspension alone does not change a person; education does.”  Sivakumar said that she worries that the process does not take personal trauma sufficiently into account. “I know the committee tries to separate the people involved…[but] you can’t fully [prevent] the perpetrator and victim interacting,” she elaborated.  Both Mr. Bicknell and Ms. Creagh said they are open to suggestions from students for the committee.  “We welcome student questions and feedback,” Ms. Creagh explained.

In the fast-paced world of Deerfield, most students barely think twice about junior varsity teams, but they are absolutely crucial to the athletics culture at the Academy. There is a longstanding tradition of students using junior varsity teams to learn a new sport, make friends, or advance to the varsity level. They may not be known for their WNBA style dunks, but the girls’ junior varsity basketball team creates a strong community, fosters development, and crushes the competition, exemplifying everything right about junior varsity play.  A team is only as good as the affinity of its players, and the girls’ junior varsity basketball team can be best described as a tight-knit group. Commenting on the team dynamic, Sami Dulam ’21 said, “I’ve been on the team since freshman year and I would say that this year, being an upperclassman on the team, I know that the JV Ball team has truly been a family to me. No matter who you are as a player, everyone has a place on the team.” The girls attribute this to the team’s leadership, such as captains Annie Kane ’20, Samara Cummings ’20, Whitney Vogt ’20, and Molly Fischer ’20, and coaches Mr. Kevin Kelly and Dr. Nina Otterson.  There are also certain activities, such as blasting music during bus rides, team visits to snack time, and team dinners, that the girls say makes their team feel like a second home.  While the team has been like a family to returning players, new students feel equally at home with their teammates. Describing her experience as a new junior on the team, Annie Gouchee ’21 said, “The spirit of the girls’ JV ball team helped me feel welcomed as a new student.” They also help their newest members acclimate to the Deerfield climate. As Meghan Holland ’23 said, “I made a lot of friends and throughout the season we got really close.”  Besides creating a sense of community, this team also builds well-rounded, strong basketball players. Hannah Deringer ’20, who moved from JV to varsity her sophomore year, said, “JV basketball prepared me for varsity because the grit on the team was superb. The team morale was especially high because everyone wanted to play with each other. We all took having fun and playing hard very seriously.”  Through drills, scrimmages, and sprints, the coaches make sure the team is in good physical shape in order to play their best. Every Friday, the girls have a “3 point Friday,” where they compete to see who can score the most 3’s. The playful competition has been a big key to their success as a team. They are also strong individual players; when asked about her progression as a player, 4 year senior Whitney Vogt said, “I have learned to put the team over myself and how to work with others even if we disagree.”  The most impressive aspect of JV ball thus far is their stellar record. The girls currently stand 10-0 with a major win against NMH in overtime. They also sent bad news back to Salisbury after tarnishing Hotchkiss’s undefeated record with a 22-9 win. With the momentum they’ve built up to this point, there are high chances of them having an outstanding season Coach Kevin Kelly attributes these wins not to his coaching but to the girls themselves, saying, “They never ever quit and they give nothing but 100% supporting each other.” Girls Junior Varsity Basketball continues to shine on and off the court and is one of Deerfield’s strongest examples of everything right about sub-varsity teams.

Valentine’s Day is once again just around the corner! You may be dreading spending the day alone or looking forward to spending it with a significant other, but there are tons of interesting ways to celebrate on campus. No one wants just another average Valentine’s Day, so consider the following suggestions to spice up your holiday! 1) For starters, there’s always the option of giving your S.O. or bestie a thoughtful gift. Some ideas include fuzzy socks, heart print school supplies or a single Cheerio from the dining hall. Chocolates are overrated, but if you don’t mind being basic, Richardson’s is always right down the road.  2) The grind never stops. If you’re spending the day alone, you can treat yourself to a nice Friday night of studying and homework. I think many of us can agree this is a great way to spend any weekend night here at Deerfield. There is truly no feeling like finishing your work Friday night and watching while all your friends break down over the fact that they waited until Sunday night to start their work. This way, you can also free up your weekend to sleep, cheer on your friends at athletic events or just hang out in the dorm.  3) Make someone a classic card with their face on it in the Innovation Lab. People simply cannot resist seeing their faces on things. Maybe even include a full body shot for emphasis. Be sure to make the card red or pink to emphasize the Valentine’s vibe and embellish it with rhinestones, and you’ll melt anybody’s heart. 4) Treat yourself to a day of complete relaxation. Sometimes that special someone you want to spend the day with is yourself– and that’s completely fine. Turn off your email, close Canvas and for 24 hours, ignore all your work and problems. This could mean spending the day in bed, watching Netflix and playing video games, going to the Greer and camping out in front of the TV with an Oreo Frappe and stack of pancakes, or maybe even punching out a few Tik Toks. Better yet, throw in a face mask—who says Valentine’s Day doesn’t include self love? 5) If you really don’t have any time at all to prepare a gift or a card for your sweetheart, take your OneCard out and be ready to swipe. Buy someone their favorite Greer or Koch meal and cut it into the shape of a heart; both flirty and tasty, your Valentine is guaranteed to appreciate it.  6) Sing to someone during a sit-down meal. There are plenty of people with summer birthdays that miss out on the chance to get sung to during the school year. As long as they’re okay with a little public attention, I’m sure they would love to get serenaded  at lunch instead.  Maybe if you sound good enough, the Mellow-D’s, Rhapso-D’s or Reme-D’s will try to recruit you. 7) In a similar vein, you can always show gratitude or profess your love for someone through a sit-down announcement or an email to the entire school forwarded through Mr. Kelly. There’s nothing like a public stunt to get someone’s attention. 8) Set up a treasure hunt around campus that ends up traveling in a heart shape. Although this may require a significant amount of effort, it will surely be entertaining not only for your valentine, but for yourself as well as you plan it out.  No matter who you’re spending Valentine’s Day with, or even if you’re just spending the day alone, enjoy the excuse to turn things into the shape of a heart, do spontaneous things around campus and make it a great day for yourself and everyone you love!