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Annabel Gerber ’20 is the embodiment of a well rounded Deerfield student athlete. She brings not only a high competition level and incredible leadership ability but also a genuine smile and charisma that lights up the field. Gerber first joined the girls’ varsity soccer program as a ninth-grader, which she describes as: “overwhelming and intimidating all at the same time.” Being one of only two ninth-graders on the varsity team, it was very difficult to acclimate to such a competitive environment. However, she recalled that, once she began practicing with her new teammates, she was eased by the enthusiasm of the team. “I felt like I was surrounded by the most fun people in the entire school, which still rings true for the current team,” she said. Now, as a senior co-captain, Gerber is the one leading the team with enthusiasm and passion for the game. Teammate Ruby Chase ’21, remarked that Gerber leads in many aspects of her life at Deerfield. “Gerber is a great friend. She is a sick soccer player, a leader on the team, and has the hardest work ethic. On behalf of the soccer team, I can confidently say that we all look up to her energy on the field and around campus,” she said. Girls’ varsity soccer coach Carly Barbato spoke to this passion that Annabel brings to Deerfield athletics: “As a soccer player, Annabel is a fierce competitor! She is a leader by example, always supporting her teammates while challenging herself and those around her to raise the bar.” Gerber’s favorite memory of being on the soccer team is from Choate Day of her sophomore year. The girls’ varsity soccer team had won only one game out of the entire season and Choate was going to be their fiercest competition yet. Rumors spread that the Choate players had already celebrated their predetermined win but Annabel and her teammates were determined to put up a good fight; they ended up winning 4-3. She said, “It was the biggest underdog story. As soon as the buzzer went off ending the game, everyone rushed out onto the field.” Gerber eagerly affirmed that she is most excited about Choate Day this season. In her eyes, Choate Day is a time when the soccer team can show up, work hard, and beat others. She hopes that “the team will walk away as a family. No matter how we do, the best part of the team is our heart and knowing that within the Deerfield community there are people who will do anything for you.” Having already scored the first goal of the season, there is no doubt that Gerber will go incredibly far this year and beyond Deerfield. Coach Barbato said, “It has been remarkable to watch Annabel’s growth as a Deerfield student-athlete over the past four years. I am excited to watch Annabel continue to raise the bar through her senior season and help us beat Choate!”

Lays potato chip bags spread across the floor, empty bottles thrown around, sofas flipped and turned upside down, and stains all over the carpet — is this a dump or a common room of one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the world? These are the conditions I found in the Crowe when giving one of my first tours this year. The Crowe is just one example of many of how Deerfield students have taken spaces and left them destroyed. After sending repeated emails, Mr. Scandling has continuously found English classrooms a mess too, with empty food containers and the shades down. As a school, we are all responsible for the way we have left these rooms and need to hold our peers to a higher standard. It’s an embarrassment for Deerfield to be seen as a junkyard. These conditions are a representation of how we have begun to treat others — with lack of respect or kindness. When ordering at the Greer, I typically hear phrases such as: “I want,” “Give me,” or “Chicken tenders.” Not enough people ask the cashier how their day was or even use “please.” Later, when picking up food, students will typically grab their food and leave. I don’t hear enough “thank you”s. Although these words may seem small, they mean a lot. The staff who work in the Greer and Koch Café are some of the nicest people on campus. Get to know them and treat them with the same respect you have towards your parents or teachers because they are just as deserving. In recent years, Deerfield students have shown a lack of manners towards those helping make our everyday life easier. Rather than keeping the area clean, students have left the work for others with the mindset that it’s someone else’s job. I see example after example, besides just the absence of thank you when ordering food and leaving classrooms a mess. This is a mindset we must change as a community in order to learn the proper manners needed in everyday life. Why do we as students feel the need to be so disrespectful? How can we improve ourselves as a community? What is our role in this? How can we reconcile the values we preach with our actions? As a community, Deerfield preaches the ideals of humility and gratitude towards the student body. Let’s internalize these concepts and begin to practice them in our everyday life. Picking up a piece of trash off the floor, although seeming like a simple deed, has a large impact on helping us respect and be kind to others. Saying please and thank you go a long way when ordering food. These are simple things. It is our job as students to hold each other to a higher standard and create a community where we can respect those who make our everyday life easier.

This fall, Deerfield is presenting astounding dance showcases, concerts, art exhibits and theater performances. Read more to see a sneak peak into the art performances throughout the upcoming months. Be prepared for a variety of unbelievable dance performances on Friday, September 18. During the Fall Family Weekend show, students will be performing seven different pieces, ranging from jazz to contemporary. A sure crowd favorite will be Stephanie Shumway’s hip hop piece, set to Sean Paul’s “Contra La Pared” as well as Megan Van Dyk’s modern piece, set to Dean Lewis’ “Waves.” The show is a great opportunity to witness the hours of work that the dancers have put into the show. Bring your families and expect a tremendous performance. Also during the Family Weekend concert will be the Deerfield Orchestra and Band Concert. Featuring a wide selection of songs and styles, from Deerfield’s jazz band to their string quartet, listeners will be able to hear from some of Deerfield’s finest artists, singers, musicians, and more. The concert will also include the Deerfield Chorus, who will be singing from a variety of genres, whether that be the classical song “Come Ready and See Me” by Richard Hundley or a song from Terrence McNally’s musical, . This musical performance exceeds expectations each year and displays the training and diversity of Deerfield’s music program. The first art exhibit of the 2019-2020 school year opened on September 20th and is still available for viewing throughout fall term. The artist, Nancy Winship Miliken, uses the earth and the seemingly ordinary things around her to tell a story through her art. Visual and Performing Arts Teacher and Coordinator of the Educational Program for the Von Auersberg Gallery Mercedes Taylor hopes to show Deerfield students the world outside of the Deerfield bubble. She said, “The shows will be inspiring and attract the interest and curiosity of our community.” From Tuesday, Oct. 29 to Saturday, Nov. 2, Deerfield staff, faculty, students, and visitors can watch the fall production of , which Visual and Performing Arts Teacher and Theater Director Catriona Hynds said “takes place in a timeless, glamorous world.” People can expect excitement in the air as the cast puts a modern spin on a version by Anoulih. The theater productions are always a highlight, as they let viewers step out of their everyday lives.

“Natural, intuitive and elevated by diligence and a strong sense of her own unique sound,” said violin teacher Anthony Berner when describing violinist Meriel Bizri ‘20. Bizri has known music for almost her entire life. She picked up her first violin at the age of three at the suggestion of her parents, but her passion for music truly blossomed when she was introduced to chamber music at Greenwood Music Camp ten years later. There, she discovered her enjoyment of experiencing and feeling music with others. “When I was twelve or thirteen, I focused so much on the perfecting side of music,” said Bizri. “But, when I went to Greenwood, I learned to just share things with people regardless of judgement or technical perfection. It made music a lot more fun for me.” After this initial introduction, chamber music grew to play a significant role in Bizri’s love for music. Playing in small groups of musicians, Bizri is able to connect to others, further inspiring her in her journey as a musician. “Music is about connection and emotion, and I can really create a community around chamber music,” said Bizri. From these experiences, Bizri gradually struck a balance between the musical and technical aspects, a process that fueled her interest in the violin. “I grew to love this battle of mastering all the technicalities. Music is a craft: it’s not only to express myself. There’s a certain amount of thought in terms of perfecting it,” said Bizri. In her junior year, Bizri came to Deerfield Academy to immerse herself in a community of dedicated classical musicians, an environment which her previous school did not have. She dedicates herself to her art, spending about five hours a day practicing violin on top of other school work. She has contributed immensely to Deerfield’s music program, especially the chamber and orchestra programs. “It’s been pretty rare over the years to have a student who plays at such a high level and also really values their musical collaborations with colleagues of many different instrumental abilities,” said Mr. Berner. In addition to being an active participant within Deerfield’s music program, Bizri has also participated in two concerto competitions, the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition and the Boston Symphony Concerto Competition, winning first place in both. As a result, Bizri performed as a soloist with an orchestra for the first time in her career and received the opportunity to perform in Boston Symphony Hall, which she deems one of her greatest achievements. “It was a really unique experience, especially with all the older musicians in the Boston Symphony Orchestra. I felt like I was floating on top of the music,” described Bizri. Whereas Bizri only rehearsed once with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, she worked closely with the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra over a month-long period. In this process, Bizri talked with the conductor and was able to delve deeper into the orchestral part by furthering her means of musical expression. Overall, her experience competing and performing as a soloist convinced her that music is something she wants to pursue after Deerfield. “Although it was really stressful to prepare for, the reward from playing and the realization that I can share music, combined with the fact that I can even have these opportunities, confirmed that I want to play music in the future,” said Bizri. “Having the ability to express and connect with such an audience became something I really enjoyed.” Bizri is currently working on her audition tapes for music school, sporting an impressive repertoire of about six pieces. In the future, she hopes to pursue her interest in music through playing chamber music, holding solo recitals, finding more opportunities to perform with an orchestra, and perhaps one day teaching music to students. “I have this vision in my head that I want to share with other people” Bizri responded to what she hopes for herself in the future. “Ultimately,- I want to know that I’ve been able to take that vision, and make it a reality.”

Will Savage ’20 captures the true ideals of what any member of a team should embody. As a senior captain during his third year on the Deerfield varsity football team, Savage has displayed exemplary leadership by consistently showing his team-above-self mentality. Savage is able to put the team before himself as he considers the team to be a brotherhood that he has never experienced before. “I don’t think any other sport fosters the sense of family the way football does,” Savage said. “That family has allowed me to build some of the strongest friendships I’ve ever had.” One of these friends is teammate Aidan Philie, who commented on Savage’s impact on the team: “Will has always prioritized integrating new students onto the team and in the school as a whole.” Savage’s impact on the team is evident both on and off the field. Although he has never been the most flamboyant player, he has always led by example and focused on doing the little things right. As an offensive lineman, Savage’s hard work often goes unnoticed but is the very basis of every big, flashy play. There is no question that Savage is an integral part of the teams performance. Varsity Football Coach Brian Barbato described him as: “a student of the game who uses his high football IQ, phenomenal technique and phenomenal effort to lead the way for big runs and protecting our QB’s. His grit and determination each week sets the pace for the Big Green.” Fellow captain Cortland Dicks ’21 has always looked up to Savage throughout their time together on the team. Dicks spoke to Savage’s constant support, positive mindset, and effective leadership. It is Savage’s unique combination of dedication to the team on the field and in the locker room that makes him a true team player. Football is a game of grit and determination; not only does Savage have those two qualities himself, he also instills these qualities in the rest of the team. No matter the situation, Savage is always there to raise the energy and bring the team together. If there is one person the team can count on, it is Savage. Savage is a true testament to what it means to be a Deerfield athlete. He competes at a high level and holds the team to an even higher one. His tireless dedication and passion for the sport of football far transcends the stats book and win column. Savage has left a legacy on the Deerfield football team that will stay for years to come. In the words of Coach Barbato: “Will will continue to use his big heart to be successful long after he leaves Jim Smith Field and the Pioneer Valley.”

In an effort to develop rich, interdisciplinary course offerings for its students, Deerfield has cultivated a wide-ranging catalog of 340 different courses. Between school years, however, the Academic Dean’s office works with teachers to develop, merge, and even eliminate courses, leaving the catalog in flux. To explain the changes, Academic Dean Dr. Ivory Hills said, “Each year, something is discontinued, contingent on two main reasons: either the teacher who taught the course is not available to do so, or student enrollment is too low.” Catalog changes do not solely depend on such practicalities. The office hopes that some changes will garner students’ interests, explore areas of study not yet touched upon, and remain relevant to students as they confront the future. “You must ask: what has never been in the catalog before, and should be in the catalog? What is it that we don’t teach, that we should teach, because students would be very interested in it? We are nibbling at the edges, and I think that is healthy,” Dr. Hills said. Eight years ago, for instance, Deerfield Academy became one of the first fifteen schools worldwide to introduce the AP Capstone program, which consisted of AP Seminar: Global H2O and AP Seminar: Global Food Systems. These courses were merged into AP Seminar: H2O and Food Systems over the summer. History teacher Dr. Mary Ellen Friends and Director of Educational Initiatives Mr. David Miller both teach this year’s AP Seminar. As before, when the AP Capstone program was first launched, they hope to “[keep an] eye toward empowering students to understand a variety of perspectives on both food and water systems around the Valley and around the world.” Griffin Dewey ‘20, a former student of Global H2O, believes the change is for the better, as she commented, “I’m very excited for the younger students who will get to explore both food and water systems.” Greek I and Greek II underwent a merging of a different kind because of scheduling conflicts and student enrollment. The courses officially remain separate but now share a single period under the purview of Classics teacher Dr. Daniel Houston. The sections split class time, alternating between independent and in-class study, to complement varying levels of experience in the language. “Dr. Houston has realized the impossible task of combining two levels of a challenging Ancient Greek class, while making the classes feel both independent and together at the same time,” second-year Greek student Dylan Bane ‘20 remarked. “Dr Houston has created the optimal conditions for true education at the standard of the Academy and Lyceum.” Moreover, due to a lack of initial student interest during the course selection process last Spring, the Dean’s office removed AP Art History from the 2019-20 course catalog. Mia Silberstein, a former student, expressed her disappointment, commenting, “Art History is a discipline that many students in college take, and we Deerfield students were, in years past, fortunate to have had the opportunity to take it during high school. I was personally saddened by their dropping it this year as I knew some people who expressed great interest in taking it.” “Art History is for everyone and, although it is a difficult AP class, it is ultimately rewarding. The academic deans should still offer classes, even with a small number of interested students, as is the case in the math and language departments,” she continued, referring to an option for students to conduct a Directed Study in subjects of interest not offered in any of the Academy’s courses. Deerfield also declined to offer Arabic I for this school year because of low enrollment. Only two students had requested the course. A future revamp of the introductory course is contingent on student interest. Arabic II student Christian Odenius ‘22 said, “It disappoints me that Deerfield did not allow just those two students to take the course and progress through the program, but I can understand that that might have been a logistic challenge. Still, the Academy is cutting those students off from learning about a language and, more importantly, a culture that has become dear to me and my classmates.” Ms. Samar Moushabeck, Deerfield’s sole Arabic instructor, added, “Arabic in particular has the added benefit of showing you a culture that has been so unjustly represented in this part of the world.” As a whole, similar to any new academic year, adjustments have been made to the course offerings available for the 2019 to 2020 academic year, inciting some frustration and some increased intrigue amongst students as the year commences.

All of us have role models. We all know someone on campus who we can look up to, who leads by example and sets the standard that others strive to achieve. In Head of School Dr. John Austin’s letter addressing the class of 2020, he wrote, “Schools like Deerfield rely on their seniors… because you have prominence, visibility, and influence—put simply, you have a power that other students do not possess.” Reading these words empowered the senior class. We came into this year knowing that we possessed a certain power, one which gave us a sense of place and authority, the likes of which we had never known before. But this power is not intrinsic. This power is a result of the trust that the student body places in the senior class. It is manifested in every small action, every ounce of respect. Put simply, we do not have this power unless the underclassmen grant it to us. Through the beginning of this year, however, we’ve noticed that some underclassmen seem unwilling to follow tradition. Members of the senior class have seen underclassmen dancing across senior grass, walking ahead of the seniors in school meeting, and sitting at the senior table in the Greer. While these traditions may seem insignificant, they were an integral part of our own experiences as underclassmen. We were once the ones who avoided senior grass like the plague and ate breakfast in the North bubble of the dining hall. We waited, because waiting makes it worth it. We can only hope that, when it comes to your senior year, you find the same satisfaction in doing these things for the first time. We want to become leaders. We want to possess the power that Dr. Austin so eloquently articulated in his letter. We want to be your role models, but you have to let us. Value your proctors. Look up to your captains. Listen to the class of 2020 when they offer you sincere and constructive advice. We’ve all been where you are standing now. Respect and value the senior class because, one day, when you yourselves become seniors, you will want that same respect. To the great class of 2020: this is our year and this is our time. We only get one shot at senior year — let’s try not to blow it. Let’s make this year the year. Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, King of Jordan, said it himself: “My senior year at Deerfield was undoubtedly one of the greatest years of my life.” It is up to us to make his words ring true. We are calling for the underclassmen to respect our leadership. But, before they can respect us as leaders, we have to first be leaders. Regardless of whether we have a titled position, every single one of us has the responsibility of being a leader on this campus. We need to start acting like ones. Just as showing respect is manifested in small actions, leading is an accumulation of little things. If we want the underclassman to buy in, we cannot be sitting down during cheerleader tryouts. If we want the underclassmen to listen to us, we have to first greet them on the paths. If we want the underclassmen to let us lead, we have to lead by example. Seniors, lead the way.

It’s 12:03 am. I begin to drift asleep, but then I read the Hong Kong Free Press on my phone. This year, I spent the entire summer in Hong Kong, hoping to reacquaint myself with my roots after an American-centric junior year. Over the course of a few months, people in Hong Kong have been protesting against an extradition bill. Proposed in early June, the bill allowed the Chinese government to extradite criminals to China for trial – criminals including human rights activists, journalists, and political cartoonists. A few weeks ago, the bill was withdrawn, but the movement had already gained momentum and erupted into a series of violent riots. As a result, many more issues have been brought to light, such as how the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) has failed to investigate police brutality at length or how policemen have sexually assaulted protesters during arrests. If you’re interested, I encourage you to take a closer look. People have asked me what it’s like in Hong Kong. I tell them that it’s scary. They nod as if they understand. They think — they know — it’s scary to watch a group of five teenagers like me disappear down a deserted road to a rally in the middle of the night, knowing that some of them won’t return home. The events are chilling: people are rioting, police are running rampant, and there’s a well-reasoned paranoia that individuals are being targeted by the authorities; amidst the chaos, it might seem like a relief to be back. The truth is, however, it’s hard to be fully present at Deerfield. I spent the last few months living through history. It was dangerous, yes, but also invigorating. I truly believed that with every minute I spent standing in the middle of a mob before rushing off to make curfew, I was at the very least doing something. Suddenly, I’m thrust back into the Deerfield bubble, where I spend the next few minutes of my free time wondering what’s for lunch instead of leaving something on the Lennon wall for another hopeful stranger to see. I’m grateful for the right to free expression. I’m grateful that I have the ability to make sweeping statements without fear of totalitarian backlash, but I long to make small, direct changes for a place I love. Writing an op-ed from eight thousand miles away doesn’t carry the same weight as leaving a discreet message for somebody to find. The one emotion that comes to mind as I’m writing this is one of utter powerlessness. Part of that powerlessness comes from the inability to make judgments firsthand. In an attempt to somehow make up for lost distance or time, I sweep through the news. They point their cameras to the bonfires blazing outside police stations, the PRC flag thrown into the ocean, and the police mummified in riot gear. The media does a great job of conveying different tensions and the level of chaos through these videos, and on a certain level, I almost feel like I’m there. On the other hand, they gloss over the fact that thousands, if not millions, of citizens are deeply traumatized and depressed by the realization that their government does not work to serve them. The only reason I know this is because I have seen and felt those emotions firsthand. It’s hard to gauge the emotional impact of each and every march, protest, and riot without experiencing the aftermath itself. I don’t feel the same anxiety, despair, hope, or pride that comes with standing in awe of a socio-political revolution, because every one of those emotions is filtered through an article or a screen – but that’s leagues better than being kept in the dark. The Deerfield bubble – both physical and metaphorical – is a powerful thing. I stay silent for fear of being that one person who just won’t shut up about current events and injustice, let alone events outside the Deerfield bubble. My hopes for better sleep and good grades have overshadowed my yearning for a government that will hold itself accountable. I have no way of forming judgments independent of external influence, and my workload and commitments pull my attention in twenty different directions. Worst of all, I can only be here. That’s what scares me the most. There’s really nothing to do except to acknowledge that this is something affecting members of our community, silent as they are. It is undeniably difficult to be back. All I ask of the Deerfield community is to have some perspective about events outside of Deerfield; public awareness would benefit not just those affected by the Hong Kong protests but for everyone in the world.

“A vibrant, ethical community that embraces diversity, the Academy prepares students for leadership in a rapidly changing world that requires global understanding, environmental stewardship, and dedication to service.” These are the words used to describe the Deerfield community in Deerfield’s mission statement. This is the environment each student is supposed to uphold both at Deerfield and in the real world. Traditions, such as the dress code and Evensong, play an equally important role in forming the Deerfield community, many of which have been in place years before this mission statement. So, the question remains: does Deerfield truly hold the values of its mission statement as highly as its traditional culture? In the past, Deerfield has struggled to resolve the debate over which ideal it holds in higher esteem, understanding that there may be conflicting visions. But, as seen through debates with the current administration, it seems as though Deerfield tends to resort to its tradition over the more progressive ideals of its mission. In previous years, students cited the use of “amen” at sit-down meals as an example of Deerfield’s religion-based traditions. Debates over this controversy were answered with the simple words, “It’s tradition.” This simply isn’t enough to resolve the concern. We must better explain the reasoning behind our choices and values. If we cannot support them, maybe they’re not worth keeping. A better response might have been, “The word Amen is used as an instrument for global thanks. It also allows for Deerfield students to have a moment of reflection before their meal.” Tradition should never be used as the lone justification for an act. Last year, Deerfield faced the tough discussion concerning a new or revised dress code. This process began after Dr. Curtis sent an email to the female student body, addressing the concerns voiced by a family over the outfits many female students wore. Through weeks of debating over the re-invention of a dress code, many external community members began to respond with the now-predictable words: “It’s tradition.” Many students felt that this response was ill-satisfying. They called for a school wide discussion with Dr. Curtis, Ms. Creagh, and other members of the Board of Trustees. However, with the finalized dress code and the new addition of blazers, the campus feels even more traditional than before. Before moving forward to the solution, it is necessary to note that not all Deerfield traditions are bad. In a community such as Deerfield’s, it is important to keep tradition alive. There are many examples that come to mind when thinking of positive traditions, including touching the D, knocking the Horses’ Head, Choate Day, and the Deerfield Seal. But grey areas begin to form when traditions interfere with the beliefs and expressions of others (these may include celebrating Christmas over other important national holidays, ill-representation of other beliefs’ celebrations, and holding baccalaureate in a church despite the fact that it has no religious ties). The solution I deem appropriate, as we march into a new school year with a new Head of School at the reins, is to realign our mission statement to both reflect upon our cherished traditional values and promote the inclusivity needed for a supportive community. By having community discussions between students and faculty members, we can begin to shape a new definition of Deerfield, one that all students feel proud to represent. This change could be as simple as adding the phrase: “implementing positive traditions into everyday community life” to the Deerfield motto. Looking forward, we need to evolve as a community so that we might reconcile our longtime traditions with our hopes for the road ahead.

Dear Dr. Austin, Thank you very much for taking the time to write to the Deerfield community, particularly the seniors. I greatly appreciated your two requests: welcome the new students and stay true to yourselves. I write on behalf of the senior class to share some advice and guidelines as you begin your very first year at the Academy. Coming to a new school is hard. I can only imagine how hard it must be when everyone is looking to you for direction. I do know that, from the dozens of candidates considered for your position at Deerfield, our administration thought that you would be the best choice to protect our traditions, maintain our values, and lead us in becoming an even more inclusive and diverse school. We are excited that you bring in a fresh perspective and hope that you use your time at King’s and St. Andrew’s to implement new traditions. No matter what decision you make, have faith in yourself; we all believe in you. I believe that the greatest challenge that we face is the lack of dialogue around the world and at Deerfield. During your time here, I would appreciate if you listen to both sides of the argument — not just to listen, but to understand. No matter how different your initial biases may be, please understand that what is as important as physical diversity is the diversity of thought. No one’s opinion is correct, but everyone deserves to, at the very least, be heard. . Seize the day. I ask that you not only act as our head of school, but also as a member of our community. Seize your Deerfield days, Dr. Austin, just like you’ve done already. Go to the games. Cheer on the students. Sing at the top of your lungs before school meetings. Join students at the Riv. Join us in not only building a better school but a better community. Last spring, when the graduation tents rose, many of the seniors shared the same phrase with me: “I’ll miss Deerfield, but I’ll miss the people the most.” It is not for nothing that many alumni share these exact sentiments. What makes Deerfield Deerfield is not the flashy new athletic complex, the academic dress, or its myriad traditions— it’s the people. It is the staff, faculty, and students who have defined and will continue to define what this institution is. I understand how overwhelming it must be to be introduced to around 900 people, including students, staff and faculty. However, I hope that you make it one of your priorities to get to know everyone’s names. These are the people that make Deerfield worthy — not the other way around. It means a lot for students to hear the Head of School address them by name. They immediately feel a personal connection; they feel like they belong here; they feel at home. Dr. Austin, guide us in being worthy. Best, Jae Won Moon

National Book Award-winning author Tim O’Brien will speak with Deerfield at an Academy Event on September 26th. O’ Brien’s landmark novel, , was chosen by the English Department to be this year’s all-school read. The book, based off of O’Brien’s tour in Vietnam as part of the 23rd Infantry Division, was quoted by the as “a marvel of storytelling… a vital, important book.” The book is a series of linked autobiographical stories exploring themes of truth and storytelling. Upon completing his tour, O’Brien went on to graduate school at Harvard University and, later, an internship with the In 1973, he published his first war memoir, O’Brien’s other works include and . This October, O’Brien will be releasing his latest work, , a nonfiction memoir on being a father. At the upcoming Academy Event, O’Brien will both discuss and read excerpts from the not-yet released

For the past thirty years, the has published a “Matriculation/Future Plans” spread in the May issue to celebrate the future of the graduating class. Seniors can submit their plans for the upcoming year, informing the on where they plan to go after Deerfield. The central page of this issue is dedicated to showcasing their choices. While the decision to publish this page has raised concerns, both past and current administrations of the have continued to publish it. Here, we would like to articulate our reasoning for why such information deserves to be presented to the community. To some, the matriculation page has been viewed as a quantification of a student’s Deerfield experience and the subsequent reduction of this experience to a single college name. While this is a valid concern, we, as the Board, strongly disagree with focusing on the name or prestige of a college over the accomplishments of a student. The does not aim to further this perspective. There is no doubt that the college process is a big part of the Deerfield experience; indeed, by name we are a college preparatory school. However, a college choice is not, and should not, be the defining characteristic of any student. To address this, the has altered the formatting of the spread over the years. In the past, college names were printed first, followed by a list of all the students who had enrolled for the upcoming year. Not only did this isolate students who were not proceeding on the traditional college route immediately after senior year, but it also literally prioritized college names over students’. Instead of highlighting each student’s individual choice and journey, this format disregarded the need to celebrate a student’s accomplishments over a college’s prestige. Now, we showcase each student’s choice individually. We hope the continuation of this change in layout, which was a direct result of a valid concern, makes it clear that we value each student’s individual experience, not just their college acceptance. While a student’s plans after graduation should never be the primary focus of their educational experience, it is still an accomplishment that should be praised and acknowledged. It is a demonstration of the time and effort they have dedicated to their education. It is a celebration of years and years of effort. It is an appreciation of the journey, not just the destination. This page is meant to give all students a platform to be proud of their incredible accomplishment – especially when, to some, the issue of college decisions can be seen as a delicate topic. At Deerfield, college is always the elephant in the room. Students understand that college decisions can be exciting for some, disappointing for others, and stressful all around. Sensitivity about the subject is expected; however, when this sensitivity turns into an unwillingness to talk about the subject, it becomes detrimental to Deerfield’s student culture— there simply is no conversation. No one wants to seem like they are bragging about their acceptance. On the other hand, no one wants to talk about their rejection, either. These concerns are perhaps even more relevant in conversations with faculty. Faculty members know that bringing up a students future plans has the potential to be extremely awkward and uncomfortable for both parties. They might also be concerned about invading privacy. The publication of this spread eliminates such awkwardness. The opportunity for a student to publish their future plans gives every student the choice of whether or not to talk about their specific situation. It gives them agency, allowing them to frame the narrative around their decision. It provides an open space for every student to celebrate the next step in their educational journey— without any uncomfortable conversations. So, while there is valid hesitation to publish a page listing such decisions, we believe we’ve made the right choice. The ’s “Matriculation/Future plans” page should be seen as a respectful send-off to our senior class and a ‘good luck’ to them as they continue on their journey. We applaud the future that each of these seniors has worked hard to achieve, and we want to provide a space where each student can be proud of how far they’ve come.