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Whether you’re looking to fall asleep to the gorgeous voices of Ben Platt and Laura Dreyfuss, to bawl your eyes out, to laugh your heart out, or to simply immerse yourself in a beautiful story of self-discovery and young love, has it all. And if you’re looking to start your journey into musical theatre, I highly recommend starting with this. doesn’t have extravagant sets, costumes, or choreographed dance numbers, but it has won, by its own merit, six Tony Awards in 2017, including Best New Musical. The story speaks to teenagers in ways that almost no other musical does, reflecting on the imperfections of adolescence and the vulnerability of life. It also reaches parents who struggle to communicate with their teenagers. This critically-acclaimed musical follows Evan Hansen, a 17-year-old boy who is diagnosed with social anxiety as he enters his senior year of high school. Under immense pressure to fit in and belong, he makes questionable decisions, resulting in serious consequences that he must face. The story makes it immediately clear that Evan is not just an “awkward” high school boy but someone who suffers from anxiety and depression, conditions prevalent among current teenagers. The musical tries to break down stigmas by starting discussions on suicide and mental illness. However, is often charged with perpetuating stereotypes that those with mental illness are manipulative and selfish. It also conveys the notion that they don’t have to be accountable for their actions. Critics point out that, throughout the story, Evan becomes increasingly self-absorbed and inconsiderate, though the show continues painting him in a positive light to garner the audience’s sympathy. In addition, the depictions of mental illness are toxic; they maintain a belief that mental illness can be used as rationale for deception and emotional devastation inflicted upon others. Thus, the show perpetuates the stereotypes of selfishness in those with mental illness, ignoring the fact that these people try their hardest every day to not let their mental illness dictate their actions and determine how they treat others. However, these criticisms have not stopped from raising awareness on mental health. The show has received thousands of emails, letters, and tweets from audience members around the world who felt compelled to share their stories and their appreciation for the musical. To these fans, does a fantastic job at balancing heavier topics with light-hearted comedic relief. Together, the emotionally soaring performances of the actors on stage, coupled with the rich and luxurious orchestrations of Alex Lacamoire (orchestrator of ), send the audience through a rollercoaster of laughter, dancing, and a whole lot of tears.

Dear Reader, Graduation is nearly upon us. The tents are coming up, the grass below them browning with melancholy. Soon, we will bid farewell to one Head of School, 15 faculty members, eight staff members, and the entirety of the Senior class. We mourn these departures. But we also know, come fall, we will return to greener grass. These people have left their mark on Deerfield — and we are all the better for it. In this way, our May issue is about celebration. It includes features on departing faculty, news about gender inclusivity, a 90-second interview of Dylan Skov and Matt Shea… We look back upon this year, commemorate the initiatives and relationships we have formed. Simultaneously, we recognize this time as one of change. We leave you with editorials on the STEM curriculum, student pressure, and AP courses, all of which emphasize Deerfield’s imperfection. We need change. We crave change. There is beauty in that; a healthy community is one that continuously strives for improvement. We included our “Matriculation/Future plans” spread with the same intention. On pages eight to nine of the , you’ll find the self-reported future plans of nearly eighty percent of the Senior class. I acknowledge the concerns, as articulated in our Board editorial, about publishing this spread. My intention is not to dilute a student’s experience to the name of their college. Instead, I see it as a way to celebrate the work of our seniors and the futures they’ve forged. I hope that the continued awareness about the potential sensitivity of this page, as well as the optional nature of these submissions, will convince you further of our goal. I also urge you, as part of a community, to improve upon your reaction to this information. The seniors who are included chose to share a deeply personal decision; respect their openness. Do not use it as means for judgment or gossip. Moving forward into this next year, I am excited to announce a new section, in conjunction with the Op-Ed page: a “Letter to the Editor.” In this, I invite all members of the community–staff, faculty, and students alike – to write in reaction to any article in the previous issue. Our peer publications, including Phillip Andover’s and Phillip Exeter’s , have implemented this initiative to great success. My objective with the “Letter to the Editor” is to prompt greater interaction between the and its readers. You can use this space to express support, discomfort, or dissent. Mr. Ferrer’s “In Defense of Deerfield Asian Cuisine” is a great example of this (find the article in the 2018 May issue of the ). That being said, I welcome disagreement and controversy — as long as they are rooted in a genuine desire to understand. I urge you: keep reading, keep talking. Do the crossword. Write a letter. It is only because of your involvement that the holds meaning. Lastly, and most importantly, I’d like to thank Josh Fang and Orlee Marini-Rapoport for their leadership of the . Throughout this past year, they’ve demonstrated an unparalleled drive for truth. They’ve sought to publish diverse, relevant, and credible information. They’ve pushed the Deerfield community to think deeper and engage in meaningful discussions. From Josh’s reporting on the O’Donnell case to Orlee’s letter in the , both have proven that journalism can have a far-reaching and important impact. I thank them endlessly for leading by example and for entrusting me with this publication. With Jae Won Moon and Maggie Tydings as Managing Editors, with Ms. Schloat and Ms. Cornelius as advisors, I hope that the Vol. XCIV can uphold and further their legacy. Cheers, Claire

Racial education offers an antidote to racism and poor cultural understanding that can fester in schools. Deerfield Academy has made strides to become a more culturally competent and inclusive community with the help of students leader groups, such as the Cultural Competency Ambassadors, MLK student planners, and alliance leaders. Their goal is to address and raise awareness on issues surrounding culture and race. “One important goal for the Office of Inclusion is to work collaboratively with student leaders to develop shared experiences that educate and involve the entire Deerfield community about inclusion,” said the Director of the Office of Inclusion and Community Life (OICL) Marjorie Young. Elaborating on the office’s role, Ms. Young said, “We also work with student leaders to establish cultural competency initiatives and projects like ‘Cross the Valley’ poster campaigns.” As cultural competency is considered to be an essential part of Deerfield’s mission statement, its ambassadors have led training sessions with proctors and new faculty members. They have also held meetings with ninth-graders in the Village; their discussions are meant to reinforce and educate the community about inclusion. Cultural Competency Ambassador Kareena Bhakta ’20 shared, “The current goal of the cultural ambassador program is to raise awareness about certain social issues around campus.” There are, however, many challenges that follow the implementation of such goals. “Some challenges [that we’ve encountered] include thinking of new mediums to spread the word around campus. Besides posters, some developments have been stickers and sit-down table cards,” Bhakta said. “Events happen and issues arise and we often have reactive conversations,“ Nikita Pelletier ‘20, a Cultural Competency Ambassador, expressed when discussing the difficulties of the ambassador group. “There is definitely always the issue of keeping dialogue relevant.” Similarly, alliance group leaders have found trouble balancing the conversation topics with the alliance’s own goals. “Jovial and lighthearted conversations and activities are necessary but insufficient in helping us achieve our goals,” ASA leader Kishor Bharadwaj ‘19 admitted. “Likewise, uncomfortable and intense discourse is also necessary, but insufficient.” He continued, “We have had to think critically about using different venues for different activities to help us achieve our goals. For example, we try to keep our school meeting presentations as funny and entertaining as possible, but reserve more intense and meaningful discussion for affinity meetings.” Over the past few years, both the OICL and students have seen progress made within the community. “With this year being my third year in the program, I have noticed that many of the ‘Cross the Valley’ campaign slogans have been mentioned and even discussed in some of my classes, showing how well the program has been integrated within the Deerfield community. People are showing a heightened awareness toward these issues,” Bhakta said. Pelletier agreed by sharing, “From my experience in the Village, there has been a big increase in inclusion. I appreciate their willingness to take these topics seriously.” DBSA leader and Cultural Competency Ambassador Alexia Baker ’19 expressed a similar confidence: “I believe we still have a long way to go in some of our areas of growth; however, in my four years here, I’ve seen Deerfield make a greater effort to incorporate the cultural competency values into our everyday lives… I’m sure, as time goes on in the next few years; the program will grow and expand and make Deerfield an even better community to be a part of.” There is no simple solution to bringing inclusion into Deerfield. While the school is statistically diverse, there are still ways for the community to improve and become more socially conscious. While buying into a culturally inclusive community appears to be the obvious choice, it can be hard to fully implement such ideals. Nevertheless, given the diverse student body itself, the school should continue finding ways to bridge the underlying racial gap. “Being included in any community is a privilege which comes with responsibility,” said Bharadwaj. “So let’s expand the conversation from just privilege to both privilege and responsibility.” Although it is the Office of Inclusion that serves as the official force pushing for improved cultural competency efforts on campus, it has to start on the individual level first. It only takes one ripple to make a tidal wave,.While the Inclusion Leaders have certainly made those ripples, the rest is up to the community.

One significant reason faculty members are attracted to come work and potentially raise their children at Deerfield is the strength of the dormitory and housing system in place on our campus. According to Deerfield Academy’s website, there are eighteen dormitories and forty-five on-campus houses, all of which serve as residences for faculty members. These facilities make it possible for Deerfield to be a residential campus for most faculty members and their families. Upon arrival, most faculty live as hall residents in a dormitory. However, many faculty members with children choose to eventually migrate to an on-campus house due to their familial needs. Those who choose to raise their children in a dorm might be motivated by potential benefits to their children’s development that arise from living in an integrated dorm setting. Science Teacher Rich Calhoun, with his wife and math teacher Katie Calhoun, has raised four children on Deerfield’s campus. Mr. and Mrs. Calhoun, along with their children, moved out of Pocumtuck recently. Mr. Calhoun said, “We miss raising our kids in a girls dorm, it was really fun.” Growing up at Deerfield, faculty kids are constantly surrounded by the buzz and activity on campus during the school year. The benefits include learning how to socialize, having entertainment, and finding role models in Deerfield students. Mr. Calhoun stated, “Everything about Deerfield has benefited our kids.” Science Teacher Megan Washburn said that her three sons “are looking up to these kids who work really hard in the classroom and on the playing fields, and so they want to live up to those standards.” Mrs. Washburn believes that living on a boarding school campus has positively impacted her children by making them more driven to practice sports and work hard in academics. She often encourages them by reminding them, “This is what you need to do to become a Deerfield student one day.” They look up to many of the students that interact with them, and strive to copy that behavior. Mrs. Washburn, along with her husband, Spencer Washburn, Associate Director of Admissions, moved to Deerfield in 2014, after spending time at the Peddie School in New Jersey. Their decision to raise their family in an academic residential setting was greatly impacted by Mr. Washburn’s experience growing up at Phillips Andover Academy. Mr. Washburn said, “We knew that it was a great situation to be living on a boarding school campus, and certainly my experience growing up in that space contributed to my sense that it was a great place to have a family.” Mr. Washburn was able to recall many memories from his time at Andover with great detail. He feels as though the experiences that he had as a child on a boarding school campus were unique and special. He remembers learning certain lessons from the students he saw around him. For example, he was greatly impacted by a specific interaction he had with a student at Andover who took the time to come and talk to him when he was a child. He stated that that moment “really stood out to me, as the way that you should treat people and the way that you should interact with people.” He added, “That really shaped how I thought about, as I got older, interacting with my siblings and my peers.” From Mr. Washburn’s experiences and those of other faculty members, it is clear that the faculty children really do pay attention to how students behave. Mr. Washburn shared that watching his own children look up to Deerfield students “is a good reminder to us as adults, and to us as a community that we need to hold ourselves to a great standard because there are young people watching.” As we move on to a new year, we would all do well to keep Mr. Washburn’s advice in mind.

What inspired you to become a spelling bee connoisseur? Spell “connoisseur” What would you do if you won the lottery? What’s your favorite DA memory? What’s your spirit animal? What’s the last thing you googled? What are you grateful for? Would you rather fight one elephant-sized pigeon or 50 pigeon-sized elephants?

On Friday, April 12, the Deerfield community mourned the death of an alumnus, Brian Weber ’18. Weber was a freshman majoring in biology on a pre-med track at the Boston University College of Arts and Sciences. Here, members of the Deerfield community reflect on their time spent with him. Everett Tsai ‘18 “Over the years, I was able to see Brian develop into the incredibly loving, smart, and generous young man we all remember him to be. Brian was someone whose eyes lit up at the sound of adventure. He had a boyish smile and a witty sense of humor that gave him the ability to brighten up the mood of whatever room he walked into. Brian was incredibly empathetic, a good listener, and was always readily available when his friends needed him … Brian was a gentle soul. He was respected and admired by his peers. He was sincere, compassionate, and full of love. For the happiest moments in my life, Brian was present for almost all of them.” Ollie Hollo ‘18 “Brian was an awesome person to have in the Barton dorm my senior year. His humor, energetic personality, and positive outlook helped create awesome memories of shenanigans in the dorm on Ferraro’s hall… Brian was a great athlete, a great intellect, and a great person – he will be dearly missed.” Everett Tsai ‘18 “God works in mysterious ways, and I don’t know why He took Brian away from us so suddenly… May he live forever in our hearts and rest in peace.” Matthew Wuyan ‘18 “This past year at college, Brian and I roomed together at BU… On the days where I didn’t feel like getting out of bed, he was there to drag me out and bring me up. While he often complained to me about how difficult his premedical studies were, those complaints were often overshadowed by his hopes of doing good for his community and the world… His devotion and loyalty to his country, community, and friends were just two of his many admirable traits.” Andrew Peck ‘18 “Brian was one of the few kids in our class who was capable of always brightening your day. I was lucky to spend a lot of time with Brian over our three years together at DA and can say for certain that my life was made better because of the interactions I had with him.” Everett Tsai ‘18 “Brian, thank you for being there with me for over 13 years, from Japan, to Singapore, and all the way to Deerfield. You were my oldest friend, my confidant, my brother. You mean so much to me and to so many others. I love you, and I hope you rest peacefully.” Dennis Cullinane, Science Teacher and Track & Field coach “He just had this aura around him; people wanted to be near him. People felt better about themselves when they were near him, and he was just this really sweet kid who lifted people up.” Young Gun Lee ‘19 “1:00 AM, a Monday night. A red bar reading “Defeat” shows up on my screen. Then, I would ask, “another game?”, to which you would respond, “Of course bro. Until we get a win.” I wish I could see your name read ‘online’ on my computer. I wish I could go down to the river with you, playing your chill tunes playlist and play spike ball. I wish I could go to your room, order pizza, and just hang out and talk for hours.” Michael Schloat, English Teacher and Track & Field coach “Not to be fatalistic or anything like that, but let people know that you love them when you have the time. I just want to see and talk to Brian one more time, and knowing that will never happen saddens me.” Young Gun Lee ‘19 “As the length of his hairstyle grew throughout his years at Deerfield, so did Brian Weber… There are two types of people in the world: a people person and the people’s person. Brian was the latter. He was a giver, not a taker. Whenever he knew you needed something, you didn’t even have to ask Brian – he would nonchalantly give it to you like it was nothing. Thank you Brian, for all the good times; for making me a better person; for showing me we should not expect something in return when we act on kindness; for defining what a great friend is. Love you family, always.​” Joni Otto-Bernstein ‘18 “Brian, thank you for teaching me, whether it was girl advice or precalc. Thank you for growing up with me, laughing with me, making me a better person. For making us all better people. You influenced so many of us immeasurably; it’s hard to say goodbye. You were a brother to me, and I’ll never forget that. Brian was loved, and he’ll be greatly missed. Love you, Brian. Rest Peacefully.”

Athletics at Deerfield are one of the most important aspects of the community because they teach character, teamwork, and a special love for playing unlike anything else. The crowds at games and cheers ringing throughout campus exemplify the love of Deerfield that is supported by sports. The senior captains create this culture and serve as role models to all younger students who look up to them. As these seniors complete their last season in the valley, they reflect upon some of the most important principles they have learned through their athletic experiences at Deerfield. These captains understand and exemplify what it means to be a leader, and they will take all of their knowledge and experience to college, where many of them will continue with a sport. We interviewed six senior captains to see how their past seasons have shaped them as people and leaders, to hear about their love of the game, and to seek their advice for all athletes at Deerfield. Austin Philie ’19 Bailyn Prichett ’19 Kimberly Stafford ’19 Owen Louis ’19 Margaret Williams ’19 Javy Irizarry ’19

“We want to compete with every pitch and play with respect for the game of baseball,” said Head Baseball Coach Patrick Moriarty. This past season proves that the team was able to embody Coach Moriarty’s philosophy. During Coach Moriarty’s first two seasons with the baseball team, they have exceeded all expectations. Starting from the first season, the team set the high goal of making the playoffs – one they hadn’t accomplished in the past five years. With a hard-fought season, they were not only able to make the playoffs but contended in the semi-finals with a close game against Phillips Exeter Academy. Coach Moriarty’s leadership and energy had a tremendous effect on the team. “When the opportunity came, I knew that Mr. Moriarty would make an immediate impact on the team,” said Athletic Director Bob Howe. With the head coach seat vacant two years ago, Mr. Howe knew that there was no one more suited for the job than Coach Moriarty. Before his appointment at Deerfield, Coach Moriarty led the Pope Francis High School varsity baseball team in Springfield, MA, where he had once played as an all-star player and went on to play at the American International College in Springfield, MA. During his tenure at Pope Francis and Cathedral, Coach Moriarty left a lasting mark on the program. With an impressive record of 183-77, his team won the Western Division One Championship in 2014 and made the playoffs every single year. Another highlight of his time there was when he combined the Division IV Holyoke Catholic program with the Division I Cathedral program. He led the new team to an unprecedented record of 17-5 and a first ever (for a Western MA team) birth into the Division 1A ‘Super Eight’ Tournament. Mr. Moriarty’s work at Cathdral/Pope Francis High School has produced three MLB players: Chris Capuano, Scott Barnes, and Nick Gorneault. Before leaving Pope Francis High School, Coach Moriarty was named the Coach of the Year by the Masslive Springfield Republican and was inducted into the Cathedral/Pope Francis High School Athletic Hall of Fame. “He comes from a winning background and makes sure that the players know that whatever team we play we have a chance against them,” said Assistant Coach Ray DeMartino. In the past season, the baseball team faced Worcester Academy in the postseason playoffs, who won the Central New England Championship two years ago, and won their close game. Coach Moriarty has helped the team believe in themselves and understand that with hard work and effort that there is no game that they can’t win. Coach Moriarty’s baseball philosophy boils down to one main point as he put it himself, “I want my players to be good people, good students, and, most importantly, positive and productive members of the community.” He asks his players to not only play at an extremely high level but also to play with respect. Captain Henry Gustavson said, “Coach Moriarty has taught me the importance of playing the game the right way. He preaches playing hard every day, but also respecting the game and our opponents.” “When things are going well, I can’t be content. When things are going poorly, I can’t let it get to me and have to keep working every day to improve,” commented Gustavson. Coach Moriarty’s philosophy applies to every single game whether they are winning or losing. No matter the game or circumstance, Coach Moriarty always emphasizes the importance of maintaining his poise. “As a baseball player, Mr. Moriarty has helped me develop in all three aspects of the game: pitching, hitting, and fielding. His attention and care each day in practice has helped me shape my game and helped me become the player I am today,” said Gustavson. Coach Moriarty gives each athlete on his team individual attention so that they become aware of their strengths and weakness so that they can make the most out of their game. “He is a phenomenal coach but an even better person,” commented varsity baseball player Max Stevens ’20. Coach Moriarty is known to be a demanding coach, but he never sacrifices his team spirit. Although he is building a championship program, Coach Moriarty most importantly understands the fun that is present in baseball. Coach DeMartino agreed by saying, “He is a tone-setter and demands a lot but makes sure that we’re having fun while doing so.” Coach Moriarty’s impact has been beyond the wins but more so about the culture that has individually affected each player. With the season coming to a close, the baseball team will make a run for a spot in the postseason playoffs. Although they will be going up against top teams in New England, the future of Deerfield baseball remains in good hands. As Co-Captain David Thomas stated, “Coach Mo is the best high school baseball coach in the state of Massachusetts.”

Deerfield is a place full of memories for me. Memories of bonfires, overly sweaty dances, aga-chi chants, KFCs, late nights, and long chats. I remember walking the small loop with a best friend, or getting fro yo at the Greer. These are the memories that stand out to me, but they are not the reason that I came back here, back to Deerfield. Soon after leaving DA, I almost lost a good friend to suicide. I felt grief, guilt, confusion, and whole swell of other emotions when I found out. I started to really think about how challenging and taxing Deerfield had been for my friends and me. Luckily, she survived, and I was left with a sense that I never wanted this to happen to any of my friends again. When a fellow student in college died by suicide my sophomore year, I was again struck by the tragedy and felt the need to do something, anything, to help those people in my communities that were struggling or hurting. Three years later, after many surveys, interviews, collaborators, and much research, Notice and Connect was born. Notice and Connect is a mental health training aimed at empowering members of communities to feel comfortable noticing when a peer or friend is struggling and then starting an inevitably difficult conversation with that person to try to connect with them about their mental health. Meanwhile, I had been working hard towards my dream—medical school. I wanted to train to be a physician so that I could use the knowledge that I had gained to help people every day of my life. However, as graduation approached, I did not feel ready to step right into med school. I, like many of my peers, was planning to take a couple gap years. That is when I scrolled upon Anna Gonzales’ Facebook page, where she had posted about a fellowship she was doing at Deerfield. Immediately upon realizing it was a possibility, I felt a pull to come back. Teaching at Deerfield seemed not only to fit the parts of myself that I had come to love as I grew up during college, but also afforded me an opportunity to help those students who struggle with the same things that my friends and I struggled with when I was at Deerfield. Coming back to Deerfield brought me energy. I felt engaged by my students every day. In class, dorms, and athletics, I had meaningful conversations with students about their learning, their passions, their identities, and their mental health. It did not take long for me to fall in love with teaching, and to fall in love with Deerfield all over again. Deerfield was the same Deerfield as when I left four years earlier, but I was different. I was able to question the Academy in ways that I had never considered as a student. Why do we have a dress code? Why do we have sit down meals? Why do we give cumulative exams? How do our grades relay progress to students? I was a part of these big conversations that I was oblivious to as a student. It gave me an appreciation for everything my teachers and the school did for me. It gave me motivation to do everything I could to make sure we were serving our students as best we could. I could finally admit that no, Deerfield was not perfect, but there are people working every day to try to make it better. I felt honored and humbled that I could do my part by being a caring faculty member, and by bringing Notice and Connect to campus. This past summer, a Penn Fellow that I was close with died by suicide. I was again struck by the importance of friendship and supporting those you care about. I was torn between the part of me that was so proud to be doing this work here and Deerfield, and the part of me that felt I should have done more as a friend. I realized that suicide and mental health are always going to impact those around me, and the best I can do is to continue to try to help my communities become stronger and more connected. Coming back to campus this year, I felt a drive to further the conversations. I’ve felt proud that every community member other than the senior class (sorry, seniors, you’ve been a little busy!) have had the Notice and Connect training. As I move on from Deerfield, I go with a purpose and with a passion for education that I had never expected in myself. I am incredibly excited to work with more young people who give new life and energy to the subjects I teach, the sports I coach, and the spaces I live in. Although my plans have changed and I will most likely not go to medical school, I know that I am still able to use my experiences to help people every day.

The daughter of a concert pianist, Nadia Jo ‘19 was fated to become a musician. But, unlike her mother, Jo’s interest was not in piano or violin but in the cello, which she discovered at the age of six. To Jo, the cello allows for a wide range of emotions that can be conveyed with just one instrument. Once she started practicing seriously, which often meant over three hours a day, Jo began going to music camps and joining orchestras. At Deerfield, she further developed her love for classical music by participating in the music program. Jo immediately became a member of the Deerfield orchestra and, in her sophomore year, AP Music Theory. As a freshman, she joined the Advanced Chamber Music class, where she found a great musical community to express her passion. She is currently the Principal Cellist of the Deerfield Orchestra. “Sometimes practicing for hours every day can get lonely, so chamber helps you with company and collaboration. It helped me learn how to individually express myself while simultaneously play a role in a group,” Jo remarked. Her passion for cello and music can be seen by both her peers and mentors on campus. “Nadia is an extremely mature musician, both technically and expressively,” said Director of Chamber Music and Orchestra Thomas Bergeron. Beyond performing, Nadia is a tireless advocate for Deerfield’s music program as well as a resilient student. “Nadia is a shining example of how a passionate commitment to the arts can support high achievement in the classroom,” Mr. Bergeron commented. “She often approaches me and other music faculty with concerns and ideas for the future of our program. She can often be seen advising younger music students regarding time management, and practice techniques.” After realizing how training in classical music can be unaffordable for many children, Jo expressed her great interest to participate in outreach and fundraising programs for communities. Working with young students would give them more opportunities to learn classical music in the future. Jo’s continual passion for music goes beyond the classical genre. Last summer, Jo spent time working at the Hip Hop Archive and Research Institute, a center at Harvard University. The program was dedicated to making knowledge and information about rap history available to the public. In addition, she made a blog during her junior year to critique music and share her thoughts on rap songs and albums. “You hear rap, and you hear all these fast words but you don’t know what they’re saying,” Jo said about her initial confusion surrounding the genre. “Just like classical music, rap is usually misinterpreted by most people or has a very negative stereotype about it, but it makes me and a lot of other teenagers feel confident. That kind of clever writing and expression of different emotions was really inspiring for me,” Jo described. Much of the student body remember Jo’s 2018 Winter KFC performance of Kendrick Lamar’s song “DNA.” “It was a very memorable experience and I think it was cool for her to get out of her comfort zone,” Britney Cheung ’19 said. As a multi-dimensional musician, Jo has continued to expand her musical comfort zone. This includes participating in more student programs and competitions throughout the year. One of her most recent achievements included winning the Deerfield Academy Concerto Competition. As part of her culminating senior performance, Jo played onstage as both a soloist and part of a trio on May 19th.

, I muttered to myself as I shuffled through the pack of students pushing through the foyer of the dining hall, my small 5’2 frame hunching down to protect my neck and ears from the backpacks being slung across shoulders and cuss words flying overhead, respectively. It was a bitter November afternoon. I was knee-deep in comment writing, the days were getting shorter, and I had been mistaken for a student five times that week. The most recent mistake had been so wholesome: I was on the path and a colleague called out to me, asking if my “pesky teachers” were “piling on the homework.” I smiled and shrugged, managed to slip out a joke, creating some friendly banter, and continued to prioritize placing one foot in front of the other on the red brick path below. The next morning, I awoke to the sound of a plow truck rolling down the road. I peered out the window, over the sill, taking in the view of the layer of snow that had accumulated over night. , I sighed as I stumbled into my closet, my mind already going through the motions of what I might wear. I slipped the boots on. . Standing in the doorway, I glanced down at my feet and paused— Managing to make it to the office in one piece, I sat down in the big armchair with my laptop on my thighs, refreshing my email as the coffee machine hummed in the background. I pulled up my calendar, realizing that with a bit of maneuvering, I could manage to squeeze a 36-hour trip to New York in that weekend. Nice. That would give me enough time to take in approximately four subway rides, two pizza slices, a bagel, and four encounters with that hilarious guy from the bodega. I looked down at my Tims again, this time, my self-consciousness less heavy. At ease, I missed the presence of someone else in the room. “What’s got you so jazzed up?” “So, I managed to find a way to squeeze a trip home in this weekend. I’m just really excited.” My excitement was met with skepticism and a smile. “Sometimes I am honestly just confused as to why you came here. If you hate it so much, why did you even take this job?” I paused, squeezing my eyes shut, buying myself a moment to think about what I wanted to say. I knew the smile was meant to soften his sharp words, though they still cut deeply. Once again, I would have to defend both my decision to come here and my home, my identity, myself. I don’t hate it here. In fact, not at all. Sometimes I just need to find familiarity for a bit. I miss my home, my friends, my family. I miss seeing people who look like me and think the way I do. Every day here, I am reminded of my difference. Yes, I said that I am different, that is okay. I don’t fit the mold of a typical Deerfield person. In fact, I think I am the antithesis of the traditional Deerfield person. I am here to tell you, however, that there is space for me here. Deerfield is a community that, at its best, has space for all of us. So yes, I am going to go home for 36 hours this weekend to soak up all the great stuff that makes me me, so that I can share it with the community. Hopping off the soapbox in my head, I replied. I smiled and shrugged, managed to slip out a joke, creating some friendly banter, and continued to prioritize placing one foot in front of the other on the red brick path below.

Summer is upon us, riv season is in full swing, and let’s be honest, all anyone can think about is the upcoming break. Here is a list of the perfect endless summer movies to watch with friends to get you excited for the happiest time of year. 1. As one of the most classic summer movies, should be at the top of your list, bringing you back to the 1950s: a time of poodle skirts, leather jackets, and drive-ins. Will new girl Sandy and greaser Danny’s summer romance last when school starts? “Summer Lovin” and the rest of the soundtrack will be stuck in your head for days. 2. is a heartwarming movie about long lost twins who meet for the first time at summer camp. If you can get past the fact that it takes identical twins quite some time to realize they are related, this movie can make you nostalgic of your summer camp days. If you are looking for something to do, find a friend and learn Annie and Martin’s handshake. Just don’t pierce anyone’s ears! 3. With summer being so close, all you want to do is enjoy the freedom it gives. is about a high schooler who ‘borrows’ a Ferrari and plays hooky for the day. This movie is a must see. 4. is the classic story of a summer of dreams and bildungsroman. Baseball earns its title of “America’s pastime,” as it manages to create a bond between a group of misfits who share a common passion. The Beast and a Babe-Ruth-signed baseball make for a crazy adventure! 5. is the tale of forbidden love at a summer resort in the Catskills. Baby and Johnny’s 1963 love story is filled with emotional moments, great dancing, and a soundtrack that will be stuck in your head for the next three months. If you want to laugh, cry, and master a few fancy tricks for next year’s Semi-Formal dance, you’ll have “the time of your life” watching this classic 80’s movie. 6. is an epic story of a father looking for his lost son as he travels the great blue sea, making some surprising friends along the way. Lean back and enjoy the ride through the ocean like Crush the turtle, and stay chill when you see the sharks. If this movie is one of your favorites, go check out the sequel, ! 7. If you need a good laugh, is the movie for you. Reunited at their old basketball coach’s funeral, a group of middle aged men learn that neither time nor divergent life paths can destroy their friendship. They spend an unforgettable weekend at a lake house, bonding with each other and their families. 8. You can follow Bethany Hamilton’s story in . This inspiring, true story will leave you in awe of the professional surfer’s determination and passion for surfing. 9. Two classic Disney summer movies, 2 and , need to be on your summer watch list. Whether you watch them alone or with a couple of friends, these movies are hard not to love.