Vol. LXXXVI, No. 4 DEERFIELD ACADEMY, DEERFIELD, MA 01342 October 11, 2011

On the Playing Fields...By NOLAN BISHOP

Staff Writer

Tropical Storm Irene’s heavyrainfall caused several of theten dams along the DeerfieldRiver to overflow. The waterlevelrosefromfiveto24feetinless than one hour, leaving siltandriversandalloverthelowerlevel fields and tennis courts.“This is my thirtieth

year working here,” saidGroundsperson Jeff Gonyer.“I’ve seen the river floodbefore, but never like this.”

arOund tOwn...

By NOLAN BISHOP and KRISTY HONG

Staff Writer and Editorial Associate

Tropical Storm Irene’swaters demolished severalsurrounding farms, leavingfields laden with silt and thecrops deemed unfit for sale.North of campus, the

Williams Farm lost 60 acres of sweet corn and most of theirpumpkin and squash crops,amountingto$200,000 in lossesaccording to Chip Williams.Unfortunately, because the

Williams family harvested more

dOwn On the Farm...

By KRISTY HONGEditorial Associate

Floodwater filled four cellarsinthemuseumhousesof HistoricDeerfield, and due to severefloodingof itsbasement,groundfloorandcorridors,theDeerfieldInnwillremaincloseduntilspring.“We have received hundreds

of emails from people whohave stayed with us in the pastexpressing concern and offeringtheir help,” said InnkeeperKarl Sabo. “It’s absolutelyoverwhelming.”Aside froma set of furnaces

and boilers, the Historic

By NINA SHEVZOV-ZEBRUN

Staff Writer

W. S. Merwin, United StatesPoetLaureate,arrivesoncampustomorrowmorningtobeginatwo-dayvisitwithstudentsandfaculty.Tomorrow night’s Academy

EventwillshowcaseMr.Merwinreading his poetry, with a booksigningtofollow.Hewillspeakto students in the Black BoxTheater during the first classperiod on Thursday morning.In anticipation of his visit,

all students and faculty receiveda copy of The Rain in the Trees, a collection of his mid-careerpoetry published in 1988.Englishteachersagreedtospendclass time discussing his poetry.English Department Chair

Mark Ott looked to bring tocampus someone who wouldhave an impacton students andcreate conversation. “[Merwin]is pushing the boundaries of languagetochallengethewaysweunderstand the world,” he said.Zoe Perot ’12, while noting

the“remarkableelegance”of Mr.Merwin’s work, also mentionedhisuniqueability to“formclearimages with his words thatreally stick with the reader.”After graduating from

Princeton in 1948, Mr. Merwinmoved to Majorca where heco-wrote a play and tutored.Publishinghisfirstbookin1952,Mr. Merwin continued on towrite 28 collections of poetry,eightworks of prose, and threeplays.Healsoedited2booksandhas translated 25 other works.A collection of 5,500 archivalitems and 450 books is stored

By NICKY RAULTStaff Writer

Out of students’ sight, newDirector of Finances KeithFinan is working with Directorof Facilities Chuck Williams toanalyze the destruction causedby Irene and calculate its cost.“At this point, I can only

give an estimate of between$1 million and $1.25 millionas the cost to recover fromthe flood,” said Mr. Finan.Athletic Director Chip

Davis stated, “We’ll spendover $100,000 on bleacher andscoreboard replacement alone.”The south fields and the

tennis courts suffered the mostdamage.The tennis courtswereheavily flooded but not badlydamaged. “Last week whenI spoke with [Building andGroundsDirector]Mr.Williams,we were not expecting to findserious damage to the courtssurfaces,” said Mr. Finan. Themajorchallenge is toget thesiltand debris off of the surface.“Wearefocusedongettingthe

fieldsandcourtsbackintoshapewhile keeping a careful eye onthecostsof eachcomponentandoverallspending,”saidMr.Finan.

TomorrowNight’sAcademyEventShowcasesUnitedStates

PoetLaureateW.S.Merwin

in the COFFers...

By MADDIE LANEStaff Writer

Former headmaster EricWidmer ’57 received theDeerfield Heritage Awardtoday in school meeting.BeforereturningtoDeerfield

as its first alumnus to serve asheadmaster,Mr.Widmerstudiedhistory at Williams Collegeand Far Eastern Languages atHarvardandthenspentayearinTaiwanonaFulbrightFellowship.For 25 years, he served BrownUniversity in various capacitiesfirst as a professor and then asan administrator, includingdeanof admissions. He masteredmany languages includingRussian, Chinese, and French.Charles Jones ’12, a student

member of the selectioncommittee, elaborated onMr. Widmer’s appeal andaccomplishments. “Mr. WidmerisaDeerfieldicon.Hisexperiencein Jordan is not only intriguing,

WidmerReceivesHeritageAward

in theRareBook&ManuscriptLibrary of the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.Mr.Merwin’sworkfocuseson

thenaturalworldand itsbeauty.Hehasbeenhonoredwithmanyawardsandisatwo-timewinnerof thePulitzerPrize forpoetry.Mr.MerwinlivedinFranceand

London (where he befriendedSylvia Plath) before moving toMaui, Hawaii in 1976, wherehe helped replant previouslydestroyed tropical forests.“Those life experiences

are embodied in his poetry,”said Marly Morgus ’12.“I think that it will be

valuable for students to be ableto listen to Merwin and learnfrom his appreciation for thenatural world,” said Spanishteacher Cheri Karbon. “Itwould remind students topauseand appreciate the naturalbeauty of the valley, more thanwe do on an everyday basis.”“We’reabletomakesomething

of his visit...because...we’rereading and talking together,”said English teacher HeatherLiske.“Inaway,we’retuningoureartoasoundwe’veneverheard.”

aFter irene:lOOking at the reCOnstruCtiOn

Manager of Grounds &Infrastructure ConstructionBrett Gewanter explained,“Beforewecouldevenbegin tothink about the grass, we hadto remove all the silt. Afterthat, it was a long process of taking out the irrigation systemand re-grading the field usingour own equipment as well asthe help of outside contractors.We then had to put back theirrigation before beginning thelong process of laying sod.”Mr. Gewanter and the

Grounds Department have

replacedthesodonthesixfieldsclosesttothegym.“If wefinishthe sodding process in the nextfewweeks,thenthefieldsoughttobereadybySaturday,October22.Thisisallweatherdependent,though,” said Mr. Gewanter.Mr.Gonyerisresponsiblefor

maintenance of the sprinklersystem.Ittookhimyearstofine-tune the hundreds of sprinklerson the lower level fields. Nowhewillhavetostartover.“Itwilldefinitelybeawhilebeforethingsget back to normal down hereat Grounds,” said Mr. Gonyer.

Deerfield collections remainunscathed. However, PeerlessInsurance, the flood insurancecompany, proposed settlementscovering a portion of at least$1.5 million in damage repairand business interruption costs.The Inn, which is accepting

reservations for post-June, willreopen with additional rooms,an upgraded kitchen, moretavern and less dining space,and a multi-use terrace café.Among other casualties,

the flood wiped out the Inn’sATM. A new machine will beinstalled near the side entranceof theInninlessthantwoweeks.

than half of their corn cropbeforeIrenehit,theiragriculturalinsurance policy will not coverdamages,norwillitpaythe$50,000requiredtoreplacetheirrigationstructure that the stormwasheddownstream and tore apart.TheSavagefamilyfarmfaces

similar losses in money as didthe Melnik family’s Bar-WayFarm dairy cattle grazing area.“Although this is the worst

flooding I’ve ever seen, andeven the worst my father hasseen, we will rally from it,”said Mr. Williams. “But it willcertainly takemoney and time.”

it is truly inspiring. With thesupport of King Abdullah, hecraftedKing’sAcademyfromthedrawing board and he workedto impart much of what wecherishhereatDeerfieldon thenew school and its students.”Gavin Fuller ’12, who also

participated in the selection,pushed for Mr. Widmerbecause “the purpose of theHeritage Award is to recognizean individual who has been‘worthy of his or her heritage.’When reading biographies of several nominees, it was veryclear to me that Mr. Widmer,among all the other nominees,has proven to be ‘worthy.’”Hadley Newton ’12, the

final student member of theselection committee, also foundthe choice of Mr. Widmer tobe obvious. “His legacy is oneof compassion, community,and education.As a headmasterat home and abroad, hehas ledwith confidence and poise.”

Ben Bolotin

On the days when it isn’t raining, members of the Grounds Crew lay new sod on the fields.

p.4Post9/11Superheroes

p.5MeettheBagpiper

p.8NewTalentonGirls’VarsitySoccer

W.S. Merwin

poetsonline.blogspot.com

2 The Deerfield Scroll OPINION/EDITORIAL October 11, 2011

CENSORSHIPThe Scroll isnotcensored inanyway, shape,or form.NeitherDr.Curtisnoranyothermemberof

the administration reads anyof the articlesbeforepublication,nor are they informedof the topicorcontentof anyof thesearticles—unlesstheyarequoted,inwhichcasetheyaresentonlytheirquotestoconfirmaccuracy.Thefacultyadvisorstothepaperhavenoinputastothedirectionorcreationof anyof thegroupeditorials.Thesegroupeditorialsarewrittenbytheentireeditorialboard,whichconsistsof theeditor-in-chief,allof thepageeditors,theonlineeditors,thephotoeditor,thegraphicseditor,andtheeditorialassociates.Whilewearefinancedbytheschool,theadministrationdoesnotexertanydirectcontroloverthearticlesoropinionswepublish.Asstatedinourmasthead,The Scrollencouragesinformeddiscussionof issuesconcerningtheAcademy

andtheworld.I,alongwiththeeditorialboard,believethatanynewspaperhasadutytotellthetruthandpublishthenewsalongwithcontributors’opinionsinanaccurateandobjectiveformat.OneresponderrespondingtotheSeptember9editorial“SeniorityasMoreThanaHierarchy”toldThe Scrollthatitshouldpublishstudentopinions.Wedo.Wewouldalllovetoreceivemore.Theproblemis that therearehardlyanystudentopinions topublish—andthosewithopinionsare

frequently too afraid of their classmates to articulate them in a public forum.Whenwe hear anyonecomplainingaboutchangesinschoolpolicyortakingissuewithtraditions,theOpinion/EditorialeditorElizabethWhitton’12andIimmediatelysolicitarticlesforthepaper.Unfortunately,weareusuallyrejected,outof thefear,laziness,orapathythatsurfacesoncetheverbalcomplainingisover.Severalmembersof theclassof 2012arguedeloquentlyandextensivelyoverchangestohousingonourclassFacebookpage,butwhenaskedtowritepiecesforthepaperarticulatingtheirviewpoints,refused.Thisissueof The Scroll,andindeedtheentireschool,wouldbevastlyimprovedwithcriticalinputof students.Thisisnotacriticalgeneralizationof thestudentbody.Thisisachallengetostudentstoputasidefor

aminutetheattitudeof silenceandpassivityfosteredbyanentrenchedsportscultureof lovingDeerfield(anintegral,wonderfulpartof oureducation)withoutquestioninganything.If weactuallyloveDeerfield,wehaveadutytoimproveitforfuturegenerationsof studentsandtoleavetheschoolbetterthanitwaswhenwefoundit.Wewillattempttoputactionbehindthegrandrhetoricof ourMissionStatementandimbueourcherishedtraditionswithsinceremeaning.Iurgestudents,teachers,andalumnitorecognizethestrengthintheircollectiveactionandopinion,asthestudentbodydidsosuccessfullywithitsdresscodepetition.Wearegratefulforourfreedomtopublishstudentopinions.Pleasehelpususeit!

-AnnaGonzalesEditor-in-Chief

Re: “Seniority as More Than a Hierarchy”September 9, 2011

The negative responses“Seniority as More Than aHierarchy” received from theclass of 2011, amongst thoseof other extended communitymembers, are due to the grossgeneralizing of the past seniorclass as well as a general toneof condescension in theendof the article. Accusing the class“collectively” of having a fewlapsesof goodjudgmentneglectstheinvolvementof otherclassesin drinking incidents over LongFall Weekend in New YorkCity and during the French tripto Quebec. The selection andemphasis of the class of 2011’sinvolvement in these cases ismerely to make a point to theadministration that the class of 2012 is opting to be better andtherefore shouldn’t have to dealwith the consequences of thenewestalumni’schoices.I can sympathize with the

editorial board’s opinion andI understand from wherethey make their case. Lastyear the administration madeunprecedented decisions that

manyfeltweretoointrusiveandout of the jurisdiction of thedeans. However, regardless of eitherside’sopinion,tobelittlethe“individualaccomplishments”of theclassof 2011byjuxtaposingthem with what is perceived astheirgreatestdownfallisuncalledfor. Comments of “sorry forpartying”andhash-taggedtweetsof “#sorryimnotsorry” frommembersof theclassof 2011areequallyuncalled forbutdo lenda bit of insight into the class’smentality.The class of 2011 is proud

of their achievements made onand off campus in their yearsatDeerfield.Wemademistakesand bonded over them on ourway.Ineversawasmanyhappyfaces as the ones outside of Mr. Emerson’s office to admitto drinking over Long Fall,a time of high pressure withcollege applications. Seniorswere apprehensive about theirimpending punishment, butwerealsoproudof beingutterlyhonestandamongsttheirfriendsand classmates offering andgetting support. I personallycherish my attendance at theseniorpartyinElmore,Vermont.ThememoriesImadetherewillstick with me more than manymade in class, rehearsals, andmeetingswhileatDeerfield.I’m not advocating for the

drinking culture that exists inprep schools and public highschoolsalike,but it is importantto think about what studentsaregoing toactually learnwhenchastisedfortheiractions.Makethe punishment severe enoughand students will be evenmoredangerous and sneaky aboutdrinking. Regardless of whereit occurs, drinking more inshorter periods of time resultsin situations far more life-threatening than situationsalludedtointhiseditorial.Individually,weallgrowfrom

mistakes we make in our lives.However,wecannotalwaysgrowfromthemistakesof others.Tothe class of 2011:we had greattimes. I canconfidently say that“collectively” our class has noregrets.TotheclassesstillatDeerfield:

Iencourageyoutoaskyourselvesthis: Are you making decisionsthatyoufeelareright,orareyoumakingdecisionswiththeintentof aligning your experiencewithwhattheadministrationhasset forth as a proper Deerfieldexperience?I’m confident that nomatter

youranswer,if youstandupforyour decisions and actions, youwill leave Deerfield with fondmemoriesof boththegoodandthebad.

—SeanBarnett’11

Unwritten RulesWeareoftenremindedthatDeerfieldisacommunitybuiltupon

respect and tradition.This year, however, therehasbeen a lackof respectforcertaintraditionsthatareasmuchapartof Deerfieldasthebuildings,thestudents,thestaff andthefaculty.Areminderof these“unwritten”traditionsseemsnecessary.Oneunwrittenruleislovinglyreferredtobyreturnersas“youkill

it,youfillit,”meaningif youtakethelastof thewaterorfoodatasit-downmeal,itisyourdutytorefillitfortherestof thetable.Itisalsoexpectedthatyouknowyourclasscheeranddoitalongwiththerestof yourclassatschoolmeeting.Thisisanopportunitytoshowclasspride. You should cheer enthusiastically every time, not just standsilentlyuntilyouareabletositdownagain.Thesameapplieswhensingingschoolsongs.Other rulesof respect surroundseniorprivileges.Whenseniors

are dismissed from the auditorium, all underclassmen, includingsophomoresandfirstwaiters,shouldremainintheirseatsuntileveryseniorhaslefttheroom.Manyunderclassmenhavealsobeenseenwalkingonseniorgrass thisyear.Seniorgrass isallof thegrass infrontof theMainSchoolBuilding,andonlyseniorsareallowedtowalkonit.The seal on the floor in the trophy room symbolizesDeerfield

values.Wedonotwalkonit.Encouragevisitorstorespectthisruleandtosteparoundtheseal.Thesetraditionsareasmuchapartof Deerfieldlifeasourwritten

rules,sothisyear,let’sworkourhardesttoberespectfulof themandkeepthetraditionsalive.

Thank You, Physical PlantIn lightof recentevents, it isevenmorenecessary to thank the

fabulousmembersof ourphysicalplant.SinceIreneblewthroughtheNortheast,theseamazingmenandwomenhavebeenworkingaroundtheclocktomakesurethatallfeaturesof ourcampusarerestoredto their usual beauty.Everyone felt both the long- and short-termimpactof thestorm,butnoonemorethanthesededicatedmembersof thecommunity.Fromclearingdebristolayingsod,theyhavemadehugeimprovementsonthecampusthatwaspartiallyunderwateronlyafewweeksago.Ourphysicalplantalsocontinuestoworkthroughnumerous setbacks attempting to get our playing fields inworkingorder.Student, please understand and appreciate the amount of work

thatittakesforthissmallgrouptonurseourbelovedcampusbacktohealth.Next timeyouseeanyof thededicatedmembersof thephysicalplant,makesuretostopandthankthemforallof theworkthattheyaredoing.

Wewishtoextendourdeepestsympathyto

AndrewSladeandtohisfamily

onthedeathof hisfatherEdwardJ.Slade,Jr.1957—2011

VOL.LXXXVI,NO.4 OCTOBER11,2011

Editor-in-ChiefANNA GONZALES

Front PageSARAH WOOLF

Opinion/EditorialELIZABETH WHITTON

Arts & EntertainmentHADLEY NEWTON

FeaturesDANIELLE DALTON

SportsCLAIRE HUTCHINS

PhotographyBEN BOLOTIN

AdvisorsSUZANNE HANNAY & JOHN PALMER

The Deerfield Scroll, established in 1925, is the official student newspaper of Deerfield Academy. The Scroll encourages informed discussion of pertinent issues that concern the Academy and the world. Signed letters to the editor that express legitimate opinions are welcomed. We hold the right to edit for brevity. The Scroll is published eight times yearly. Advertising rates provided upon request.

Opinion articles with contributors’ names attached represent the views of the respective writers. Opinion articles without names represent the consensus views of the editorial staff.

Letter to the Editor

Jeff Brown

GraphicsDANIEL HAN

OnlineJAKE BARNWELLMARLY MORGUS

VideoKEVIN TANG

Business ManagerSIDNEY HULBURD

Editorial AssociatesSAMMY HIRSHLAND

KRISTY HONGCASEY BUTLER

JOHN LEE

Morning break time caught a few staff members at ease. Front: Chris Brown, Tom Stone, Jamie Dion. Back: Jason Erali, Gary Grybko, Ed Sabelawski, Mike Woodard, Craig LeTourneau.

By AMIE CREAGHDean of Students

If I’m honest, my comfortzone is in sweatpants anda t-shirt, but I wear blazersbecausethey’repartof ourdresscode,and,tome,thedresscodeis one of the things that makeDeerfield,Deerfield.Comfort zones and a

willingnesstostepoutsidethemare important. Alotof growthhappens when we’re challengedor uncomfortable. It’s nevereasy, and for this to happenmost successfully at Deerfield,communication is critical. Inmyestimation, this iswhere thesummer’s angst over dress codeandhousinglies.Withthedresscode,ourliteral

comfortzone,studentsfeltblindsided. Many were unaware of the Dress Code Committee’sformation and the months of workthatwentintotherevisionsthat were mailed in August.The changes felt imposed andaggressive because studentsdid not feel consulted. We fellshort in communication. I’mconfident that anunderstandingof that mistake will guide any

Creagh: “Communication is Critical”subsequentrevisionprocess.Dress code alwayspresents a

fair challenge, but housing, ourfigurative comfort zone, is moredifficultstill.Over the course of last year,

faculty and trustees repeatedlyshared their apprehension overgrowing homogeneity in dorms.Students,theysaid,weremissingoneof theuniqueopportunitiesDeerfield offers: to live withclassmates from different states,countries, backgrounds, andperspectives.Respondingtotheseconcerns,

we developed a hybrid processthat used lottery picks as aguide while introducing enoughoversight to ensure that eachcorridor accurately representedDeerfield’s increasingly diversepopulation.In this particular instance,

communication did take place.Mr. Emerson shared the detailsof theprocessviae-mail,andwedeanshadcountlessconversationswith students. The results,though, saw mixed reactions.Somewerethrilled.Othersweredevastated. A perfect balancemay be impossible, but, in myestimation, the configuration

of this year’s dorms hasmovedsolidly in therightdirection. If diversity and heterogeneity are,indeed,guidingprinciples,we’vemadesignificantprogress.How, then, do we begin to

bridge the gap that a discussionof these “comfort”matters canproduce? Let’s start by sayingthat we’re going to continue tocommunicate with one another.Let’s agree that these topicswarrant conversation, and let’sset aside time for it. Let’s thenmove into what we love aboutthisschool.What’s on our lists of the

things that make DeerfieldDeerfield?Isadresscodethere?How about being out of ourcomfort zones (be they literalor figurative)? Should we atDeerfieldbenudgingoneanotherinthatdirection?Intotwolayersand a blazer, even if it’s a littlestiff ?Intoadiversecorridorandoutof friendenclaves,evenif itmakesusfeel“other”?Intothenewandoutof thefamiliar?Thoughwemaynotagreeon

allof theideasandpracticesthatmakeDeerfieldunique, anopenconversation moves us in therightdirection.

Where Should We Stand?By COLE HORTON

Contributing Writer

The UnitedNations recentlyhostedheateddebatesregardingthepossibilityof anindependentstate of Palestine borderingthe Jewish state of Israel. Anarrayof emotions andopinionshave unfolded over the topic.As tensions rise, many are leftwondering why some countriesare skeptical of grantingPalestiniansstatehood.The problem is that the

Palestinians have already beenofferedstatehoodonce,andtheyrejected it. UNResolution 181in1947,thesameUNresolutionthat formed Israel, offered thePalestinianstheirownstatecalledPalestine.Why did Palestinians reject

thisoriginalTwoStateSolution,the same proposal they arecallingfornow?ThePalestinianLiberation Organization (PLO)answers in their organizationcharter. Article 15 of the PLOcharter states that one of themain goals of the group is theelimination of Zionism. The“Zionistpresence”isacommonArabeuphemismfor the Jewishstateof Israel.In addition to originally

rejecting statehood, MahmoudAbbas, chairman of thePLO and president of thePalestinian National Authority,is responsible for a collectionof viciously anti-Semitic slursagainstthepeopleof Israel.Inaspeechcommemoratingthe42ndanniversary of the founding of hisFatahparty,MahmoudAbbasusedversesandreferencesfromtheQurantodemonizethestateof Israel: “The sons of Israelare mentioned [in the Quran]as those who are corrupting

humanityonEarth.”Blaming the Jewish people

as the baseline of humanity’scorruption greatly mimics anideology exercised by Adolf Hitler, who believed that theJewish race was responsible forthevicesof theworld.With this history, many

people, including myself, arenot confident that the push forPalestinian statehood is entirelypeaceful. We judge people bytheir actions, and the actionsof the PLO, the statementsof Mahmoud Abbas, and theanimosity shownbyPalestiniansand their allies towards Israeldo not set a peaceful mood ormotive.In the Palestinians’ quest for

statehood, the United Statesmust be wary of their motives.Israel isoneof thestrongest, if not the strongest, ally we have.TheygiveuscrucialinformationaboutMiddleEasterneventsandare extensions of our militaryintelligence. If theUSwere tolose that alliance, our nationalsecurity and strength in thewaronterrorwouldbevulnerable.After the Holocaust, many

world powers promised as aglobal community not to allowpersecutionof areligiousgroupmerely because of its beliefs.Thisstatementwouldbebrokenif Palestinian statehood wasgranted and their anti-Semiticgoals andstatementswereacteduponandverified.US support should continue

tobegivenindefenseof Israel’sstatehood, and as their nationalsecurity becomes increasinglythreatened from anti-Semitismand, potentially, the unseenconsequences of Palestinianstatehood,weshouldstandwiththeIsraelipeople.

By CAITLIN CLEARYContributing Writer

Rightoff thebatyoushouldnote that I’m biased againstathletics. I don’t watch sportsandIdon’tplaysports.Ibelieve,as a proudnon-athlete, that thewhole concept of a preseasonisn’tfairtonewstudents.Icanseewhyit’sanice idea:

kidswith similar interests cometogether, teams can get somepracticetimein,andnewathleteshave a fewmore days to adjustbeforetheytrulybegintheirlivesat Deerfield. It sounds great, itreallydoes.But look at it from the

perspective of a freshman whodoesn’tplaysports.You arrive on campus, and

you’renervousbecauseyoudon’tknowanyone,butthat’sexpectedwhen you’re new. You pass bythe hall common room and aresurprisedtoseeagroupof girlslaughing together about someinsidejokeyoudon’tunderstand.You’re confused. How are

theyalreadysocomfortablehere?How are they already friends?Didyoumisssomething?It doesn’t take long before

you realize that the reason fortheir camaraderie is that they’vealreadybeenoncampusforhalf aweek.Thesefreshmanathleteshad a three-day head start, andthemost awkwardpartof theirintroductiontoDeerfieldisover,

whileyoursisonlybeginning.For the next two days, while

youunpackyourboxes,they’reintheGreer socializing, and whileyoushylywait inyour roomforyourGreenKey,they’rechattingwithteammates.I realize that this scenario is

a bit of an oversimplification.There aremany peoplewho gotopreseasonandstillfeeloutof place when the first official dayrollsaround,andthreedaysdon’tactuallymake or break anyone’sexperienceatDeerfield.Butthefirstcoupleof people

you bond with when you’re inthatvulnerable-new-kid-looking-for-a-friendphasearesignificant.Theseconnectionsoftendevelopinto friendships. And moresignificantly, once that windowof vulnerabilityisclosed,it’shardtore-establishthesamedesperateneedtobeoutgoingandtobondwithnewpeople.Ihavebeenanewkidsixmajor

times in my life, and I can saythatwhenyou’renew,itisdeeplycomfortingtofindsomeoneelsewhoisascluelessasyou.Thisiswhyitwassounsettling

formewhenI foundout that Iwasevennewerthansomeof myfellow“newbies.”The school puts so much

effortintomakingthebeginningof the school year as easy aspossible for new students, withGreenKeys,sit-downbreakfasts,and Dorm Olympics. However,

preseason undermines thoseefforts and separates the schoolintocliquesbeforemoststudentshave even arrived. We establishthe “Jocks” from the “non-Jocks”withoutgivingeveryoneafairchance.Andallof thisforwhat?Fora

fewextradaysof practice?Doesthatbenefitsportsteamsasmuchas it hurts the majority of newstudents?Ican’timagineitdoes.My friend Shelbi said tome,

“Caitlin, you’re being ridiculous.Wehadsixhoursof practicelastWednesday. That’s equivalentto an entireweek’s running.Wecan’tgivethatpracticetimeup.”I am not ignorant of this. I

understand why coaches wouldwantthatextratime.Ijustdon’tthink that new kids should beaskedtoparticipate.I do not blame the students

whogotopreseason,because itisnottheirfault.ButthemoreIthinkaboutit,

themore themessage behind itseemstosay:thereisaVIPgroupon campus that many studentsdon’t belong to.Most new kidswillnotevenknowitexistsuntilaftertheirarrival.They were not asked to be

partof thisgroup,because theyaren’t good enough, and theirexclusion from this group willleavethemfeelingalienatedfromthe community before classeshaveevenbegun.

Preseason Strikes Out

FACES IN THE CROWD: Responses to Housing System Change

“By leaving the students’ voice out in the school policies, the administration is unknowingly (or mistakenly) planting a toxic seed within the student body at Deerfield: resentment.”- Charlie Wall ’11

“Every action seniors take, though we may not know it, younger students are watching. WE have to live in new environments and interact with new people...If we don’t, the school will stay divided.”- James Yang ’12

“The whole ‘diversity’ factor should be for underclassmen and juniors. By senior year, most people know who they want to live with, and it’s supposed to be an enjoyable year—A.K.A. living with your friends!”- Ritchey Howe ’12

“As Deerfield students we have a right to not be ignored when asking for explanations about such a drastic change of our school.”-John Marsh ’12

Hadley Newton

The Deerfield Scroll OPINION/EDITORIAL October 11, 2011 3

4 The Deerfield Scroll ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT October 11, 2011

Racquel and Theo Motherwell. Ginger spends hours at

the Motherwells’ house, with Cherry by her side at first, the two listening—Ginger rapt, Cherry distant—to Racquel’s philosophical and literary musings along with several casually explicit lectures on sex, as well as Theo’s often confounding witticisms.

Racquel’s own ancestry reveals itself within the town’s spine-chilling history, as she is the direct descendent of a woman tried and killed as a witch in the infamous Salem Witch Trials. They claim to be in Ginger’s town for historical research, though as they draw her in, almost putting her in a trance, neither Ginger nor the reader knows what to believe.

Ginger becomes more and more unreliable as a narrator. She recounts her dreams in detail, yet they flow from and into reality without clear distinction.

Wolff uses this technique to help characterize Ginger’s newly bewitched, blurred consciousness as she begins visiting the Motherwells every day in the dwindling summer, despite their increasingly morbid activities. The narrative can often be frustrating to the reader. One can become confused, and

the cryptic dreams tempt one into expectation of a dramatic, explicative climax which ultimately fails to materialize.

Wolff ’s prose is mesmerizing due to its frankness and clarity, both daring to make one blush while never relinquishing one’s attention. She uses sharp imagery, making dreams of drowning, hallucinations of ghosts, and spirit-filled graveyards all too real. The past and Ginger’s town’s haunting history are truly alive in Wolff ’s writing.

The book as a whole is as ambiguous as Ginger’s dreams, with the secret behind the Motherwells never satisfactorily revealed. Yet this dissatisfaction is preferable, as its murkiness almost allows Beginners to be more haunting. Wolff ’s first novel is a worthy read for those in need of a shadowy mystery. One wakes up from this nightmare only faintly remembering, save a few images seared into the consciousness.

Secrets and Mystery in The BeginnersBy ELIZA MOTT

Book Reviewer

Rebecca Wolff ’s eerie new novel The Beginners centers on fifteen-year-old Ginger Pritt in the summer before her senior year. A precocious child who skipped a grade at her school in an ebbing, Salem-like New England town, she and her best friend Cherry are each at transitional points in their lives. Both Ginger and Cherry are on the verge of a sexual awakening as well as a fracturing of their relationship.

Cherry begins to focus her attention on make-up, boys, and her own popularity, leaving behind conversations with Ginger about books and plans to leave their town—which everyone seems to be stuck in, like a sort of limbo—and languid afternoons playing make-believe castle at the abandoned town mill.

Meanwhile Gi nger, whose sexual knowledge consists of what she has learned from her boss’s porn magazines in the bathroom at her diner job, gradually becomes more and more fascinated by an attractive, sophisticated couple—new and deeply enigmatic settlers in their dull town:

By JADE MOON and SHARON TAM

Staff Writers

We have all been in those situations where we courageously speak up in class, but our message is not conveyed the way we imagined it would be.

Those are the moments when we all wish we were better public speakers. To help overcome this obstacle, we have asked a few of the school’s experienced speakers for some tips and anecdotes.

Student body president Theo Lipsky ’12 recounted his experience at the International Independent Schools Public Speaking Competition in Ottawa, Canada, last year. At the IISPSC, he was the top American speaker and was invited to compete

By DELANEY BERMANStaff Writer

The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks ended the lives of close to three-thousand civilians, and so began the war that spans these past ten years and defines the decade.

Three years later, Hurricane Katrina killed another two -thousand Americans, and caused more damage, in monetary terms, than any other hurricane in U.S. history.

The introduction of social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter has forever changed the way people communicate.

Our environment is undergoing a change in climate that we do not fully understand.

We are embroiled in the greatest economic recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

The twenty-first century has been an era of great uncertainty and unrest for America.

In the past, during such times as those we face today, Americans have sought out men who can transform themselves from ordinary to extraordinary and save the day at a mere moment’s notice.

Before the 1940s, these men were political candidates, FBI agents, soldiers, and local policemen, along with firefighters.

Of course, we still regard men and women in these positions as American heroes, but the surge of fear and patriotism during WWII inspired the creation of “a new breed of super soldiers,” or really a new breed of super heroes.

Superman stepped into action in 1938, just before WWII began.

Three years later, Captain America starred in his first comic book, redefining what it meant to be patriotic and heroic.

Ten years later, Superman was the first superhero to star in an entire movie. From 1951 through the end of the twentieth

century, thirty-two superhero live-action movies followed.

In the first twelve years of the twenty-first century, nearly fifty superhero movies were released, with five more scheduled to come out in the next two years. Add animated films to that list, and an additional thirty-two superhero stories comes to a grand total of eighty films. Of those fifty live-action films, only three superheroes hit the silver screen before the terrorist attacks of September 11.

Most recently, Captain America arrived on the screen once again to captivate summer theatergoers. Is the culture, whether knowingly or not, looking for someone to rescue America? Noticing that these are the trends of the past, it seems important to ask: did we need someone to reassure us that safety and American ideals persist despite troubling and chaotic world wars in the past?

Pushing Through Fears To Speak Up In Class

Behind the Scenes with Catriona HyndsBy TABATA VISO

Staff Writer

Raised by a military doctor and a chef in both Germany and the foothills of the Himalayas, the new Theater Director Catriona Hynds is familiar with the boarding school lifestyle, as she was sent to a school in Edinburgh, Scotland, from 4th to 12th grade.

After boarding school, Mrs. Hynds went to Glasgow University and earned a Master’s degree in English literature and theater, as well as minors in philosophy and archaeology. “I loved studying in Glasgow because it is a deeply artistic city. It has, at any given time, hundreds of cultural events happening: jazz, ballet, opera,” she said. “So I studied in an environment that was very stimulating for me, someone who wanted to be a theater director.”

After Mrs. Hynds graduated, she visited The Byre Theatre in St. Andrews to see a production of Driving Miss Daisy. She recognized that this was the theater where her career would start. She spoke to the director, who then gave her the opportunity to observe the theater as the director’s “shadow.”

After a year, the Scottish Arts Council gave her a scholarship to fund her studies for a further three years.

She debuted professionally in The Ride Down Mt. Morgan, by Arthur Miller. “I edited the play, with Miller’s help. That was a wonderful start to my career,” recalled Mrs. Hynds.

Since then, she has worked at Queen Margaret’s College, the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, the New Israeli Opera House, the Houston Grand Opera (where she met her husband, Peter Hynds), the National Theatre of Iceland, Mull Theatre, and the Freed Center for the Performing Arts in Ohio.

From 1999 to 2003, Mr. and Mrs. Hynds travelled extensively to places such as Iceland, Taiwan, and Thailand. “I think it is very important to travel, because it is a different kind of education. It is important that we learn to empathize with other cultures, and respect different ways of living and viewing the world. Also, from a director’s perspective, I feel that it is crucial to travel,” she explained.

Mother of two, Mrs. Hynds remarked, “I chose [Deerfield] because it’s a boarding school. I feel very at home in a boarding school environment. You can sense the expectation of excellence [and] it’s very family-oriented. I also wanted to get back to doing what I think I do best—teaching and directing.”

in the World’s tournament in Australia. Before this, Lipsky admitted that he had not had much public speaking experience.

He suggested, in order to become a successful public speaker, you should “write your speech as if you were going to say it.”

Lipsky insists that a speech should be different from a research paper or an English journal and advised speakers never to fall into a rhythm and to vary their tone of voice.

English Teacher Kimberly Wright also shared some helpful pointers. She teaches public speaking, a spring term English elective. While she admits she may not be the best public speaker, she said, “Speaking in public can make anyone nervous,

but the only way to push through the fear is to actually do it.”

Head of the Philosophy and Religious Studies Department Michael O’Donnell has learned that an important part of public speaking is connecting with individuals and being able to read and react to the audience. According to him, “Humor is the fastest way to synchronize human emotions.”

Mr. O’Donnell believes that the best way for Deerfield students to practice public speaking is to simply “take every opportunity you have” such as making announcements during sit-down dinner or participating in discussions in the classroom.

Eliza Mott ’12 offers simple advice: “Believe in what you are saying. Otherwise, it’s just acting.”

Ben Bolotin

New Theater Director Catriona Hynds looks right at home in the Black Box.

By TARA MURTYStaff Writer

Steps away from the silence of carrels and group study rooms, a symphony of sounds waits to be discovered. Michael Bois, a beloved faculty member from 1965-1994, bequeathed his six thousand CD collection of classical and international music to the library. Sifting through the CDs, we easily spot works of Beethoven, Brahms, and Yo-Yo Ma. These CDs could provide the perfect variety of study-accompanying music. Rethink just pop and dubstep pulsing during study hours. Try Mozart for math, Bach for bio, or Sousa for Spanish. The library provides not only books, but also music for people of all tastes.

Captain America and the Justice League Dominate Post-9/11

Popular Culture

Sousa for Spanish, Mozart

for Math,Bach for BiologyLibrary Website

October 11, 2011 Features The Deerfield Scroll 5

By MIRANDA MCEVOYStaff Writer

As the girls at DA begin the transition from their flowery shorts to apparel more befitting the oncoming autumn weather, denim outerwear has slowly appeared all over campus.

When asked why she loves denim as a top, Clara Galperin ’13 responded, “Because I think it looks different!” The easiness of denim jeans and shorts lures wearers into translating this to their tops and outerwear. Galperin, a fan of alternative rock, shrugs on a denim shirt over a graphic tee and some jeans. Her long hair and many bracelets add to her “alternative underground look.” Asked what it is about her denim shirt that she likes, she explained, “It’s just

By ELISABETH YANCEYStaff Writer

The teachers file one by one into the auditorium. The student body stands, and the bagpipes play. At convocation, graduation, and varsity lacrosse games, the tradition of the distinct harmonic drone of a bagpipe weaves into the tradition of the green and white. But who is the man behind the kilt?

Music instructor Eric Goodchild has been “playing the pipes” since he was 14 years old. “When I was young I listened to a record of the 1972 Royal Scots Dragoon Guards play ‘Amazing Grace’ and couldn’t get enough of it,” Mr. Goodchild explained. From then on, he continued playing the bagpipes, until after “selling cars for a number of years, I realized there had to be an easier way to starve.”

In 1991 Mr. Goodchild started teaching his first student how to play the bagpipes. Finally, offered a job in the music department because of student interest in the bagpipes, Mr. Goodchild became involved on campus.

“The bagpipes are pretty hard to play. You have to combine breath, pressure with your elbows, and then hitting the right notes on the chanter (which is kind of like a recorder), but I really enjoy lessons. Mr. Goodchild is a really nice man,” commented bagpipe

By EMILY NGStaff Writer

While it may seem easy to become trapped in the Deerfield bubble, seven current students studied abroad last year. Daniel Rivera ’13 went to Switzerland, Zoe Perot ’12 traveled to the Netherlands, Annie Klink ’13 visited Jordan, while seniors Megan Foster, Veronica Houk, Emma McGrath, and Christina Sheehan went to China.

Sheehan traveled to Beijing where she stayed with a host family, experiencing Chinese home life and culture. At school, she took regular classes such as math and English. The Chinese classes, however, were particularly difficult, since her teacher was not lenient on speaking English.

“The teachers were very strict about speaking Chinese. Even when asking how to say a word, we had to ask in Chinese [except

By CAROLINE KJORLIENStaff Writer

New junior Ayesha Kapur ’13 has a unique talent for acting, which she developed at a young age in her home country, India.

While most nine-year-old girls were busy playing with dolls and fantasizing about becoming movie stars, nine-year-old Kapur was actually cast in the Bollywood film Black, which kicked off her acting career.

She worked not only with the acclaimed Bollywood director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, but also with Amitabh Bachchan, who was voted “Superstar of the Millennium” in 2000 by the Indian film industry. Despite her major role, for which she won seven awards, Kapur recalled, “I was so young at the time, so I wasn’t really aware of everything that was happening.”

She went on to star in two more films, Sanaa and Sikandar. The latter film was actually shot in Hindi, a challenge to Kapur, whose first language is English. Kapur admitted she was

somewhat nervous on her first day of shooting, as sometimes she felt like she was “speaking gibberish.”

After a handful of interviews and speeches, as well as hours on camera, Kapur realized that she has “learned how to talk to people. It’s so often in life that you go through things like that.”

Although acting gave her the essential skills necessary to talk to others, Kapur mentioned that for one role, her director told her not to talk to anybody before shooting, for fear that she would “jump out of her character.”

Kapur always enjoys finding her character inside of herself and explained, “I loved the feeling that I could just become somebody else through my imagination.”

When asked if she noticed any differences between Bollywood films and Hollywood films, she responded, “Definitely, I do. Indian films are a lot more dramatic, American films are subtler…” Kapur admitted that she would love to try and act in a Hollywood film.

Kapur knows that fame can be somewhat consuming, if one isn’t careful. “My parents were a bit afraid of it at first, because it’s such a harsh business. It’s a difficult business for kids to get into.” Fortunately, Kapur was able to remain a normal child with other interests (such as competitive horseback riding, creative writing, and travelling), good friends, and a solid education.

Kapur is thrilled to be at Deerfield and explained, “My dad and three older brothers have all gone to prep school in America, and my dad always talks about how his education at Andover prepared him for everything he faced in life. I’m here because I want to learn how to learn.”

This term, she is taking Advanced Acting Tutorial, and is on the technical team for the fall play, Brighton Beach Memoirs. “I love it here. I think people are so positive and so nice. And it’s not always about studying all of the time here. It’s a good mixture of both,” finished Kapur enthusiastically.

Bollywood In The Pioneer Valley

Campus Denim

M E E T T H E B A G P I P E R

Around the World in Nine Monthsfor the word],” added Sheehan.

Outside of school, Sheehan immersed herself in the culture, bargaining at markets, creating a badminton club at her public high school, and spending Friday afternoons with her local Chinese schoolmates to talk about life in America. “The whole year’s journey was such a great change from the Western perspective I had. I definitely recommend studying abroad to anyone, whether they speak the language or not,” Sheehan reflected.

Meanwhile, Rivera traveled to Switzerland and, although his class schedule was similar to that of Deerfield’s, his day included many outdoor activities such as hiking or skiing in the afternoon. “Multilingual is definitely one word I would use to describe Switzerland,” he remarked. “I heard so many languages, from German to French to Italian. It really showed me how big the

world is, and how much of it we are missing.”

One teacher had the eye-opening experience of studying abroad too. English teacher Heather Liske went to France for SYA in her senior year of high school. “The year definitely made me fluent in French. When I lived in Morocco two years ago, I spoke French all year and I have SYA to thank for that,” remembered Ms. Liske.

While delving into the uncertain and adjusting to a different home may seem intimidating and frightening, those who have studied abroad say the experience is completely worthwhile. Ms. Liske explained, “I would recommend the program for many reasons, one being that when you are studying abroad, you are pushing yourself to the unknown. You learn the most when you’re in the most uncomfortable situations.”

THE DOG DAYS ARE NOT OVER

Ben BolotinMr. McVaugh and Riggins take a break from their daily walk.

By CHARLOTTE ALLENStaff Writer

When taking a stroll around campus, students may notice many

new additions. The sights of sports teams practicing on the quad and of underclassmen girls exiting Scaife may be a shock to the system, but the most surprising spectacle of all is the five new puppies that now call Deerfield home.

However, it is not only the canine influx that has people talking, but the fact that three share the same parents. Ellie, Riggins, and Quito are four-month-old Golden Retrievers from a litter that came from a breeder in South Deerfield. Ellie found a home with Assistant Director of Admissions Dave Irwin and science teacher Mandy Irwin, while Riggins belongs to history teacher Tim McVaugh and Quito to Spanish teacher Sam Bicknell.

The new puppies are certainly taking Deerfield by storm. Mr. Bicknell admitted that although Quito “adds to an already busy life, he loves people,” and has become the “mascot” of Doubleday 3. Also according to Mr. Bicknell, Quito and Riggins spend a few hours each day playing together as well as with the other dogs on campus.

Sister Ellie’s owner Mr. Irwin added, “It’s been a lot of fun to be able to raise Ellie on such a beautiful, dog-friendly campus like Deerfield. She is a lucky pup and we’re thankful she has so many playmates in the neighborhood—two and four-legged!”

The canine craze raged on when, as an early birthday present for their son Declan, biology teacher Dennis Cullinane and his wife Karen purchased 11-week-old Golden Retriever Snowy. “Living on a hall is great for the puppy!” Mrs. Cullinane exclaimed, and seeing the white ball of fluff tear up and down Harold Smith 1 is certainly a testament to her declaration.

Not the least of these newcomers is the puppy born on a Friday in February and given to his new owner at the Friday night dinner of the class of 1961’s 50th reunion. This seven-month-old yellow lab named Friday can be seen roaming the campus, either on the leash of Head of School Margarita Curtis herself or a student—to relieve stress or just for fun—taking him for a stroll during a free period or after a sit-down meal.

“Friday loves the other puppies,” Dr. Curtis said. “Next to food, playing with his fellow puppies is his favorite thing.”

Jamie Haddad ’12 added, “The dogs bring a whole new energy to the campus, as well as relieve stress.”

There is one feature, however, that the faculty failed to anticipate in unleashing this flood of puppies upon the campus. In the following months, the number of excuses involving canines chewing up assignments is sure to escalate.

bagpipes because I was teaching.” Apart from caring for his

garden and sheep in Shelburne Falls, Mr. Goodchild plans to continue his role as a carrier of a vessel of tradition and pass his knowledge of the bagpipes on to generations to come for “as long as the Lord gives me breath and allows me to wiggle my fingers!”

a chill look.”A denim jacket or shirt is a

simple way of self-expression. This item has the ability to complement many different styles. Veronica Houk ’12, who sports a bohemian, dressy look, commented, “If I’m feeling too girly, I can just throw [the jacket] on. It’s effortless.”

Fashionista Delaney Berman ’12 explained why she bought her dark denim outerwear: “This just seemed like the classic American jacket.”

The denim recognition, however, is still tentative. Sidney Cech ’12 admitted, “At first I was embarrassed about wearing it because I never saw anyone else wearing jean jackets. But then I decided, who cares, because if I like it, then I’ll rock it!”

student Woodson Miles ’13.Mr. Goodchild enjoys

teaching students. “We all strive for some form of immortality,” he answered when asked about the most rewarding aspect of teaching, “to feel like we’re fitting into a bigger picture. For me it is the realization that…in 100 years, there may be someone playing

Deerfield Flickr

6 The Deerfield Scroll SPORTS October 11, 2011

By SAMMY HIRSHLAND Editorial Associate

The seniors on girls’ varsity soccer beat Milton Academy for the first time in their four years as Deerfield students. For the new players on the team, the game was just the beginning of what is expected to be a long and successful season.

“It’s really nice to have that win. Deerfield soccer is at a pivotal point…We can really see ahead,” co-captain Joanna Davin ’12 said.

New junior Liz Byrne ’13 commented that the win against Milton made her acutely aware of the team’s potential. “Every game we go into, we know that we are good enough to win,” she explained. “The Milton game was really good for our confidence.”

Assistant Coach Jennifer Marino was also thrilled about the win, but not at all surprised. “It’s not like we were a far inferior team,” she explained. “In fact, it was a really evenly matched game,” she concluded.

Byrne, currently injured,

noted what allowed Deerfield to play so well. “Milton is a really good passing team,” she explained. “We weren’t expecting them to play so quickly.” But after co-captain Connie Rhodes ’12 netted the first goal of the game, the “momentum just shifted.”

The Milton squad, though perennially talented, is not necessarily the toughest competition that Deerfield will face. According to Davin, the toughest competition usually includes the Andover and Loomis teams. “We probably have one of the hardest schedules in the league,” proclaimed Ms. Marino. “[The Milton game] definitely helped prepare for the season ahead.”

The team played an impressive game against Milton, but lost twice following the match.

In the coming season, both the ability of talented new players along with that of seasoned returners will be vital to the team’s success. “Having so many new players is what helped us play so successfully against Milton. They really bring in a new pace…they’ve helped us revamp our game,” explained Davin.

A Season’s Victorious Kick-Off for Girls’ Soccer

FAB FOUR FALL COACHES

By MAC MCDONALDand RYAN LOGIE

Staff Writers

With one of their biggest games of the season coming up against Exeter, always a big contender in the New England Championship tournament, the water polo team will prepare intensely, both physically and mentally. As Coach Mark Scandling said, “Winning a championship is hard, but defending one is even harder.”

To gain insight as to the details of this arduous preparation, The Scroll sat down with starters and fellow swim team members Chris Miao ’12 and Oscar Miao ’13.

Both Miaos listed great chemistry as an important factor in the team’s success. “I’m really excited about the strong core group we have that has gotten better together, as well as some new outside talent, including PG Will Grant ’12, who fits well on our team as we needed a talented hole set,” Chris Miao explained.

All fun aside, there have been some brutal moments as well.

“I think the worst was losing to Loomis Chaffee. We just lost our focus after being up 5 to 1,” Chris Miao commented.

More difficult moments can be expected in the upcoming St. John’s and Exeter games. “St. John’s Prep will be challenging because our starters are going to be playing [a different game at the same time in] Greenwich, and we need the new players to win the St. John’s game for us,” said a confident Oscar Miao.

The team had an early start with preseason this past fall at Brown University, with several college coaches there to help. The team received some great insight into different aspects of

the game that will help them this season.

Mr. Scandling’s rigorous conditioning drills also help prepare the team for the tough road ahead. Mr. Scandling continuously stresses the 3D’s—Dedication, Determination, and Defense—which is what the team will need this season to defend their title. Their strenuous work has already led to huge wins over Andover and Choate, highly competitive teams in the New England league.

Coming off a New England championship and the loss of key players the team has high standards to live up to. But when asked about their goals for the season, both Miaos instantly replied, “To win.”

MIAO,MIAO:

Swimsuit Edition

By CASEY BUTLEREditorial Associate

The playing fields are full of athletes and coaches once again, and this year, four new coaches join our returners.

Danielle Chagnon, a new math teacher and soccer coach, studied math at Bowdoin College, where she played soccer and softball. Ms. Chagnon spent five years coaching soccer and softball at Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, MA.

“I loved the experience in a small school community,” Ms. Chagnon reflected. “To me, both teaching and coaching are vehicles with the similar goal of personal character growth. It’s satisfying to try to help other students have an affirming growth experience as well!”

Water polo is a new sport for Assistant Director of Admissions Dave Irwin, who spent the last five years at the Fenn School in Concord, MA. “A lot of the strategies I’ve learned as a basketball coach translate fairly well to the pool,” Mr. Irwin explained.

Miriam Singer, a new math Teaching Fellow and volleyball

coach, was a four-year member of the varsity volleyball team and a captain during her senior year at her high school. She played for a Junior Olympic club team and planned on trying out for volleyball at Connecticut College, but ended up rowing for four years instead, missing the volleyball court dearly in the process.

Ms. Singer conveyed her enthusiasm, saying, “I’m most looking forward to being part of a volleyball team again and working with such a motivated group of athletes! I’m also looking to crush Choate!”

Lou Kinder, who graduated from Deerfield in 2005 and went on to row at Berkeley and will coach girls’ varsity rowing, is now an English Teaching Fellow and thirds field hockey coach. “We’ve got a great group of thirds field hockey players this fall. No matter what gets thrown their way, they stay positive and have a good time. I’m looking forward to watching them improve as the season progresses,” she commented.

With such a great group of new coaches, in addition to our fabulous returners, this season is shaping to be a great one for Deerfield athletics.

“To prepare for the emotional battle that is cross country, I put up my hood and jam to 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, and Eminem…my boys.”

Mettler Growney ’13 confessed her typical field hockey, hockey, or lacrosse warm-up. “Before huge games in any sport, I make sure to get myself as angry as possible before the first whistle blows. I put on my headphones, listen to music like T-Swift…and envision myself absolutely destroying a girl on the opposing team.”

By SAMMY HIRSHLANDEditorial Associate

This fall, a new face appeared among the familiar ranks of the cross-country team. The Scroll sat down with runner and hockey player Alanna McDonough ’12 to find out more about the PG behind the player.

Scroll: Is it weird shifting your loyalty to Deerfield after playing for a completely different school for so long?Alanna: Not really, because Governor’s Academy never played against Deerfield, so I don’t have any burning hatred. It’s hard to be against Deerfield when everyone is around you

cheering and singing songs.

Scroll: Do you find Deerfield to be more restrictive than your old school? Alanna: It’s restrictive in the opposite ways that Gov’s was restrictive. Deerfield is a lot more lenient about curfews and weekends and when you can leave, but it’s much more restrictive about dress code and stuff like that. I was a day student my freshman and sophomore years at Gov’s and then I started boarding as a junior. I think being a boarder, you feel much more connected.

Scroll: How do Deerfield’s traditions compare to those of your old school?Alanna: [Deerfield] blew

[Governor’s Academy] out of the water! I’ve never been to a school with so much spirit! I went to that meeting and all of the sudden people started standing up and clapping and chanting and stomping their feet. And I was like, if we could get the entire Gov’s community to do this that would be an amazing feat. It just demolishes the spirit of any other school I’ve been to.

Scroll: How did Deerfield surprise you? Alanna: I’m surprised that people already said “hi” to me when I got here. I kind of expected to be that quiet new kid, but it was easy to get into that place.

The Ponderings of a PG

Jack Vallar ’12 watches Chris Miao ’12 and Oscar Miao ’13 show off their victory pose in the pool during practice.

Ben Bolotin

By SARAH SUTPHINStaff Writer

Ever wondered what

members of Deerfield’s athletic elite do before the big game? A few of our talented competitors revealed their routines.

Cross-country and rowing legend and rising rapper Ryan Heffernan ’12 said, “Two words: massage train.”

Victoria Serra ’12, who captains the varsity cross-country and track teams, has a distinct pre-game ritual for XC.

CHAMPIONS PRE-GAME

CHAGNON

IRWIN

SINGER

KINDER

Photos by Ben Bolotin