The Panel - November 2025

Students Lead Annual Turkey Drive for Local Families

By Adrian Chen ’28 Panel Staff

This year marks the 16th anniversary of the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, a cherished Belmont Hill tradition that connects students and members of the broader community. The Drive supports local families during the holiday season. Each year, countless students and faculty work together to provide Thanksgiving meals to local families in need—families that might otherwise go without such meals. This tradition emphasizes the importance of our school’s commitment to service and community.

This year in particular, food scarcity is becoming an increasingly striking issue in the Greater Boston area. In 2025, food insecurity across Massachusetts reached a record high, affecting an estimated 37% of households, according to WCVB. This figure has only risen since 2019. Hampden County, in Western Massachusetts, faces distinctly high rates, with one in two residents experiencing food insecurity. Several factors contribute to this worsening insecurity, such as the rising cost of living, high inflation rates over the past couple of years, and the uncertainty of federal support. Additionally, these concerns

have been compounded by the impact of the ongoing government shutdown. On November 1, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits expired, leaving thousands of families without a source of sustenance.

With this rising instability, the Belmont Hill Turkey Drive is more necessary than ever. The turkey drive is a student-led initiative that collects contributions from the Belmont Hill community in every form (including cranberry sauce, gravy, stuffing mix, potatoes, etc).

Together, members of the Bel -

Sustainablility Club Update

By Justin Li ’26 Panel Staff

The Belmont Hill Sustainability Club has revamped its structure with one clear goal: to accomplish more and create a greater impact at school. Recent accomplishments include successful cleanups, collaboration with Belmont High School on their Miyawaki forest project —a dense, native forest designed to maximize biodiversity —and launching composting campaigns on campus.

The club is now tackling even bigger challenges. In partnership with GreenerU, the club is conducting a comprehensive carbon audit of the entire school to identify opportunities for reducing our environmental impact. Other notable initiatives include utilizing data on our energy spending to identify areas for improvement and developing a Climate Action Plan for the school’s next five years.

The club recently took a field trip to Codman Farms, a local farm dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices. Students learned about regenera -

tive farming techniques that enrich the soil while producing both livestock and crops, without the use of harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. The farm’s approach to rotational grazing and crop diversity creates a thriving ecosystem that supports local wildlife. Several students were so impressed by the fresh, sustainably grown produce that they purchased vegetables and herbs to take home, directly supporting the local food system.

Whether you’re passionate about environmental issues or simply curious about making a difference, Sus Club welcomes new members. Join us at Y block on Tuesdays in Mr. Sullivan’s room to build a more sustainable future for Belmont Hill! ☐

A Look Inside The Panel

Page 2: Charlie Kirk Review

Kai McCallum ’28 reviews the murder of political activist Charlie Kirk, discussing the impact he made in the political sphere during his life.

Page 6: The Village Pilote Initiative

Reviewing the impact of Village Pilot, Will Sandor ’26 discusses the organization’s mutualistic relationship with BH. Will Hennigar ’26 adds his opinion to US government cuts in relation to this amazing Senegalese institution.

Page 4: Politics and Disney

In two captivating op-eds, Will Achtmeyer ’26 and Sam Leviton ’28 discuss Political Discussion Club and Disney’s role as a corporation, respectively.

Page 11: Rivalries

Tyler Grossman ’27 vividly describes the most memorable Belmont Hill games against St. Sebastian’s. Read on to relive these one-in-a-lifetime, nail-biting moments.

mont Hill community from Form I to VI work together to compile enough food to serve hundreds of families (with over 500 meal boxes created) across Belmont and the Greater Boston area. This food is provided to both individual households and larger organizations such as church groups, schools, etc. This year, we have already seen the Turkey Drive in action, with Form III students gathering to create boxes that will hold the Thanksgiving food items. Other sessions will occur, where Form III students will transport and consolidate all food donations and

carefully package them into crafted boxes. Then, Form III students, alongside parent volunteers, will drive to individual households and other organizations to deliver these Turkey Drive food boxes. This year, the drive has seen an enthusiastic response from students, faculty, and families alike. As the school as a whole is gearing up, preparing for the Turkey Drive, we are already seeing students promoting the project, with plans to set up collection boxes, coordinate events, and make announcements to encourage school-wide participation. We hope to see the Turkey Drive continue to expand in the coming weeks. Given the past couple of years’ trends of increasing Turkey Boxes, with around 500 boxes delivered last year, this trend is likely to continue. As the holiday season approaches, Belmont Hill students continue to embody the school’s values of leadership, responsibility, and service through this meaningful initiative. The Belmont Hill Turkey Drive serves as a reminder that even small acts of generosity can have a significant impact. Through this long-standing tradition, the school not only provides essential support to local families but also instills a lasting sense of empathy and civic engagement in its students. ☐

Government Shutdown

By Jack Ramanathan ’26 Panel Staff

The federal government has officially been shut down for more than a month, making it currently the second-longest shutdown in U.S. history. The standoff began on October 1, when Congress failed to pass a spending bill to fund the government for the new fiscal year.

Government shutdowns occur when Congress can not agree on how to appropriate their budget, thus leading to federal agencies running out of money to operate. Without a deal, much of the federal government has come to a halt.

Around 900,000 federal employees have been furloughed, meaning they have been temporarily let go without pay, and many others are still working but not receiving pay. Services such as airport security, the military, and mail delivery are still operational, but delays and shortages are accumulating. Throughout the week of October 26, more than 8,000 flights were delayed nationwide as air traffic control

centers struggled to stay fully staffed. However, the impact goes far beyond Washington, D.C. Millions of Americans rely on federal programs that are now in danger of running out of money. The SNAP program, which provides food assistance to more than 40 million citizens, is expected to stop payments by November 1 if the shutdown continues. Other programs—like energy aid for low-income households and preschool funding—are also at risk. The main disagreement causing the shutdown is due to the extremely polarized political climate of today. Senate Democrats are pushing for changes to healthcare and social programs to be included in the funding bill, while Republicans argue that the government should reopen first and negotiate those changes later. So far, neither side has budged. If Congress doesn’t reach an agreement soon, the consequences will keep spreading. For everyday Americans, this shutdown is a real-time lesson in how government gridlock can have very real effects on people’s livesfrom the price of groceries to the time it takes to get through airport security. ☐

Letter from the Editor:

Welcome to Issue 2 of Volume 74! This month, our news and arts sections spotlight our teachers, including two faculty sabbaticals from Mr. Harder and Dr. Tift, as well as featuring Mr. George as our Faculty Artist of the Issue. Meanwhile, our sports section features a Jack Bartlett ’26 as our Athlete of the Issue, as well as providing a scoreboard of our Fall teams and a preview of our upcoming Winter athletics season. Our news and ops sections highlight several broad topics like politics and a DOTI on taking the SAT Vs. ACT. Finally, the centerspread of this issue

highlights a timeline of Village Pilote, a non-profit organization that protects the rights of at-risk children and young people in West Africa. We would like to give a big thanks to everyone involved in the process of publishing this issue. As a final note, if you are a student interested in writing articles or editing for The Panel, please reach out through our email address: thepanel@ belmonthill.org. We are always open to new writers/editors to join the staff and contribute to the making of one of the school’s biggest student-led publications. Thank you, and enjoy the issue!

Belmont Hill School

Thanksgiving Turkey Drive 2022

BH Communications

Sustainability Club BH Sustainability

Chapel Recap: Voices of Growth and Lessons from the Stage

By Adrian Chen ’28 Panel Staff

On October 16, students gathered in Hamilton Chapel to welcome the finalists of the latest Woodbury Public Speaking Contest. The finalists included Will Achtmeyer ’26, Alex Black ’26, Budom Ezeani ’26, Ari Itzkovitz ’28, and Ryan Chang-Wu ’27. The Woodbury Public Speaking Contest, named after Glen P. Woodbury, was established in 1956, providing Belmont Hill boys with the opportunity to deliver speeches to the broader school community.

This fall’s speakers offered valuable advice on how to persevere through adversity. Topics ranged from missing class to journeying through learning musical instruments, to surviving a bad haircut, to experiences in a low-quality film set, to stepping outside one’s comfort zone on the basketball court, and to surviving for 48 hours, isolated on a beach. Budom Ezeani ’26 was chosen as the winner of the contest; his speech shared how striving through adversity helped him discover a love for basketball. While these

students all had varying experiences, they shared one common trait: perseverance through adversity and hardship, as well as expanding beyond their comfort zone, emerging better than before. ☐

During a recent Chapel gathering on October 20, the Belmont Hill community heard from the Kenney Legacy Trip participants, who shared reflections on their journey through battlefields, memorials, and museums of World War II Europe. The trip was established by the Kenney family to honor the memory and legacy of Charlie Kenney ’06, who had a deep connection

to history, a profound appreciation for the military, the honor of service, and an understanding of our past. We deeply appreciate the work that the Kenney family has provided us. Over the years, many Belmont Hill students have gained invaluable experience that will continue to provide benefits for years to come.

This year’s trip was led by Ms. Zener and Mr. Bracken ’15, and the group traveled from London to Paris, Belgium, Normandy, and Germany, tracing key sites of the war. The speakers emphasized how standing in the very locations where soldiers once fought and sacrificed offered a perspective that no textbook can replicate. Highlights included the Churchill War Rooms, the Imperial War Museum, the foxholes

in Bois Jacques from the Battle of the Bulge, and Omaha Beach. In describing the Churchill War Rooms, Scotty Moreau ’26 said, “Being able to see artifacts in the same places they were 80 years ago during one of the world’s scariest times was absolutely mind-blowing.”

The students also described moments of solemn reflection, including during the guided tour of an American Cemetery in Germany. Eli Norden ’26 declared, emotionally “It makes one reflect on the nature of sacrifice. The seemingly endless rows of crosses represent thousands of stories.” As a whole, the Chapel experience was an incredibly meaningful one, with students sharing all of their heartfelt stories for all to hear. Students are now available to apply to the Kenney Legacy Trip for next year, and many are looking forward to do so. The Chapel overall closed with immense gratitude to the Kenney family, whose generosity has enabled select Belmont Hill boys to attend this transformative experience—an opportunity that will continue to benefit the community for decades, grounding future generations with a deeper understanding of bravery, loss, and history’s enduring lessons. ☐

Overview of Charlie Kirk’s Assasination in September

By Kai McCallum ’28 Panel Staff

On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk, a well-known right-wing and Christian political activist, was shot and killed while speaking at the University of Utah. Kirk, one of the most notable faces of the MAGA movement, spread Christian nationalism, Trumpism, and conservatism through public speaking, social media, and his podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show. Charlie Kirk also co-founded a non-profit youth conservative organization, Turning Point USA, which aims to “educate young people about the importance of limited government, free markets, and freedom.”

Before his assassination, Kirk had amassed a social media following of almost 30 million, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram playing a prominent role in bolstering his online presence. Kirk traveled to and debated at a variety of college campuses across the U.S, and even held a debate at the University of Cambridge (UK) against students and faculty. Kirk debated popular left-wing political activists, notably including Dean Withers, Hasan Piker, and many others.

Mr. Kirk was a deeply polarizing figure, with many firm supporters and opposers to his views and life’s work. Online, many democrats disagreed with Kirk about Trump’s policies on immigration, abortion, and gun laws. Kirk believed that abortion was murder, and it should be illegal “except for a couple rare cases when the mother would otherwise die.” During one of his most popular debates, Kirk ‘starred’ in a debate on YouTube titled “1 Conservative vs Liberal College Students.” Kirk utilized modern digital communication techniques to spread his ideology, representing a new age of news. Kirk viewed abortion as a “moral outrage” and at a campus event claimed that abortion is “worse than the holocaust” because the number of abortions exceeds the number of Jews killed by the Nazis. Kirk also vouched for a stricter immigration policy and supported the “great replacement theory,” which is a conspiracy theory that claims immigration is a “strategy to replace white ru -

ral America with something different.”

When debating at universities, oftentimes students and passersby would walk up to the microphone and insult Kirk, calling him names or wearing disrespectful clothing. Kirk would often respond with a comeback and post the incidents online, which boosted his viewer count and popularity online.

On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk hosted the first event of Turning Points’ fall 2025 season, part of the American Comeback Tour, in front of hundreds of students and supporters. One moderator asked Kirk about mass shootings and gun laws in the United States. Kirk responded by asking, “Counting or not counting gang violence?” Almost instantly, Kirk was fatally shot in the neck. For a few seconds, the crowd was confused and shocked from what they had all just witnessed. As the crowd scrambled, Kirk’s security carried him into an SUV and rushed him to Timpanogos Regional Hospital,

where Kirk was later pronounced dead. Police apprehended two people at the scene, one claiming he was “glad he said he shot the individual so the real suspect could get away.” In the following days, more and more people online started to ask the question: Who killed Charlie Kirk? The incident sent shockwaves across social media and social circles, with folks posting on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), etc. A few days after the killing, authorities found a bolt-action hunting rifle in the woods behind the campus. Police also found 3 unfired rounds with custom slogans written on them, where the sniper was hiding. One bullet read, “Hey fascist! Catch!” which sparked many controversies about the killer’s motives. The other bullets referenced online memes, anti-fascism, and support of transgender ideologies. 22-yearold Tyler Robinson was apprehended just 33 hours after the assassination. Robinson, a Utah native, had no

clear motive; however, his mother told investigators that he had “become more political over the last year and had started to lean more to the left, becoming more pro-gay and trans rights-oriented.” Robinson was registered to vote but had no record of voting for either party. On campus, students had different views of Kirk’s political work. Some students felt that he was abrasive and inflammatory. One student explained that “I was very uncomfortable on his perspectives on gay rights and abortion rights.” Another student expressed his mixed feelings about Kirk’s views: “While I may not have agreed with all his takes, I loved the way he encouraged discussion…he was very respectful.” However, despite many different views on Kirk’s political ideology and life’s devotion, there is unanimous agreement that his murder was unjust. In today’s politically divisive America, Kirk’s killing is a reminder to encourage healthy debate and dialogue across the aisle. ☐

Woodbury Speakers BH Comms

Woodbury’s: Strength and Struggle

Kenney Chapel: Hope in History

Charlie Kirk in Utah Rally ABC News

Kenney Legacy Speakers BH Comms

Belmont

Mr. Harder and Dr. Tift Rejoin BH Campus After Sabbatical

By Sean Park ’28 Panel Staff

After a semester away from Belmont Hill, Mr. Harder has returned to teach Spanish and Math, as well as coaching Varsity Cross Country and Track.

While away from BHS, Mr. Harder spent quality time with his wife, travelling in Europe. Although Mrs. Harder unfortunately broke her leg a week before they departed for Europe, they still made the most of the trip. After some modifications to their plans, they had a great time. In March, they went to Rennes, France, and actually visited the SYA school located there. Later, they also visited Madrid and Zaragoza in Spain, where Mr. Harder reconnected with professional and personal friends while at the SYA school in Zaragoza. On those days, Mr. Harder had a packed schedule, doing 2-3 activities planned every day.

The following month, Mr. Harder got his hip replaced. He rested up and not even a month after the surgery, he was able to go scuba diving with his son in Bonaire, an island in the Dutch Caribbean.

In addition to international travel, Mr. Harder also traveled a lot within the United States. In the winter, he went around New England, watching his daughter’s college ice hockey games on the weekends. Additionally, Mr. Harder stayed in Maine with his family, celebrating his father’s 90th birthday with them in June. When he had the opportunity, he also visited his friends. According to Mr. Harder, the most memorable part of his sabbatical was the day he got his hip replaced

By Ryan Ho ’28 Panel Staff

After a year-long sabbatical, Dr. Tift returns to Belmont Hill, teaching English, overseeing the Debate Team, directing Advanced Action Research, and supervising the Sextant. During her sabbatical, Dr. Tift gained new insights and skills, but also appreciated the time away from Belmont Hill. One of these skills was being certified as a Yoga teacher. After an intensive month in the Berkshires for yoga teacher training, Dr. Tift not

by Belmont Hill alum and parent, Dr. Sean Rockett. He says that it was memorable in a good way because Dr. Rockett made the process as easy as possible. The weekend spent in Maine celebrating his father’s birthday is also a cherished memory for Mr. Harder. Mr. Harder made sure that he lived a healthy lifestyle while away. He spent time reading, gardening, taking daily walks with his wife, and going to PT several times. Although returning to full-time responsibilities “was a shock to the system for the first few weeks,” Mr. Harder says that thanks to the sabbatical, he was able to recharge and return to school this fall eager to be teaching again: “I looked forward to every day of my sabbatical, certainly, but I look forward to every day that I teach at Belmont Hill.” As a whole, Reflecting on his time away, Mr. Harder expressed deep gratitude for the chance to step back and renew his passions, both personally and professionally. He emphasized that the sabbatical not only allowed him to heal physically and spend meaningful time with loved ones, but also gave him space to appreciate the school community he had been a part of for so long. We are grateful to have Mr. Harder back in the school community and look forward to having his presence both in the classroom and on the fields. Now back on campus, he is especially excited to reconnect with students, support runners on the trails, and contribute to the positive environment that defines Belmont Hill. His renewed enthusiasm serves as a testament to the value of balance, wellness, and lifelong learning. ☐

only gained the ability to teach yoga but also gained a personal, spiritual, and philosophical experience. Dr. Tift carries these ideas into her English classes, where she occasionally leads a brief yoga session at the beginning of class. During her time in the Berkshires, Dr. Tift spent time away from screens, allowing her to focus on reading paper books and journaling. Through both of these activities, Dr. Tift was able to get around to books she had been wanting to read and reflect more. In fact, Dr. Tift enjoyed journaling so much that she continues this habit every day.

Another skill that Dr. Tift developed was learning Spanish. Dr. Tift notes that it “was just so fun to be a student and to, as an English teacher, get away from this very high level of working with [students] on very fine prose and just going back to being like a little kid and making grammatical mistakes and just focusing on the fun of conversation.” Not only did Dr. Tift enjoy the freedom to be a student again, but she also enjoyed the luxury of structuring her own time. At Belmont Hill, Dr. Tift notes that “you just get carried from the blocks and you don’t have to

decide what to do. It’s all planned out for you.” Instead, Dr. Tift planned both times to work and times to be restful. The most enjoyable part of her sabbatical, Dr. Tift revealed, was spending more time with her daughter. Dr. Tift wished to make her daughter “the most important teenager in [her] life”, especially because teenage years are particularly significant. Belmont Hill keeps us all busy, but, as Dr. Tift found during her sabbatical, it is essential to take time to reflect on what is truly important in our lives and pursue activities that we are passionate about. ☐

Online Editor

Ethan Xie ’26

Arts Editor Bradford Adams ’26

Sports Editor Will Hennigar ’26

Visual Media Director Will Sandor 27

Editors-In-Chief

TZ Snail ’26

Jaiden Lee ’26

Executive Editors Eli Norden ’26 Nathan Zhang ’26

Assistant Editors Liam MacLean ’27

Tyler Grossman ’27

Sam Leviton ’28

Sean Park ’28

Patrick Snail 28

Adrian Chen ’28

Ryan Ho ’28

Ryan Li ’28

Staff Artists/writers

Faculty Advisors Paige Wallace

Juliette Zener

News Editor

Jack Ramanathan ’26

Opinion Editor Will Achtmeyer ’26

Long Form Editor

Rhett Curtis ’26

Jack Good ’27

Justin Li ’26 Kai McCallum ’28 Sam Norden ’28

The Panel, founded in 1953, is the official school newspaper of the Belmont Hill School. The Panel is the voice of the student body. We publish articles that are of consequence to the students, as well as the school communities. The views expressed in The Panel belong solely to the authors and editors and do not necessarily represent the student body, faculty or administration of the school. Any comment about the content should be addressed directly to the editors. The Panel encourages responsible opinion in the form of Letters to the Editor. We reserve the right to edit all submissions for length and content. Copyright © 2023 The Panel. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of the Editor-in-Chief. Published by the Belmont Printing Co., Belmont, MA 02478.

Mr. Harder

BH Communications

Dr. Tift

Courtesy Photo

Is Corporate Disney an Evil Conglomorate?

By Sam Leviton ’28 Panel Staff

Is Disney evil? Yeah, I am talking about that Disney, The Walt Disney Company. The same Disney that has theme parks all over the world, created countless iconic childhood characters, and produces numerous shows and movies. When I first heard people calling Disney evil, I was left confused. Disney is awesome, right? How could that company be evil? I immediately started digging, trying to figure out why people were making claims that a beloved childhood company was as evil as the villains in their movies, and came up wuth three main factors. The first is that Disney has a monopoly in the corporate media sector; the second is that it has been accused of exhibiting unethical labor practices; and finally, there is controversy over the cultural influences and sanitization exhibited by Disney’s media.

Corporate Monopoly Concerns:

According to a CNBC report, Disney generated over 90 billion dollars in 2024, making it one of the 50 most profitable companies in the United States. A vast amount of this revenue comes from companies that Disney did not own until recently. The list of companies that The Walt Disney Media Company owns leads many to beleive it is a monopoly. In 2006, Disney acquired Pixar Studios for over $7 billion, transforming the inhouse animation industry. While Disney acquired Capital Cities and ABC in 1995, which included the rights to ESPN, the Pixar acquisition was the first of many that have contributed to the immense industry power we know today. The second major acquisition

was the purchase of Marvel Studios for $4 billion in 2009. As of 2022, Marvel holds an industry-leading 38% market share in the comic industry, which doesn’t even account for the film dominance that Marvel has exhibited over the past two decades. What is likely the most well-known addition to the Disney brand is Star Wars. In 2012, Disney purchased Lucasfilm for just over $4 billion, which is the second-highest-grossing film franchise of all time, second only to the aforementioned Marvel. The Star Wars acquisition itself has brought controversy from fans criticizing Disney’s choices with the franchise. Finally, in 2019, Disney acquired 20th Century Fox for over $5 billion, which included franchises such as Avatar and Deadpool. These and other aquisitions have led many to question whether Disney has a monopoly over the film industry

Political Discussion Success

By Will Achtmeyer ’26 Panel Staff

Especially in failure, there are important lessons to learn. This was certainly the case with Blue Club and Red Club, which have now combined into the much more successful and productive Political Discussion Club. While both had many members around the time of the election, attendance declined afterward, in no small part due to the clubs serving more as echo chambers than as productive sessions. A topic would be presented, and someone would share their opinion; everybody would generally nod their heads in agreement. The most productive meeting of last year was the one where the Blue and Red Clubs combined to discuss immigration policy. Nobody was ‘won over’ to another side, but that wasn’t necessarily the point. What was important was that the group had a respectful and thoughtful discussion, with each side of the aisle being able to learn more about why the opposite side thinks the way they do. I think that is the true essence of Political Discussion Club as it is now. It’s a space and tool meant to break the echo chambers of our favorite partisan news stations or the slop fed to us by our tailored Instagram algorithms. Even using ‘reputable’ sources like CNN or Fox can give you the very wrong idea about the other side. As we see in the country right now, some Democrats think the Republicans are Nazi, racists, fascists, while some Republicans think the Democrats are Nazi, satanic, communists. Those in Political Discussion Club may indeed know enough to know that these

characterizations aren’t necessarily true, but it doesn’t mean they aren’t still somewhat influenced by the stereotypes they are shown. The Club, therefore, allows boys to see what the other side really looks like, which is, for the most part, normal, everyday, reasonable people.

It’s difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of the club this early on in its run at BH, and I’m excited as well as interested to see where it goes from here. As of now, while there is certainly passionate disagreement in the club, there is never disrespectful disagreement. It’s because of this phenomenon that I believe the club has at least achieved its goal of showing boys who their ‘opponents’ really are. They see normal people, like themselves, across the aisle—not terrible people. This, in turn, leads to respectful debate that benefits and educates all members☐

and whether this monopoly is lowering the quality of Disney productions. This worry was sparked by the release of movies such as The Lion King and The Rise of Skywalker, both in 2019.

Unethical Labor Concerns:

In the summer of 2024, Disney faced a strike threat from the union representing its workers. The main cause of the strike was, according to the union, “unlawful discipline and intimidation and surveillance.” In September 2025, Disney settled a lawsuit against its workers, resulting in a $233 million payout due to wage theft. The workers reported they were not paid the minimum wage that was decided by Anaheim voters. These are only two of many instances where Disney was involved in lawsuits that questioned their treatment and payment of workers. Alongside class action lawsuits, thousands of

Disney workers have made claims about the unsafe, unsanitary, or even abusive working conditions at Disney parks. Cultural Influences and Sanitization:

Many fans and critics of Disney have questioned the company’s tendency to oversimplify stories and omit important information. Examples that critics cite include The Little Mermaid or Mulan. In The Little Mermaid, the original 19th-century story is one of self-sacrifice and tragedy, whereas the Disney movie depicts a romantic and feel-good scene. In the movie “Mulan,” the key theme is about being oneself, with a large comedic focus as well. The actual story of Mulan is a traditional chinese tale of family, duty, and honor. The main argument for critics is that Disney has oversimplified stories and brightened their meanings. Many films have incorporated a romantic storyline and emphasized conventional beauty standards, often when they don’t align with the story’s context.

Declaring Disney as an “evil” company is no doubt subjective. A combination of monopolization over the media, questionable treatment of employees, and alterations of traditional stories has led many critics to label the beloved company as Evil. While I believe Disney has areas for improvement, it is challenging to definitively declare that a corporation like Disney is “evil.” After further research, I believe Disney remains a company that produces heartwarming, funny, and exhilarating entertainment, both in its parks and on the screen. That being said, there are no doubt shortcomings that Disney must address. Overall, Disney is a childhood company that makes many great movies, but it may have evil tendencies. ☐

Hot Take of the Issue

By Patrick Snail ’28 Panel Staff

Do YOU love ragebating?? Do you have takes that make peopel visibly angry?? This is the section for you!!! Welcome to the Hot Take of the Issue: a new

way to put in your two cents! In this section, the Panel will review your hot takes, determining whether they are outrageous, valid, or somewhere in between. If you would like to submit your hot take, please scan the QR code below!☐

Corporate Mickey

Google Images

Should the MA Legal Driving Age Change?

By Sean Park ’28 Panel Staff

For the first time, the streets of Belmont have seen drivers in the graduating class of 2028. And, as a Form IV student, it is fascinating to see my peers partake in an activity that is so closely tied to adulthood. In fact, all across Massachusetts, many 16-year-olds celebrate their birthdays by indulging in this newfound privilege. For them, the opportunity to acquire a learner’s permit and Junior Operators License (JOL) represents their growing independence, as well as offering them access to more social events. Recently, whether the minimum age requirement for driving should be increased from 16 to 18 has been a popular topic. The option for those 16-17 to drive has its benefits, but it can also endanger the lives of many.

The introduction of driving to people ages 16 and 17 is statistically detrimental to themselves as well as those around them. According to the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, 25% of 16-year-olds and 44% of 17-year-olds drive. Despite the fact that these percentages are lower than all other age groups, the crash rates of these drivers is nearly double those of drivers 18-19, and greater than 4.5 times those of drivers between the ages 30-69. The restrictions that are placed on drivers with learner’s permits and JOLs are designed to minimize such accidents, but they are clearly not doing enough. How do teen drivers get into so many accidents even with these safety measures? It is simply because many teenage drivers between 16

and 17 do not have the rational thinking skills to make the correct choices while driving. Many people know that the human brain’s prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for decision-making, does not fully develop until the age of 25. This impacts teen drivers greatly, and is the cause for many accidents. 18-yearolds are also somewhat affected by this late development of the brain, but scientists have found that their brains are barely distinguishable from an adult’s fully developed brain. This means that the prefrontal cortex undergoes significant fine-tuning between 17-18, and is used more effectively. Meanwhile, those 17 and under base their actions more on the limbic system, the region that controls emotional and behavioral responses, rather than the logic of the prefrontal cortex. Although student drivers can memorize all the regulations and proper practices, whether they follow them in

crucial moments may depend on whether their actions are governed by their limbic system or their prefrontal cortex.

The teenage brain’s development can be sped up and evolved in a more righteous direction through experiences. In order for people to grow, facing problems and getting used to stress is important. The younger drivers are when they begin facing difficulties on the road, the more the lessons learned are ingrained. Using past experiences, both good and bad, they are able to make more rational judgments on the road as time passes; this remains true as long as young drivers don’t panic in the moment and end up relying on their limbic systems.

Solo driving for 16 and 17-yearolds also offers convenience. For many high school students, driving allows them to quickly commute to their schools, sports, and jobs. This saves the student’s time, and the time and effort of

the parents who would otherwise be in charge of transportation. Additionally, any fees used on rideshare are eliminated (although new costs may appear for gas, car repairs, etc.). Once again, solo driving can be deadly if the teen makes irrational decisions, and so it is paramount that they understand the risks of driving if they are doing it for convenience’s sake. Finally, keeping the minimum driving age at 16 can ease the transition to adulthood. Once people turn 18, they are suddenly given a lot of freedom. These include the rights to vote, sign contracts, join the military, own property, and even marry. Most also graduate from high school and begin college around that time. If so many new responsibilities and opportunities are already being given to 18-year-olds in today’s society, prohibiting them from learning the crucial skill of driving beforehand can overload them with work when they turn 18. Gaining the responsibilities and freedom of an adult all at once can be difficult to manage for many, and dragging the process out can help ease the transition. If the age requirement for driving is increased to 18, it would ensure that all drivers are at least biologically capable of rational thinking. However, it would also deprive drivers of time to hone their skills and gain experience on top of reducing convenience and making the transition to adulthood harder. The best balance between the two options would be to keep the minimum age requirement at 16 but increase the requirements to obtain JOLs, make the supervised period longer, and ensure that the student knows the risks of driving. ☐

Debate of the Issue: SAT vs. ACT

By Jack Good ’27 & Ryan Ho ’28 Panel Staff

As high school students look toward the application process, one of the most important components is their standardized test scores. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, colleges have begun reinstating the standardized test requirement. Standardized testing in the United States has undergone major alterations. In March 2024, the digital SAT was released, fully replacing the paper version. Similarly, the ACT has launched a digital version, though it will not completely supersede the paper version. Both standardized tests have implemented major changes in format and content. This comprehensive guide will help students determine whether the new SAT or ACT is best for them.

SAT: The SAT has undergone numerous changes. The most important change is that the overall testing time has decreased from three hours to two hours. This change makes the SAT less stamina-based and generally less stressful. One Belmont Hill student who took the SAT said, “It was definitely not as stressful as I imagined, and it felt short too.” During the pilot testing in November 2021, 80% of students found the new format to be significantly less stressful than the paper version. A large difference between the new SAT is that the SAT adjusts the difficulty of the second half of the test based on the test-taker’s performance, unlike the ACT. Thus, the SAT is tailored to each student and provides a more precise assessment of the student’s abilities. In addition, the SAT has higher difficulty and complexity per question, but has fewer questions

compared to the ACT. Therefore, even though a question may be more difficult, students have more time to answer it.

The SAT gives test-takers 41%-44% more time per question than the ACT. For instance, the math section includes a portion of Free Response Questions rather than being a total multiple-choice test. Another major difference between the tests is their content. The SAT consists of two sections: Reading and Writing and Math, with questions on earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics integrated throughout. The math section also contains an in-test sheet for various geometric and algebraic formulas. As a result, test-takers do not have to memorize formulas before the test. Instead, they are encouraged to learn how to understand and apply the relevant topics. The SAT also contains much shorter passages. Overall, the SAT allows for a less stressful test compared to previous years and provides a more accurate assessment of students’ abilities. On the

other hand, it is much more challenging and requires the application of concepts rather than just knowing them.

ACT: While the SAT focuses more on deductive reasoning and problem-solving through tricky and complex questions, the ACT takes a more direct approach to test-taking. The ACT is the better test, as it rewards and challenges mental clarity, quick thinking, and practical knowledge; all skills that are imperative for a student. The ACT is a longer test in terms of time and the number of questions, but as a result, those questions are a lot less complex as compared to the SAT, requiring students to be able to think quickly and logically, instead of wasting their time analyzing the same documents over and over again like the SAT does.

When asked, a group of students explained that the ACT’s English and reading questions are significantly easier and much more straightforward than the SAT, focusing predominantly on

grammar and quick sentence structure, which allows students with strong background knowledge to succeed. Additionally, the math section varies throughout topics, covering algebra 1 and 2, geometry, trigonometry, and precalculus, further helping students with strong quantitative skills and a wide range of knowledge, unlike the SAT, which tends to emphasize word-heavy algebra problems. The ACT also features a science section, a unique aspect that no other standardized test offers. While the science is not direct scientific knowledge, it challenges the students’ ability to analyze data, interpret graphs and draw conclusions from experiments, all being key skills required for anyone interested in pursuing a career in science, and if a student wants to take the ACT but is not confident in science, it is completely optional to both submit and even take the section. Finally, a 35 or 36 on the ACT is much easier to obtain than a 1550 on the SAT, and they both look similar to colleges. Unfortunately, for students with learning disabilities, it is significantly harder to get accommodations for the ACT, and many say that the stress of running out of time is worse than the difficulty of the SAT problems. While it seems challenging to figure out which test to take on top of having to study and prepare for them, it turns out that there are ups and downs to each test. For those who have less difficulty reading and digesting more complex information, and who tend to lean towards the humanities, the SAT is the way to go. For kids who are able to think and process information rapidly and want to pursue sciences and math more, the ACT is definitely the one you want. ☐

Kid Driving with Dad

Statefarm

Belmont Hill’s Car Wash Fundraiser for Village Pilote

By William Sandor ’27 Panel Staff

This fall, Belmont Hill hosted a car wash to raise money for Village Pilote, a charity located in Senegal, near the capital of Dakar. Founded by Loïc Treguy, originally from Brittany, France, in 1993, its purpose is to provide children who beg for money on the streets (primarily boys) with education and shelter. Mrs. Montanaro described Village Pilote as, “A non-profit organization that started in 1993, that has a mission to defend

children’s rights. Their goal is to get children, primarily boys ages 4-24, off the streets and to prepare them to be independent.” Village Pilote describes their mission as providing “all the conditions necessary for a child’s healthy development.” This statement is fulfilled at their welcome center near Lac Rose, outside Senegal’s capital city, where a home and an education are given to each child

In Senegal, fundamentalist religious leaders exploit Islam’s role in Senegal by coaxing young boys away from their families to give them religious

teachings. Some of these men, known as marabouts, will convince the boy’s family to let them go in order to save the boy’s soul. Once they are taken away, the boy will most likely be sent to beg in the street. In practice, these religious teachers often leave boys unprepared to make a living and provide for themselves. Village Pilote, however, provides a practical education, priming young men to join the workforce and support themselves.

The recent fundraiser was inspired by the trip to Senegal that 18 Belmont Hill French students took in March 2024. The trip became an eye-opening experience. Not only did they learn about the distinctive Senegalese culture, but they also spent a day at Village Pilote. Mrs. Montanaro recalls how welcoming they were: “They are so happy and generous and were so excited to talk, play, and share their meal with us.”

The Belmont Hill students were able to speak French with the Senegalese boys, which made the experience even more special. For many, this experience was the highlight of their trip, providing the most insight into Senegalese culture and hospitality. Cotter Healey ’26 was on the trip and was particularly inspired by the cause. By the time Belmont Hill returned from the trip, Cotter had already expressed his desire to raise money for Village Pilote. After hearing about the trip, Babikir Saeed ’26 was also inspired by Village Pilote and, like Cotter, wanted to support the charity. Cotter and Babikir decided to raise money for the charity. The trip to Senegal bridged the gap between modern language at Belmont Hill and impactful activism.

Despite not being able to organize an event last year, Mrs. Montanaro,

Cotter, and Babikir coordinated a car wash this September. The car wash, located beside the maintenance building, attracted a large number of customers. After roughly three hours of work, the volunteers successfully raised $750. Mrs. Montanaro Montanaro was surprised by how much they were able to raise: “[It was] more than we thought, given that we had to really rope the first few customers in. After a while, we had a constant flow of cars, thanks to some aggressive marketing down by the entrance to the maintenance area.”

This money goes a long way at Village Pilote. Political instability in Senegal following the 2024 election has led to tax increases, which have left many donors to abandon their support due to financial constraints. Coupled with the cancellation of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) earlier in 2025, Village Pilote is facing unprecedented turmoil. Village Pilote is raising money primarily through private donations. The money raised by Belmont Hill is estimated to fund all of Village Pilote’s operations for one month, supporting approximately 200 people.

Mrs. Montanaro hopes for continued correspondence between Belmont Hill and Village Pilote. To continue funding the cause, another car wash is planned for the spring, which is expected to generate even more money than the last one. Village Pilote is also attempting to raise sufficient funds for a field trip to the United States. Belmont Hill could be one of their stops if the program raises enough money to cover the travel costs. Money goes a long way for them, so consider going to the next car wash in the spring or volunteering your time. ☐

The United States’ Role in International Aid

By William Hennigar ’26 Panel Staff

The question of who is responsible for keeping overseas government operations running has been one of intense debate in the USA as its global role has increased over time, and there are valuable arguments on both sides. Whether for smaller operations that help students like Village Pilote or larger-scale operations like supporting the government in Afghanistan against the Taliban, the United States is faced with the tough position of balancing the financial necessities of supporting the homeland and less fortunate countries abroad. In my opinion, while it is important to focus on domestic needs, supporting smaller organizations like Village Pilote does not present enough of a financial burden on the United States for it to be deemed necessary to “cut.” While there are merits to the current administration’s cutting of foreign spending, how those savings are benefiting the everyday American is questionable. First off, the Trump administration is spending $250 million to renovate the White House by adding a ballroom to the East Wing. Not only is President Trump destroying a classic piece of history from the United States, but he is also blatantly showing hypocrisy in trying to “save money” for Americans. Getting donors to fund the $250 million for the ballroom instead of sending it to foreign government organizations or even our own government employees during a government shutdown does not seem to put “America First.” While there were inefficiencies with USAID,

the United States is much better off sending money to countries in need.

While I believe that the United States should maintain programs dedicated to helping less fortunate individuals in foreign countries, it should not seek to exert strong political influence.

As seen in various examples around the world, when the United States intervenes, whether for a “good” reason or a “bad” reason, the end result usually does not turn out well for the United States or the other countries involved. While it’s true there could be “good” reasons to be in Afghanistan or Vietnam, in total, thousands of American lives and billions of American dollars have been spent on initiatives that did not have clear goals.

However, there are also great examples of the United States’ foreign involvement helping nations, mostly through aid. Most famously, this is exemplified by the Marshall Plan, which provided economic aid to Western European countries to help them rebuild following World War II. The United States followed a similar policy to rebuild Japan as well. Not only do initiatives like this help the world as a whole, but they also increase the respect, power, and prestige of the United States in a positive way. While I believe that there should have been more careful consideration of the services provided by USAID, helping citizens of less fortunate countries through education, food, water, and clothing is a great way to utilize the wealth and resources of the United States to benefit the world.

It would be one thing to cut USAID in the spirit of saving money for Americans, but Trump’s irresponsible use of

tariffs and spending on meaningless renovations has not brought down the costs of many everyday items and has

Village Pilote’s Campus

Village Pilote

TIMELINE OF VILLAGE PILOTE

1993

V i l l a g e P i l o t e i s c r e a t e d o u t s i d e

o f D a k a r t o s u p p o r t

d i s a d v a n t a g e d f a m i l i e s a n d p r o v i d e a n e d u c a t i o n t o w a r d s h o m e l e s s y o u t h s

V i l l a g e P i l o t e b e g i n s o u t r e a c h p r o g r a m s t o k e e p k i d s a w a y f r o m c r i m e

2008 2001

T h e s e c o n d w e l c o m e c e n t e r

“ L e T r e m p l i n ” o p e n s n e a r L a c

R o s e B o y s 1 7 t o 2 5 t o o k p a r t i n i t s c o n s t r u c t i o n t o l e a r n m a s o n r y s k i l l s

2004

“ L e R e f u g e ’ V i l l a g e P i l o t e ’ s f i r s t w e l c o m e c e n t e r o p e n s u p i n P i k i n e f o r c h i l d r e n 3 t o 1 2 y e a r s o l d

2024- 2025

P r e s i d e n t B a s s i r o u D I o m a y e F a y e w a s e l e c t e d In t h e U S ,

U S A I D w a s s h u t d o w n i n J u l y , c a n c e l l i n g f o r e i g n a i d T h e s e c h a n g e s m a r k e d a n e w p e r i o d o f f i n a n c i a l t r o u b l e s f o r V i l l a g e P i l o t e a n d o t h e r c h a r i t i e s

2020

V i l l a g e P i l o t e r e a c t s t o t h e C o v i d - 1 9 P a n d e m i c b y d i s t r i b u t i n g m e a l s t o c h i l d r e n o n t h e s t r e e t s T h i s e n a b l e d l i n k d t o f o r m a n d h e l p e d V i l l a g e P i l o t e t o c o n t i n u e t h e i r s u p p o r t

FUTURE

V i l l a g e P i l o t e c o n t i n u e s t o o p e r a t e t h o u g h f i n a n c i a l c o n c e r n s c o n t i n u e t o m o u n t T h i s i s a f f e c t i n g b o t h t h e i r c u r r e n t o p e r a t i o n s p l a n s t o

b u i l d m o r e w e l c o m e c e n t e r s f o r w o m e n

Faculty Artist of the Issue: Mr. George

By Patrick Snail ’28 Panel Staff

Hanging on the walls of his room, posters of musical legends such as Bob Marley and the Beastie Boys only reflect the surface of Mr. George’s music journey. From learning multiple instruments, performing, and just enjoying music, Mr. George’s journey with music has become an instrumental part of the man he is today.

Growing up with two older brothers, Mr. George did not have to go out of his way to find music. His oldest brother, who had an eight-track tape player in his room, first sparked his interest in music. However, his love of music really took off when Mr. George’s family moved to England in 1984.

“That was during the second invasion of British music,” Mr. George recalled, “in 1985, I went to Live Aid, the biggest single-day fundraiser concert ever at the time.”

There, Mr. George experienced a wide variety of musicians, ranging from small British bands to international stars like Bob Dylan and Mick Jagger, as well as up-and-coming artists such as Madonna and U2.

Events like this sparked what would become a lifelong passion for Mr. George: “at twelve years old, I was taking the train into London and going into massive three-story record stores and just combing through the stacks and listening to all the music.”

Around this time, Mr. George also picked up the piano, though he never joined an ensemble. Through this, he learned how to read music in the treble and bass clef. While living in England,

Mr. George also purchased a synthesizer: “Now they’re all on computers, on your laptop. Everything that is going to make sound is on a keyboard. You have all these dials and buttons up top that you could use to design sound.”

Around a year later, he bought a drum machine. With these two instruments, Mr. George spent hours on end playing. He composed his own songs and still vividly remembers how he experienced his own music: “I would play them over and over again.”

In high school, Mr. George first performed during halftime of his school’s basketball games with his friends: “I have a good friend who’s an amazing saxophone player, and another friend who is good at guitar. We would play together, almost like a non-official band, just instrumentals.”

Taylor Swift’s New Album

By Patrick Snail ’28 Panel Staff

On October 3rd, Taylor Swift released her new album The Life of a Showgirl. Teased on an episode of the podcast New Heights, hosted by Travis and Jason Kelce, expectations were high among Taylor Swift fans. Unfortunately, for many of them, the album did not live up to the hype.

Due to Taylor Swift’s incredibly large fan base, she achieved massive success on the release date, selling 2.7 million copies. However, as more people listened in, mixed reviews spread across the internet. Many were quick to dismiss the hype, claiming that Swift was a master commercializer but was not on her game musically.

Critics jumped on the marketing rollout before the release, with many deluxe or variant editions and heavy merchandising, claiming that the album was more for show than actual substance.

Aside from her obscene amount of awkward sexual jokes, her actual lyrics are bland. In Swift’s song “Eldest Daughter,” she writes, “Everybody’s so punk on the internet. Everyone’s unbothered ‘til they’re not. Every joke’s just trolling and memes,” and “Every single hot take is cold as ice.”

Some of these lines are simply statements of fact. It is no revelation that people do not have a certain feeling until they do, and most, if not all, internet jokes are “trolling and memes.” Her line about hot takes would shut down the playground during second-grade recess, but would be labeled “uncool” by the fourth grade. Ironical -

ly, her most meaningful song, “Wood,” is so inappropriate that, as a conscious writer, I can not describe it further. However, as always, there is a group of die-hard “Swifties” who defend and even go so far as to acclaim the album. Though these viewpoints may be tainted by idolization, in the words of Taylor Swift, people must respect “subjective opinions on art.” ☐

Another time, Mr. George arranged a version of “The Working Hour” by Tears for Fears, which he and his friend played at a school assembly on the piano and saxophone, also programming the drums.

More recently, Mr. George has performed twice at Belmont Hill Coffee Houses. He drew inspiration from Mr. Sherman: “I know that he has played in the Coffee Houses a lot, and kids like to see the teachers get up and do that type of stuff. I really want to do that and show that the teachers are interested in that stuff, too. I want to show my appreciation for the musicians also performing there.”

Mr. George also credits smaller ensembles, such as the Rock Band, or even individuals learning instruments on their own. He said, “It’s really impressive, and I hope they

know that the teachers see that.”

In his first Belmont Hill performance, Mr. George performed “Trouble” by Coldplay. Just a few Coffee Houses ago, he played “Enjoy the Silence” by Depeche Mode. If time permits, Mr. George is hoping to perform again this fall in the Coffee House with “a blend of piano, synth, and a backing track.”

Aside from his personal achievements in music, Mr. George is also a strong advocate for music education. He stated, “If there was a class I could audit, I would love to spend a semester in the Music Composition class.”

He continued by advocating for learning instruments or singing, “If you can manage three chords or play the drums somewhat in time, get involved in Rock Band! I always wished I were a part of a high school band.”

Even for those who do not play instruments, Mr. George still believes in music’s ability to connect with one another: “I have always been that guy who makes playlists for my both friends and family,” he recalled, “Music is one of those things that anyone and everyone can relate to.”

Mr. George described how music has really brought the school together at times, “Last year, Pierce Morris sang ‘Wagon Wheel’ at a Friday Forum, and everyone gave him a great ovation afterwards.”

Most importantly, Mr. George emphasized that one’s actual skill does not separate them musically, “It is much harder for a stellar athlete to practice with an amateur, one person is going to be pulling the chain or dragging it. With music, anyone can play with anyone, and that’s what makes it so magical.” ☐

School Orchestra Insight

By Ryan Li ’28 Panel Staff

Whether performing at Commencement or entertaining in all-school chapels, the orchestra plays a key role in shaping Belmont Hill’s musical identity. As the only music ensemble that features students from all forms, the orchestra, conducted by Mr. Fiori and Mrs. Carye, unites students from all six forms through their shared passion for music.

This year marks an exciting milestone for the orchestra: it is now an official class. Students now receive transcript comments, a pass/fail grade, and an extra GPA point. “Now that it’s actually on the transcript as an official class, I actually think it’s getting a little more structural support from the faculty and administration,” explained Mr. Fiori. “It’s being viewed as an important, serious commitment for the kids.”

Originally founded in 2004, the same year the Prenatt Music building opened, the orchestra began with one First Former, then gradually expanded year after year. Mr. Fiori recalls, “Over the course of the six years that [the first musician] was a student, we built the orchestra, and by the time he was a senior, we had a twelve-person orchestra.”

Currently, the ensemble has grown into a full group of around 20-25 students. Although primarily a string orchestra, it also features elements of wind, brass, percussion, and piano, which are also found in a full symphony orchestra.

The group meets on Mondays and Wednesdays during X Block, unlike other music groups, which meet much more frequently. Although frequent

rehearsals would be an excellent addition, Mr. Fiori recognizes that there is no other alternative to the current situation: “At this point, with our school’s schedule, that’s impossible because of the fact that we have seventh, eighth, and ninth grades in our ensemble.”

Another significant aspect of the orchestra is the wide range of experience levels among its members. While some musicians perform in ensembles outside of school, others are much newer to their instrument. The group’s repertoire encompasses a diverse range of genres, from classical and baroque pieces to movie soundtracks and pop arrangements. “We’ll be doing a combination of different genres and often trying to pair them together in the same concert,” Mr. Fiori described. The mix keeps the performances engaging for both the audience and the performers.

In addition to seasonal concerts and chapels, the orchestra has played a more significant role in recent years, performing “Remember Me” from Coco at the IBSC conference this summer and participating in the Arts Centennial event two years ago.

After two decades of steady growth, the orchestra continues to bring together students of all ages through its passion for music. ☐

Mr. George Performing at Coffee House

Neal Hamberg

BH Spring Concert

Adam Richins

Mr. Conway’s Favorite Plays at Belmont Hill

By Liam MacLean ’27 Panel Staff

Since arriving at Belmont Hill in 2018, Mr. Conway has distinguished himself as an invaluable presence in both the theater and Englesh departments. His passion for the humanities, and specifically acting, began in the seventh grade, when he did lights for his school’s play. Though he was not an actor in this play, he fell in love with the environment, saying he “caught the bug” and began acting that summer. His passion continued to grow throughout high school, college, and graduate school, remaining a constant in his life. He majored in history and theater in college, and his graduate studies were in dramatic literature.

His first year at Belmont Hill, Mr. Conway filled a theater role to work with Mr. DiResta, while also taking on the role of an English teacher. That fall he directed a play while he was still so new to the environment, as he stated: “It’s been a part of my life here from the time I got hired.” Since that fall, Mr. Conway has been a continuous aid and leading figure in the theater department, contributing to so many different plays and introducing a magnitude of students to a new passion. In 2024, he was named the Director of Theater for our community. When asked what some of his favorite productions that he has led were, he started by commenting how it is extremely difficult to pick from them. Because he has put such hard

work into each, it is hard to pinpoint just a few. Nevertheless, he shared a few with The Panel that are meaningful to him, each for its own unique reason.

“Private Lives” by Noël Coward was the first show that he directed when he arrived on campus, a comedy which he now teaches in his Page and Stage course. This play has been profoundly impactful on Mr. Conway as a director and has, in his words, “Followed me throughout my time here.” It was his first time getting involved, and it gave him a chance to experience the steep learning curve that Belmont Hill theater presented him. Coming from an extremely rigid learning environment in graduate school, he had to learn how to guide students instead of being a stu -

dent himself. Helping his students with this play “helped me” he said with learning how to teach in this new context. the “Sceptered Isle” is another show that has been meaningful to Mr. Conway’s experience at Belmont Hill. Unlike all of the other plays he directed, Mr. Conway assembled the Sceptered Isle himself. He did not write the script himself; rather, he took seven different texts from seven Shakespeare plays and combined them into a new storyline. Once again, this was new territory for Mr. Conway as a director, engaging with Shakespearean texts that he loves and being able to turn them into something new.

“Oliver!” by Lionel Bart is a final play that has impacted him, a more recent middle school musical. For this

show, he served as the technical director, handling both lighting and sound. Mr. Conway does not have too many opportunities to work with middle school students, so getting to engage with them in this way was special. He was also able to exercise his “technical muscle,” which he hadn’t had the chance to do in a while. He reiterated that these plays aren’t necessarily his favorites, but are instead ones that have touched him and been important in his growth as a director.

Commenting on his current project, “All Quiet on the Western Front,” he says that from what he’s heard, the community is very excited for this show. He believes it “struck a nerve” by balancing new topics that students may not have heard of, with something that students can still find interesting and enjoyable.

Reflecting on his time here, Mr. Conway is thankful for the “mini communities” that the plays produce for him. From participating in their first plays in middle school, he is often able to watch his students grow both as actors and individuals. He does not need or expect any of his students to pursue acting after school, but as he commented “if they leave with an appreciation for the media they consume and the movies and plays they watch, that’s enough for me.” Acting is special, because there are so many things on campus, he says, that are required and are expected of you. Theater and the arts are some of the last facets where you can say, “I am just going to be me for a while.”

Adam Richins

Athlete of the Issue: Jack Bartlett ’26

By Sam Norden ’28 Panel Staff

Jack Bartlett ’26 has not only been dominant on the soccer field, but has also left his mark as a dedicated leader and teammate. Jack, in his final year playing for the soccer team, has earned the role

of captain, with his athleticism, hardwork and determination making him a key player in a strong line of attack. Jack has been on the team since his freshman year, and has had a lasting and important impact on the team. Coach Montoya said, “He has been outstanding, not only because he has been our leading goal

scorer the past three years, but also because he has become an incredible captain, not only out on the field getting us a lot of points. He has been outstanding in every way from leading the team by example, working in the younger guys, and making them feel welcome.” Jack’s athletic ability has been crucial for the success of the soccer team, but has been an even better teammate and leader.

Jack has been a four-year starter playing both as a striker and on the wing for the soccer team, a very remarkable achievement. In his freshman year, Jack scored 4 goals and tallied 5 assists, which he followed up in his sophomore year with 14 goals and 11 assists, leading the team in points and earning him All-ISL recognition. As a junior, he led the team again, tallying 13 goals and 7 assists, adding on two non-league goals and an additional non-league assist, earning him All-ISL First-Team honors for the second consecutive year and he was named NEPSAC AllStar. So far, in his senior year through 11 league games, Jack has scored six goals and two assists, with another two goals and an assist in non-league games, putting him well on his way for another dominant season and helping lead Belmont Hill to another succesful season. Additionaly outside of school Jack has played club soccer for FC Stars

In addition to Jack’s leadership ability being recognized by Coach Montoya, his teammates take notice too. Max Christiano ’28, who has played with Jack during Jack’s junior and senior seasons said, “He’s a great leader, he always is working hard and it sets an example for the younger guys on the team. He made me feel welcome being

one of few freshmen on the team last year, and he is always pushing everyone on the team to do their best. He leads by example, and you can tell how much he cares about the team.” Max’s words highlight Jack’s impact not just as a player, but as a mentor who has helped shape the team and inspire the younger teammates to follow his lead.

When asked about who the biggest influence on his development was, Jack immediately responded with, “My sophomore year, Alex Vittal ’24 was my captain and played forward with me. He taught me a lot and we still train all the time in the summer. It was a pretty special connection. He has given me advice throughout the process of playing college soccer…and he’s definitely been my biggest influence to where I am today.” Alex’s influence on Jack has helped shape him into the team leader he has become. Jack stated, “I don’t care if they [the team] listen to the words I say, I think it’s more about how they see me playing, that I was giving it my all every game…Proving to them that I truly care and that’s how they should act when they are seniors because that’s what I remember from when I was younger.”

Next year Jack is committed to play soccer at Middlebury College where he will join the perenial NESCAC contenders, two time NCAA DIII champions and a member of last years DIII final four. As Jack prepares to continue his soccer journey at Middlebury College next fall, he will leave a lasting impact on the Belmont Hill soccer team. The Panel thanks Jack for his contributions to the soccer team and wishes him good luck with his senior season at Belmont Hill and beyond! ☐

A Comparison of College Football and the NFL

By Tyler Grossman ’27 Panel Staff

“The problem for pro football Sundays is happening on Saturdays. College football right now is better than the NFL.” This statement made by former ESPN analyst Max Kellerman on First Take nine years ago was very contentious then, but now, after many controversial rule changes, playoff expansion, and the rise of new stars, does this opinion still ring true for fans? The NFL or college football preference for fans is not purely rooted in the gameplay. It is also about which kind of atmosphere is more appealing and what style they prefer.

The NFL is a multi-billion-dollar business, with the average team worth $7.1 billion. Therefore, teams can afford to spend millions of dollars on players, creating a league with the best players. These players are the pinnacle of athleticism, spending their entire year training, studying film, and refining their technique. Additionally, the league has a draft system where the worst team gets the first pick, and the salary cap creates parity, allowing any team to upset another on any given Sunday. This format allows teams like the Lions, with a few good draft picks and free agent signings, to go from the worst in the league to Super Bowl contenders in just two years. More parity leads to more disciplined and strategy-heavy gameplay. Because defenses are so technically sound and sophisticated, NFL offenses are pushed toward a more tactical and disciplined style. However, this parity and the schematic gameplay style lead to more predictability, leav -

ing some fans to find the NFL dull and monotonous. Additionally, the league feels very commercialized and lacks the in-stadium atmosphere of times past.

Although it’s the same game, some consider College Football a different sport, much like the difference between men’s and women’s lacrosse. What the NFL lacks in atmosphere, the college game has in ruckus environments and bitter rivalries built upon over a hundred years of hate. With rowdy stadiums that seat over 100,000 college kids, deafening gameday atmospheres are found across campuses from coast to coast. The loud cheers of Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium, Washington’s Husky Stadium, and South Carolina’s Williams-Bryce Stadium, along with many others, have all reached over 130 decibels, comparable to standing next to a jet while it takes off.

To add to the atmosphere of college football, most teams have rivalries with other schools that carry decades of history and hatred. For example, Michigan and Ohio State won’t even say each other’s names; instead, they refer to each other as either the “team up north” or the “team down south.” At Army and Navy during the year, the phrases “Beat Navy” or “Beat Army” are customary to hear and see all around campus.

Besides the loud stadiums and fierce rivalries with over 130 FBS teams, various play styles and skill levels exist. For example, some teams run an “air raid offense” throwing the ball nearly 50 times a game, while others, like Army, run an option scheme throwing it less than 10 times. This creates different conferences and distinct team identities, catering to every type of fan. With so many teams

and styles, it can sometimes lead to big upsets, like in 2007 when 41-point underdogs Stanford upset second-ranked USC. Although upsets like Stanford over USC do occur, they don’t happen regularly, and some people feel that the same few teams winning every year is repetitive. Additionally, games taking more than four hours can discourage fans.

The NFL and College Football teams have built dedicated fan bases, and which game is “better” depends on

an individual fan’s preferences. Those who prefer to watch cleaner football with higher-level athletes and more parity will typically lean towards the NFL. However, those who care more about atmosphere, aesthetics, huge rivalries, higher scores, and unpredictable gameplay will tend to gravitate towards the college game. Today, the NFL and college football put outstanding products on the field, providing fans with something to look forward to every weekend.

Jack Bartlett ’26

Celebrating After a Goal

Adam Richins

College Football’s Oregon (Left) vs. NFL’s Steelers (Right) ESPN

Top 5 Belmont Hill vs. St. Sebs Games of the 2020s

By Tyler Grossman ’27 Panel Staff

1. Basketball Playoff Win 2022

On March 5th, 2022, the third-seeded Belmont Hill basketball team traveled to St. Sebastian’s for one of the biggest games in program history. Aside from the fact that it gave the team a chance to avenge its earlier-season loss to their bitter rival, a chance to play in the NEPSAC Class A championship was on the line. After a close first half, Belmont Hill was able to pull away for a dominating 68-46 win over the Arrows. This win was a domination by Belmont Hillover a very talented St. Sebastian’s team that included future NBA talent AJ Dybansta.

2. Football Win 2023

On a rainy fall Saturday, Belmont Hill football hosted St Sebastian’s, looking to catapult themselves back to the top of the ISL standings and defeat their rival for the first time since 2019. After jumping out to an early lead, Belmont Hill was able to set the pace against the Arrows the rest of the

way, winning 36-23. This win was vital because it helped launch Belmont Hill’s ISL championship season, serving as a momentum boost that sparked their seven-game winning streak.

3. Hockey Playoff Win 2022

On Monday, March 2, 2022, Belmont Hill hockey hosted St. Sebastian’s for their third meeting of the season in the quarterfinals of the Stuart Corkery Hockey Tournament. In front of

a packed crowd Belmont Hill jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second period. However, St. Sebastian’s would not go down without a fight and drew the game level before James Fisher ’23 netted the game-winning goal with 9:03 to go in the game. This game pushed Belmont Hill into the semifinals, where they would upset Avon Old Farms on the road, sending them to the championship. The game also improved Bel -

mont Hill’s record against St. Sebastian’s for the year to an impressive 2-0-1.

4. Lacrosse Win 2025

With the #1 seed in the ISL on the line, Belmont Hill welcomed St. Sebastian’s for what would prove to be an all-time classic. Trailing by five entering the fourth quarter, Belmont Hill led a comeback for the ages, scoring seven unanswered goals to win 13-11. This win cemented Belmont Hill’s position at the top of the ISL, helping them clinch the first seed in the postseason on the way to another ISL championship.

5. Baseball Playoff Win 2025

After having their season ended the year prior by St. Sebastian’s and losing the regular season matchup earlier in the season, Belmont Hill travelled to Needham with a vengeance for their first round playoff matchup with the Arrows. Led by a gem of a pitching performance from sophomore Jack Tarbox ’27 where he threw seven scoreless innings, Belmont Hill upset the three-seeded Arrows 3-0 en route to an ISL championship appearance. ☐

A Preview of Upcoming Winter Sports Teams

By Jack Good ’27 Panel Staff

With leaves falling and the temperatures dropping, the start of winter has come, and with that, winter sports. After last year’s strong winter sports season and new developments for each team, there is a lot to be excited about.

Alpine Skiing: The boys on the slopes last year had a phenomenal season, losing only once and placing first in the ISL and third at NEPSACs, with standout finishes from Captain Griffin Vail ’26 and Topher Batchelder ’26. The boys are looking to do well again this year with help from their Captain and the coaching of Mr. Creedon, Mr. Trautz, and Dr. Goldberg. Basketball: Last year, the basketball team had an ISL record of 10 wins and 5 losses, and had an overall record of 14 wins and 10 losses, earning them 9th place in the ISL. Despite graduating many seniors last year, the team is looking forward to a good season with lots of young talent, with help from captains Jack Hunnicutt ’27 and Jackson Bowhers ’27.

Hockey: Last year, the rink was full of success, with the boys having an in-league record of 10 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, and a total record of 19 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw. The team

young talent, and the help of Captains Matthew Carolan ’26 and Evan Jones ’26. Nordic Skiing: The 2024-2025 Nordic ski team had a season to remember, with a record of 48 wins and

showed some success at the start of their season, winning the 2024 Lawrenceville Tournament, and finished off their season by making it to the semifinals of the Martin/Earl Large School Tournament. The team is looking to build upon last year’s successes with some new recruits,

2 losses, tying them with Proctor Academy for the regular season championship and later securing the Lakes Region Championship. They placed five boys in the top 10, with former captain Will Walton ’25 landing in first place and finishing with a second-place standing

at the NEPSAC Championship. While some outstanding skiers have left, the team is looking forward to following up last year with an even better season this year under the guidance of captains Fitz Courtney ’26 and Eita Fuse ’26. Squash: The squash team had an outstanding season last year, with a flawless in-league record of 10 wins and 0 losses, and a total record of 12 wins and 1 loss. Although the team is feeling the loss of seniors and other students, captain and Middlebury commit Griffin Calhoun ’26 is excited to lead the team and is hoping to inspire others to join. Wrestling: The BH team went out on the mat did well last year, winning the Graves-Kelsey Tournament, standing first in the ISL, and placing third in New England. While a large and inspirational senior class has left, the current team is packed with heavy hitters such as Captain and All-American Jack Dragoumanos ’26, Captain Scotty Moreau ’26, All-American Isaac Novod ’27, and All-American Brody Sayers ’28, setting the stage for another promising season for the wrestling team. ☐

Belmont Hill Fall Sports Review

By Will Greenhill ’28 Panel Staff

CROSS COUNTRY - Record: 12-1

vs. BB&N W 15-48

vs. St. Mark’s W 15-48

vs. Thayer W 15-50

vs. Nobles L 28-27

vs. MIddlesex W 16-47

vs. Thayer W 15-50

vs. Milton W 20-38

vs. Brooks W 15-50

vs. BB&N W 18-43

vs. St. Mark’s W 15-46

vs. St. Sebastian’s W 27-32

vs. Rivers W 20-41

vs. Lawrence W 15-50

ISL CHAMPIONSHIP 2nd Place

FOOTBALL - Record: 1-6

vs. St Paul’s L 6-21

vs. St. Sebastian’s L 3-21

@ Brunswick L 7-66

vs. BB&N L 7-30

@ Tabor L 0-34

@ Milton L 22-42

vs. Lawrence W 38-35

SOCCER - Record: 10-2-5

vs. Bridgton W 1-0

vs. Phillips Andover W 2-0

vs. Phillips Exeter W 2-0

vs. BB&N W 5-2

@ Groton W 6-0

@ Tabor W 3-0

vs. Rivers T 2-2

vs. Nobles L 2-3

@ Middlesex W 3-0

@ Brook L 1-2

vs. Thayer W 4-0

@ Milton T 3-3

@ Austin Prep W 3-1

vs. Roxbury Latin W 3-0

vs. Lawrence T 1-1

Basketball Team Celebrates with Loop After Playoff Win Adam Richins Photography

Hockey Team Celebrating a Goal with The Loop

Adam Richins

BH Football, Soccer & Cross Country Teams

Adam Richins

Form VI Oasis - Truly Heaven

At Form VI Senior Oasis, a 30-second massage “changed my perspective on the world,” one senior reported. Mrs. Phinney explained, “We thought the generic corporate coworker music would really boost our boys’ spirits.” School President Grant Hanser added, “Oh yeah— Avicii was a huge hit. Huge, huge hit. I believe the event was a rousing success overall; I got glowing reviews.”

Discovering the Keys to Selling Lemonade

“Our business endeavor is a dynamic blend of synergy and scalability,” said senior Alex “Buzzword” Zhang. “It’s about creating pathways into the market through brand awareness and a strong value proposition. We move the needle…We grab the low-hanging fruit, if you will. It’s a win-win situation, thinking outside the box…You have to knife and fork it, you know, creating a substantial opportunity to boost stakeholder value through the roof.”

Bradford Adams ’26 Embraces Method Acting

Mr. Christopher Bracken seen running in-depth 2-hour rehearsals every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at X block with senior Bradford Adams to help him get into character via method acting for the Boo Chapel. Last Fri day, the two were seen slowly crawling through the By rnes Library during free blocks, staring deeply into the souls of napping students. “I woke up screaming, and I—I didn’t know what to do,” stated senior Réis Little.

From the BH Community Gmail Archives

Drake “Bradford Adams” Maye