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Volu m e 6 8 , Issu e 2
Ju ne 3 , 2 0 1 9
A Student Publication of the Belmont Hill School
Mr. Greer and Mr. Wood ‘71 Retire
Mr. Greer By Jackson Riffe ‘20 Panel Staff After teaching at Belmont Hill for a staggering 41 years, Mr. Greer, a treasured member of the English department, is retiring. Growing up nearby in Dedham, Massachusetts, Mr. Greer attended high school at Roxbury Latin. After attending the University of Virginia, where he majored in English and pitched for the baseball team, Mr. Greer served six-months active duty as a medic. Mr. Greer stepped onto Belmont Hill’s campus during the late 1970s in hopes of finding an available
Mr. Wood
teaching position. He was leaving behind his “ideal beginning” at Woodstock Academy, a small co-educational private school in Woodstock, Connecticut, where he taught five classes and coached Varsity basketball and JV baseball. While teaching at Woodstock, he married his wife, Dee, and together, they decided they wanted to move back closer to their hometown. Although there were no positions initially available, Mr. Greer left a resumé after a successful interview, and two weeks before the first day of classes in 1978, he received a call and was offered a job teaching English. cont. on p. 2
ally, the crew coach at the time, Kim Bassett, realized it would be a better fit for him to row crew rather than play baseball. In the Third Form, he joined the crew team Mr. Wood, a cherished faculty and never looked back. “I grew a lot that member at Belmont Hill, is retiring this summer … and I kind of looked like an year after 36 years of teaching and coach- oarsman in my ninth grade year, so sure ing for the school. Mr. Wood and his twin enough I went down and started rowing,” brother Ned graduated from Belmont Hill Mr. Wood explained. After graduating in the class of 1971. As a student, Mr. Wood from Belmont Hill, Mr. Wood was recruitplayed football, hockey, and baseball; how- ed by Yale for rowing, and, after finishing ever, reflecting on his high school athletic his time at Yale, he held a teaching job in career, he said he was not “a very good base- Los Angeles yet decided to return to Belball player, I wasn’t playing very much and mont Hill as an English and history teacher didn’t deserve to play very much.” Eventu- and rowing coach. cont. on p. 2
Baseball Wins ISL
Crew Team Regains NEIRA Title
By James Markis ‘20 Panel Staff
The Varsity Baseball team completed an outstanding season finishing with an ISL record of 12-2. The team won the ISL championship outright after beating BB&N to secure its first league title since 2014. They had finished second the past four years, and with a senior-filled team, they took advantage of their experience and leadership. Led by Captains Evan Sleight, Jaylen Bailey, and Jake McOsker, the team’s biggest victory came in April with a victory over St. Sebastian’s. Captain Evan Sleight said about their championship, “There is no better feeling than winning an ISL Championship with teammates cont. on p. 9
Look Inside The Panel
By Sreetej Digumarthi ‘21 and Tyler Forg ‘21 Panel Staff
By Jack Weldon ‘20 Panel Staff This crew season served as a benchmark of the hard work, determination, camaraderie, and grit that future crews should aspire towards. Led by captains Jackson Stone, John High, and Teddy Danziger, the team enjoyed a dominant season over other New England crews, with the 7v4, 3v8, 4v4, 3v4, and 2v4 finishing their runs undefeated and the 1v4 only losing once outside of regattas. Undeterred by an unfortunate boat malfunction at the Founders’ Day Regatta, the crew set their eyes on winning the New England Championship and defeating longtime rival Deerfield.
The team met countless hours on the water, late practices, yoga sessions, an ergometer marathon, and several erg tests with dogged resolve, and their hard work this season finally came to fruition this past weekend. cont. on p. 8
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TRACK Wins NEPSTA
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DEPARTING FACULTY & STAFF
Center Spread
PRIZE DAY AWARD WINNERS
Back Page
CLASS OF 2019 MATRICULATION
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Tennis, Golf, & Lacrosse Finish Strong
Page 10-11 A CHORUS LINE
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Tim Wood ‘71 Retires: 36 Years and Countless Students Inspired
Continued from Front Page Latin presented, Mr. Wood found his the final, and both times they were really was a student to now. The pace in both At the time he started coach- niche in the subject. One of his recent good, really tight races, so it was a real- academics and athletics has certainly being crew, Mr. Wood was the only faculty students, Jackson Kendall, says that “his ly neat rivalry between the two schools” come faster with classes getting more and member who coached crew, meaning influence has played a key role in making Mr. Wood recalled. The crew also had more vigorous and students beginning to part-time coaches had to be hired. Essen- Latin my favorite to make the dif- participate not only on school teams but tially, Mr. Wood had to manage both the subject at school.” ficult and time- also in club sports outside of school. “Part Middle School and varsity crew teams and Over his decades consuming tran- of that is the result of what would seem deal with logistics for shell transportation at Belmont Hill, sition into eights to be a really positive part of the changusing time which he would normally de- Mr. Wood has after rowing their es to the school and that’s the increased vote to teaching. At the time, a lot of Mr. changed the lives regular season opportunities that are offered to the stuWood’s former teachers were still teach- of thousands of in fours. Memo- dents,” Mr. Wood explained. When he was ing at the school, and he remembers get- students and has rable events oc- a student, there were only around seven ting positive and helpful support from his prepared many curred over the to eight clubs in the school compared to colleagues. At first, Mr. Wood taught Eng- alumni for life afyear including the dozens available now; furthermore, lish and only a couple of sections of his- ter Belmont Hill. “one time I came the clubs have become more time-contory, but soon he transitioned to teaching During his years down to prac- suming. “Society has also changed; stuhistory primarily while picking up a bit of at Belmont Hill, tice and half the dents now participate in club sports more dock was miss- in the afternoons.” Mr. Wood also noticed Mr. Wood also “One of the things about teaching, and it had the increased diversity in the school with coached the ing is that I learned a lot more kind of floated more women on the faculty and more crew team. He as a teacher than I ever did as downstream, and students from different backgrounds. admits that “the a student because we were also I had to find it Of all the things that he will miss when he first year, I reways exploring different places and bring it back leaves Belmont Hill, Mr. Wood knows that ally had no idea to go and different things to do upstream and tie he will miss the people the most because what I was dowith your classes and different it back together he has enjoyed working with them over the ing as a coach.” ways of presenting the mateagain.” Many years. When he retires, he looks forward to Mr. Wood’s crew rial.” alumni row- sleeping in every morning and not having made it to the Cherished faculty member, Mr. Wood retires after 36 ers have pleas- to worry about grading assessments every finals at Henley years of teaching and coaching Latin. As a history teacher, he created a two years and ant memories of night. Although he is ending his tenure as few new courses which he really enjoyed won in the latter of the two finals in 1987. rowing with Coach Wood, and even now, a teacher, Mr. Wood may choose to conteaching, yet, unfortunately, these courses The Henley Royal Regatta is one of the acknowledging his remarkable ability to tinue coaching crew for either the Middle are no longer taught at the school. Al- most celebrated rowing regattas in the connect with rowers. Current rowers know School crew team or for another club or though he would only occasionally teach world, and the Princess Elizabeth Chal- him for instilling discipline and requir- school. The Belmont Hill community bids a Latin section or two, he soon became a lenge Cup is the most prestigious race ing hard work both on and off the water. Mr. Wood farewell and thanks him for the full-time Latin teacher. Mr. Wood loved for a school crew. “Both years we raced Furthermore, Mr. Wood reflected on the influential impact he has had on countLatin. Having enjoyed the challenge that them [the Hampton School Boat Club] in changes at Belmont Hill from when he less students and the school as a whole. ☐
Prized English Teacher and Accomplished Coach, Mr. Greer, Waves Goodbye Continued from Front Page years of coaching Varsity baseball during diately responded, “The community.” He grandchildren. “My oldest [grandchild] Throughout his 41 year-long ca- the mid to late-90s yield two especially added that he will miss the “unique com- is 11, and they’re all getting more inreer, Mr. Greer has been involved in every cherished memories: working with for- bination of the people I teach with and the volved in sports and other activities, so area of Belmont Hill. He has enthusiasti- mer Red Sox catcher, Rich Gedman (now students I teach.” He believes that English we just want to be able to support them. cally taught English 4, American Litera- the hitting coach for the Pawtucket Red is one of the most demanding subjects to Additionally, Mr. Greer looks ture, and The Hero In Literature to upper Sox) and winning the ISL Championship teach and “if it weren’t for grading 3-4 page forward to some travel. This upcoming schoolers, and has coached football, bas- in 1997. That essays, I might autumn will be the first fall he has ever ketball, and baseball at various levels. On season, Belbe able to stick had off in his adult life. Despite being ofthe academic side of campus, Mr. Greer mont Hill held around a little fered four sabbaticals, he took time off has cherished classroom autonomy. He first place golonger.” Upon just once in the spring. He hopes to take appreciates the opportunity to imple- ing into the filearning of Mr. many day trips around New England durment the “Profile assignment” in English nal game of the Greer’s retire- ing the scenic fall. That said, he leaves 4, and the freedom to design and discuss season against ment plans last open the option of tutoring or substitutnew courses. He recalls, “Periodically rival BB&N, spring, Mr. ing at Belmont Hill or another school. parents have questioned our reading lists, who happened A r m s t r o n g Alas, he will not continue coaching on but I think our defense was always a solid to be one game complimented the Hill in retirement due to bad trafone: We picked books which our students behind in sechis colleague’s fic during the late-afternoon commute would enjoy to read and write about.” ond place. “Mr. teaching prow- home. Nevertheless, he has not ruled out Over the years, Mr. Greer has succeeded Goodband’s oldess, with an the idea of returning to coaching in some in making the content of his courses relat- est son, Cliffy, apt baseball form. A former student of his is the head able and engaging to all his students. He pitched that metaphor: “the of school at Catholic Memorial, a private appreciates when students genuinely care game. He threw good news is, school in West Roxbury, so coaching at a about the material and actively participate a no-hitter, and you haven’t lost school closer to home remains a possibilin Belmont Hill’s hallmark Harkness Table we won 10-0 to your fastball.” ity. Additionally, Mr. Greer is exploring discussions. In recognition of his service win the league.” Although he the opportunity of receiving a board cerand leadership, Mr. Greer was awarded Mr. Greer also admits to be- tification to referee middle school basketthe Burns Chair in the Humanities. He truly enjoyed coming a softer ball games at various other local schools. claims that this “is the single greatest hon- this past winter grader over the Mr. Greer will be greatly missed Mr. Greer retires after 41 years at the school or I can cite. I was totally surprised and season coaching years, Mr. Greer by everyone in the Belmont Hill commuhonored to receive the endowed chair.” 7th-grade basketball with Mr. Martellini. feels this compliment is generally accurate, nity. Students will miss the daily competiOn the athletic side of campus, Mr. Greer He adds, “Before this year, I would’ve had and he appreciates the opportunity to re- tion to answer extra credit questions posteasily recalls various memorable mo- a hard time picking out my favorite bas- tire from Belmont Hill on his own terms. ed on the whiteboard in his classroom, ments. He fondly recalls the memories ketball season. But I had more fun coachWhile Mr. Greer has not yet en- and athletes will miss his presence on the of coaching 8th-grade football with Mr. ing the 7th-grade team this year with Mr. tirely determined what he will be do- field or on the court. Mr. Greer has truly Brodie and Mr. Martin for seven consecu- Martellini than I’ve had in a long time.” ing in retirement, he certainly knows contributed to every aspect of the Beltive undefeated seasons. While describing When asked ‘What will you miss most that he and his wife will be spend- mont Hill community; we wish him the the streak, he laughs, “That ain’t bad.” His about Belmont Hill?’, Mr. Greer imme- ing more time with their children and very best as he begins his retirement. ☐
Phenom on the Pitch & in Classroom: Mr. Khan Says Goodbye
lege for a full four years, won the school’s first national championship in 2015, and went on to captain the team. He spent summers trainIn his one year at Belmont Hill, Mr. ing with a semi-pro soccer team, the Reds Aziz Khan has made many contributions to of Providence, Rhode Island and continued the community, both in the classroom, as a playing with them throughout this year on First Form science teacher, and on the playing weekends and evenings. Mr. Khan leaves field, where he served as assistant varsity soc- Belmont Hill to pursue soccer at the profescer coach. A stellar soccer player, Mr. Khan at- sional level, either in France or in West Africa. tended Lawrence Academy, twice winning the Wherever he lands, we wish him ISL Championships and achieving All-League the best of luck and thank him for his recognition. He played soccer at Amherst Col- meaningful year in our community. ☐ By Jake Pappo ‘20 Panel Staff
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Exceptionally Talented Dr. Buckley Departs to Accomplish Much Out West transformed the lutions to controversial issues that plague curriculum from the American West. Merging two distinct one of rogue memworlds, the Crested Butte Institute will bring Sadly, Dr. Buckley will be leaving Bel- orization to inquitogether an interest of the energy industry mont Hill at the conclusion of this academic ry-based, enhancwith interests of land users and conservayear. Even prior to her arrival on the Hill, ing the intrigue tionists. The energy industry consists of oil, Dr. Buckley had already accomplished so of the course imgas, coal, and renewables, such as wind and much. After graduating Magna Cum Laude mensely. For each solar. The people who use the land include with a Bachelor of Arts from Brown Univer- of the senior elecranchers, farmers, indoor and outdoor ski sity, where she concentrated in International tives which she industry, environmentalists, and homeownRelations, she traveled across the country taught, Dr. Buckers. Having always been interested in “depoto Stanford. There, she earned her Ph.D. in ley crafted the curliticizing issues to focus on interest-based Political Science, focusing on American His- riculum herself, solutions,” Dr. Buckley crafted the Crested tory. While in graduate school, Dr. Buckley which took many Butte Institute in order to accomplish this taught at both Harvard and Stanford. Apart hours and much goal. Finding common ground between from academia, Dr. Buckley also spent her trial and error. the multiple parties with distinct interests, summers as a Whitewater River Guide in Dr. Buckley also the institute aims to build policies from the Colorado, Idaho, and Utah. After acquiring switched up the ground up, in a bipartisan manner. When Dr. Buckley departs after 10 Years at the School her doctorate, Dr. Buckley worked as a pro- syllabi every year not building and leading this institute, Dr. fessor at Middlebury College in Vermont. to keep the courses interesting for herself! State Representative Linsky in State House Buckley plans to traverse the Great OutFollowing this, she published academic paSpeaking on Dr. Buckley’s effect, cur- offices or in US Congress District Offices doors. Some activities she looks forward pers and co-authored a textbook. In 2009, rent Senior Thomas McEvoy states, “Dr. for Representative Kennedy or Clark, aid- to include fly fishing, mountain biking, Dr. Buckley decided to veer her career to- Buckley was instrumental in helping me to ing a campaign or consulting politically. skiing, and a return to her beloved whitewards the molding of young minds and, ac- discover my passion for American history These opportunities are one of a kind and water rafting. Overall, while it is sad to see cordingly, accepted a job at Belmont Hill. and political science. I’m forever grateful for not offered in many other places. Without her go, we all wish Dr. Buckley the best of Across her ten-year tenure at Bel- the time and energy she invested in me as a Dr. Buckley, this program would never luck in her future endeavors and thank her mont Hill, Dr. Buckley had a profound im- student. Her classes were among the most have come into existence. Asked for her for her tremendous impact on the school. ☐ pact on numerous aspects of the school. engaging and rewarding I’ve ever taken, and favorite memory on campus, Dr. Buckley Head of the History department for three I’ll miss that same lively yet focused atmo- was unable to choose one as all her moyears, she helped shape our history cur- sphere!” Profoundly influencing the school’s ments on campus were so special to her. riculum and design new courses. In April of impact on the world outside of campus and As she departs the Hill, Dr. Buck2018, Dr. Buckley was honored as the first opportunities for students, Dr. Buckley es- ley will start a new and interesting chapter recipient of the Centennial Chair in History. tablished the Politics Internship Program for in her life. Familiar with designing proDr. Buckley taught a plethora of courses in seniors. In this program, students spend one grams, Dr. Buckley will create and lead a her tenure; although on paper her teaching day per week working on the frontlines of policy institute situated out west in Crested impact is palpable, her influence on these electoral or policy process. These internships Butte, Colorado. Fulfilling a lifelong dream, courses is much more. For US History, she can include working for Governor Baker or she will work on non-partisan policy soBy Chetan Shukla ‘20 Panel Staff
Cherished History Teacher and Revered Coach, Mr. O’Leary Disembarks baseball for all of his time here. “I will parMr. O’Leary has also been willing to ule, sit with them at lunch, and then you go ticularly remember all of the times we beat give up the final weeks of his summer for home and do work at home, definitely not as Sebs or my alma mater, RL, in football and many years and run the “Head Start” pro- much as the kids do, but you appreciate what At the conclusion of this year Bel- baseball. Those were always special days.” gram for incoming seventh graders. In students go through.” All of this is not to say mont Hill is saying goodbye to a treasured Additionthis role he has been he is not looking forward to life on the West member of our history department, Mr. ally, Mr. O’Leary has able to help students “Belmont Hill has been a good O’Leary, as he packs his bags and heads immersed himself acclimatize to the for the West Coast. Six years ago he joined in other areas of stuschool and settle school because I feel like I’ve worked the faculty, coming to us from the Harvard dent life. For a few their anxiety in prepalongside a lot of different faculty Westlake School in Los Angeles, coinciden- years now he has been aration for starting as a coach or doing a special projtally where he will be teaching again next tasked with heading their journey here. fall. Mr. O’Leary’s time on the Hill has been the ninth grade inThis speaks to his ect with someone. At other schools sometimes you don’t know other marked by good humor, scintillating class terdisciplinary day, generosity and care discussions, and his versatility as a mem- which many students of students’ well-be- people in other departments, which ber of the faculty. Simply, he has been in- fondly remember. ing; he truly enjoys really differentiates this place.” volved in the entire gamut of student life. He Additionally, he has educating the “whole has taught courses in grades eight through been a faculty leader boy.” Last summer, Coast. Firstly, the move offers an amazing twelve, a wider spread, he notes, than any of many courses, inMr. O’Leary served opportunity for his family. His wife, a recent of his colleagues in the department. Many cluding U.S. History, as a faculty chaper- recipient of a doctorate in psychology, will of his eighth grade U.S. Government stu- Crescent and Dragon, one of the Kenney begin in the fall as a clinical psychologist dents have gone on to take his Facing His- and American GovLegacy Trip. “That at UCLA in the psychiatric equivalent of a tory elective as ninth graders. Additionally, ernment. He has was probably the medical residency. Additionally, the “quality he has taught World Issues as the curricu- read countless admismost memorable of life is somewhat better. The mexican food lum has evolved from South Africa, India, sion files over his six experience I have is better, and I’ll spend more time outside,” Mr. O’Leary leaves the Hill after 6 Years and China, to India and China, and finally years, and has loved had here, especially While he will miss the interactions with his to Middle East and China. Many Upper watching applicants he vouched for make when we visited Normandy,” he explained. students and the Belmont Hill model, he will Schoolers have benefitted from his strong outstanding contributions as Belmont Hill When asked what would miss the most “take the aspects of Belmont Hill that are commitment to teaching in his modern Eu- students. He has spent many afternoons about the Hill, Mr. O’Leary answered, “The really great to [his] next job.” Additionally, ropean History and U.S. History courses. advising the Middle School Senate, and as thing I will miss the most is the coaching he is excited to teach ancient and medieval Additionally, Coach O’Leary has head advisor of the Second Form, he has aspect because I’m not going to coach in history, which he taught before coming here. been instrumental on the athletic fields here led many Washington D.C. trips, which he California. For me it’s one of the best parts Overall, while we are sad to lose at Belmont Hill. For three years he served remembers as a highlight of his time. “It about Belmont Hill. You get to live a simi- him and will miss him next year, we are excitas assistant coach of 8th grade football be- was pretty special meeting General Milley, lar schedule to the students. You appreciate ed for Mr. O’Leary and his family and thank fore finally taking over as head coach in Mitt Romney, and Ed Markey on this year’s what a student goes through and their de- him for his amazing work at Belmont Hill. ☐ 2016. In the spring he has coached varsity D.C. trip; I’ll never forget that,” he notes. mands and you go through the daily schedBy Charlie Donahue ‘20 Panel Staff
After an Influential Year: Ms. Lyman Departs UN outing at the Brown University conference. ics, sports, whatever it may be….Everyone In the winter she could be found on the alpine here just cares a lot about this community, ski slopes alongside Mr. Trautz and Mr. Feld- and that’s an awesome thing to be a part of.” After one year in the English depart- man. This spring she was the head coach of Ms. Lyman said that she currently ment, Ms. Daphne Lyman’s time on the Bel- the sailing team, leading them to a 6-3 record. has a couple of options lined up, “a few irons mont Hill campus is coming to a close. In her When asked about her experi- in the fire,” among which are teaching a few first year teaching, Belmont Hill offered her the ence at Belmont Hill, Ms. Lyman said “it’s more years elsewhere, or going to graduate chance to “get my feet wet and figure it out.” truly a great community, especially because school. She certainly had a positive impact This past year she taught two sections of Eng- everyone is so smart, and hard-working -- on the lives of many this year, and will defilish I. In the fall she co-chaperoned the Model dedicated to their jobs, including academ- nitely be missed around campus next year! ☐ By Charlie Wells ‘21 Panel Staff
Ms. Lyman says goodbye after one year
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Ms. Robison Moves on, Leaving a Legacy in Theater and English By Streetej Digumarthi ‘21 Panel Staff After working in the English and Theater Departments for five years, Ms. Robison will be departing from Belmont Hill. In her five years at Belmont Hill, she made significant contributions to both departments. Ms. Robison innovated the Theater program as the Director for four years, introducing stage fight choreographers for plays with fighting scenes, microphones for actors in the musicals, a new light board, and the performing arts banquet. In these four years, she directed twelve different plays, including One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Antigone, A Rai-
Ms. Robison
sin in the Sun, Guys and Dolls, and two Shakespeare plays. In the English department, Ms. Robison strived to reach every type of learner in her English II and III classes, drawing upon a wide range of teaching techniques (such as Socratic circles, visuals, acting scenes, and presentations), inspired by Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. She coordinated field trips for English students to see professional Shakespeare productions in Boston and brought theater groups to perform at Belmont Hill. As an advisor to Form II students, she accompanied them on service trips and, on two occasions, served as a chaperone on the form Washington D.C. trip. Next year, Ms. Robison plans to continue teach-
ing and is considering a return to public education. Having previously taught and directed at public schools, Ms. Robison appreciates the differences between public and private schools, noting that public schools tend towards larger Theater programs. Reflecting on her time at Belmont Hill, Ms. Robison said that she will miss the camaraderie and fun in the classroom and that she is very grateful for her opportunities in these past five years. ☐
Goodbye to Mr. Moronta: A History of Seven Years of Excellence By Andrew Lee ‘20 Panel Staff After 7 years of excellence as a teacher, coach, and admissions officer, cherished faculty member Mr. Moronta leaves Belmont Hill School to take the helm as Associate Director of Admissions and the Director of Squash at Tabor Academy, his alma mater. Playing on various varsity sports including squash and baseball at Tabor, Mr. Moronta pursued this passion and love for these games at Belmont Hill School, as head coach of the JV squash for three years and 8thgrade baseball head coach for four years. Serving as a director of the Belmont Hill dorms for five years, Mr. Moronta oversaw the many boarders throughout the years and formed personal connections with many students. Fifth former Luca Foschi Walko commented, “Mr. Moronta has been a great person not only to talk to,
Mr. Moronta with his dog, Tess
but also helped me adjust myself into the Close matches at High School Nationals Belmont Hill community during my first for the Squash Varsity team, interaction year here at this school.” In addition, Mr. with a diverse range of colleagues and Moronta taught Algebra 1 and Spanish 1 students, including boys from varied rathroughout his years on the Hill. Known cial and ethnic backgrounds and differing for his exemplary service on the field, the interests in athletics. When asked about courts, in the dorms and in the classroom, his time here at this school, Mr. Moronta Mr. Moronta nevertheless devoted most remarks, “As soon as I walked on campus, of his time to his primary job in the ad- I wanted to teach here. I fell in love with missions office. Mr. Moronta’s wide-rang- the faculty and the community. It was a ing talents, congeniality, and commitment moment of pride when given the opporto excellence, exemplify the qualities that tunity to be a part of the Belmont Hill Belmont Hill strives for in our faculty. Community. My time here was an honor.” Although his departure will be Mr. Moronta will be remembered hard-felt, Mr. Moronta heads to a posi- as a passionate member of the Beltion that offers him further opportunities mont Hill community by every student to grow as a coach and that is far closer to and faculty member. Through his preshis family, enabling him to return home ence on the squash courts, on the field, to his young family every school night, in the classroom, and in our hearts, we instead of only on the weekends. Though wish Mr. Moronta all the best on his seven years of work-week separation from new adventures at Tabor and at home. ☐ his wife and daughters has been difficult, Mr. Moronta has no regrets about the time he spent here at Belmont Hill School.
The Belmont Hill Community Bids Farewell to Mr. Young By Charlie Donahue ‘20 Panel Staff Two and a half decades ago, Mr. Young came to Belmont Hill temporarily amidst a career change. He had been working for a masonry company in Boston, and planned on staying here while he charted a new course. However, he realized this was a great place to work and temporarily turned into 25 years. In his time here, Mr. Young has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to beautify this campus and make it the best possible place to learn. Although he would never admit it, Belmont Hill would not run without Mr. Young. Perhaps no one is as familiar with the intricacies of each nook and cranny of this campus as he is, and his departure will be a huge loss for Bel-
Mr. Young in front of the Chapel
mont Hill. This summer, he will start a on, as well as the most difficult. In adnew job with the facilities department at dition, he has been a part of many othNewton Country Day School. While he is er endeavors including the additions to sad to leave, it offers a great opportunity Morse and Science, the construction of and the time is right for him and his fam- the Music Building, and the upcoming ily. “My two daughters are over there. Be- Chapel renovation. He also remembers cause of the hours here [at Belmont Hill] the particularly challenging winter of you tend to miss a lot at home. Being at 2015, where it snowed non-stop. “ That NCDS I’ll be involved in their day-to-day was something I will always remember. It a little more. It’ll also be a nice oppor- was like we lived here. The difficulty of tunity to start over. Developmentally, getting campus open was monumental. NCDS is behind where we are and I’ll Whenever we have challenges, we always have a chance to do many of the projects seem to come back to that,” he explains. I did here over again,” he explained. He He also says the thing he will also thinks that “the time is right. The miss the most is “The community. Evnew headmaster is in and settled. There’s eryone who I have worked with for a point in everyone’s career and life where years. The way everyone pitches in change is good and this seemed right.” around here. It’s a great place to work.” Looking back, he remembers the On behalf of everyone here, we thank construction of the Melvoin Academic Mr. Young for his years of dedication and Center as the largest project he worked wish him well in all his future endeavors. ☐
A New Take on Senior Prank Day: Going Green in 2019 to take slight detours just to make their way to control the scene, Hart was violent shoved around the bikes. That was not all though, as into a patrol car and taken away...but not before hordes of seniors flocked out of the Science a “FREE HART” chant rose from the crowd. As and Melvoin buildings, eager to take their new it dawned on the crowd that this was a masterrides for a glory lap around the Jordan track. ful hoax, students asked class president Shane While this was all good and fun, it was Rocket how they managed to pull this off. He nothing though compared to the trouble it enigmatically replied, “A good magician never would cause at cookies and milk. Much to stu- reveals his tricks” before vanishing into a cloud dents’ surprise, two heavily armed patrol cars of mist. While nobody really knows how the pulled up right next to where cookies were be- seniors got this incredible stunt off, it’s easing served and took the infamous Andy “Lock- ily one of the best pranks the senior class has breaker” Hart into custody. As many students ever engineered. Or... was it a prank at all? ☐ gawked in awe, and Mr. Grant vainly attempted
By Charlie Mullaney ‘20 Panel Staff May 2nd was a chilly morning and just another day of school for most. But when students began to shuffle in, they noticed something different about the campus that day; it was bright green. No, the grass had not bloomed overnight, it was, in fact, the 65+ Lyme bikes seniors had “borrowed” from the towns of Belmont, Watertown, and Arlington. This creative and witty prank had even some of the toughest teachers laughing while walking to class, as many had Lime Bikes in the academic quad
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As the Class of 2019 Embarks on a New Journey, We Reflect on Their Legacy bles. “From months before the season even remarked, “ASR was an amazing opportuni- tricacies of pushing initiatives through the started, our goal was to win the team trophy at ty - it was really special to participate in real layers of administration at the school. With NEIRAs,” reflected captain Stone. “The com- laboratory research, take a deep dive into a the help of Mr. McAlpin, my co-heads, and June 3rd marks the end of the Class petition in our league has really grown over topic, and constantly learn new things. I’m the regulars in the club, we were able to inof 2019’s time at Belmont Hill. Their com- the past few years, so this was quite a lofty extremely grateful to Mr. Courtney and the corporate composting into our waste manmencement is bittersweet; while teachers, goal, but we knew that it would be possible school for the program; it’s not something agement on campus as well as create a pilot peers, and friends celebrate their accom- if everyone on the team pulled through like that many high schoolers get the chance to program for electric maintenance equipplishments and their transition to the world we knew we could. And pull through we did. do.” The class was also distinguished by its ment,” Braun stated, discussing the club’s beyond, their joyous presence here will be I couldn’t be more proud of everyone on the high levels of achievement in mathematics, efforts to support composting. In terms of missed and their academic, athletic, and team. Whether they raced at NEIRAs or not, characterized especially by Matthew Smith. his workload with the club, he added that Two grades ahead of his peers in math, in “It’s easy to become overwhelmed with how arts contributions will leave an enduring 2017 Smith was awarded the Mathemati- much work there is to be done in order to legacy. “The class invigorated Belmont Hill cal Association of America Award, given make campus as sustainable as possible, and with their camaraderie and spirit; the class to the highest individual scorer on MAA because of this I think a part of me will alhas always been tight-knit and it continues contests; Smith also received the Rensselaer ways wish I could have done more during to be so,” remarked President Shane Rockett. Medal Award from Belmont Hill in 2018 my time here, but I have faith that the future In a successful athletic year, the senior for his outstanding work in mathematics. leaders of Sustainability on campus will conclass led Belmont Hill sports teams to chamIn the physical arts, the class of 2019 tinue the progress we have begun to make.” pionships across the board. Varsity football, made its mark with talented woodworkers under senior captains Shane Rockett, Jaysuch as Liam Durbin, Colin Vallis, and Jake len Bailey, and Justin O’Neil-Riley, defeated McOsker. “My experience in the woodshop Suffield Academy in the Dave Coratti Bowl, has been a fundamental portion of my Belcapping off their season with an ISL title and mont Hill career,” stated Durbin, a celebrata New England championship. “Winning ed artist. “Having a place to go on campus league championships has become the stanwhere I can immerse myself in hands-on, dard at Belmont Hill, so I think we did our rewarding work was and continues to be an job,” observed captain Rockett. During the integral relief from the work and pressures winter season, wrestling likewise achieved Nick Daley was a Regeneron STS Scholar of a traditional classroom setting.” In the historic victories, with captains Luca Pontone, Colin Vallis, and Matt Smith leading every person on the team got us to where we performing arts, musicians such as Andrew the team to an ISL and New England victory. are now.” Stone, High, Danziger, and Robert Herrera, Kerby Louis-Roberson, and AnPontone, who placed third at the National Paré, eagerly anticipate competing in the 1v4 toine DeRosa have left their mark. Herrera, Championship Tournament for his second event at Youth Nationals in the coming weeks. who played the saxophone and led the jazz ensemble, fondly looked back on his time The 2019 PWAP team as a musician at Belmont Hill: “The music program provided 45 minutes of relief and relaxation each day for me. Coming back SAFE, led by Julian Wambach and Justin from a test or a very intense class, I would O’Neil Riley, led a successful Diversity Day head towards the music building knowing and attended SDLC, the Student Diversity I am going to enjoy playing music with a Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tengroup of guys who look forward to the same nessee. Party with a Purpose, the wildly sucthing. It has been a wonderful experience, cessful dance marathon that partners with playing and being able to watch all the fami- Boston Children’s Miracle Network every lies enjoy the music their sons are playing.” year to raise money for children in need, is Louis-Roberson, a talented violinist, has another product of this class. Thomas Ryan, played in ensembles such as the local Bos- Collin Vallis, and Lawson Morris helped to ton Philharmonic Orchestra and Rennes found and lead this event for several years, Orchestra Symphonic in his year abroad and it will continue after they have graduin France. He also worked with STEP, a ated. Finally, Model United Nations ended program that helps to introduce people of a successful year, with several award-wincolor to the classical music industry. DeR- ning delegates in the program. Matt Smith, osa’s artistry extends from creative writing Rishi Banerjee, John Gaudian, and Matt to Woodbury speeches, to top-notch sing- Goguen led the club and helped secure its ing performances at Coffee House and the strength and performance for the future. James Eysenbach skiing at the Lakes Region Championships Senior Talent Show. The artists of the Class The class also contained a significant consecutive year, and Vallis were hallmarks Academically, the school says goodbye of 2019 were invaluable to Belmont Hill and number of global travelers. During their juof the program; the team will miss their to Nick Daley, who reached the Semi-finalist have left a remarkable legacy behind them. nior years, Kerby Louis-Roberson and Alex T h e Manioudakis spent a year abroad in France, leadership and talent. James Eysenbach and Class of 2019 Brian Gleason and Ned Whelan spent a seNick Daley led the Varsity Cross Country greatly im- mester in China, and James Eysenbach spent Skiing team to their first-ever Lakes Repacted the a semester at the Alzar Mountain School gion Championship. In the spring, senior Belmont Hill in Idaho. In their sophomore years, Colin captains Matt Goguen, Matt Smith, Isaiah c o m m u n i t y Braun spent a semester at the Island School Gomes, and Gabe Peterkin ran the varsity in extracur- in the Bahamas and Ben Awtrey spent a setrack team, which captured yet another ISL riculars with mester at The School for Ethics and Global title and New England Championships. On their sound Leadership in Washington, DC. These travthe baseball diamond, Evan Sleight, Jake and passion- elers represent the outward-looking spirit of McOsker, and Jaylen Bailey led the team to ate leadership. the Class of 2019, and their global interest an ISL championship with a victory over The Sustain- bodes well for their futures beyond the Hill. BB&N. The sailing team, helmed by seniors ability Club, Peter Wade, Michael Wade, Ned Whelan, Athletically, academically, artistically, led by Colin and beyond, the Class of 2019 has stamped and Ben Awtrey, attained victory at the MasBraun and a lasting legacy upon Belmont Hill. The brief sachusetts State High School Championship. Josh Fair- summary of accomplishments listed here Jackson Stone, John High, and Teddy Danman, reached could never seize the full scope of this their ziger captained the crew team, which earlier The Belmont Hill 1v4 at the NEIRA grand finals new heights impact. The class made the 2018-2019 school this season broke the all-time school record this year. “I term a hallmark year of league championfor the fastest crew on the ergometers, and won the New England Championship over stage of the prestigious Regeneron Science learned a lot not only about how much po- ships, contest victories, improvements in susprominent rivals such as Deerfield and No- Talent Search. Reflecting on his two years of tential this school has in becoming a more tainability, music performances, and an inwork on DNA folding and expression, Daley sustainable campus, but also about the in- credible cap on their careers at the school. ☐ By Jack Weldon ‘20 Panel Staff
Prize Day 2019
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Extracurriculars & Arts B Flats Music Awards
Rishi Banerjee, Michael Glauninger, Kevin O’Neill, Luca Pontone, Julian Wambach
Choral & Vocal Prize
Kevin O’Neill
Instrumental Music Prize
Andrew Herrera. Charles Stevenson
Ensemble Award
Devon Anderson, Andrew Herrera, Kerby-Louis Roberson
Diversity Leadership Award
Charles Booth, Justin O’Neil-Riley, Hamza Shemsu, Julian Wambach
Woodbury Public Speaking Prize
Charles Booth (Fall), Matthew Travaglini (Spring)
Hayden Gaylord Coon Drama Prize
Ryan Cannistraro (Acting), Renny Gong (Acting), John Henehan (Technical), Brian Wilkins (Technical)
The Paul J. Zofnass ‘65 Environmental Award
James Eysenbach
Hampers Lyceum Award
John Hadley, Lawson Morris, Gabriel Peckler
Luke Carroll, Owen Gerah, Lawson Morris, Brodie Rayment, Thomas Ryan,
Edward M. Burt Community Service Award
Jackson Stone, Jack Tahan, Colin Vallis
Warburg Community Service Award
Lawson Morris, Thomas Ryan, Colin Vallis
Angelo Togneri Art Prize
Liam Durbin
Thomas Photography Prize
Jack Theberge, Alexander Sousa
Global Citizenship Award
Shane Rockett
Panel Carving Prize
Colin Braun
Babe Ruth Sportsmanship Award
Athletics
Robert Radochia, Evan Sleight
Red and Blue Key Society
Rishi Banerjee, Maxwell Barton, David Bergantino, Nicholas Castellucci, Douglas Conigliaro, Daniel Drucker, Michael Dutile, John Gaudian, Matthew Goguen, Lawson Morris, Henry Moses, Kevin Michael O’Boy, Michael O’Brien, Justin O’Neil Riley, Stephen Pelligrino Jr., Archibald Perry, Gabriel Peterkin, Payton Privitera, David Reyes, Thomas Ryan, Justin Santana, Bennett Teceno, Mitchell Tor, Colin Vallis, Jonah Wyett
Darren D. Gallup Three Sport Athlete Award
Colin Braun, Nicholas Daley, James Eysenbach, Matthew Goguen, Andrew Herrera,John High, Justin O’Neil Riley, Gabriel Peterkin, Michael Piazza, Payton Privitera, Shane Rockett, Matthew Smith
Charles F. Kenney ‘06 Prize
Shane Rockett
The Independent School League Award of Excellence
Jaylen Bailey, Matthew Smith
Classics Maureen O’Donnell Book Prize
William LaFarge, Andrew Jonghyun Lee, Chetan Shukla
Jared Waterbury Scudder Latin Prize
John Weldon
Modern Language Spanish Prize
Thomas McEvoy, Michael Montonaro
French Prize
Rhocar Constant
Raymund A. Kathe Prize
Brain Gleason, Edmund Whelan IV, Liam Peterson
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Middle School Middle School Public Speaking Prize
Jack Abbrecht (Fall), Will Smith (Spring)
Middle School Drama Award
Jeremy R. Eaton (Acting), Benjamin Guenther (Acting), Daniel Rashes (Acting), Sean Egan (Technical), Jackson Pagan (Technical)
Prospector Award
Thomas Madden, Braden Reilly
Bell Prize
Ryan Griffin, Luke Hogan, Howard Huang, Kevin Jiang
Newell Howes Morton Award
Jaden Hill
Middle School Award of Merit - Form I
Alexander Behn, Ian Hendrix, Brian Lee, Declan Reilly, Gabriel Simmons, Alexandre White
Middle School Award of Merit - Form II
Jason Cannistraro, Peter Fiumara, John Goguen, Thomas Mackey, Leonardo Montoya
Middle School Award of Merit - Form III
Daniel Crowley, Jacob Czarnecki, Ryan Griffin, Daniel Rashes, Alexander Sousa, Benjamin Trotsky
Gregg Citizenship Award
Luke Travaglini
Helena Weiser Funk Award
Luke Carroll
Mathematics
Mathematical Association (AMC) of America Award
Renny X. Gong (Grade 12), Howard Huang (Grade 10), Brian Lee (Grade 8)
N.E. Mathematics League Award (NEML)
Howard Huang, Lawrence Tang, Brennan Barlage, Brian Lee
Rensselaer Mathematics & Science Medal
John Weldon
Maxwell Mathematics Prize
Andrew Herrera
Thomas G. Walters Mathematics Achievement Prize
Matthew Smith
Science Henry S. Robinson Physics Prize
Matthew Smith
Frederick C. Richardson Chemistry Prize
Tor Hillstrom, John Weldon
Clifford Goodband Biology Prize
Sreetej Digumarthi, Charles Wells
Staehle-Downes Geology Prize
Isaiah Gomes, Evan Sleight
English Willey Sextant Prize for Creative Writing
Andrew Jinhee Lee, John Weldon
Brown Book Award
Jackson Riffe, Jeffrey Segel
Henry S. Robinson English Prize
William LaFarge, Thomas McEvoy
History Monaco American History Prize
Jake Pappo
Downes History Prize
Shane Rockett
Book Prizes
Form V Awards
Charles Booth (Yale), Emmett Greenwood (Yale), John McHugh (Yale), Elias Hyde (Williams), John Weldon (Harvard)
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Sprinting to the Finish: Belmont Hill Track By Liam Peterson ‘20 Panel Staff
individual performances, Captain Matt Goguen had this to say about the team
Belmont Hill track and field has once again proved themselves to be an unstoppable force, claiming their sixth consecutive victory at New England’s. According to Captain Isaiah Gomes, the team had high expectations, and they were not disappointed. Many of the competitors performed above and beyond; , junior Greg Desrosiers even won Most Outstanding Athlete of the Meet. While there were several amazing
“ Junior Greg Desrosiers even won Most Outstanding Athlete of the Meet . ”
as a whole: “Everyone stepped up and scored points, points that we needed if we were gonna catch that dub!” Congratulations to all of the members of the track team for such a successful season. ☐
Junior Greg Desrosiers competing in the hurdles
Cont’d: Stroking to the Finish: Belmont Hill Crew
The crew team celebrating their NEIRA championship
Richards, George, Stone, Parejo, and Plaut knew that they had something special in the By Jack Weldon ‘20 2019 team, and the New England ChampiPanel Staff onship simply confirmed their hopes. As the The Belmont Hill crew team capped 7v4, 3v8, 4v4, 3v4, and 2v4 retire for a welloff their tremendous season at NEIRAs (New earned summer break, the 1v4 looks ahead England Interscholastic Rowing Association to a nationals rematch with the Deerfield Championships) with a team win over fast 1v4 in in Sarasota, Florida, on June 6-9th. ☐ crews such as Deerfield and Nobles. The 4v4, 3v4, and 2v4 all defeated their opponents in “ The Belmont Hill crew team capped hard fought races that came down to the second off their tremendous season at NEIin margins, while the 1v4 avenged a defeat by RAs (New England Interscholastic Nobles earlier in the season with a strong secRowing Association Championships) ond place finish, qualifying for Youth Nationwith a team win over fast crews such als. The rowers were ecstatic with their results, as Deerfield and Nobles . ” satisfied that their time-consuming training had paid off. Ever since the beginning of the season with their record-breaking erg scores, coaches
Belmont Hill Golf Team Captures Their 9th ISL Kingman Cup Championship By Jackson Riffe ‘20 Panel Staff This spring season, the Belmont Hill Varsity Golf Team had a remarkably successful season. The team finished with an overall record of 20-2. The team won the Kingman Cup, the ISL golf tournament, for the ninth time in the program’s history. With a score of 292 (top four scores count toward the team total), Belmont Hill defeated 14 other teams and secured the victory by 10 strokes. Bobby Manion (‘20), with a score of 68, earned the Patty Whitney Award for the lowest individual score in the tournament. Additionally, Bobby Manion (‘20), Connor
Willet (‘21) and John Broderick (‘22) also earned All-League mentions with respective scores of 68, 74, and 75. This tournament victory capped off a stellar season. Next spring, with Senior Jared Ravech departing, the golf team hopes to find other competitive members for the team. Congratulations to Mr. Doar and everyone on the team for an amazing season! ☐
“ Bobby Manion (‘20), with a score of 68, earned the Patty Whitney Award for the lowest individual score in the tournament. . ”
The golf team celebrating their Kingman Cup championship
The Brotherhood of Belmont Hill Lacrosse By James Markis ‘20 Panel Staff The Lacrosse team finished the season with a record of 14-2. Led by Captains Joe Goguen and Brodie Rayment, the team was attempting to recapture the ISL Championship after a second place finish last year. The team had huge wins against Avon, with a score of 9-8, and Governor’s, 9-3. The team also beat Nobles, and Rivers to position themselves to capture
“ Of the last four years on the varsity lacrosse Senior Brodie Rayment attacking the goal against rival St. Sebs
team, no one group of guys have ever felt more like a family than this one.”
the league title. A late season loss to Groton ended their chances of winning the league, but a second place finish is extremely impressive for the team. Captain Brodie Rayment said about his last year, “Of the last four years on the varsity lacrosse team, no one group of guys have ever felt more like a family than this one. The teams success over the years is due to the closeness of the brotherhood.” This brotherhood will continue next year with the rising seniors and juniors leading the team. They will look to win the league next year with that dominant core and with the leadership of juniors Quinn Richards and Cam Rubin. ☐
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A Successful Season for Belmont Hill Sailing est improvement in the eyes of their coach, and the 6 Middle Schoolers on the sailing team also exhibited great promise for the future of this BelCoach Lyman and the Varsity Sailing mont Hill Varsity Team. Coach Lyman remarked Team accomplished an exceptional spring season. Led by Captain Francis Selldorf, “ The members of the sailing team, comthis team achieved a record of 10 wins and peting against 18 other teams, won the 4 losses. Recovering from a disappointprestigious Downeast Fleet Race at Maine ing loss to BC High towards the beginning Maritime. of the season, the Varsity Sailing Team improved tremendously with a great win over Cheverus School. At New England qualifiers, the team took 4th place, barely missing the on her time instructing this team, “I’ve really apqualification to contend at New England’s. preciated, as a new coach, the whole team’s enthuNevertheless, the members of the sailing siasm through the harsh weather. The environment team, competing against 18 other teams, of the members made my time as a coach a very won the prestigious Downeast Fleet Race fun and positive experience.” Congratulations at Maine Maritime. Following suit to the to Coach Lyman and the Varsity Sailing Team team’s trend, Ned Whelan showed the great- for their impressive performance this year. ☐ By Andrew Jinhee Lee ‘20 Panel Staff
The Sailing Team celebrating winning the Massachusetts State High School Championship
Belmont Hill Tennis Team Aces The Competition By Chetan Shukla ‘20 Panel Staff
The Tennis Team huddles up at a match
Over the course of two and half months, the tennis team has developed into a great team. While it took a bit of time to adjust to the new scoring format and a new coach, the team persevered and achieved an incredible league record of 12 wins and 3 losses. The three losses came at the hands of very strong teams.. The Middlesex match, which ended in a 3-4 loss, lasted over four hours as each team strived to win. The Varsity Tennis team finished 4th in the ISL. In the New England’s tournament, the squad defeated Green Farms Academy in the first round, but lost to Roxbury Latin in the second. However, while the scoreline of the Roxbury Latin match looks quite devastating, the squad improved much since their first encounter, making it a close
fight. Over the course of the season, the team developed double’s play especially, thanks to the aid of Coach Nick Cary. Departing from the squad next season, the team waves goodbye to three seniors: Co-captain Tommy Smith, Will Lafarge, and Thomas McEvoy. Speaking of his time on the Belmont Hill Varsity Tennis team this season, Tommy Smith states, “Over my time at Belmont Hill, I have been a member of many great teams, but the grit and determination of the varsity tennis team this year was beyond compare. I was very proud to be a member of the team and will miss it dearly.” ☐
“ Over my time at Belmont Hill, I have
been a member of many great teams, but the grit and determination of the varsity tennis team this year was beyond compare. I was very proud to be a member of the team and will miss it dearly.”
Cont’d: Belmont Hill Baseball Captures Their First ISL Championship Since 2014 By James Markis ‘20 Panel Staff ...who we have been playing with for years, and coaches who are equally motivated to succeed. As the season came to an end, every person played a keystone role leading to us coming out on top.” With a 1-0 victory, the team put themselves in position to secure the title. The team finished the season with a seven game win streak, behind dominant pitching from Ben Reyes (‘20) and Jake McOsker (‘19). The lineup also produced at the plate, averaging 8 runs per game over that stretch, with an excellent second half of the season by Evan Sleight (‘19). Coach Grant reflected on their first championship since 2014: “Over the past three years we have come within a single inning of capturing the ISL title, and for this group of boys, who have played together for years to accomplish the feat is amazing. From practicing in 30°F weather, to dealing with my yelling and screaming, it is a great culmination of hardwork and dedication.” Despite the loss of 11 seniors, the team will look to repeat as ISL Champions, with juniors Ben Reyes and Richie McNamara leading the way. ☐
Captain Evan Sleight preparing for an at bat
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Athlete of The Issue: Tennis Captain & MVP Tommy Smith ‘19 By Andrew Jonghyun Lee ‘20 Panel Staff A bona fide leader and skilled tennis player, Tommy Smith has led the varsity tennis team to yet another successful season with a record of 11 wins and two losses. Reflecting on his tennis origins, Tommy remembers playing tennis in the summers of his middle school years at his community house in Maine. As Tommy developed a stronger interest for the sport, however, he began to play more competitively, achieving varsity status in 10th grade. Since then, Tommy has continued to grow into a remarkable player: in his Junior year, he was awarded the Most Improved Player Award, crediting his dramatic improvements over each season. This 2019 season is Tommy’s third on the team. As captain of the team, Tommy has had to adjust to a new leadership role. He states, “One of the great things is that we’ve had a lot of great leaders before. This year, building off their examples, I am trying to step into a bigger role and help the team in any way possible.” Individually, playing number four singles and number two doubles for the team, Tommy has dominated at his position, compiling one of the league’s best records. In his time at Belmont Hill, Tommy has truly grown to become one of the most dominant players in the ISL, amassing one clutch victory after another. One match, in particular, highlighted Tommy’s “veteran” leadership and mental toughness: when
the Varsity tennis team was struggling to defeat Milton, one of the top teams in the ISL this season, Tommy clutched up in both his doubles and singles matches to secure two of the four points need to clinch the match. In doubles, with the overall doubles scores split one and one, Tommy and his doubles partner, Bobby Cooper ‘23, defeated their opponents 8-7 in a tiebreak to win the doubles point. In singles, Tommy pulled out his match 10-8 in a third set tiebreak to clinch yet another doubles point for the team. Ultimately, Belmont Hill defeated Milton Academy 5-2 thanks to the efforts of senior captain Tommy Smith. On the team, Tommy is known as “Big Al”, after Al Horford on the Boston Celtics, for his impactful veteran locker room presence and clutch performance on the court. Reflecting on his last tennis season at Belmont Hill, Tommy asserted, “It has been a really great year overall. Although earlier in the season, I expected the team to struggle with a new system, young team, and new first-year coach Nick Cary, everyone has adjusted really well and gave their best efforts. I am proud of how we have played and what we have achieved, and look forward to closing out the season on a positive note.” The varsity tennis team will truly miss Tommy’s presence both on and off the court, and we wish him the best as he continues his journey at Davidson next year. ☐
Executive Editor Chetan Shukla ‘20
Arts Editor Andrew Jin Lee ‘20 Sports Editor Jackson Riffe ‘20 Photo Editor Jalen Walker ‘21
Back Page Editors Charlie Mullaney ‘20 Liam Peterson ‘20
Editors-in-Chief Jack Weldon ‘20 Charlie Donahue ‘20
Faculty Advisors David Hegarty Juliette Zener
Copy Editor Charles Booth ‘20
News Editor Andrew Jo Lee ‘20
Assistant Editors James Markis ‘20 Tyler Forg ‘21
Sreetej Digumarthi ‘21
Howard Huang ‘21 Renny Gong ‘20 Charlie Wells ‘21
Opinion Editor Jake Pappo ‘20 Online Editor Abe Tolkoff ‘21 Graphics Editor Elias Hyde ‘20
The Panel, founded in 1953, is the official school newspaper of the Belmont Hill and Winsor schools. 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 either 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 2013 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.
Belmont Hill Arts
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Belmont Hill Performs in the Chorus Line: A Dazzling Night
Adam Richin’s Photo of the Final Scene from the Chorus Line Portraying Actors from Dana Hall and Belmont Hill
By Renny Gong ‘20 Panel Staff Performing at Bardwell Theater on Friday, April 17th and Saturday, April 18th this spring, members of the Dana Hall and Belmont Hill Theatre departments put together the musical entitled “A Chorus Line.” Belmont Hill students Matt Travaglini ‘21, Julian Wambach ‘19, Renny Gong ‘20, and Ryan Cannistraro ‘21 performed in the production while Griffin Hamilton ‘20 and Brian Wilkins ‘20 managed tech. The show opens in the
middle of an audition for an upcoming Broadway production, with every dancer desperate for work in the opening number, “I Hope I Get It.” 17 dancers remain after cuts, and the musical progresses, with each dancer revealing stories about their past. For instance, Greg (Ryan Cannistraro ‘21) speaks of his discovery of his homosexuality and Don (Renny Gong’ 20) remembers his first job at a nightclub. Many dancers reflect on the unhappiness of their childhood and family life and Bobby (Julian Wambach ‘19) tries to hide this unhappi-
ness by making jokes. When Zach calls a reluctant Paul (Matt Travaglini ‘21) to share, he emotionally relives his childhood and high school experience, coming to terms with his manhood and his homosexuality and his parents’ ultimate reaction to finding out about his lifestyle. At the peak of the musical, during a tap sequence, Paul falls and injures his knee. After Paul is carried off to the hospital, the dancers realize that their careers can also end in an instant. In “What I Did for Love,” the dancers respond to Zach asking the dancers what they will do when they can no longer dance. The
number is beautifully sad, yet hopeful, as the dancers reply that, whatever happens, they will be free of regret. In “One” (Finale/Bows), the assortment of audition clothing is replaced with glorious gold costumes. All the dancers and auditionees make the stage, living the fantasy where all of them get chosen to be a part of the chorus. Ironically, each character who, as the musical progressed became individualized, now is an anonymous part of an unbroken ensemble. ☐
Jazz Night: A Resounding Performance By Charles Stevenson ‘20 Panel Staff The annual Belmont Hill Jazz Night took place on Friday, May 10. Although usually held at the Ryles Jazz Club, the event took place in the Belmont Hill Jazz club this year (aka Wadsworth). Both the Upper School and Middle School jazz bands were featured, with each band playing a collection of music they had worked
on all year. The show opened up with the US jazz band playing some iconic tunes, such as” Hang Up Your Hang Ups” by Herbie Hancock and “So What” by Miles Davis. The show featured many soloists, with every member of the US jazz band taking at least one solo. The first set culminated with a surprise performance by Mr. Schneider. After playing many jazz songs, “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison offered a nice balance of styles. Following the first set of US
jazz band came the MS band, bringing some serious energy and creativity with their full big band arrangement.
“The future of Belmont Hill musc seems promising, as the numbers are growing and the potential of performing is high” Daniel Bittner, David Carter, and TJ Cannistraro all showed off improv
and solo skills over the song “Sidewinder.” The already great night was closed by a rendition of “Don’t you worry bout a thing” by Stevie Wonder. Thank you to all that helped this wonderfully musical night happen. Special thanks to Mr. Fiori for putting a considerable amount of time and effort into the music selection, arrangements, and band development. The future of Belmont Hill music seems promising, as numbers are growing and potential of performing is high.
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