Browser May 2025

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The

Brewster Browser

May 20, 2025 Wolfeboro, NH

What Goes on Behind the Scenes at Brewster?

by Moasiah Bility ’25

“We try to get into the academic building first, before students fill it,” said Mr. Buffington, head of maintenance. “After that, we move on to the dorms and common areas. But it’s always a shuffle – we work around your schedule, not ours.”

Their work isn’t just about convenience, it’s also about safety and function. In the winter, they’re responsible for clearing snow, salting icy walkways, and ensuring the heating system works. During warmer months, they maintain outdoor spaces, mow lawns, and prepare for significant events like Graduation.

And they’re the first to respond when things break, like the pipes bursting. “We’re on call from Friday evening through Monday morning,” explained Mr. Jason Hanscon. “Even if it’s 3 am, if something goes very wrong in a dorm, we show up.”

Many of Brewster ’s Buildings are old, which adds an extra layer of challenge to every job. “You might think a fix will take ten minutes,” said Charlie Hooper, a maintenance worker, “but with these older systems, it could take days.”

Despite the obstacles, there’s pride in their work. “It feels good to know

Mr. Robert Trepanier works in the Facilities and Grounds shop to prepare benches for the athletic fields on a rainy day.

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Here at Brewster, it’s easy to take the comforts of campus life for granted. Hot meals appear three times a day. Classrooms are clean and warm.

Bathrooms are cleaned right when we get to campus. Snow is plowed before we even wake up. Dorms are repaired and heating is fixed like clockwork. But none of this happens with just a snap of the finger.

What makes Brewster feel like home and makes us comfortable are the people working tirelessly behind the scenes, often before the school day even starts. From the Dining Hall to Housekeeping to Maintenance, these teams are the heart of the school, working with care and commitment.

Yet, students rarely stop to consider the depth of their work or the daily challenges, even when we are out of school.

Maintenance at Work Each day, the Maintenance team arrives by 7:00 a.m. to check in, review work orders, and assign tasks. Their responsibilities are immeasurable and ever-changing. One day, they might fix a leaky faucet in a dorm; the next, they could troubleshoot heating issues across campus.

Volume 47 Issue 4

Ms. Yiota Prinea and Ms. Caren Cowper provide excellent service and lots of smiles to students and staff every day in the Estabrook Dining Hall.

we’re part of what helps students succeed,” said Jason Hanscon. “When you walk across that graduation stage, just knowing – we helped build the path.”

Housekeeping’s Role in Student Life When students return from class to clean bathrooms, mopped floors, and restocked toilet paper, most don’t think twice. But Housekeeping is already well into their day – cleaning dorms, resetting common room spaces, vacuuming, and quietly making sure everything is in place and clean for you.

“Our job is to ensure you’re safe, clean, and comfortable,” said Mrs. Buffington, head of housekeeping, who has been a part of the Brewster community for 22 years. “And we do it with love, even when people don’t always notice.”

Housekeeping faces physical demands. “Some people don’t know how much physical work comes into cleaning… It’s not as easy.”

Their work can also be emotionally

taxing, especially when their efforts are overlooked or disrespected. “Sometimes it feels like people forget we’re people, too,” Mrs. Buffington shared “We clean up after parties. We pick up messes that don’t need to happen. But we still come back, every day.”

What they ask for in return isn’t much: basic respect.

“Just be mindful,” said Vivian Emanus, who has been a part of the housekeeping crew for 14 years.

“Treat the space and us with care.

We’re all part of the same community,” said housekeeper, Ron Dunbar, who has been here for 15 years.

Many housekeepers also form quiet bonds with students over time. They watch us grow up here. And they see us through all of our highs and lows.

Life inside the Dining Hall From scrambled eggs at breakfast to fresh cookies during lunch and hot meals for dinner, the Dining Hall is where Brewster students and staff get cont. on pg. 8

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by Eliza Spindler ’25

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Since my sophomore year, I’ve contributed a semi-regular column to The Browser. It began with “What Your Favorite Slang Says About You”. Then came “What Your Music Taste Says About You”. You can see the pattern.

Every few issues, I’d return with another list of sweeping generalizations and unsolicited opinions.

It’s unsurprising that some readers get the impression that I’m negative. Or, to quote one anonymous peer review: “kind of a hater.” Fair. The column is, after all, a buffet of stereotypes, snark, and unprovoked attacks–heavily seasoned with blatant hypocrisy. For each subject, there’s no right answer; no matter your choice, I have something to say. No matter the topic–your favorite childhood show, your most-used app– I’ve found a way to poke at it. I attack things I love with the same relish as things I hate. I’ve mocked songs I adore and dragged movies I know by heart.

These critiques are entirely unserious and held with little to no conviction or venom. (See the latest on pg. 7) In truth, I don’t actually care what your favorite anything is. If you told me your top five artists in person, I’d probably nod politely and make a mental note to steal one for my playlist.

But in the column, everything is fair game. The goal has never been accuracy.

Editorial/Opinion Letter From the Editor

It’s been absurdity. Sorry. (Not really.)

I’ve found that excessively judgmental people are usually projecting their own self-loathing and insecurities outward. They don’t like looking at their own flaws, so they attack everyone and everything around them to make themselves feel better. I’d like to go on the record and say that I am, in fact, deeply obsessed with myself. And I like most people by default. The snark is democratic and indiscriminate. I make fun of everyone equally because it reminds me we’re all a little ridiculous.

No one’s cool. No one’s above it. And in that shared absurdity, there’s something beautiful, a spiritual equality. It’s a unifying loser-ness.

These years we spend growing up are about figuring out who we are–what we like, what we don’t, what matters to us. And along the way, we’re often tempted to let something else define us: Buzzfeed quizzes, Spotify Wrapped, astrology, political views, grades, followers, echo-chamber friend groups, niche internet aesthetics. It’s comforting to outsource your identity. Remember that beneath all the categories and labels, we’re remarkably the same.

Even if you fit squarely into one of my columns’ imaginary boxes, you’re more than just a punchline.

So, here’s my editor’s note, from one recovering cynic to you: don’t

Part of the staff of the Browser: Moasiah Bility ’25, Erin Kenah ’27, Editor-in -chief and author Eliza Spindler ’25, Mila Bahr ’27 and faculty advisor Ms. Jen Dumont.

follow in my journalistic footsteps.

Don’t hide behind sarcasm because sincerity feels risky. Don’t default to critique when you could offer care. It’s easy to be clever. It’s brave to be kind.

Find the good and say it out loud. I got to play the hater so I could write silly little articles–but I wouldn’t recommend it as a lifestyle. Notice the tiny details that prove how lovely people can be.

Watch the faculty babies giggling as they’re doted on by students. Notice someone’s face light up when they spot

On the Modern Fear of Debate and Rational Thinking

by James Hatzos ’26

Debate is dead, and we killed it. How have we gotten ourselves here? Let us begin by defining what it means to have a rational debate. A rational debate consists of opposing sound viewpoints. However, what is soundness? For a valid opposing viewpoint (or argument) to be sound, it must have true premises. Allow me to explain the difference. The following is a valid argument: Either the Moon or the Sun ate my bagel. The Sun didn’t eat my bagel, therefore the Moon ate my bagel.

Since there is no counterexample, i.e., a second conclusion that follows from the premises, the argument is valid; however, the premises aren’t true, as the moon obviously cannot eat a bagel. A sound argument is always valid, a valid argument is not always sound.

This feels like a very strict set of rules to structure a debate around; indeed, it is difficult to have conclusions that are the definite best solution. In many cases, a conclusion considers multiple perspectives, and usually cannot satisfy all. The way to find the best solution to a given problem, however, is to base the final solution off of the sum of previous arguments, and establish the logical outcome. Why, then, do people in the United States

shy away from constructive criticism, or refuse to engage in debates? To this, there are a multitude of answers.

In a school setting, debate between teacher and student is one-sided, and mute. This is largely due to age-old concepts, such as magisterial piety which, in an unwavering fashion, presumes the teacher is always right and forces the student to be subservient to the teacher’s evaluations of right and wrong. This has hitherto been the case, and subsequently led to, in many cases, educational and pedagogical stagnation. The ways of the class are typically fixed, and remain immutable to the student. Now, of course, this is not always the case; in some classes, with some teachers, sound arguments from the student body may truly elicit change within the classroom, but this is atypical. Important to keep in mind, for those ready to defend the expertise of the teacher, is that this evaluation has taken into consideration that the arguments the student were making are sound, which would automatically make the student right, if the given issue has less “grey area” than more.

And for those prepared to attack the student, they are more right than you think. Indeed, the conclusion that the student is “rarely right” is one based in

May 20, 2025

an unfortunate amount of truth, even if it is wrong; what is meant by this is that, in recent educational environments, the formation of sound arguments is not taught. Because this is not taught, students may find it hard to express their beliefs in a way that backs them up, as well, and this makes for a scenario where students are truly, typically, “wrong” in their argument. But, are they wrong in their idea? This must be determined through proper logic.

A very similar case is made with the familial relation, wherein magisterial piety may merely be replaced with filial piety.

There covered is the death of debate in the school and family environment, but what of debates among friends?

It is taught in school, and as one grows up, that to be disagreeable is repugnant; this development is the sum of a long line of old beliefs, such as those mentioned before, and the idea that debate is “bad” since good things are typically “obvious,” a real Occam’s razor, if you will. People typically do not like to debate their friends as a result of these progressions; indeed, rational debate is important among friends; when considering the progression of ideas, beginning cont. on pg. 7

their person in Esta. Smile at the elderly couple holding hands on their afternoon campus stroll. The more good you look for, the more you’ll find.

Thank you to Mrs. Dumont and everyone who has been a member of Journalism with me. In the end, my lack of athleticism has led me to some of my favorite Brewster memories. I wish the best of luck to the future generations of The Browser staff. I can’t wait to read what you come up with next–just know I will judge your headlines. Lovingly.

The Brewster Browser Brewster Academy Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

Editor in Chief: Eliza Spindler ’25 Managing Editor: Grace Watson ’26 News Editor: Katherine Twombly ’26 Features Editor: Mila Bahr ’27 Nameplate art: Shemar Joseph ’19 Staff members: Moasiah Bility ’25 Kevin Duan ’26 James Hatzos ’26 Erin Kenah ’27 Molly Kirschenbaum ’26 David Mason ’26 Faculty Advisor: Jennifer Metcalfe Dumont From the Editors: The Browser is a student publication, written, edited and proofread by the students under the direction of the faculty advisor. The authors and editors take full responsibility for any errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar that may occur.

THE BROWSER IS UNDERWRITTEN IN PART BY THE JON KONHEIM JOURNALISM AWARD.

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Editorial/Opinion

May 20, 2025

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Women's Roles in U.S. Military, Combat

by Katherine Twombly '26

by Eliza Spindler ’25

even have the right to vote in the United States, so allowing them to be of service to the country helped them earn the respect they deserved from their nation. In addition, during the Second World War, women worked as code breakers who helped to find out attack plans from the opposition. While neither of these roles were performed in combat, they solidified the idea that women were a valuable asset to the military and to their country. In fact, in 1948, shortly after the end of World War II, the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act gave women the right to enlist in all branches of the military, in any role equal to that of a man. This was followed many years later in 2013 by the integration of women into combat roles.

Seeing now that this right may be revoked has been a startling blow to the country and the women currently serving in the military. Until this point, the country had seemed to have been moving in a positive direction in regards to women's rights, but this proposed idea would undo an act of equality that was passed over a decade ago. Knowing this was put into action should add to concern over this situation, as if the country moved all legislation protecting and defending women back even a decade, society as we know it would be negatively impacted. A potentially positive aspect of this news is that while this comment does seem apt given the President’s stance and comments on many women's rights issues, he has yet to address the statement given by Hegseth. It is possible that even he is aware that something so drastic would cause extreme pushback and possibly add to the current dissent of the public.

First Lt. Gabrielle White competing in the Army Ranger Competition. Photo taken from the NY Times.

In recent years, the number of people enlisting in the military has dropped significantly, which, if there ever were a greater need for defense, could prove disastrous. In other words, these sexist comments appear to lack any foresight. These declining rates show that there has become less interest in pursuing the path towards a future in the military. Given this decrease, it does not seem wise to be turning away any volunteers. If women want to fight for their country and go through the proper channels to do so, any argument against that right feels obstinate and ungrateful.

Some argue that integrating women into a traditionally male-dominated field could create complications, both with logistics and morale. There is something to be said for physical differences, but many basic combat skills are learned from practice and experience and do not have much to do

with inherent physicality. Additionally, the idea that pregnancy could lead to a lack of preparedness or competence is untrue as the military currently imposes many resistrictions and allows for exemptions from many physical tasks for women throughout their pregnancies. Another explanation for why having women in combat roles complicates things is that it would affect the unity and social cohesion among members.

In summary, many think that having women involved in this aspect of the military will distract men. This was also notably a line of reasoning used against the authorization of girls in the Boy Scouts of America. While the admittance of women likely affects the traditional structure, war is never a comfortable situation, and it is unclear which part of socialization would be affected if women were permitted.

Sounds noble. Character education.

Whole-person growth. Students being incentivized to be their best selves and given regular feedback from their teachers. Except… to students, the system’s application feels less like thoughtful mentorship and more like a spreadsheet wielding a sledgehammer.

Even if your academic scores earn you JBS or Citizenship, you can lose status for offenses that stack up faster than you can say “non-Brewster hoodie.” A sampling of ways to be disqualified: Two unexcused absences (total, not per commitment); Five late arrivals (total, not per commitment); Five late homework assignments (total, not per commitment); Five dress code violations (total, not per commitment); Five dorm issues (timeliness, study hall, room check, leadership duty).

Here’s where it gets messier: teachers

issue BMPs (Behavioral Management Points), which are the breadcrumbs that lead to status doom. But not all teachers assign them equally. Some are merciful gods who’ll gently remind you to zip up your jacket or would rather focus on the lesson than your twentysix-second lateness. Others are sticklers who can detect a rule violation from across the Estabrook. Students know the categories: “chill” teachers who believe in grace, and “strict” teachers who issue BMPs like parking tickets. Neither type is wrong–just different in how they interpret “responsibility”.

And while no teacher is out to get you, the system turns them into enforcers of a policy that damages the trust they’ve worked to build. Issuing a BMP isn’t just marking a tardy–it’s sentencing you to weeks of supervised study with all the warmth of a tax audit.

Because what’s the consequence for losing status? Ac Study.

Brewster's BMP System Leads to Ac Study

From the front of the Cooper Center, I stared up at the rows of sullen seniors slouched in cramped gray chairs. It was 9:25 p.m., and I had an audience of the unenthusiastically captive. A few were locked in on their screens, earbuds firmly in place. Still, most looked back at me with a mix of curiosity and existential fatigue.

“This is for an article. Raise your hand if you’re actually here for late assignments or a low grade,” I asked.

One hand shyly raised.

“Raise your hand if it’s because of lates, absences, or dress code infractions.” The room lit up with hands. AirPods were pulled out. Eyes locked in.

“Okay, now raise your hand if you’ve found Ac Study helpful.” Every hand was snatched out of the air immediately, with not one exception.

Welcome to Academic Study Hall, better known as Ac Study: a

Monday/Wednesday/Thursday night ritual intended to help students who chronically struggle with procrastination and workload. In practice? It’s become Brewster’s all-purpose punishment for any and every infraction that might prevent you from achieving the everelusive status.

Brewster’s Recognition Program might sound like a well-oiled, characterbuilding machine. According to the handbook: “Every recognition period, students will receive formal evaluation for each of their commitments (classes, afternoon activities, and dorm if they are boarding students). Also, students will receive formal evaluation for their academic team activities (advisory block, all-schools and morning meetings, team with students, etc.): this evaluation will be determined by the academic team as a whole.” For each evaluation, students are rated for each of Brewster’s core values: Respect, Responsibility, Independence, and Interdependence.

cont. on pg. 6

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Historically, women serving in the military, specifically in combat roles, have sparked an extremely contentious point of debate. In the past, this was due to the treatment of women and the sexism and prejudice they have had to face. At this point, many argue that women are being treated fairly and equally in the workplace; however, due to the position of the current defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, on this issue, women in combat roles in the military are questioning their futures. It is worth noting that much of the purportedly factual information he uses to justify his beliefs is incorrect. Specifically, he talks about how the standards of military training have been lowered to accommodate women. This, in fact, is not true as evidenced by the genderneutral standards sanctioned by the military that ensure all genders of recruits must have the same training and qualifications. Furthermore, for the first time, a female member of the army, First Lt. Gabrielle White, competed in the Best Ranger Competition. She and her partner placed 14th out of 52.

The fact that these instances are public knowledge clearly illustrates the blatant disregard for reality and the staunch contempt the administration feels for women, especially in the military.

What some may not realize is that women have been serving in non-combat roles since World War I and were instrumental in the military successes of both World Wars. Women worked in intelligence, nursing, and even in some cases as pilots. This was groundbreaking for the time because during World War I, women didn’t

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News

May 20, 2025

Rising Rates of Familial Estrangement Pose Concerns

by Katherine Twombly ’26

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Familial estrangement has become much more common in the United States, particularly in the past decade.

This has been described by some as an epidemic, as now about one in every two people is estranged from at least one family member, according to Time Magazine. These growing numbers are said to have been influenced by a number of societal factors regarding the change in the cultural norms and expectations that families abide by. In the past, family was seen as something that was never left behind, and that no matter what, family is blood.

Interestingly, this idea is becoming less popular, and people are seeking out their own chosen families with friends who match their personal values more closely than their literal family.

Many are citing mental health as a reason to stop contact with their families. In recent years, there has been an increase in openness from people on issues such as anxiety and depression.

This growing awareness has led to many positive changes in our society, but some question mental health as a justification for cutting ties. Interestingly, it has also become increasingly popular to end relationships with friends for the purpose of being happier and more fulfilled, so why do we feel so differently when considering family?

Traditionally, family life has been a huge part of our culture. For many, thinking back on their time growing up with family can bring up mixed emotions, but overall, we are taught to love our family practically unconditionally.

However, recently, people have started to believe that this promotes toxic relationships and leads to tension. Much of the controversy around this subject relates to the idea that no relationship is perfect and that people should just deal with their families so as not to cause drama. Lately, people have decided that this is not a good enough reason and that many toxic traits, such as secretiveness and exclusivity, have such a negative effect on their victims that it can no longer be ignored.

Hannah Ruegg ‘26, a junior at Brewster Academy, references this issue when talking about being estranged from a family member who was emotionally and verbally abusive towards her family.

This speaks to a larger topic of a decline in family loyalty, in which the growth of technology has been heavily involved. Although people are now said to be spending a record amount of time with their immediate families, the rise of technology has made this time seem more easily achieved. This growing connection with technology has left less time for quality time with

Afghan Women Continue to Suffer

by Erin Kenah ’27

What was once a fight for equality has now become a desperate struggle for survival, as Afghan women are quickly stripped of their rights, voices, and humanity under Taliban rule. Additional “morality laws” have been implemented, objectifying women and ultimately oppressing and making them powerless. Devastating sentiments can be heard across multiple news outlets such as those spoken by an Afghan woman named Nausheen who described to BBC news, “Every moment you feel like you’re in a prison. Even breathing has become difficult here.” The international community has been left wondering how bad things really have become. What is happening to the women over in Afghanistan and how much power do the Taliban truly have over them?

The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, reinforcing and creating very strict laws for the women and young girls. For example the Taliban announced a ban on girls secondary education grades 7-12 despite many previous promises to let them attend school again. UN Nations, a UN public news service, reports an escalating mental health crisis amongst Afghan girls and women, with “68% of women reported having ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’ mental health,

and 8% said they knew at least one other woman or girl who had attempted suicide.” By imposing very strict limitations on women's ability to work, women are ultimately feeling trapped in their homes with no way to process their feelings or fight back.

One of the more recent restrictions occurred in May of 2022 when the Taliban issued guidelines that mandated that all women wear full body coverings head to toe, and it does not stop there.

Human Rights Watch online magazine reports that the Taliban issued a mandate that women not leave the house without a male guardian and even more recently, ordered them to not sing, recite poetry or speak aloud in public. One of the issues women struggle the most with in Afghanistan is finding good health care due to the fact they can not be treated medically by a man and can not speak in front of a male, but almost all women-run health offices have been shut down. When such a basic need is being denied to women, it could very well cost them their health or lives.

Every day there seems to be a new outrageous law being enforced, and according to UN Women online, “on 21 August 2024, the de facto authorities announced the ratification of a detailed ‘Law on the Promotion of Virtue and

family and created less closeness. If people don’t have strong ties to their family throughout their childhood, it is easier for them to cut off contact altogether if there is a disagreement or a behavior that they see as disdainful.

The algorithms of social media have also become more advanced, meaning that even people in the same immediate family may be shown vastly different messages and ideas. This lack of variety, which is being amplified by the media, more or less removes any room for compromise between people with different views, leading to family rifts.

The most prevalent cause of estrangement in families today is differences in political affiliation and differing viewpoints on social issues.

This is most common among people under 35, which attests to the increasing division in our country, especially since the 2016 election. While it is accurate to say that there have always been irreconcilable differences between parties and family members, right now, many of the arguments are about topics that incite more passion in their defenders and opposers. Most notably, this split has come from the dissent over both the experiential and ethical qualifications of President Trump.

Those opposed to his presidency see his past actions as unconstitutional and morally unfit to hold the highest office

in the nation. This new reasoning has led people to part ways based on what they see as completely opposing values.

This issue has taken even more of a spotlight nationally as, during the 2024 election cycle, the political affiliations of both vice presidential candidates were a topic of discussion. It was brought to public attention that Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, is estranged from his brother Jeff because of their differing political views, though both are still in contact with their mother. In addition, Vice President J.D. Vance’s wife, Usha, has not revealed any political stance but is rumored to be a Democrat from her past working for a notably liberal law firm. These public cases of estrangement or disagreement seem to demonstrate how common it has become in our country. Some feel that the family dynamics of candidates and people in general should be private, but others feel that public figures have put themselves in a position where they cannot claim others are to blame when they already publicize their lives on social media daily.

Thinking toward the future, one can only imagine that these rates of estrangement will continue to rise, as we have become even more divided as a country, and technology has become more individualistic and pervasive since 2016.

Afghan women being secretly interviewed by a reporter. Women in Afghanistan are required to wear a burqa, which covers their entire body head to toe. (photos taken from United Nations online news)

the Prevention of Vice’ which…prohibits women from interacting with nonMuslims, using public transport alone, and looking at men to whom they are not related by blood or marriage.” The Guardian reports that recent “vice and virtue laws” created by the Taliban are aimed at reducing the Afghan woman’s ability to tempt men in public, not only by ensuring she is covered head to toe but by forbidding her to speak.

Recognizing that this silence also forbids them to speak to the media, women are terrified and outraged. Each day there are pleas from brave Afghan women who risk their lives, such as one named Shabna who describes in a BBC news article from

September 2024, “If we can’t speak, why even live? We’re like dead bodies moving around.” She goes on to cry, “I don’t want to be humiliated any more because I’m a woman. It is better to die than to live like this.”

The women of Afghanistan are left hoping that the international community will intervene to help them regain their voices and freedoms before it is too late.

As the Taliban's grip tightens, Afghan women are left with no choice but to endure a life of constant fear and oppression. The international community must speak for those who can no longer speak for themselves, before their voices are lost forever.

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Features

page 5

Best and Worst Dressed at The Grammys and The Oscars 2025

by Mila Bahr ’27

sage, it doesn’t really serve a purpose besides blocking the view of whoever is sitting behind him. The message of this house is based on designer Dora Abodi’s work. It is very influenced by mythology and gothic history, and this headpiece was inspired by the Transylvanian heritage of Abodi and is associated with vampire folklore. As stated by Distractify, “According to Abodi, those who live in the ABODI Vampire Castle are ‘warriors’ and ‘fearless’." So like Jadon has done in the past, he's definitely standing out from the crowd physically and with deeper meaning.

Julia Fox wore a cropped but puffed leather jacket with a see-through mesh dress with what looks like the classic black censor block, you know what I'm talking about? Paired with this, she had big black chunky boots on and the original yellow latex cleaning gloves. Not sure what the gloves are all about, but it certainly added some color to her look. Also, she tried to accomplish the “wet” look on her hair, where you lather it with gel to make it look like you just came out of the ocean or pool, like that awesome scene in the movies, and your hair is flawlessly gorgeous as if you weren't practically drowning. She also had on some bold makeup that definitely tied this look together. She just tried to be a little different, I think.

Jacob Collier’s outfit looks incredibly itchy and scratchy. Also, I'm sure if the light hits him the wrong way, all the people were blinded. Maybe that was what he was going for; either way, I guess being described as “blinding” is subjective. Insult or compliment? Who knows.

Overall, I’m getting Party City x Mardi Gras on crack vibes.

Shawn Everett wore a bright red Adidas nightgown with matching tights?

Can't forget the red leather gloves and chunky boots, too. He matches the carpet, definitely, which is a way to go! Yeah!

Demi Moore, after playing in the new movie, The Substance, showed up in this gorgeous fossil-colored, crystal-crafted dress. Also pulling off a plunged neckline, a detailed hip piece to the dress that really shows off her shape, and matching jewelry to tie the look together. I think this color fits her glowing complexion as well as the overall shape of the dress highlights her hourglass figure.

Kylie Jenner wore a slightly revealThe Oscars 2025 ing but very flattering black dress. ConThe 97th Academy Awards, or the necting from the straps, to the bust area, Oscars, were held at the Dolby Theatre to a horizontal line across her stomach, to in Hollywood, on March 2nd, and hosted the rest of her skirt. With crystal embroiby Conan O’Brien. dery fading down the skirt, “Lorraine Best Dressed: Schwartz black diamond jewelry”, and a Lily-Rose Depp wore custom “Miu Miu Wander matelassé handbag.”

Chanel couture. This black lace dress was It wasn’t even like she was there supportperfectly fitting the vibe of the recently ing Timothée. She kinda stole the show. released Nosferatu movie, in which she Worst Dressed: stars. Embellished with black sequins and Timothée Chalamet was seen wearher golden blonde hair, it all tied together ing a French fashion men's suit, but he perfectly. looks like the Man with the Yellow Hat Ariana Grande was seen wearing a from Curious George, just minus the hat. sheer and sleek dress. Both her and CynOr a banana. You choose. thia Erivo were still giving Glinda and Charlotte Lawrence in Valentino.

Elphaba from Wicked. Her corset went The light dusty rose color of this dress is from fit to lifting off her torso to give a not my favorite, as well as the gold detailunique architectural structure that then ing. Also, she’s holding some sort of cat led into her peach shimmery tulle skirt. I statue/purse. It was a part of the Valenthink this dress is just what we needed, tino 2025 spring collection, but I think it and her necklace was gorgeous. One just looks like something you would find drawback: at the top of the neckline there in Marshalls or like a cookie jar an old was lining that was the same color as her lady would have. skirt, differing from the very light pinkyPenélope Cruz was in a white Chanel pearly corset piece. This lining almost gown with at least 27 carats worth of dialooked like the top of her undergarments monds to go along with this look. This were showing. gown was inspired by a “1992 design,” Adam Sandler. Ok. yes, he showed said People.com, which could explain the up in a cyan zip-up sweatshirt and dark blunt style. It's not very flattering, there's blue track shorts, but it’s Adam Sandler. a lot of tulle kind of everywhere, and in Come on. some photos it looks a little long, almost tripworthy. Overall, not horrible but not great.

Andrea Datzman was in a neon pink and black dress, with a modern bustle skirt with the train built in.

The black was in the front, the pink was the train. I will say this is one of the better ones, but I kind of needed sunglasses because the black contrasting with the pink just makes it look so bright. Nicely fitted, though.

Brandi Carlisle was wearing a suit with a black and white polka dot jacket, a crimson silk tie, and solid black pants. They also had a frilly, poet style undershirt, like a pirate, and black bows on their (left) Demi Moore at the 2025 Oscars and (above) Jadon Smith at the shoes.

2025 Grammys. (photos taken from US Magazine and E! Online) J Balvin in Dior. Seeing a glorified, glamored-up Severus Snape.

WTHBianca Censori… is there even a proper explanation for this? Do I even need to explain it? Not recommended to show up to an award show with a body stocking on, but she certainly did it! Yeah.

Might just leave it there.

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The Grammys 2025 The 2025 Grammys were held in the Crypto.com Arena in California on February 2nd. This year, the ceremony was hosted by Trevor Noah, an award-winning comedian.

Best Dressed: Lainey Wilson was seen wearing a gorgeous, bold black blazer with matching pants and cowboy hat with a big, what looks to be a copper-turquoise statement necklace for a pop of color. Though this look isn't the worst, the pure black jumpsuit blends in with the backdrop of the carpet, making it pretty difficult to decipher her silhouette.

Cardi B was photographed in a fabulously form-fitting dress by ​​Roberto Cavalli and a side part, side swooped, Great Gatsby bob. This spring collection dress is advertised as a “sequined tiger print gown, which was dripping in beads and feathers,” said Women's Wear Daily.

Honestly, I’m seeing more of a burlesque, Moulin Rouge, 1920s vibe with the feathers, beads, and her hairstyle.

Heidi Klum wore a “monochromatic strapless gown from Lebanese designer Nicolas Jebran,” said InStyle. com. She wore this embroidered dress with a Suzanne Code choker made with a 20-carat emerald-cut diamond along with two large diamond rings, making for a stunning ensemble. The corset of the dress was a very tight fit, making her silhouette stand out. That, combined with the see-through bias-cut/godet cut skirt, was such a statement in her favor. Very her, very beautiful.

Sabrina Carpenter wore a baby blue silk dress that gave very much old Hollywood mixed with nightgown, mixed with Cinderella. Almost as if Aerie released a Disney princess sleepwear collection.

This look was on brand for Sabrina, given that her tour outfits gave very much the same vibe. Sabrina x Audrey Hepburn if you will. This dress has a beautiful mermaid shape with the feathers and silky look, though the knot on the top did throw me off a little bit. It just looks a little out of place, in my opinion. Other than that, this look was gorgeous, and this blue is for sure her color.

Charli XCX in Jean Paul Gaultier couture, styled in a light grey corset and frills, which went perfectly with her dark hair and bolder smokey eye makeup.

Also wearing black calf-high boots - I'm getting a tame Monster High vibe. The corset fits perfectly, the neckline gives off a good shape, and the frills add the perfect amount of dimension. Overall, pretty nice appearance.

Worst Dressed: Jadon Smith, wearing a literal castle on his head, matched with a corresponding, classic suit that looked to have been one or two sizes too big. Though the castle on his head does deliver a mes-

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Features

New Snow White Movie: Watch or Burn?

by Mila Bahr ’27

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Released worldwide on March 23, the new Snow White movie, a live-action remake of the 1937 animated version, has created a lot of controversy.

The movie has received racist backlash from fans due to the fact that they cast a Latina actress, Rachel Zegler, in the lead role, when Snow White, as you may have guessed, is supposed to be “white as snow” as Disney’s original movie states.

Zegler says they shifted the backstory to make Snow White’s name relate to how she was born on a blizzardy night. This tied back to the earlier controversy of the 2023 The Little Mermaid, as some fans believed that both the actresses that were chosen to play these roles were racially inaccurate. These takes can definitely be seen as racist, especially with the negativity tied back to how the color white is often historically known as “pure and good”, while the color black is often historically known as “dirty and lesser”, both speculations being very unfair and untrue.

Zegler has spoken a lot on how she was going to change and innovate Snow White’s character. She has stated, “She’s [Snow White] not going to be dreaming about true love … she’s going to be dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be.” Yes, a major point in a Disney movie can be learning to become a powerful woman, like in Mulan, while another major point is the literal idea of true love, like in Sleeping Beauty. Typically, many little girls dream of their wedding day and falling in love, and this builds a huge brand for Disney. After Snow White bites into the poison apple, she had to be woken up by “true love’s kiss”. This is an aspect that movies like Brave and Mulan don’t have, but an aspect that movies like Sleeping Beauty and Enchanted do have.

Granted, these movies’ demographics are aimed to little kids, and it’s important to present a positive theme, but not everything needs to be changed. Instead of rewriting an old story to fit in modern empowerment, write a different story!

Zegler is now being referred to as “woke”, due to the new modern twist on the film. Women can still be empowered while having a male figure in the picture; in fact, some of the strongest women are mothers and caretakers. The idea that women can only be powerful by striking out a male character is outdated, and that's a major reason why the actress is getting so much hate. The producers are just going about the production in all the wrong ways. Write an entirely new movie, story, whatever, just don't ruin a tale that’s been around longer than you've even been alive! Disney has the funds, it has the resources, maybe just no brains or creativity.

“Disney is having an identity crisis that has trickled down to its ability to update its best-loved fairy tales into

modern remakes,” said Lindsay Clarke, reviewer for Rotten Tomatoes. Especially after the very split reviews on The Little Mermaid, why make another movie changing and doing the exact same things that got the other movie such bad backlash? Walt Disney would so not be having this. If he were to come back from the grave right now, whoever's in charge of the Walt Disney Studios and casting would be capital T-Toast.

Next, let’s talk about how Zegler l.i.t.e.r.a.l.l.y. hates Snow White. “I was scared of the original cartoon,” she said in one interview. “I think I watched it once and never picked it back up again.” Unless you are an amazing actress, Promotional movie poster for Snow White 2025. the pure disinterest you have in this role will show up in the final stick?! product.

Gal Gadot, an Israeli actress who Zegler said, “It’s not 1937 anymore.” plays the evil queen, has gotten backlash Ok. Yes, you're right. Just a little suggesfor this movie as well. Previously, Gadot tion, then don't audition for a role/movie had shared her views on the Israeli-Palthat is set in an even earlier time than 1937. estinian conflict, and it sparked up even Snow White is set in the 1550s!!! Zegler more controversy. The film was banned also talks about how Snow White falls in in Lebanon due to her political views and love with a man who “literally” stalks her, open speech on the subject. People have and the studio therefore rewrote the plot also said her acting in this new movie is to not focus on a love story. As if that's just short of awful, a major downfall from not what most of the freaking movie is her 2020 Wonder Woman film. She is about. And first of all, most of the Disney being compared to Angelina Jolie’s acting princess movies/prince dynamics can in Maleficent, and there is apparently a be seen as unsettling in some way, like substantial difference between the qualhow Belle falls in love with a grizzly bearity. Also, if you put her acting and renlion mutant thing who had kidnapped dition of the evil queen next to Charlize her, how Prince Eric falls in love with a Theron's portrayal from Snow White and fish, or even how Prince Phillip couldn't the Huntsman, it looks like Gadot came have really known if Princess Aurora right out of Disney Channel. was temporarily sleeping or out for that Snow White 2025 has gotten a 1.6/10 longgggg rest, you know? Anyways, she rating on IMDb and a 40% on RottenTodefinitely could have made herself aware matoes. Critic Katie Walsh states, “It's of that before starting filming. Secondly, trying to please everyone and it ends up these tales were originally collected by pleasing no one.” With the new awful the Brothers Grimm from around the reviews, Disney is seriously considerworld, years before Walt Disney got his ing stopping production of a live-action hands on them. They were already dark Tangled and live-action movies altogether and twisted. Zegler, you're lucky that the after failing at the box office, constituting Disney version is as normal as it is, cona $169 million disappointment. Can’t get sidering how they were before. much worse than this, right? So that’s a Real quick, let's also talk about how good thing-ish. they fit Zegler in a dress that looks like A viewer posted on RottenTomatoes, it's from Party City. A Snow White dress “Somewhere between the animated verthat can be found at Target, that is sold for sion and the true life version, the Disney 3-year-olds with those little plastic shoes magic was lost.” Maybe Disney needs to that reek of rubber and squeak every time rethink some things before they do someyou walk. Also, her haircut is looking like thing ridiculous like cast a bald guy like Lord Farquuad and where’s her red lipThe Rock for Rapunzel.

May 20, 2025

BMP System Leads to Ac Study cont. from pg. 3

Three nights a week, you’re parked in the Academic Building for an hour and a half of glorified detention. On other nights, you’re sentenced to solitary confinement at your desk with your door open, monitored by your dorm parent as if you’re brewing contraband in a coffee mug. And you get all of this regardless of whether you’re behind on assignments or arrived to a few commitments a minute late in a single recognition period.

Ac Study can be helpful–for students genuinely struggling to manage their work. But that’s not who most of it is for anymore. What could’ve been a compassionate intervention has curdled into a blanket punishment. Worse: it signals to students that the school doesn’t trust them.

Brewster is a place that prides itself on tailored support: small classes, individualized learning, advisors, dorm parents, team leaders, even therapists.

Every student is tracked and known and supported. Differentiation is baked into every academic corner of the school. So why is the reward and discipline system still factory-made?

A student who’s disrespectful in class likely needs a different consequence than someone who’s perpetually two minutes late. But both are lumped into the same “off-status” pile and handed the same punishment.

This one-size-fits-all approach flattens the nuance out of student behavior and makes everything feel… petty.

The irony, of course, is that Brewster constantly touts “Independence” as a core value. Yet we’re packed with commitments from sunrise to nighttime check-in, and “privileges” like a single “night out” a week must be earned, whether you’re a freshman or a postgraduate. When students are off status, they lose even the faint illusion of autonomy. Treat young adults like they can’t be trusted, and soon enough, they’ll believe it too.

Ac Study isn’t new. It vanished during the pandemic when communal study halls became a no-go. This year, it returned. Why? According to Academic Dean Mr. Butcher, “The vast majority of students that weren’t making status were benefiting from having study halls because they weren’t necessarily demonstrating the core values consistently enough, especially with homework completion, doing as well as possible in their homework assignments and managing their time well. So for the vast majority of students in academic study, I think it’s the right place for them.”

But the majority of students in Ac Study aren’t there because they’re cont. on pg. 7

7

Features

May 20, 2025

What Your IG Post Says About You

page 7

by Eliza Spindler ’25

The classic sorority-of-the-damned pose: a human centipede of strained smiles and silent grudges. There’s a 90% chance at least two people in this photo have backstabbed each other within the past week. The betrayals? Biblical. The reconciliation? Superficial. But the formation? Immaculate. It's giving Mormon-chic with a hint of Mean Girls. The teeth are white, the stomachs are clenched, the eyes are glassy with barely concealed rage. Friendship has never looked so filtered.

Awkward Couple Photo

There’s always a wild imbalance happening here — a cosmic injustice you can’t look away from. First, the looks gap: nine times out of ten, the girl is leagues hotter than the guy, which is frankly offensive. Every time you see it, you briefly lose faith in the natural order of the universe. On the rare occasion the guy is hotter, it’s uplifting — like spotting a shooting star. We salute a woman who’s winning. Then comes the emotional disparity: one person is beaming like they’ve just been proposed to, while the other looks like they were tricked into the photo with a vague promise of food. These pictures aren’t romantic — they’re case studies.

And judging them is a sport. (I’ve gone pro.)

Photo Taken on Gameday, Screenshotted From Flickr

The digital equivalent of carving your name into a trophy you did not win. Cropped just enough to hide the Flickr watermark but not enough to disguise the sweat and face paint, this mid-action McDuffee/ Found masterpiece becomes your profile picture for the foreseeable future. You're sprinting, grimacing, possibly airborne — it doesn't matter if you lost 18–0, because in this frame, you're the hero of your own sports documentary. The face is 30% visible, 70% obscured by gear, but the message is clear: I do athletic things. It's shameless. It’s theatrical. It will be on every other boy’s Instagram story for the next two days with a goat and a saluting emoji.

Large Group of Boys in a Parking Lot at Night

Most of you can’t drive. None of you have cars. And yet — there you are, posted up like you're about to drop the hottest mixtape of the fiscal quarter. Lit by a single flickering street lamp and surrounded by ominous asphalt, you're all inexplicably throwing hand signs and making unintelligible noises like it's a mating ritual or a threat. Every time I see a group of teenage boys this large and this loosely supervised, I feel like a coup is in the making.

Group Photo at Brewster Formal Event

The default. The classic. Taken on either the Rogers porch or the turf and often features The Bridesmaid Lineup™ (yes, including the internal drama). You're draped in formalwear, flanked by people you’ve known for years but have no intention of ever speaking to ever again after graduating. Everyone looks slightly frozen — not from emotion, but from trying to hold a fake laugh and an aggressive arch through 17 takes. It’s polished, posed, and deeply insincere. But hey, it makes for a cute Instagram post.

Vacation Thirst Trap

You went to the Caribbean. Or maybe just Boca Raton. Doesn’t matter — you found sand, a sunset, and a semi-willing sibling to take 46 photos of you “candidly” kneeling in a bikini with your hands in your hair.

Respect for the hustle, truly. But let’s not lie to ourselves: the horizon is curved, your elbow is melting into the sea, and your leg-to-torso ratio is botched. We see the Facetune. We choose to say nothing.

Carefully Curated Photo Dump

The “random” photo dump — brought to you by three hours of internal debate, Lightroom presets, and a group chat poll. You aim to capture spontaneity with the precision of a museum exhibit. Slide 1: a blurry sunset. Slide 2: your shoes. Slide 3: you looking away from the camera but clearly posing. Somewhere in the mix: a half-eaten croissant, a disposable camera flash, and your friend mid-laugh like an Urban Outfitters ad. And, at the end, a meme to let people know that you’re chill and funny. You caption it “life lately” or “<3” to keep up the illusion of effortlessness, but we know. We know.

BMP System Leads to Ac Study cont from pg. 6

academically struggling. They’re there because of policy technicalities– infractions that have little to do with whether they need help and everything to do with keeping the system rigid.

Even Mr. Butcher acknowledged that: “There are probably some students that have some issues with showing up on time to class or maybe dress code, and they don’t really need Ac Study. Or they’re off status for their sport. There are a couple of situations where maybe it’s not the perfect solution. But I’d rather we handle that on a case-by-case basis with the student working with the advisor or team leader to see if there’s

an alternative way for that student to not gain a privilege, but also not have a consequence that doesn’t help them get better.”

After interviewing Mr. Butcher, I appealed my own case. I was off-status for being on Disciplinary Probation, despite having JBS all year and good grades. My team leader redirected me to the Dean of Students. I emailed. No response. Two weeks later, I asked in person. I was told no exceptions.

That’s the problem. Not just the policy, but the silence, the rigidity, the disconnect between what Ac Study is supposed to be and what it’s become.

And the result is a simmering frustration

from students who want to be trusted, heard, and treated like the almostadults (and, for some seniors/PGs, legal adults) they are.

Let me be clear: I’m not against recognition. Students should be rewarded for showing up, caring, and growing. And those who need help should get it. But Ac Study shouldn’t be a punishment in disguise. It shouldn’t drive a wedge between teachers and students. And it definitely shouldn’t feel like a one-size-fits-none solution.

Ac Study should be what it claims to be: a tool for academic support. Not a nightly reminder that independence is conditional.

cont from pg. 2

with thesis, or the original claim, and then introducing the antithesis, or the opposing viewpoint, and debating the pros and cons, synthesis is reached, leading to new insights and personal growth. This same three-step process, typically referred to as the Hegelian Dialectic, is important in more than just the formation of new ideas, but also to escape ones that are harmful.

What about the most common debate seen vocalized in modern America, the political debate? Rational debates about political ideas have been dwindling in recent years, with an increasingly large quantity of logical fallacies being employed in the process. The loss of rational debate leads people into nonsensical echo chambers, self-censorship, and overall disengagement from their political climate. This disengagement often leads to groupthink mentality, which has been disastrous throughout history.

One final note is on that of emotionality within arguments.

Emotional arguments are fruitless and typically flawed, and will change the mind of no one. Arguments with emotion, with passion, are far more likely to change the minds of others. It is a sad reflection of society today that so many arguments are made emotionally, when a similar, impassioned argument would do so much more for change.

What is the appropriate response to such a predicament? Truly, a tough question. In short, engage in rational debate frequently, and do not shy away from those challenging your beliefs.

Importantly, ensure the rationality of the rational debate is there; in other words, ensure that your arguments are mostly sound, with as few counterexamples as possible. For those who wish to dive deep into the world of debate, be sure to educate yourself on debate and educate others on the art; show people the importance of synthesis.

An obedient society is one that does not give unlimited critique to all of the world around it. Critique, debate, and reason are the foundations of rational, good change. Go forth and debate, let your mind be changed, and change others.

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The Bridesmaid Lineup™ (Girls Standing Front-to-Back, Clinging for Dear Life)

On the Modern Fear of Debate

8

features

Page 8

W OR D ON TH E S T REET Questions 1) If Brewster had a theme song, what would it be?

2) If you could swap places with a teacher for a day, who would it be?

3) What's a trend you think is going to be dead by next year?

4) What are you looking forward to this summer?

Cameron Combes '28 1) Monster's University theme song 2) Ms. Wu 3) Water Bucket 4) Seeing all my friends from my old school Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

1) 2) 3) 4)

Aly Eastland '25 Shake It Off Mr. Henderson Loose leggings Travelling Europe with my friend

1) 2) 3) 4)

1) 2) 3) 4)

Colin Dean '26 Rocky theme song Mr. Snowdon Italian brainrot Working for my dad

Randall Preston '25 Stayin' Alive Dr. Link Uggs Making money 1) 2) 3) 4)

Sasha Babitsky '27 Mr. Brightside Ms. Harrison Badazzling everything The beach

What Goes on Behind the Scenes at Brewster? cont. from pg. 1

May 20, 2025

Hall Talk

“Is there a snowball's chance in hell I could bum a wet wipe off of you?” – LC “It’s not just a video game it’s my life.”

- GW “Will seeing a Dwight D Eisenhower edit make you feel better?” - SC “Holding space for the textual evidence.” - SD “She looks like she’d drink my blood and not in a good way.” - MD “It’s tough to put yourself in FDR’s shoes… It was tough for FDR to put himself in his own shoes!” – JB "Meow meow meow meow" - HR RU GW AE “It’s beyond your comprehension.” MJ “You’re just a Negative Nancy.” - ST “I didn’t know that?! […] gets bitches?!” – YG “School is not child labor.” – NS “I used to love my kids…” - JD “That homo sapiens looks like my uncle.” - GW “Does oxygen always go boom?” - LR “Don’t worry, I always cat.” - FA “Isn’t it weird how they’re never actually real?” - EH “I like rock jumping.” - RMR “Hello, is the lady of the house home?” – LH “Stab him, suffocate him, and throw him off the cliff.” - MR That’s a “do not” rag. – Anon "I could cup an orange with my foot."

- SD

fueled. But behind the servery and the tongs is a team working long hours to plan, prep, cook, and clean up every bite.

Planning meals for a hundred students is not an easy task. The team works to provide a variety of options that suit dietary needs, cultural preferences, and more. They also receive feedback from student requests and informal conversations in the lunch line.

Mr. Dan Corey, also the director of dining services, spoke about how the biggest challenge isn’t the food or the pace–it’s managing a team with a wide range of personnel.

“We’re all professionals and know our jobs,” he stated, emphasizing that the key is “getting everyone to work together smoothly is the real task.” Mr. Corey also highlighted why many of his staff members prefer working at Brewster, noting, “Everybody here has come from restaurants, and they just got tired of working at restaurants, and they were like Oh, this is a better situation.”

Part of what Mr.Corey says is his commitment to sourcing locally and sustainably. “I buy food from farms all over New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine,” he explained.“Everything is homemade. Even your spinach today came from a farm just 10 miles away.”

One of the most surprising things I learned was how personal this dining program is for Mr. Corey. “I have kids.

They’re all in their twenties now. I fed them a certain way, and I want you all to eat the same way I fed them,” he said.

“It’s essential to me.”

Mr. Corey’s journey to Brewster started 17 years ago after leaving New Hampton.

He recalled the moment he knew Brewster was the right fit: walking into the Library in the Academic Building, looking out at the lake, and being struck by the view. “It took my breath away,” he said. “I knew this would be great.”

So the next time you’re filling your plate in the dining hall, remember the early mornings, the local farms, and the personal care that goes into every bite. And when your Mr. Chuck Valenti paints window frames in the Facilities hot water suddenly runs cold, and Grounds shop. take a moment to consider the effort behind the scenes it takes to get it working again. The next time you’re tempted to leave a mess behind, think about the hard-working staff who will have to clean it up. Every part of this campus runs because someone is putting in the time, energy, and care to make it better for us all.

Have a Great Summer!