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The
Brewster Browser
October 17, 2025 Wolfeboro, NH
Volume 48 Issue 1
Brewster Celebrates NH Day
Politics Influence Change in Late Night Television
by Katherine Twombly ’26
On Thursday, July 17, 2025, CBS announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would not be returning for another season after its 10-year run. It is set to end in May of 2026, with CBS stating that their decision was “purely financial”. However, it is widely believed that this, in fact, was not the real reason for the cancellation, and that the decision was politically motivated. This is largely due to the fact that during his opening monologue on Monday, July 14, Colbert criticized Paramount’s decision to pay a settlement of $16 million to President Trump after he sued them for editing a 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris in order to boost her chances of winning the 2024 presidential election. There was further support for Colbert during the 77th Emmy Awards on September 14th when The Late Show won for Outstanding Talk Series. He used his platform to express gratitude for those who supported him and voted for him, and to promote the staff working behind the scenes who will soon be out of a job. Jimmy Kimmel, a fellow late-night talk show host, had been publicly expressing his discontent
with the decision made by CBS and Paramount and had been showing his support to Colbert, specifically in terms of campaigning for his Emmy win. Soon after this public display of support, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, airing on ABC, was taken off the air due to comments the host made during the opening monologue on Monday, September 15, about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Kimmel stated that President Trump and other Republican officials were “desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them” and claimed that they were trying to “score political points” off the assassination. Contrary to this claim, it was later revealed that the murderer leaned more liberal on the political spectrum. The show issued an apology for its statement, and Kimmel posted in support of the Kirk family, but it was still pulled from the air on September 17. While these comments were factually incorrect and arguably in poor taste, the situation surrounding the suspension was complicated. Brendan Carr, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), threatened to take action against
ABC if Kimmel was not pulled off the air for “directly mislead[ing] the American public.” Many saw this move by a federal organization as an attack on free speech and censorship of ideas that they themselves did not believe in or support. This was escalated after President Trump made comments stating that Kimmel should be off air because he was untalented and had poor ratings, which is objectively false. The issue of free speech has become more controversial, given the increasing polarization of American politics in recent years. What was notable about this particular situation is that political figures on both sides were coming to the defense of Jimmy Kimmel and stating that what the FCC did violated the First Amendment. For example, Republican Senator Ted Cruz said he believed what was happening was “unbelievably dangerous” and that the government should not be able to “take you off air if we don’t like what you’re saying.” While this came as a surprise to many, given the difference in political affiliations between Cruz and Kimmel, it is most likely true that even some Republicans are speaking out against this cancellation because they know
that if the roles were reversed in the future and Democrats regained more governmental control, this could mean that they would have a valid reason to silence any conservative voices and alter the narrative in their favor. Partly influenced by the widespread disagreement with this decision, Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned to the air on Tuesday, September 23. Kimmel used his opening monologue to address what was seen by him and many others as an attack on the right to free speech. “This show is not important. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this,” Kimmel said. He also addressed the comments he made about Charlie Kirk’s assassination. “It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,” Kimmel said. “If the situation was reversed, there’s a good chance I’d have felt the same way.” While this controversial move by the FCC and ABC has been resolved for now, the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will move forward. President Trump has continued to threaten the hosts of late-night shows, warning that they could be next.
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(above) As Mr. Bridgeman and Casey Shea ’26 look on, Hannah Ruegg ’26 tries her hand at one game while (left) Max Rusov ’26 tries another at the Fryeburg Fair on New Hampshire Day. Jonathan Dion ’26, Mr. Lui and head prefect Luke Smolan ’26 react as Max misses again. photos by Ms. Jen Dumont
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Editorial/Opinion
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Modern Stoicism Is Not The Answer by James Hatzos ’26
The grand popularity of modern stoicism is evident by its presence both on the internet and, increasingly, in bookstores around the country. On the internet, one can see CEO’s and athletes, actors and artists, proudly presenting their stoic philosophy. Arguably, the most prevalent form of stoicism is found on political podcasts. In person, bookstores across the nation remove old classics from their philosophy sections and replace them with books on stoicism, the great new philosophical trend. In some stores, there are shelves dedicated to stoic texts and authors. This would lead any typical person to take interest in stoicism, and, consequently, due to the age we live in, modern stoicism. Modern stoicism, typically, follows the following set of ideas: 1) live a life guided by reason; 2) be a virtuous person; and 3) accept what you cannot control. On the surface, this seems like a rather logical and happy way to live one’s life. Indeed, every person should be reasonable, accepting of that which
they absolutely cannot change, and be, as their society defines it, “virtuous.” However, this is not the entire picture when it comes to modern stoicism. Podcast prophets of modern stoicism also teach extensions of the above values, which were not necessarily in line with the original philosophy, that can be harmful. Among the most grave offenders in this category is the idea of emotional suppression as a refined state. Modern stoicism teaches followers to make a “disconnect” between the emotionality of a human being and their psyche, which is, by all accounts, remarkably unhealthy. The most direct effect of this specific attribute is complacency within a system that binds oneself. There is no better position for someone harming another to be in than for the harmed person to, themselves, through their own emotional disconnect, remain silent and unwavering in the face of injustice. Unlike what it should do, modern stoicism encourages against one feeling and processing emotions
in a healthy way, and then using those processed reflections to guide rational choices. Instead, a silent complacency fueled by emotional bottling is made, until eventually the silent turns loud and the “stoic” in the room has an unproductive emotional outburst. Were stoic prophets to speak about feeling one’s emotions and then acting rationally, injustice in any community could be more promptly addressed by rising stoics. Such is the largest issue with modern stoicism. However, this is not where the problems with modern stoicism end. Due to its relation to CEO’s and athletes, stoicism has gained this culture of individuality around it. This rampant individualism leads to, especially in combination with the aforementioned issue, apathy for others. Apathetic tendencies can lead to a slew of other issues, such as a perpetuated society of isolation, erosion of trust among friends and colleagues, and more. Worse yet is another effect of the previous combination: not caring when
October 17, 2025
something unjust happens to those around oneself. That is the issue with modern stoicism: it is the philosophy of injustice. In any manner of looking at the philosophy, this is true. It erodes connections, ensures that others do not look out for others, and ensures that people do not even bear to think about their emotions, going so far as to blame the psyche of someone who is upset. All of this leads to an anti-human individualism that has become rampant in recent years. Regardless of this, stoicism is still on the rise, especially among the youth. It is more important now than ever that the youth understand stoicism, and how it has been weaponized by those who seek to marginalize and partition society for their own benefit. Stay away from stoicism, give back to your community, process your emotions, fight injustice wherever you see it. Whatever you do, remain human.
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Top Three Netflix Documentaries to Watch This Spooky Season
by Erin Kenah ’27
Halloween is fright night- but sometimes real life can be a whole heck of a lot scarier than any haunted house or horror movie. This year instead of vampires and ghosts, Netflix has debuted a roster of true crime documentaries that will have your toes curling and cause you to lock your doors. The good news? They couldn’t be more perfect to see with friends, under the covers, with your halloween candy. Three of my most personal favorites are American Nightmare, Lover, Stalker, Killer, and What Jennifer Did. Not only are these quite frightening but disturbingly realistic thus being perfect for a fall movie night.
The Brewster Browser Brewster Academy Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
Editor in Chief: Katherine Twombly ’26 Managing Editor: David Mason ’26 News & Features Editor: Mila Bahr ’27 Sports Editor: Gabi Reynolds ’27 Nameplate art: Shemar Joseph ’19 Staff members: Kevin Duan ’26 James Hatzos ’26 Erin Kenah ’27 Molly Kirschenbaum ’26 Wyatt Randall ’27 Faculty Advisor: Jennifer Metcalfe Dumont
American Nightmare (2023/2024) If home invasion horror movies thrills you, you won’t believe what’s in store for you from American Nightmare. This film is a factual account of what happened to Denise Huskins when she was abducted in Vallejo, California as her boyfriend Aaron Quinn was tied up and left defenseless. What’s more horrific than being abducted you may ask? No one believes you. Instead of supporting Huskins, Quinn received media hate and even police wouldn’t listen to them. What is so unsettling about American Nightmare cont. on pg. 3
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. Home invasion murder scene, as might be found in a Netflix documentary.
Artwork by Erin Kenah ’27
THE BROWSER IS UNDERWRITTEN IN PART BY THE JON KONHEIM JOURNALISM AWARD.
3 October 17, 2025
by Mila Bahr ’27
2015: The fashion during the fall months of 2015 was very bohemian. A lot of felt wide-brimmed fedoras, plaid shawls (not sweaters), and ALOT of earth tones. This was the time to put on blue skinny jeans and some nice tan calf-high boots to go pose in front of a pumpkin patch. 2016: Hats were still in, just with some wider brims, for some reason. And this is the year where James Charles rose to fame, so you know everyone had a full face of glam makeup that definitely did not match their outfit. Also, scarves! The big poofy knit scarves come into play, and paired with those floppy hats, they're a lethal combination. Still no sweaters though, most people were in thin leather jackets or long sleeve dresses, like that’s keeping them warm.
2018: This year was like a combination of the last three years. We couldn't decide if the trends were streetwear, soft
Fall Fashion Through the Years
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grunge, or a revival of the ‘70s. We’re still wearing skirts and dresses, acting like we weren't cold, just an observation. We were still leaning way too much towards Riverdale fashion than Gilmore Girls fashion, but that's a matter of opinion. 2019: The birth of half up, half down spacebuns and thigh-length cardigans. We left behind the plaid for the most part and focused on fur coats and cashmere sweaters. We completely ditched hats at this point and focused on hairstyles like a cute curl with a cruel side part, dutch braids, or space buns. Although, some tried to style a little French with a beret, most likely a red one. Still styling my favorite item, boots!! But we sized down a bit from mid thigh-high calf to ankle. Which I don't know if I appreciate. 2020: This is the year where we started tucking in our tops. We enjoyed our last bits of glory walking around in pleather pants before COVID ruined the art of dressing up..
The evolution of fall fashion from 2015 and 2021, into this current year 2025. Artwork by Mila Bahr ’27
into psychosis and lost all sense of style. Cropped sweaters and sweatshirts with the Sperry sneakers. Also, turtle neck sweaters. I can't decide if I hated it or loved it.
2024: Fall fashion in 2024 was a lot more modern and chic. Almost like everyone was dressing as a beige mom. No real color range other than tan and some more tan. Khloe Kardashian house core.
2022: This is when we kind of all fell
2023: Time for denim. Denim jackets, denim jeans, denim bags. If someone would allow it, they would probably make denim socks. We were just experimenting, I guess.
2025: Going into the fall 2025 season, the outfits are developing, and yet to be seen, but I have high hopes. Let's break out the Doc Martens and cozy sweaters. Don't disappoint me!
then spirals into chaos. I promise that while you watch this you will have to pause the show to scream out, “No way this just happened!” Because I know I did. Halloween inspires dread, fear and paranoia, and this film includes all three. Instead of a masked killer, imagine that the true monster you have to watch out for is someone you swiped left? on, on Tinder.
and the truth is becoming more and more impossible to deny. It’s the kind of film that will have you and your friends debating back and forth hours before it has finished: What would make someone do this? Halloween is known for being the season of masks, and Jennifer’s case is the scariest mask of all- the type that someone else wears while keeping the truth in plain sight.
lights, and invite a friend or two over, and let Netflix’s documentaries do the rest. Just don’t be surprised when you’re still debating these documentaries well after October.
2021: Now we started venturing out into legging and comfy wear territory. Occasionally a loose fit jean but who could work up the energy. You honestly just threw on leggings and a basic cardigan and called it a day. We kind of ditched boots at this point and started wearing sneakers. Forever disappointing.
Top Three Netflix Documentaries to Watch This Spooky Season cont. from pg. 2
isn’t necessarily the crime itself but the aftermath - the way victims were made out to be liars in a case that was really kind of similar to a demented thriller. I want you to imagine surviving something so traumatic just to be blamed for making it up. This movie is perfect for Halloween because it flips the script on things. It’s not about monsters in the dark - it’s about the terrifying reality of institutions failing the very people they are in place to protect. Lover, Stalker, Killer (2024) Dating horror stories are scary enough, but Lover, Stalker, Killer takes it to a whole other level. When Dave Kroupa begins online dating, he finds himself in a love triangle that turns into stalking, threats, and violence. Romance quickly turns into obsession, and the title barely scratches the surface - one of his lovers turns out to be questionable. This documentary feels like the true crime version of a slasher film: it starts off with seemingly harmless dates and
What Jennifer Did (2024) And finally, we have what Jennifer did, which is as terrifying as any mindgames suspense. Jennifer Pan, a plain looking young woman, placed a 911 call to report to the police that her parents were killed. But during the course of the investigation, Jennifer ’s story is not at all what it seems to be. In fact, the horrific twists of events is that she herself may have had something to do with it. This is a film that is filled with interrogation footage, SMS messages, and proof that will make you feel as if the case is developing before your eyes in real time. You’ll watch the dread creep in while the lies are escalating
Horror movies are fun and all, but nothing compares to true tales that remind us how easily safety and trust can crumble at our feet. These three documentaries are perfect for Halloween movie marathons because they mix suspense, shock, and psychological horror. American Nightmare offers the fear of not being heard when you’re in danger. Lover, Stalker, Killer will make you think twice about the people you bring into your life. Finally, what Jennifer Did shows how stress and deception can be deadly. Together, they prove that occasionally the scariest monsters aren’t in books or movies - they are often the ones we know, trust, or even love. So get out your candy, dim the
"Instead of a masked killer, imagine if the true monster you have to watch out for is someone you swiped left on?"
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2017: This is about the time when we started thinking a cropped sweater and black skinny jeans looked good. How many of you regret that choice? We also kind of ditched the fedoras and moved on to beanies. I guess they were just casually cool or something? Also, this was the year that Riverdale premiered so who knows, maybe the beanie inspo came from Jughead Jones.
Features
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by Molly Kirschenbaum ’26
News
Charlie Kirk Leaves Powerful Legacy
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Charlie Kirk was born on October 14th, 1993, to his parents Robert and Kathryn Kirk; in Arlington Heights, Illinois. On September 10th, while Kirk was speaking at a Turning Point event at Utah Valley University, he was fatally shot in the neck. When Kirk was in middle and high school, he started to develop an interest in economics as well as conservative political ideas. In his junior year he volunteered for the U.S. Senate campaign of Illinois Republican, Mark Kirk (no relation). In his senior year, Kirk organized a boycott of cookies that were being sold in the cafeteria due to the increase of price. At age 18 he graduated from high school and used his graduation money to help launch his political activism work. Kirk was accepted into Baylor, but decided to attend Harper College instead. He only went there briefly before he decided to drop out, not earning a degree. When Kirk was between the ages of 18 and 19, he co-founded Turning Point USA with Bill Montgomery, a businessman and conservative activist. The founding idea of this organization was to spread conservatism around to the youth through campuses, while debating liberal ideas. Kirk began to build up Turning Point’s presence by participating in debates, visiting college campuses, social media campaigns, and more. I n 2 0 1 6 a s D o n a l d Tr u m p ’ s candidacy gained momentum, Turning Point aligned with Trump and became an influential organization for conservative youth. In fact, many believe Kirk and Turning Point were instrumental in
getting young people to vote for Trump. Turning Point gained the majority of its attention from visiting college campuses and speaking to students. They also gained attention since some people thought they were controversial. Some universities did not agree with what Turning Point was doing and did not want them to visit their campus. Kirk was named in Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2016, in the Law and Policy category. The Charlie Kirk Show was launched in 2020. A daily podcast, it became a large part of his brand. In May of 2021 Kirk got married to Erika Frantze, former Miss Arizona, USA. Erika Kirk earned dual degrees in both political science as well as international relations. She later obtained a Juris Master degree in American Legal Studies. Later that year Kirk launched Turning Point Live, a streaming show that targeted young viewers to get involved. Tu r n i n g P o i n t g r e w b o t h influentially and financially, in 2022, receiving tens of millions of dollars in contributions. In August that year Kirk and his wife welcomed their first born baby girl into the world. Throughout the years, Kirk and his platform continued to grow, gaining more followers who watched him mainly because they agreed with him or sought to debate him. In May of 2024, Kirk and his wife welcomed their second child, a boy. Kirk’s presence on college campuses grew from having just a few people gathered around his table, to hundreds. In March of 2025, Kirk was appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, by Donald Trump. After he was killed, his death
Navigating Through Grief by Molly Kirschenbaum ’26
When the majority of people lose someone they care for they usually go through five stages of grief. The five stages were established by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, a Swiss-American psychiatrist. It was presented in her book Death and Dying. Her theory originally focused on people who were terminally ill and knew they would die, and how they were dealing with that. It was later developed to include the stages of when you lose someone. These five stages can be portrayed differently for all people. The first stage that the majority of people go through is denial. This is usually used as a defense mechanism, not accepting that their loved one is gone. People will keep saying things such as, “I can’t believe they are gone.” Some people are
calm and truly believe this person is not gone while others spiral. Some will say that their loved one is still alive, but any time it comes up their emotions go out of control. They often try to distract themselves and avoid anything that will remind them of the death of their loved one. The second stage of grief is usually anger. The pain gets redirected outward and comes out in frustration. Those who are suffering can appear snappy towards other people they are close with because they do not know how to cope with the pain. They begin taking their anger out on other people in a way to try and relieve some of their pain and confusion. Anger can also be shown in restlessness or irritability. The third stage is bargaining. They try to regain control by making ‘deals.’ This is often done with “what if” and “if only” statements. For example: “If only
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Charlie Kirk, who was killed at a college campus event on September 10, at political event. spread like wildfire through both the news media and social media, with many sharing their opinions on Kirk. Some came to social media celebrating while others grieved his death. Many young fans held vigils in honor of Kirk. The next day President Trump awarded Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
On September 21st, there was a memorial held in his honor in State Farm Stadium, in Glendale Arizona. Over 90,000 people attended and there was even another stadium for overflow. At this event many influential people spoke.Some of the individuals who spoke were: Erika Kirk, Donald Trump, JD Vance, and more.
I visited them more” or “What if they got to the hospital faster?” Some people will turn to religion and try to ask for that person back if they do something. The next stage is depression. This is when reality has finally settled in and they are sulking in the sadness. They may not have fully accepted the death, but they know it has happened. This period can be the longest where everything feels heavy and you do not know why. People experience crying spells, not enjoy activities, and sometimes loss of sleep. The final stage is acceptance. They have accepted the person’s death, and while they have not always moved on, they have made peace with the loss. They are usually able to have more open conversations about the person without their emotions taking over. It is important to note that not all of these stages happen to everyone and
they do not always happen in this order. Some people may go through three of these stages and have some of them repeat within the cycle of grief. Everyone grieves differently so even if someone may seem like they are doing great, they might just be able to hold themselves together while in public. If you know a person or you yourself are experiencing grief, remember that it is okay to reach out to a trusted adult or a close friend. Everyone at some point will go through grief if they have not already. They may either help you through it or connect you to other sources such as a grief hotline or a trusted professional. Always feel free to reach out to someone even if you may not think it is necessary. Grief is a rollercoaster of emotions that is hard for our minds to encapsulate.
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News
October 17, 2025
Russian Drones Spotted in Poland and Romania by Katherine Twombly ’26
Damage from drones in Poland.
nations have been sending aid, there has not been direct military action against Russia by those nations because they are under no obligation to do so. This is evidenced by Article Five of NATO's North Atlantic Treaty, which states that an attack against one nation in the treaty is an attack against them all, but Ukraine was not granted membership even after asking at the start of the war. The significance of this article is that Russia has now invaded the airspace of two NATO countries and will have to deal with the collective fallout. Although this is a concerning development, it is believed by European officials involved in the aftermath of the
Photo taken from NPR.
drones that Russia is doing this in order to aggravate and test NATO. Mr. Browher also brings up this point when discussing the drones: “Do any of the powers involved, including Russia, really seek a wider expansion of the war? Experts don't think so, but wars have escalated before for accidental, unforeseen reasons.” This is the most notable and wellsupported theory thus far because it includes what would be seen as Russia’s primary motivations, even before this military incursion. It is likely that Russia wanted to test out a more subtle encroachment into Polish and Romanian territory in order to
see the NATO response and figure out how strong and effective the military’s defense system is. This would be valuable information for them as it could help see if any invasion into a NATO member’s territory would be a worthwhile attempt, or if it would escalate into a conflict that Russia could not win. The reason that it also seems to be an attempt to aggravate NATO is that the drones were taken down promptly, but the implications remain. Both Poland and Romania have been aiding Ukraine in the war against Russia, even though Ukraine is neither a member of NATO nor a member of the European Union. Arguably, without this aid, Russia would have already overtaken much more of the Ukrainian territory. This means that Russia could have potentially been employing this strategy in order to send a message to those nations, and NATO as a whole, that they should not be getting involved in affairs that are not their own. These incursions also help to demonstrate the difference that drones have been making in recent global conflicts. Drones allow nations to strike or invade others without having any personnel in the physical conflict itself. This is concerning, given these recent developments, because it could be a sign that the war will no longer remain contained in Russia and Ukraine, as has been the case in many recent conflicts in the Middle East. These drones could cont. on pg. 7
Cyanobacteria in the lake: dangerous or dormant? by Wyatt Randall ’27
Cyanobacteria are a type of bacterium that can spread in warm bodies of water, and Lake Winnipesaukee has been at risk for decades. This infection was much more prevalent last year and in 2018, but the threat remains today. Cyanobacteria can be spread to humans through the ingestion of freshwater contaminated with cyanobacteria, but even contact with the water poses a risk of infection. However, no amount of cyanobacteria has exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s advisory warning since 2018. To avoid infection, identify the presence of cyanobacteria and make an informed decision about whether or not to enter the water. Cyanobacteria present themselves as a film that covers the water, giving it a yellowish tint. According to Warren Muir, a member of the Wolfeboro Waters Association and a senior fellow of the Granite Research Institute, “As the lake thaws, cyanobacteria that fester in lower temperatures rise up and spread over the lake, leading to a higher risk
of infection in the summer months. As the year progresses, the cyanobacteria cannot sustain this population because of the lack of phosphorus.” This means that as the year progresses, there is a reduction in the amount of cyanobacteria, indicating that conditions will only improve until next spring. Total risk and symptoms C y a n o b a c t e r i a a re n a t u r a l l y occurring bacteria found in freshwater bodies of all sizes. Usually, it is safe, but occasionally, it can multiply into” Blooms,” which can be harmful. The main symptoms of interactions with harmful amounts of cyanobacteria include, but are not limited to: skin rashes, ear infections, nausea, headaches, and vomiting. The worst-case scenario is liver or kidney damage if ingested. Due to this risk, children and pets are more susceptible to illness than adults. See a doctor or medical professional if symptoms persist or worsen. To keep others safe, contact the New Hampshire
Department of Environmental Services Cyanobacteria Hotline (603) - 848 - 8094 How to identify blooms Cyanobacteria appear as a yellow dusting on top of freshwater. It has a yellowish color and tends to clump together. The most dangerous time to experience cyanobacteria is when it forms a bloom. A bloom is a mass gathering of the yellow particles in the water and poses much more of a threat than regular cyanobacteria. If you see a more visible gathering of cyanobacteria, almost an opaque covering, that is the most dangerous and should be avoided. Cyanobacteria can also sink and become immersed in the water, whereas pollen remains primarily on the water’s surface. This diagram illustrates the various types of cyanobacteria, categorized as either low- or high-risk, as provided by the Wentworth Watershed Association. Possible causes Cyanobacteria have been a long-
standing issue in New Hampshire’s freshwater bodies since the 1960s and 1970s. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s article on climate change, “Cyanobacteria thrive in warm and slow-moving waters, and as cyanobacteria grow and reproduce, they expel heat, which only increases the number of cyanobacteria on the water.” While there was a decreased risk from 2018 and 2024, which saw record amounts of cyanobacteria in the water, over 70,000 cells per milliliter, people should still be aware of the potential risk, according to Muir.
Image taken from the Wentworth Watershed Association website, which shows both low risk and high risk levels of cyanobacteria. This may help readers to identify the infestation on the water.
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On Wednesday, September 10, Russian drones were seen flying in Polish airspace. This triggered the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to bring in fighter jets in order to shoot down the drones. While Russia denies any deliberate attempts to bring the drones into Poland or the capability to do so, it is seen by NATO and many around the world as an escalation and spread of the war between Russia and Ukraine that has been going on continuously since early 2022. This is especially true given that Vasily Nebenzya, Russian ambassador to the United Nations, has denied that Russian drones have the ability to reach Poland, which has been proven false. The situation became even more serious after Sunday, September 14, when Romania reported it was also seeing unauthorized Russian drones in its airspace and had to shoot them down. This is seen by the Western world as a widespread threat, given what is already known of Russian military capabilities as witnessed in the war with Ukraine. “Experts believe Vladimir Putin seeks to restore the former Russian Empire and Soviet Union (USSR) to its former glory, as evidenced by the invasion of Ukraine, a former member of the USSR,” adds Mr. Jonathan Browher, a history teacher at Brewster Academy. Ukraine itself is not a member of NATO, which is why, while many
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Sports
Brewster Varsity Golf Playing to Make History by David Mason ’26
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Back-to-back-to-back-to-back championships, a feat accomplished by only a few and far between Brewster Academy teams, and the 2025 season for the Brewster Academy Varsity Golf team may have the chance to make history by adding to that group of greats. The golf team is coming off an incredible season in 2024, ending with another MAISAD Championship and a 5-2-1 regular season record. Tyler Berkman ‘25 won it all at the championship with the lowest individual score at an impressive 74 (+4), and Will Baldwin ’26 finished in third with a score of 78 (+8). Last year, the team produced its first collegiate golfer, Tyler Berkman ‘25, who is now playing at St. Bonaventure. This fall, the team had a record number of tryout participants, showcasing the team’s glow and the allure of playing for such a group. Brewster Golf has made a significant impact on the league in recent years. Entering the season for a tenth season, looking to take home yet another trophy, Varsity golf members will take on eight matches throughout this season and compete against notable schools such as Berwick Academy (ME), the Hyde School (ME), Kents Hill School (ME), and Gould Academy (ME). The Brewster Academy Golf Team is accustomed to playing at prestigious locations, such as the Lake Winnipesaukee Golf Club, situated in the bustling town of New Durham, NH. This private golf course has hosted many notable golfers, including Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States of America, on a full 18-hole course in the New Hampshire wilderness. Additionally, the Kingswood Golf Club
serves as a secondary course, located within walking distance of campus. Recently, this year ’s golf team has had a strong start to the season, powering through a tough opener at Kents Hill School, narrowly losing 2.5-3.5. After that loss, Hyde School became a victim of the Brewster Bobcats, who came out victorious in their first win of the season, sweeping the series and going 5-0 in a dominant showcase of their talent. Following their decisive victory, they maintained the momentum with an annihilation of Berwick Academy, winning in a resounding 5.5-2.5. With five games left as of September 22, 2025, the possibility of a four-time, back-to-back championship strengthens. Brewster is set to host two more matches, which are scheduled against Kents Hill and Gould. Brewster will also host the Winni-Cat Tournament on October 17th at the Lake Winnipesaukee Golf Course, a friendly tournament that brings together Brewster players and members from the golf club, which local citizen Dick Totaro has sponsored for the past three years. Brewster Golf also hosts the Bobcat Open, an annual fundraising event held at the Lake Winnipesaukee Golf Course, which directly supports scholarships for students to help them pursue their academic goals at Brewster Academy. Mikey Anger ‘26, a first-year team member, made Varsity his first year on the Brewster squad. When asked how he felt about the season, he said, “I think the current squad we have right now is very well equipped to win every match we have this season, and I am very confident in my teammates, which gives us a great outlook on every match.” A surprise for the golf team this year, Anger ‘26 got into golf by “joining
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Varsity Golf team members Will Hunter ’26 and Charlie Martin ’27 line up a shot on the putting green in a match vs. Hyde on September 17. Photo by Gunner Found ’16
some friends and really just found a passion in playing the more and more I got out on the course.” With a bright future ahead of him on the course, he believes that “golf is the one sport that most athletes play their entire life (or can). I feel that with
my future in business, golf will be a part of my life for a long time, even when I am done playing lacrosse.” A very talented golfer with a bright future. As Brewster Golf battles through the season, they hope for another banner to hang.
SAT for being an unfair profile, and some wealthy students with more testprep resources, such as tutors, tend to score higher compared to students without these resources. The opinion of Brewster students remains mostly negative, with most students considering the SAT a more negative than positive milestone. Several students who were interviewed described the SAT as an “unfair way to evaluate our [the students’] strengths and weaknesses in the college application process.” Several international students noted that “the SAT only considers native English speakers when it comes to testing. ESL students are ignored and placed in unfair testing
conditions.” Despite a mostly negative response, the few who support the SAT claim that “it is a fair way to evaluate the math and reading skills of a person” and that “it is totally up to you whether you take it or not, so it's no stress.” As the SAT nears its 100th birthday, it’s adapting to a changing world. Its digital shift keeps it relevant, even as test-optional policies dominate most of the application process. Whether you’re grinding through practice tests or debating with parents on whether to take it or not, the SAT still remains a big part of the college app journey. Prepare well, understand the stakes, and use it to open doors.
High School Students Struggle with SAT Across the Nation by Kevin Duan ’26
For current high schoolers applying to colleges, the SAT, also known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (according to the College Board, the acronym doesn’t mean anything as of 1997) looms large. As a standardized test that has been around for nearly a century, it remains a key part of the admissions process for many, even as test-optional policies gain traction at most universities. Now fully digital as of 2024, the SAT remains a significant milestone in the college application process. The SAT was created by the College Board in 1926 with the purpose of identifying talent beyond wealthy preparatory schools. Its popularity soared after World War II, with 1.5 million test-takers by 1971. The SAT evolved over time. For example, calculators were allowed in 1994. A 2400-
point scale was created in 2005, and the test included writing; however, it was changed back to 1600 in 2016, and the writing portion was removed. Most recently, the test went digital and became shorter in 2024, equipped with tools such as Desmos and highlighting features. However, even with changes, the SAT still sparks controversies over biases and score gaps. One of the most frequently asked questions by students is what the SAT stands for and how much weight it carries. Even with 80% of US colleges being test-optional as of 2025, the SAT still acts as a tool to set applicants apart in competitive pools, as shown in MIT’s 2022 application pool. Colleges use the SAT to help predict success in college, secure scholarships, and identify talent from diverse backgrounds. Nevertheless, students still critique the
See the Struggle on Pg. 8
7 October 17, 2025
Sports
Brewster Girls’ Field Hockey Opens its Fall Season by Gabi Reynolds ’27
The team set up to defend a corner against Holderness on September 13th, 2025. Photo by Gunner Found ’16
which prohibit players from advancing the ball with anything other than the flat side of their stick, positioning to block opponents’ movement, and interfering with the opponent’s ability to use their stick. Although these rules seem intricate, they emphasize stick skills, positioning, speed, and decision-
making for team success. If all aspects of the game are finely tuned, teams can run like clockwork. An interview with their fifth-year head coach, Ms. Susan Harrington, Brewster's Chief Financial Officer, revealed how this team implements its core values to strive for its very best. Their coach shared, “...one of our biggest strengths is that we support each other on the field, [and] off the field. We eat meals together, and we have fun.” By bonding and growing together outside of practice, these Bobcats create a team culture that is true
to their character and dedication to their team and fellow teammates. Coach Harrington states that gratitude is a big focus. “Field hockey is a sport of being interdependent,” she said, and the team is grateful to play for a cohesive unit at Brewster, overlooking the beautiful lake as they play on the brand-new turf. Their coach closed by describing what makes the team so unique. She commented, “What’s special about that group is that it’s just… people who like to work hard and have fun”, which is precisely what the Brewster Community sees. Whether the team gets a bite to eat in Esta, plays on Brown for training, or walks downtown together for team bonding, they move as one. As their overview on the Brewster Athletics Website details, “everyone knows their job, [and] everyone does their job” on the team. The girls of Brewster’s Varsity Field Hockey will face challenges over their eighteengame regular season, but they’ve already established themselves with several commanding wins this season, including a 12-0 victory against Hebron in their third game. While these Bobcats are looking towards the end of their regular season, the Brewster Community will cheer them on to finish strong. Two-year defender Meghan Reilly ’28 characterized her team as “devoted”. And so far, this team has proven to be exactly so.
Russian Drones Spotted in Europe cont. from pg. 5
Midfield Emma Gaudette ’27 pictured protecting the ball from her opponent, Holderness, on September 13th, 2025. Photo by Gunner Found ’16
also be used to locate certain people or restricted areas, compromising national security. In addition, the fact that Russia struck Romania even after the drones in Poland were shot down is cause for concern because it suggests that Russia is not particularly concerned about the drones, which could suggest that they have strong military capability and a desire to spread their influence elsewhere. The United States ambassador to NATO, Dorothy Shea, has publicly responded to these attacks on its allies by condemning them and stating that the United States “stands by its NATO allies and… will defend every inch of NATO territory.” Her response has been well-received and was considered much more traditional than the response of President Trump. The President at first did not seem to take a stance and said that the drones over Poland could have been a technical error or a mistake; in summary, he refused to publicly hold Russia responsible. Prominent White House officials have also continued to push the narrative that the war between Russia and Ukraine was brought on by
former President Biden’s weakness and incompetence. Trump’s response has been firmly rejected by many European nations, including Poland itself. Many cited it as yet another example of his “America First” policy in action, but have stated that they do not believe such a response would have been given by any former United States president in recent years. Mr. Browher also touches on this idea when he says, “Also, President Trump has given conflicting statements up until recently about the war… He has more consistently been skeptical of the NATO alliance, feeling the USA gets a "bad deal" by contributing so much money to the alliance in exchange for nothing in return. So if a wider escalation did break out, would the USA honor its treaty obligations?” H o w e v e r, t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s did officially issue a joint statement with other allies that accused Russia of violating international law and agreements put out by the United Nations. It is likely that this conflict will continue to escalate or eventually instigate some form of diplomatic confrontation.
Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
In the 2024 season, the Girls Varsity Field Hockey team finished with an 8-7-2 record. In the competitive Lakes Region division, they faced other elite teams and held their own. As the fans cheered for this electrifying team on Brown Field, they ended their past season with a home record of 6-3-1. The team was recognized for having a Class C All-NESPAC Player in Lexi Davies ’25, now playing field hockey and ice hockey at Rivier University. However, this team’s legacy is even more remarkable than the record and accolades they received at the end of last year. As their season is in full swing, faithful fans have shown up for the team’s lively games. However, most people overlook just how challenging the very essence of the game is, or fail to understand what field hockey players must react to within fractions of a second. With ten field players and one goalkeeper, the gameplay consists of battles up the sidelines and offensive possessions to go to goal. Stoppages are standard during the game due to the nature of the non-contact rules,
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features
Page 8
W OR D O N THE STREET 1) Who is going to have the best Halloween costume this year? 2) What's your favorite Halloween candy? 3) Who's going to be the most hype at the Halloween dance? 4) What's your favorite Halloween movie? 5) What would have been the theme of Mr. Palmer's haunted house this year?
Danny Kerin ’28 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
Arthur Silva '28 Airheads Jay Martini '28 Scream Men in Black
Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
Henry Hu ’27 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
Mr. Palmer Chocolate CJ The Shining Spooky
Will Baldwin ’26 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
David Mason '26 Kit Kats Musa Bility '27 Friday the 13th Alice in Wonderland
Kaia Duffy ’27 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
Musa Bility '27 Candy Corn Sophia Rock '26 Nightmare Before Christmas Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
SAT struggle
See the story on pg. 6!
(right) Brayden McKenna ’26 and Dylan Barkley ’26 study for the SAT amongst the high photo by Kevin Duan ’26 pressure time period of their fall as seniors.
Ever Sarnoff ’29 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
Mr. O Twix CJ Nightmare Before Christmas Lion King
October 17, 2025
Hall Talk
That’s a Z? I thought it was a 2! That’s why I crossed it out. – LT Anyone want to enter the chat? No one? – JB It's 2025 let's stop with the 67 joke because it’s just 6-7 days old. - EH The melted frozen gummy bear stuck to a table. – ML Maya is a giant, fluffy piece of popcorn. The rest of you are dry, yellow little kernels. – JB Now riddle me this. – JC Bye Ms. Wu! I love you. – JL Don’t use his name in vain… I’m talking about Lucifer. And I guess Jesus. – JB Don't eat my phone. – MM An Aztec Death Whistle? The things you can buy on Amazon these days. – JB You're too pretty. Stop it. – MR Who’s Your Daddy? Fifth commandments-wise? – JB Brothers are idiots. - BA Can you imagine a labubu with a skullet? – JB Robert, I don't like this rock. It's pissing me off. – BM Crying will help you fill the part better. – JB