Hornet's Nest | Volume 5 | Issue 5 | February 28, 2020

HORNET’S NEST Proctor Academy | February 28, 2020| Vol. 5 | Issue 5

What is Proctor Listening to?

By Jonah McAloon If you asked a Proctor student what music is the most popular around campus, almost all of them would say rap, but a survey to the Proctor community offered some surprises.

Spotify recently sent everyone their listening data for the year with 2019 Wrapped Up. This is a series of graphs and charts that summarize your most listened to music, how often you listened to music, and what genres you liked the most in the year. After this year’s Wrapped Up came out, a lot of people from Proctor were posting their 2019 music summary and discussing what music they listened to the most.

People care a lot about music here at Proctor. People listen to music in the Coffee House, the Wise, in dorms, or while studying.

Curious about our school, I sent out a survey to find out what music people like and dislike.

Students and faculty overwhelmingly picked rap and hip hop as the most popular genre of music at Proctor, yet we have very diverse music tastes. The smaller wedges on the chart below are people who answered “other” such as K-pop, metal, punk, gospel and drill and elevator music (whatever that is).

I interviewed Faolon Twomey, a passionate guitarist and music producer and asked him what he thought about the data. “There

Faolon playing the guitar in jazz-rock ensemble

are a lot of social attributes that impact the kind of music people listen to. This isn’t everyone, but I think a lot of people feel pressured to listen to a certain kind of music based on where they are or who they are with. I feel that the music people listen to when they are on their own is often different from what they would play in front of their friends.” I agree with Faolon, I think the reason people perceive rap and hip hop as being the most popular and dominant genre is that it is the music that is often played in social settings, whereas in private students and faculty at Proctor listen to a wide variety of music.

The data produced some other interesting facts about Proctor’s listening habits, like how the average Proctor community member listens to 1-3 hours of music a day. Also, the most listened to genres among faculty were rock, Indie/alternative, and hip hop. Students had similar music tastes with hip-hop and Indie/alternative being the most popular genres.

The three most disliked genres of music at Proctor are country, electronic and hip hop, making hip hop the most and least popular genre at the same time.

Proctor’s music tastes are diverse. Many people couldn’t narrow their favorite genre down to just one and I also had people who responded with several genres I had never heard of. Proctor has students and faculty coming from all sorts of backgrounds, so it makes sense we have variety in our music.

Has the U.S. Forgotten the Holocaust?

By Ferdinando Benetton Coming out of assembly held on Monday, January 27, I was shocked by the fact that the school did not talk about the Holocaust, the genocide of Jews in all Europe. This date is significant to Europeans and the day is often taken to pray and remember. In Italy where I live, all schools are invited to give ample space to ceremonies and moments of reflection (even in the days following), to keep the memory alive and prevent the tragedy of Nazi-fascism and the horrors and deportations and the Holocaust from happening again.

The following day, Tuesday, January 28, I attended Proctor’s Diversity meeting and expressed my ideas to other students and faculty, wondering why the Diversity Committee was not informed about this event. The thing that surprised me the most was when one of the students did not know what the Holocaust was. I believe that the Diversity Committee needs to do a better job to inform other students of days and events like this one that is important to international students or, like in this case, Jewish people worldwide.

During the 1940s, my home country was under the fascist regime and the persecution of Jewish Italian citizens was fierce and ruthless. In Auschwitz, 1.1 million people lost their lives in the camp’s gas chambers or from hunger, cold and disease. Europe’s Memorial Day is celebrated passionately, an inter-

national anniversary established by the United Nations.

The current Pope, Francis, said this year, “In the face of this atrocious tragedy, indifference is not admissible, and memory is a duty,” Italian Senator Liliana Segre commented, “The anniversary of the Holocaust, the unspeakable cruelty that humanity discovered 75 years ago, is a call to stop, to be silent and remember.

We need it in order not to become indifferent. When you believe that something does not touch you, you do not concern yourself; then there is no limit to the horror.”

Sports Update Boys Varsity Hockey The Boys Varsity hockey team had a blue-out game to show their appreciation and support for the beloved rink manager, George Faran. George was recently diagnosed with cancer. Blue is the ribbon color to represent prostate cancer.

To honor George, fans wore blue to the rousing game against Phillips Exeter.

Come to KUA this Friday to support us vs. KUA in the playoffs! -Cooper Rice Girls JV Hockey “We have had a solid winning streak disregarding the two losses against St. Pauls and New Hampton. We have many new skaters who have improved since their first day on the ice. We all pump each other’s tires and support one another on and off the ice. We adore our coaches Karl and Jill and with their fabulous coaching skills, we hope to keep the winning streak alive!” -Katie Bent

The memory of historical tragedies is fundamental to prevent this from happening again.. Remembering and sharing always remain the best antidote to the resurgence of anti-Semitism and, more generally, to the barbarism of discrimination.

Proctor’s Best Streetwear

By Massimo & Sean Slick

We have selected a few students around campus wearing the best streetwear… below are pictures and the judges ranking on a scale of 1-10.

Max Sean: 8.9 Massimo: 9.2

Drew Sean: 9.1 Massimo: 8.4

Trevor Sean: 9.3 Massimo: 8.9

Amy Sean: 9.2 Massimo: 8.9

Dylan Sean: 8.9 Massimo: 9.1

Tristian Sean: 8.9 Massimo: 8.8

Boys JV Basketball “We’ve had a great year with only two losses but close games every time we hit the court. We played New Hampton and the JV2 squad got revenge, 44-32, after they beat us the last time. Hopefully, our star player Binh Dao will get some more crucial minutes in the next game.” -Billy Benson Eastern Skiing “The FIS girls just had their last race at Proctor and it was very emotional. A lot of family and friends came out to support this race at our home hill. For many of us, our careers have lasted 13 years. The season is still going very strong and will not be over for a long time. Molly Mueller has been crushing it this season and is easily the best in the east for her age” -Pernilla Shaw

On the Fence About Going Off-Campus? Here’s Why You Should Go.

up to the deck and looking around and seeing nothing but water, “It was weird, an indescribable feeling.”

On off-campus programs, you gain communication and leadership skills and you have an incredible experience, It’s normal to be nervous about leaving school and going on an off-campus program and if you’re on the fence about going, ask anyone who has done one before and they will tell you how amazing they really are.

By Jonah McAloon I have never once heard someone say they regretted going on an off-campus program, yet I often hear people who sound hesitant about going after being accepted. Hopefully, three students can give you some information about the program that the pamphlets and fliers don’t tell you.

Ryan Hayes is a four-year senior who went to Spain during his junior year.

His favorite parts of the program were the hikes and walks that his group did all over Spain. The one that stood out to him was a hike called the Camino de Santiago which is a very famous hike across the country that follows pilgrimage routes. Ryan said the biggest thing he learned in the program was to always be open to new experiences and to take advantage of them.

Ryan Hayes with his host family in Spain.

Geoffrey Herring is a four-year senior who was on Ocean Classroom this past fall. When Geoffrey first got on to Ocean he was extremely excited, but as the date to set sail came closer, he became more and more hesitant and nervous about going. Geoffrey said the first few days at sea felt like the longest days of his life, the combination of learning all the skills involved in sailing a 140-foot sailboat and the strange sleep schedule made for a rough first couple of days. After the first week of learning the ropes, he felt right at home on the Roseway.

His favorite memory from the program was waking up one morning, climbing

ten weeks ahead of her. “I was terrified to go but it was the most amazing experience of my entire life.”

Geoffrey on the mast of the Roseway.

Over the course of the term, Geoffrey not only learned a lot about seamanship but also learned how to have a good work ethic. “Sailing a boat is not a one-person job, you can’t haul up a sail by yourself.

It’s not practical. You need teammates. If you stand by their side they will do the same for you.” Although Ocean involves a lot of hard work, Geoffrey said it was one of the most profound experiences of his life, and he had never become so close to a group of people.

Bella Forrest is also a four-year senior who went on Mountain Classroom spring term of last year. Bella said she learned a lot about herself but also about working with a group. On Mountain Classroom, you are with the same ten people for a term; she learned a lot about how to be around different personalities. Bella also discovered her love for the outdoors and whitewater kayaking. Bella was worried about leaving home for ten weeks and being outdoors 24/7, but when she got to know the group she felt excited for the

Bella climbing down from a cave in Escalante, Utah.

Tips and Gratitude from Terry Stoecker

By Sloane Wightman

Terry Stoecker is the pinnacle of positivity in the Proctor community. Through the hardest times, she keeps her head high and makes sure that her optimism and gratitude reflects back on everyone around her.

Terry struggled with cancer years back and said that a big part of surviving it was through her strong sense of optimism. “I say to myself every day, I’m so grateful and thankful to be alive, to live where I live, and to have had the doctors that I had. That is a big part of what keeps me happy.”

Keeping high spirits at boarding school can be difficult for many, especially during the wintertime. When Terry talks in assembly or around campus about how pretty the snow is outside, my spirits are lifted, and I soon come to realize

that there are bigger issues to dwell on rather than it being cold and dark. According to Terry, an important part of being our best selves is breathing in the fresh air and soaking in as much daylight as possible. Luckily at Proctor, our winter schedule is designed to allow kids to have more time outside. According to the Mayo Clinic website, daylight is a natural antidepressant that prevents serotonin from being removed from the brain. The more serotonin, the happier kids are at Proctor.

Terry teaches Mindfulness and Meditation, seminar classes, and Psychology. I was lucky enough to take Terry’s Mindfulness and Meditation class last winter.

Terry taught the class to focus on the present and not to worry about the little things.

Terry reminds us all that seeing the good and beauty around us will keep us thankful and happy. As Terry says, “Always count your blessings.” The Positive Psychology Center studies prove that gratitude has a variety of positive outcomes like boosting your levels of love and happiness. Terry wants us to make each other happy with kindness and gratitude.

If at any point this winter you are struggling with the lack of sunshine and freezing temperatures, be sure to remember some of Terry’s tips, and, “don’t forget to spread love and kindness.”

night, I rush to my TV at 8 PM to cheer for the Oscar Awards. It’s a night of celebration, but to many, of disappointment as well. The Academy Awards may still create a spirit of celebration, but the Oscars have become a chore to watch.

As both an Asian filmmaker and a Proctor student, my identity causes confusion regarding my place in diversity. However, 2020 began as a new decade that opened a new door of opportunity. It also awoke a legion of slumbering international screenwriters struggling to speed onto the long road to Hollywood.

When the film Parasite won Best Picture and a total of four Oscars this winter, the victory stopped my heart like the suspenseful climax of the film itself. The win literally jump-started my next morning: it offered me a creative boost of motivation and it was a revelation about the film industry.

The day after the Oscars is the most motivational day for filmmakers, and this year it changed my future as an Asian artist by opening windows of opportunity. It wasn’t just a victory for diversity, but for a future in the cinematic world where not just one, but many can craft their dreams.

By Tristan Auyang For the past few years on a February

One Proctor student hung up vintage postcards from their mother’s travels while another student decorated with a stuffed dog. Another student expressed love for photos and bought a wall kit from Tezza or Lindley, which is a handful of 80+ high-quality photos you can stick to the wall. Popular decorations are tapestries, lights, flags, polaroids, posters, jerseys, pillows, and a light board. How do Proctor students express their personality in their dorm rooms?

Dorm Room Mania

By Kaia Schmid

Who’s Afraid of The Golden Man?

of places like Urban Outfitters, Amazon, Ikea, etc., and one said they even bought stuff from Dannyduncan.com. Students found the most unique decorations at Etsy, Depop, and old school thrift stores.

How do you show your true colors through your dorm room? Do you represent your personality with posters of your favorite band or tapestries of your favorite places? Proctor students share some new design ideas as well as stores offering unique and personalized decorations.

Twenty-one anonymous Proctor students gave me a look into how they exhibit their personalities through their dorm decorations. At Proctor, 76% of the students say that they embellish their rooms to their liking. Students at Proctor buy their stylish decor from a various number

One student said they used antlers and pelts while others mentioned built-in shelves and hanging art. A classic strategy is to decorate with photos to walk down a memory lane of friends and favorite places.

Whether it’s blank walls with dim lights or bright colors with many photos, students let their individuality shine through in different ways at Proctor. Explore some dorm rooms and you can create an environment that lets your unique personality shine through.

Proctor’s Memes

By Jake Bicknell & Ryan Hayes The Infamous Proctor memes Instagram account is known widely by many kids and teachers alike. We know some teachers follow the account for fun and think the memes are humorous, yet others may think ‘not so much.’ We think the memes are perfectly fine.

They don’t cross the line or single people out, they just poke fun at the silly things that happen around campus and most are also true. Here’s a couple of the finest memes to make your day a bit brighter.

her about this year’s attendance. “ In the winter attendance is low because we have late practices. It tends to pick up in the spring as more people have free time.

About our community, she observed, “I think Andover is so sheltered along with the Proctor community that people don’t really care to go out and support. It’s just that no one really wants to go out of their way.”

Why the Low Attendance at Alliance?

leader to the group, what he thought low attendance says about our school, and the reasons for this.

By Michael Gilerman & Jake Bicknell Proctor’s LGBTQ students get together once a week and discuss topics related to their role in the Proctor community, and how to improve acceptance in our community. Seems perfect right? Well, there’s one major problem. It seems as though many students and faculty are unwilling to attend these meetings.

Proctor could be part of a national trend.

In a 2019 USA Today study, LGBTQ support among young people is on the decline. “The number of Americans 18 to 34 who are comfortable interacting with LGBTQ people slipped from 53% in 2017 to 45% in 2018 – the only age group to show a decline, according to the annual Accelerating Acceptance report.

And that is down from 63% in 2016.

The article reveals more on this alarming trend, noting 36% of young people said they were uncomfortable learning a family member was LGBTQ, compared with 29% in 2017. Similar trends were recorded for people learning their doctor was LGBTQ or their child had a school lesson on LGBTQ history.

The key factors that stop people from attending are a stigma surrounding the meetings, peer pressure holding people back from going, the bias against the LGBTQ community, and the limited free time we have here on campus. To understand this more, we reached out to some members of our LGBTQ community.

We asked Seth Currier, who serves as a

“When there are meetings of students that involve minorities or social justice, I always want to see more students. I think students are busy and have such a small amount of free time. I think the major reasons for the low numbers are just the stigma that surrounds a meeting when talking about that community.” He continued, “I think if we started having more defined topics, that could lay the groundwork for a more confident approach for those students who don’t usually show up.” We asked Seth what he would say to a student who is scared to attend a meeting due to peer pressure. “Part of being human and belonging to a healthy community is finding that personal courage to not listen to others when it comes to the benefit of others. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable and finding the courage to support the efforts that you find important, that’s worth a lot more than deciding to conform to what your peers are wanting to do.”

Cedar Kiedaisch is a junior who regularly attends Alliance meetings and we asked

We asked Cedar what she would say to a student who felt pressured not to go. “ I think that it’s really important to recognize that it’s for everyone. It’s not just for people who identify as something.

We’d like all people to go whether you’re LGBTQ or not. Then she told us what she would say to a person who doesn’t support Alliance. “I think people who are opposed to it just aren’t educated. I don’t have anything against them, I just think it’s important to educate yourself.”

Next Stop, Exit 666

By Massimo Thauvette Two weeks ago a new art installation was born on Proctor’s campus. An intriguing, artistic-graffiti designed bus stop was created in the art hub of Slocumb Hall.

The student behind this creation is Malcolm “Wade” Steegstra. Malcolm is a junior from Gloucester, Massachusetts, on campus, he is known for his silky hands on the lacrosse field, but his skill with a marker and spray can is equally impressive. In Slocumb, there is an art installation corner where Malcolm was given permission from teacher Jill Grotnes to create.

even though Malcolm might cover it up and ask her to start over because he wasn’t pleased with the work. Campbell was frustrated at times but understood that her partner wanted to make it perfect. The combination of their views was necessary for the success of their piece and most importantly, the process of this artwork proved that several differing viewpoints can create one beautiful product.

Usually, only students that take art as a major are allowed to work their magic on Slocumb’s art installation. Jill Grotnes, one of Proctor’s teachers, explained why she made an exception for Malcolm; “I decided to be a teacher because I love

At first look, this work of art seems very confusing and messy, which is exactly what Malcolm wants you to see. Malcolm explains the meaning behind his work.

“Graffiti art is something that I’ve always enjoyed doing because I feel like I can express myself in a chaotic way. Back home there are many bus stops full of graffiti so in this art piece, I use the graffiti to represent the chaos going on in my home town of Gloucester. I used exit 666 to signify that downtown Gloucester is a hell type place due to the heroin epidemic.”

For Malcolm, art is a way for him to release stress and block out worries in his mind.

The complexity of the installation was made possible due to the teamwork of Malcolm and Campbell Franz, who was paired with Malcolm to provide an experienced member by his side. Malcolm mentioned that it was challenging to work with Campbell due to their clashing ideas, but he believes that this collaboration helped the artwork turn into something surprisingly pleasant. Campbell helped with most of the painting

helping students like Malcolm express themself, the spark I see in his eyes when he does art is something that I greatly value. Malcolm is a special student and I felt like he needed this in his life!” Jill has mentored Malcolm in the process of his creation, Malcolm honored her help by tagging her name on the installation. In addition, Grant Green put together the bench in the installation where the students are encouraged to add their names.

Overall, this installation’s beauty was created by a great team effort; the artists learned valuable lessons.

Go take a look at “Exit 666” and let Malcolm know your thoughts.

WEEKEND Love FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 28 5:15 PM: Fan Bus to KUA for Varsity Boys Hockey Game 5:15 PM: Varsity Boys Basketball vs Brimmer and May School 6:30 PM: Art Show 7:30 PM: Jazz Rock in the Wise

SATURDAY | FEBRUARY 29 6:00 PM: Sushi Trip 7:00 PM: P.A.S.S. in Coffee House 8:00 - 10:00 PM: PAPA on Ice: Skating, Fun and Food at the Rink

Save the Date!

Spring Formal Saturday | April 18th

SUNDAY | MARCH 1 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Sunapee Ski/Snowboard Trip 12:00 - 1:00 PM: PA Skate 1:00 - 3:00 PM: Open Gym 1:00 PM: Tucker’s 3:00 PM: Target and Chipotle *Sign ups are sent via email for trips. Priority will be given to those who sign up in advance.

After that, seats will be first come first serve basis. All trips will depart from outside of the dining hall.

Questions? Suggestions? Get Involved with Student Activities!

Contact Erica Wheeler, Student Activities Director at wheelerer@proctoracademy.org.