THE RIVERS EDGE Vol. LIII, Number 4
The Rivers School, Weston, MA
May 26, 2023
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2023!
Celebrating Parsons’s time as Head BY ABBY MATSUYASU ‘23 CO-EDITOR
As the Class of 2023 walks across the graduation stage this May, Rivers’s eighth Head of School, Ned Parsons, is also graduating from his position. When Parsons stepped into his role as Head in 2014 after serving as dean of faculty at The Loomis Chaffee School, the Rivers campus looked and felt very different from how we know it today. As the days have become warmer, Parsons has also entered his “senior spring” and has spent some time reflecting on his eight years here. “My favorite part of the job is that it’s always different in the course of a single day,” said Parsons. “I get to be a part of strategic conversations, I get to be in
rooms where people are solving problems, I get to be working with architects thinking about bigger picture items on campus, I have had advisees, and I’ve gotten to teach classes. Every day forces me to think, grow, and learn.” From guiding the community through the pandemic to leading the massive success that was the FutureMakers campaign, Parsons made a lasting impact on campus. Parsons wanted to continue the work his predecessor, Tom Olverson, began during his tenure: “I wanted to see the school continue to grow and develop. I feel really good about what I've seen as a change in our school culture in terms of being able to directly address things that are happening in the world and how they are impacting and landing on campus.”
In addition to the physical changes during his time here, such as the new athletic fields, the Revers Center, and the various building renovations, Parsons reflected on the change in school culture. “When I first got here, I felt like a lot of those conversations weren't happening,” said Parsons. “[The students] weren't as active or activists as they are now and I think that’s a real strength. The kids are much more politically engaged and willing to talk about the issues that are hard. When I first got here, that was all kind of quiet.” “I go to all-school meetings and I hear how many kids are connected to things outside in the world and are bringing back to campus. I feel like the place is more engaged and con-
as kids’ backpacks, water-tag, and skip days. Since the end of spring break, seniors have been decked out in outlandish backpacks that some deem stylish. “The senior tradition to wear kids' backpacks during senior spring takes us back to our childhood,” says senior Amanda Freeman, “ and lets us feel like kids for just a little bit longer.” There is also the grade-wide game of water tag. Organized by the junior presidents, Leila Saponaro and Jack Renaud, the seniors are each assigned one person from their grade whom they have to get out by hitting them with the stream of a water gun. Brought to the seniors by the junior presidents, the newly made senior water tag website states how to play: 1. Everyone initially receives two targets to take out of the
game. 2. Players may only aim to take out their assigned targets. 3. For a player to register, the offensive person must have proof that they took out their assigned person. There must be a witness present OR video proof (uploaded to the website when a tag is reported). 4. When you are taken down, you are out of the game. 5. When you take out a target, you inherit your victim's targets. However, many rules come along with the game. To sum them up: no water guns can be out during school hours; the game pauses five minutes before the school day starts and resumes after the school day ends. No hitting your target inside buildings or when they are walking to, from, or at practice. You cannot use a shield, you
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Is “senior spring” allure reality? BY BROOKE BRENNAN ‘23 ASSISTANT EDITOR
The sun is shining. The rain trickles down. And, for some, the workload slows. For our seniors, the year comes to a close. From COVID-19 online learning to the renovation of many buildings, such as Haffenreffer and Revers, the class of 2023 has seen it all. But, with less than a month left of classes for our seniors, what else is left for us to do? Fun traditions! There are many activities that seniors partake in over these last two months. Despite the “senior slump,” as some call it, where seniors display a lack of motivation for the final weeks leading up to graduation and summer, many people in the class of 2023 are more than eager to participate in some of these fun activities, such
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Prize Day 2023
The Faculty Prize The Dudley Willis Trustee Prize
Jacqueline Lee Grace Brosnan, Abigail Matsuyasu & Jesse Meyerhardt The Jeremiah J. Sheehan Memorial Prize Ava Palazzolo The Hooper Lawrence Memorial Prize Sadie Carroll The F. Ervin Prince Prize Ulrika Karlsson, Jaideep Gardner Priscilla Wallace Strauss Athletic Prize Skylar Holmes The James A. Navoni ’70 Athletic Prize Kalyl Lindsey The ISL Award of Excellence Matthew Abrams & Ava Palazzolo Senior Award for Exceptional Dedication to Athletics: Matthew Abrams, Andrew Correia, Mark Herlihy, Gretchen Kerfoot, Samuel Lyons, Abigail Matsuyasu, Charles Stuart, Cailyn Murphy & Andrew Young The Nonesuch Players Prize Crystaliz Frometa & Alexander Massarotti The David Killam Instrumental Music Prize Jonathan Snow & Jason Zermani The Classical Music Prize Julia Lanzendorf The Choral Prize Kamryn Harris The Photography Prize Paige McCarthy The Two-Dimensional Arts Prize Sarah Stein Three-Dimensional Arts Prize (Sculpture) Luciano Lewandowski Three-Dimensional Arts Prize (Ceramics) Anna Rosenfeld Austin A. Chute Memorial Prize Julia Lanzendorf Otto Alcaide Language Prize for French John DosSantos & Anna Rosenfeld Otto Alcaide Language Prize for Spanish Luciano Lewandowski The George Woodbridge ’24 History Prize Cristina Gomez The Science Prize Jacob Sardinha & Katherine Sopko The Mathematics Prize Jesse Meyerhardt & Nina Minicozzi The Robert W. Rivers Prize for English Jacqueline Lee The CCCE Prize Cristina Gomez & Aaron Weiner Kenneth F. Benjamin ’50 Citizenship Award Katherine Shaw & William Lorion Johns Hopkins Univ. Alumni Faculty Prize Cailyn Kim Brown University Alumni Book Zoë Powell-McCroey The Williams College Book Award Phoebe Fogel The Thomas Olverson Prize Jack Willard The Harvard Club Prize Arianna Martinez Cavero Senior Members of the Cum Laude Society: Grace Brosnan, Andrew Correia, John DosSantos, Amanda Freeman, Cristina Gomez, Mark Herlihy, Braden Johnsen, Gretchen Kerfoot, Ian Keusch, Natalie Kloman, Julia Lanzendorf, Lacqueline Lee, Dana Lowitt, Abigail Matsuyasu, Jesse Meyerhardt, Nina Minicozzi, Ava Palazzolo, Jacob Sardinha, Katherine Sopko, Sarah Stein Excellence with Humanity Award Katie Henderson Mida Van Zuylen Dunn Award Dan Shaud, Jeff Meropol The Bergen-Decker Award Bruce Taylor
The Rivers Edge
Page 2
May 26, 2023
News
Carol Davidson speaks for Holocaust Remembrance Day BY MEGAN SWEATT ’24 ASSISTANT EDITOR
This year for Holocaust Remembrance Day, Rivers invited Carol Davidson back for a presentation. Davidson helped the Rivers community observe Holocaust Remembrance Day by sharing the history of the Holocaust and the life stories of her parents, two Holocaust survivors. Through these striking survival stories, we as a community remember not only the gravity and tragedy of the Holocaust but also the resilience of Jewish Europeans. Holocaust Remembrance Day was created first in Israel as a way to remember the six million Jewish Europeans killed during the Holocaust as well as Holocaust survivors. Also known as Yom HaShoah, it is observed by several countries around the world. Davidson has a long history with Rivers. Before she retired in 2019, she worked in administration, scheduling, as an advisor, course counselor, and also ran APs and finals. She is a violinist and violist, and her degrees in music led to her teaching music in middle school and private lessons in the Conservatory. As if Davidson needed to take on even more roles, she began teaching classes in music history, global studies, and eventually took over teaching the history class on 20th Century Genocide. 20th Century Genocide was a class that she felt she could teach well because of the research she did concerning her parents’ experiences in the Holocaust. Davidson felt she could not do justice to each genocide included in the curriculum in only one trimester, so she condensed the topic list to only the Holocaust, which is still a lot to take on in such a short time. Between her expertise of the Holocaust and World War II from teaching the class and researching her parents, Davidson was the perfect person to lead
Rivers in our observation of Holocaust Remembrance Day. Davidson remarked, “I am grateful for any chance to share my parents’ stories. As I said in my presentation, every person who has survived the Holocaust and every person who was murdered has a unique story. It is so important to remember that we are talking about individuals, not numbers.” Davidson used the stories of her parents to create this human connection and help students and faculty alike to understand the gravity and strength exhibited by Jewish Europeans during the Holocaust. Her mother, Madeleine Witsenhausen, grew up in Frankfurt, Germany. She was Jewish, although not practicing. After the violence of Kristallnacht, Madeleine’s father, Davidson’s grandfather, decided to move to Brussels, Belgium, as he was fluent in French. Madeleine’s father was sent to a concentration camp when the German army invaded Belgium. During the transfer between camps, he was able to escape, once again using his fluent French. When Madeleine herself was called upon to go to a labor camp, which now people realized no one came back from, her father hid her in a hospital for three months where she pretended to be sick when the Gestapo came. She joined the nursing staff there and acquired fake identification. Her family was able to move to a new apartment on the same street as the Gestapo, thinking they would never look there for Jews. The family stayed safely in this apartment until Brussels was liberated in September 1944. Madeleine moved to New York after World War II, where she would meet Davidson’s father, Karl Weiss. She dedicated her time to being a mother, pursuing her degree in art, and making art for herself and her family. Davidson’s father was an Or-
Davidson shared her family’s story on Holocaust Rememberance Day. Photo by Leah O’Brien. thodox Jew and spent his early years before the war in Hamburg, Germany. After Kristallnacht, he was sent to England on the Kindertransport, a British program funded and supported by British Jews who offered to sponsor and house European Jewish children so they could escape the violence in their respective countries. Karl arrived in London unsponsored, so he spent the beginning of his time there in a shack with other refugee children and was eventually placed with a family. This family left for New York without him, and at only thirteen years old, he was living alone in a hostel. When the bombing of London began, children in the city were sent to the countryside for safety. Children began returning to their homes when it was deemed safe, but there was no place to go for Karl as a refugee. Luckily, a kind, childless couple took him in. But at sixteen, like the other war refugees, he was given the ultimatum of either joining the work effort work or being voluntarily interned at
a prison. Karl chose to join the war effort and happily worked on a farm until he scored first place nationally on the inorganic chemistry exam. Then he was then offered a job in London. After the Allied victory, Karl moved to New York for a new job, where his life would intersect with Madeleine’s. By this point, the letters from his father in Germany stopped coming. It was not until the 1970s that Karl would determine that his father was killed in a death camp during the war. Karl and one of his non-Jewish cousins were the only survivors in his family. Growing up, Davidson was aware that her parents were Jewish and that they grew up in Germany. It was not a secret that her parents were survivors. Still, it was not until her family spent a year in Sweden, during which they traveled across Europe, that she began to fully grasp and find interest in her parents’ experiences. Davidson ended her presentation with a picture of her family: her parents, siblings, children,
and grandchildren. Davidson then shared a quote her mother liked to say: “ Hitler tried to kill us, but he failed. Instead, we multiplied!” Davidson’s family and her parents' legacy are proof of survivors and reminders to celebrate and remember those who did not survive. When asked what her message to students is, she shared, “I hope that everyone, but especially the students, left the room with a desire to learn more about what happened, in particular, to the Jews during World War II. The mantra of Holocaust education is ‘never forget.’ Certainly, we should not forget what happened, but I think it's even more important to learn why it happened and how it could have been prevented. As the two students from the Jewish affinity group pointed out, there has been a large rise in antisemitic actions in the US and worldwide in the last few years. It is critical that when people see something happen that they know is wrong, they stand up and protest.”
working with a wonderful admissions team and teachers, colleges, staff, and everyone who is so committed to this school,” he said. “There are some great milestones in terms of the diversity numbers, but it is just the beginning.” Rivers has also selected a more diverse pool of applicants this year. 39% of incoming students are people of color. That will increase the total student population to 30% of students of color. Talhaoui has been a huge help in this effort, reaching his goal within his first year. “The biggest goal for me as an admissions professional is to attract the brightest and most diverse class possible every year,” Talhaoui shared. Although these numbers still need improving, the admissions office has plans to continue this growth to create a more wel-
coming and inclusive campus for all students. Talhaoui acknowledges this requires “the responsibility of making it more accessible.” He remarked that this can be “through transportation…the way we communicate and articulate the values of the school…financial aid resources – both on the tuition side – but also just what the lived experience looks and feels like here in terms of non-tuition aid.” The focus on diversity prevailed as Rivers held its firstever dinner for admitted students of color. Students were given a chance to candidly interact with current students and faculty of color and understand what life at Rivers might look like. Along with this event, the admissions team organized various events designed for the students and their
families to get a feel for the community Rivers provides. These included a fall open house, January reception, and revisit days. Talhaoui plans to “continue to build on all the incredible work that has been done here and get the word out there,” he said. “There is a lot of reason to be proud of this institution and I think there are a lot of pockets within the Greater Boston area that are not familiar with the Rivers brand and I’m hoping to be part of the group that will change that.” In the coming years, with the expectation that the Rivers admission numbers will continue to grow in this positive light, Rivers will become an even better school for all members of the Rivers community.
Admissions cycle a success with 118 new students in fall BY MIA PATEL ’23 ASSISTANT EDITOR
After months of hard work from the admissions team, Red Key members, and everyone in between, Rivers will welcome 118 new students in the fall. With yet another record-breaking year, the admissions office interviewed over 810 prospective students, showing an increase from last year. They received 710 applications, accepting 200 to create an acceptance rate of 28% and a yield rate of 59%. Scheduling this many visits was a first, but members of Red Key, the student-run club on campus, had it under control. “Every year there are more and more applicants to Rivers, which means that the number of tours we need to organize
also goes up,” said co-leader of Red Key, Anna Rosenfeld ‘23. “This year, we gave 810 tours as a group, which was definitely crazy to schedule but also a lot of fun getting to meet all of the new applicants and future Rivers students. We did reach a point this year where certain tour guides were giving multiple tours a day due to the high number of tours that needed to be filled.” In the end, though, it was all worth it. “I think overall it was a very successful admissions cycle, and I know all of the incoming students are going to be a fantastic addition to the Rivers community,” shared Rosenfeld. New Director of Enrollment Management, Yassine Talhaoui, shows equal pride for the current and future members of the Rivers community. “It's been incredible
The Rivers Edge
May 26, 2023
Page 3
News
Bidding farewell to beloved teachers and faculty BY JASON GLICK ‘24 ASSISTANT EDITOR
Goodbyes are difficult; there is no doubt about that. Bidding farewell to people who one spends substantial time with on a daily basis and regularly immerses with is even more challenging. As Rivers values connections between the students and the faculty and staff, watching teachers leave a tightly knit community brings out emotion among members of the community. The faculty and staff at Rivers are more than just educators; they advise, coach, and form relationships with their students and colleagues. Teachers create Rivers’s nurturing environment that makes the school so unique. People have ambitions that they hope to pursue in their lives, and leaving a community that they love is a sacrifice they have to make. Rivers’s departing and retiring teachers have embraced the community as their own, but they are ready to move on to achieve their desires. There is no denying that these incredible individuals will be missed, and it is important to reminisce on their careers at Rivers and what they brought with themselves along the way. Currently in the role of the Director of Community Engagement, while also teaching Upper School History, Ms. Kit Cunningham, has spent nine productive years at Rivers during which she prioritized giving back to a
wide range of communities. She takes pride in the unique way in which she shaped Rivers’s community engagement. Cunningham explained, “We changed the language around community service to community engagement, which is intrinsically connected to civic engagement and DEI work. It’s all about using our positioning and personal power to affect change, all towards creating a more equitable and just world.” Cunningham has set the standard for what it means to engage the community in contrast to what it means to serve the community, which is an essential concept to grasp. Her proudest accomplishment is finding substantial ways to draw connections between different parts of the community. Intertwining different groups that build toward a common goal is what makes her work even more empowering. “I think, perhaps what I am happiest about in my work at Rivers is amplifying the intersection between DEI work, civics, and community engagement,” she explained. “We learn so much by being out in the community with others who may have very different life experiences from ours. That perspective not only develops a sense of compassion, but it informs the more academic examination of social issues, and also lets us see the skill building that we need to do to be effective more clearly.” After nine years of revolution-
izing community service at Rivers, Cunningham will be retiring at the end of the academic year. Her retirement is both bittersweet but also exciting, as she will now be able to continue her work in a more relaxed setting. She stated, “I am excited about having the time and space to do some travel, and to do more work in the nonprofit world. I am active with several local non-profits and now I will have more time to work with them. And, I intend to up my pickleball game, and play more with my granddaughters!” Although she is moving on to a new chapter of her life, Cunningham has taught Rivers what it means to engage a community and has set the stage for a bright future of community service at Rivers. Community is a common theme among the retiring and departing Rivers faculty. Dr. Amy Enright, the director of the Center for Community and Civic Engagement and Upper School History teacher, embodies bringing communities together on a civic level. She organized programs and opportunities to immerse students with different groups of people. “I’m particularly proud of getting several civic engagement programs—such as the Tufts University summer fellowship, the alumni engagement lunches, and the civic leader internships— off the ground despite the challenges of the COVID years,” Enright shared. “More recently, creating
curriculum and co-teaching the 10th grade seminar, Foundations: Skills for Community Citizenship, with other administrators and faculty has been a great opportunity for collaboration.” Enright passionately said that “European History is [her] field of expertise.” She has taught AP European History for 19 years, which she describes as one of the joys of her career. She was elated to see that Thando Khumalo ‘19, her former AP European History student, fell in love with the artistic and conceptual aspects of the Italian Renaissance as she recently won a Fulbright Scholarship to continue her studies. In addition, Enright, the former History Department Chair, also found joy in traveling with her students. She exclaimed, “I enjoyed memorable trips to Spain, India, and China, which made the Rivers History curriculum come alive!” As Enright concludes her tenure at Rivers, she reflects on her initial question that she explored while teaching history: “How did our society get ‘here?’” Now, she has moved to a new question: “What do we do about where we are?” Enright is excited to begin new studies revolving around the ways to fight for educational and economic equity. She intends to focus on job-readiness and civic skills for student learners. Rivers will hold a soft spot in Enright’s heart, but she is ready to explore ways to answer her essential civic question.
As a specialist in creative writing, Mr. Evan Massey is fervent about writing and loves sharing his craft with his students. He is always delighted to build relationships with students who share similar passions as himself. Massey explains that “watching Kayla Thugi [‘25] recite her poems” was a significant moment in which he observed the exploration of her creativity. Additionally, Massey, a lover of soccer, coached the Boys’ JV Soccer team for the last two years in which he could “help players develop their skills and confidence on and off the field.” At Rivers, Massey found purpose in what he describes as “the quiet moments.” These moments ranged from staring into Nonesuch Pond while deep in thought to conversing with a group of teachers about philosophy and psychology. These experiences enabled Massey to reflect on what the Rivers environment brings out of himself: “I have learned more about myself during my time here. Environments force us to look inside ourselves, to ask ourselves tough questions, and from those questions I began to understand more and more about who I am at my core.” As he reminisces on his two years at Rivers, one moment in particular stands out for Massey. He explained, “The day [Ms. Jordan] reached out
Rivers than ever before. Prior campaigns had only raised money for an individual building project; however, the $67 million raised are directed to many different aspects of the school including, but not limited to, new buildings, financial aid, and program and curriculum development. “People were ready to see Rivers go to the next step from where it was. We needed to clarify that vision and put it out there for people, and then people got excited and stepped on it,” said Parsons. “It was a team effort across my administrative team, faculty, parents, alumni, and the trustees that made it come to life. I am proud of the way it brought the community together.” Despite the many successes Parsons initiated, he led the community through some difficult times when he faced some personal and school challenges. “Personally, as an introvert, sometimes I have found that being out front all the time is a challenge that I have to find my way through. I’ve learned to be able to do it and I am comfortable with all of it, but on a personal level, that’s always a challenge,” reflected Parsons. In addition, Parsons led the community through the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing social upheaval around race
and DEI work, both of which were unprecedented at Rivers. “It’s been tricky in the country and when things get tricky out there, they get tricky in here,” said Parsons. “Navigating how to maintain a safe, productive, and positive learning environment in a space where some things need to change and be turned upside down and some discomfort needs to be addressed, managed, and cared for was a balancing act. That was not easy and it won’t be easy ever.” Though these complex conversations are continuously happening, under Parsons’s leadership, the school community is now better equipped to have discussions where the status quo is questioned and challenged. Looking ahead, Parsons recognizes that independent schools like Rivers have to always be thinking about and rethinking where the school is heading, especially in terms of what classes are offered and what the curriculum includes. “Curricularly, the school has to keep thinking about what we offer and why. How do we prepare kids for college and the larger world and what does that mean?” said Parsons. “There’s still a lot of work to do still and I know Ryan Dahlem and the administration side of the school know that.” As the 2022-23 academic year
comes to a close, the community is preparing to both wish Parsons goodbye and welcome incoming Head of School Dahlem to Rivers. “We juggle a lot of priorities in our community—adults and students alike—and one of the things I think we strive to do is keep the student experience in the center of our vision. It's the most critical ingredient in the second half of our motto—the humanity. That's been a central feature of Mr. Parsons's leadership and I anticipate and look forward to experiencing a lot of continuity with that core value when Mr. Dahlem arrives,” said history teacher and Head of Upper School Dr. Melissa Anderson.
As Parsons prepares to leave Winter Street, he considers what he wants to do next, whether it is remaining in school leadership or supporting school leadership in other ways. Though he does not know exactly what his future entails, he knows he will miss Rivers. “I’ll miss this community most. The thing that I love about this place is the interconnection between faculty and students,” said Parsons. “The faculty is a thoughtful, creative, and professional group of people who really inspire me. The students are wonderful young people who make it worthwhile to come to work everyday at the highest level.”
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From pandemic to FutureMakers, Parsons led with poise Continued from page 1 nected to the larger world than it was when I first got here, and I think I’m most proud of that.” One of the new spaces built and programs established during his time as Head is the Center for Community and Civic Engagement (CCCE), a place that serves as students’ connection to the world outside of Rivers. In addition to alum lunches and community service opportunities, the center hosts senior student interns. “Mr. Parsons has been the Head of School for all seven of my years here at Rivers, so I have to attribute some of my Rivers experience to his leadership,” said CCCE intern Cristina Gomez ‘23. “His establishing of a community that has welcomed and accepted me fundamentally shaped my growing up years. I hope that Rivers continues to pride itself on that community that Mr. Parsons contributed to, and I hope that it only grows to be more welcoming in the coming years.” In addition to the physical changes on campus, the FutureMakers campaign “represents not just money raised, but it actually represents a change in culture here.” As the school’s first comprehensive capital campaign, Parsons’s FutureMakers campaign raised more money for
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The Rivers Edge
May 26, 2023
EDITORIAL
To the Class of 2023
Dear Class of 2023, We made it. After four years of high school, though not so representative of High School Musical, we couldn’t be more proud of all we have accomplished and the legacy we leave behind as we depart Winter Street one last time. To list every success would take up this entire newspaper, so here are just a few of our proudest moments this year. We have stormed the fields, packed the gyms, and secured championships. Through a combination of hard work, passion, and teamwork, we have succeeded on all athletic fields. Especially at the first-ever Friday Night Lights games and the annual Holiday Tournament, the fanzone brought the energy. Last but not least, we have always swept the shed. We have thrived on stage and in the studios. From dancing in The Wedding Singer to performing at the Hatch Shell, our performing arts have been remarkable. Throughout the year, sculptures and paintings alike have adorned the walls of our galleries, turning heads left and right. From Scholastic Keys to jazz festival gold medals, we have thrived in the arts. We have outdone ourselves at the Coffee Houses. Not only have we lived up to the usual hype of the arguably best Rivers community event, but we hosted the first ever Caroline’s Coffee House to commemorate Caroline Grape ‘18. From iconic Radiohead renditions of “Creep” to playing some Billy Joel on the piano and harmonica (!!!) our talents have brought the house down! We, the Class of 2023, got the chance to attend Rivers’s first prom off campus since COVID hit, and we all danced the night away on the dance floor while enjoying the delicious food and ice cream sundae bar. We have stood up for our beliefs, educated the community, and held safe spaces through student-run clubs like BRIDGE and GSA. We have brought important discussion to the Rivers community, challenged, and encouraged us all to think from different perspectives. We have immensely helped underclassmen as TAs, Student Advisors, captains, club leaders, and so so much more. We never stepped down from the challenges that can come with being a leader, and instead, we embraced our responsibility to create an even better Rivers for all the students who will follow in our footsteps. We have shared many thought-provoking, entertaining, and reflective senior speeches. Our speeches have highlighted struggles with mental health, familial relations, fun memories from our time at Rivers, and much more. We have been great role models for the underclassmen and middle schoolers, and our speeches gave us a chance to fully step into that role on campus. With COVID coming in to end our freshmen year short, what our future years at Rivers would look like seemed to be unknown. Despite this, we all grew into our leadership roles as seniors and stayed true to the Rivers motto of Integrity with Perseverance. All of our futures look bright and full of wonderful opportunities, and the Rivers community is excited to see all that we will accomplish in our lives beyond Winter Street. As students, musicians, athletes, leaders, activists, friends, and so much more, know that our impact on Rivers will last forever, and our futures are limitless.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY May 26
Events 1805 - Lewis and Clark first sight the Rocky Mountains 1969 - The Apollo 10 space mission returned to Earth Notable Birthdays May 26, 1926 - Miles Davis May 26, 1951- Sally Ride
May 26th is National Blueberry Cheesecake Day! May 26th is National Paper Airplane Day!
Opinions & Editorials
33 Tips for Surviving High School BY JACKIE LEE ‘23, JULIA LANZENDORF ‘23, and JULIEN BURKS ‘23 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Dear Reader, As three seniors who made it to the other side of the seemingly long and daunting high school experience, we wanted to pass on a couple of tips (especially for other POC/Queer students). 1. Know if your grade dean will check you in past 8:25. 2. Read your emails. There are a lot of opt-in events, programs, or opportunities that are shared through emails. 3. Find other friends who share your experiences. 4. Use your study halls/frees. 5. Don’t let the fear of being bad prevent you from trying new things and meeting new people. 6. BTW: It’s not normal for teachers to mix up student’s names repeatedly 6 months into the school year. 7. Perform at the Coffee House (or at least go and support your friends)! 8. Bring headphones and a downloaded playlist (because the WiFi stinks) to school. 9. Remember that you’re not just your race or sexuality. 10. Don’t be afraid to go to the counselor’s office. 11. Ask older students about their classes (and for their textbooks.) 12. Things and people don’t change on their own. So don’t wait; if something is not right (no
matter how small it may be) doing nothing won’t change it. 13. Label (and don’t lose) your chargers. You are responsible for turning them in at the end of senior year, and if you don’t have it, it is $89. 14. Find places to cry (Some of our S-tier ones are the Freight Farm and the DEI office.) 15. Remember the big picture of why you are at school! Don’t lose sight of your motivation for working hard. 16. Go to Affinity! It’s a rare, safe space with other students who share an identity and/or experiences. 17. Find good study buddies (and identify friends you should never study with). 18. Consider your at-home responsibilities and extracurriculars (and know your stress tolerance) when picking your classes. 19. Be honest with your parents as much as you can. 20. It’s okay if you can’t leave current events “at the door” when coming to school. That’s a pretty unreasonable expectation for anyone. 21. Create (and remember) a snack rotation in your advisories!! Stress baking can help to win over your advisory. 22. Communicate with your teachers. Meet for extra help and know it always helps to have adults who you can vent to and who can advocate for you! 23. Listen to your gut. 24. Don’t feel like you’re respon-
sible for educating others about issues relating to your identity. 25. Get your college essays written during the summer. 26. Know which assignments to complete with care and which ones to get done as quickly as possible. 27. Sometimes there’s no right answer to the balance of standing your ground versus avoiding conflict in school spaces. 28. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE should you give your email to the College Board, Niche, or Student Search Services. If they somehow get your email, start unsubscribing as soon as possible. 29. Second lunch line isn’t always shorter, but most of the time it is. Related: don’t go to the Tuesday/Thursday lunch line right at 11:45! 30. If you don’t want to do sports… don’t forget about drama/costumes/tech! 31. Do something that makes you happy every day!! Recharging is important! You can’t work effectively if you’re not happy. 32. In conversations that may seem uncomfortable (especially about race/identity), it’s okay to get things wrong. What’s important is what you choose to do in the future. 33. Lastly, don’t try to do everything alone. There are a ton of resources available and a ton of people that are rooting for you, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.
The Rivers Edge
Co-Editors-in-Chief
Abby Matsuyasu ’23 Ava Palazzolo ’23 Associate Editors Natalie Kloman ’23 Dana Lowitt ’23 Assistant Editors Brooke Brennan’23 Jason Glick’24 Cristina Gomez ’23 Mary O’Brien’23 Mia Patel ’23 Lexie Siegel ’23 Megan Sweatt ’24 Copy Editing Lucy Kapples Faculty Advisors Theresa Oberst Sinan Parsons Staff Writers: Camille DeStefano ’24, Joyce Do ’25, Sarah DuBard ’25, Ryan Ferguson ‘24, Spencer Gary ’25, Charlie Kantaros ‘24, Cailyn Kim’25, Noelle Lee ’26, Grant Ramirez ’26. Contributing Writers: Matt Abrams ‘23, Anya Carroll ‘26, Angelina Ha ‘26, Jackie Lee ‘23, Julien Burks ‘23, Julia Lanzendorf ‘23. Photography: John Hurley, Leah O’Brien, Abby Matsuyasu ‘23, Ava Palazzolo ’23, Aidan Zheng ‘24, Jacob Werrick, Christopher Snow, Ami Vithiananthan ‘24. Layout and Design: Abby Matsuyasu ‘23. THE RIVERS EDGE is published by the students of The Rivers School. THE EDGE is an open forum for the news, events, ideas, issues and concerns of the student body. Letters and contributions from the entire Rivers community - students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni - are welcomed and encouraged. Unsigned letters will not be published, but names will be withheld upon request. Please send letters to The Editors, THE RIVERS EDGE, The Rivers School, 333 Winter Street, Weston, MA 02493.
May 26, 2023
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The Rivers Edge
Opinions
Pros and cons of the new age of “influencing” culture BY LEXIE SIEGEL ’23 ASSISTANT EDITOR
“Wait, people are getting paid for this?” “Yes, Mom. Duh.” Who knew that social media posts and brand promotions could be a primary source of paychecks for so many? Clearly, not your parents. In recent years, the job title of “Influencer” has spread across the world. After reaching so-called internet virality, a pool of individuals have begun a movement of quitting desk jobs in favor of something more modern, digital, and widespread. So, really, what is an influencer? Specifically, who is the social media influencer? In simple terms, the social media influencer is a person (or maybe even an inanimate object managed by a person) who, strategically or by fortune, has gained a substantial following. And whether reaping the benefits of earned fame, nepotism, or a post gone spontaneously viral, they continue to cater their posts towards their fan base. This posting is typically frequent and cohesive, with all posts linking to a common theme that reflects the influencer’s goals. Some influencers use their catered media presences in the background of their careers: Selena Gomez has spoken of mental health in between hit albums; Kim Kardashian created a shapewear line while filming her family’s television series. And then again, for some influencers, a catered media presence is a career. It would be nearly impossible to speak on this subject without the mention of Alix Earle. Earle, a 2023 University of Miami graduate, rose to fame through posts of her everyday college life and “Get Ready With Me” vid-
eos. With a TikTok following of over 5.2 million, the young influencer has built herself a large audience of loyal fans. Loyal fans who generate her salary, that is. For Earle and all other social media influencers, it is the collection of viewers and followers that grants success. Viewers allow brands from Bloom Nutrition to Fruit by the Foot to reach out and offer paid partnerships. These brands target influencers with target audiences that reflect their own: Bloom Nutrition, a company with a popular vegetable-based powder, may
“While the influencer’s fans have the power to make millions—even billions—for their beloved public figure, these fans additionally have the power to take everything away.” pay out Alix Earle to promote their products. They do this by promoting strategically, knowing that Earle’s physical presence and activity level creates a common audience likely to buy their product. Backed by logic, research, and expert marketers, this promotion most definitely pays off. Statistics show that around 33% of all Gen-Z individuals bought at least one item promoted by a social media influencer three months before surveying. And with 45% of surveyed marketing companies having used the TikTok platform to get the endorsement of influencers in 2022, social media has been proven repeatedly to be the way to go. Influencers have a large variety of brands and audiences to choose from, and as a result, many opportunities to turn
daily posts into a lifetime career. A lifetime career, though, is not always promised. A prominent theme of the past few years has been cancel culture. This is a significant culprit in the temporary nature of influencing. Plainly stated, cancel culture represents a practice in which mainly celebrities and public figures are stripped of their platforms when their followers do not agree with something they have done. Insensitive remarks, accusations of wrongdoing, and publicized interpersonal issues are all common reasons for a brand or influencer to receive at least partial “cancellation.” In a far more daunting truth, however, sometimes reasoning does not extend this far—or even at all. A recent example of this truth involves influencer Dylan Mulvaney’s collaboration with Bud Light. In April, Mulvaney, a transgender woman, publicized her partnership with the company. Following this release, she faced intense transphobic backlash, as Mulvaney’s typical audience and that of the brand did not intertwine as well as intended. Many drew support from Bud Light and Mulvaney without explicit reasoning. Though no typical wrongdoing catalyzed the “cancellation,” hatred towards the transgender community led to a downward spiral in the trajectories of both parties involved. And all it took was a newly designed beer can. On other occasions, controversy in any form is not at all present. Sometimes, the influencer loses their audience as another comes to replace them, even if they post daily and see high fan engagement. While influencers can try to exert control over their careers, they ultimately have close to none when it comes to their followers’ ultimate decision “to follow or to unfollow?”
University of Miami TikTok influencer Alix Earle. Stock photo. The career of an influencer is exceptionally fragile. While the influencer’s fans have the power to make millions—even billions—for their beloved public figure, these fans additionally have the power to take everything away. As more people press “unfollow”, the influencer is driven to a limited selection of options: release an apology video if attempted cancellation is assumed, ignore the problem and hope it resolves itself, or opt-out entirely and return to the traditional 9-5 lifestyle. Despite the unique flaws that this new career comes with, there is something to be said about the great success that influencing has brought. Even further, influencing has ultimately created an unseen market for transparency. Despite crafting an image backed by modern beauty standards, Earle has talked about her struggles with acne and remained open about her use of visual filters to cover
up insecurities. Additionally, influencers such as former USC women’s volleyball player Victoria Garrick have opened up about body positivity. Garrick has used her platform to portray that Instagram pictures almost never reflect reality. With such impressionable and often young audiences, these individuals are doing crucial work by remaining honest about the dishonesty of social media. Truly, the surface of influencing and its intricacies has barely been scratched. Yet still, there is something to be said about knowing what you are subscribing to when you choose to support a social media presence. While a “follow” to the non-influencer is meaningless, a “follow” to the influencer is a whole career. So, press each button wisely, and if you ever end up on the influencing side of the screen, treat your fans as if your next paycheck depends on it. Because, quite frankly, it really does.
do with the color of my skin.” Republican leaders denied that race played a role in the expulsion decision, citing that most of their faction favored expelling Johnson along with the two Black legislators. Social justice and gun violence have played a big role in the legislators’ careers. Johnson was initially elected to the House for the 2013-2014 term, and as a former teacher, gun violence in schools remains an issue close to her heart. Jones is one of the youngest members of the house at 27, and he won his election last year to represent parts of Nashville. He gained prominence as a community organizer, holding sit-ins at the State Capitol and leading a 61-day protest in 2020 against racial injustice. Pearson represents parts of Memphis, and he made a name for himself when he successfully opposed a crude oil pipeline that would go through the city. He has lost family members and mentors to
gun violence, and he says that the need for restrictions on firearms “is personal when you lose your friends, your loved ones.” The ousting extravaganza of these lawmakers marked only the third time since the Civil War era that the Tennessee House had removed a legislator from its ranks, let alone two at the same time. The actions ignited outrage among Democrats nationwide, including President Biden, who categorized the Republicans’ move as “undemocratic.” However, just four days after the expulsions, the District Councils of both Pearson and. Jones unanimously voted to reappoint the representatives back to their seats, and they were sworn in soon thereafter. The entire incident illustrated how divided political factions are over how to respond to gun violence, and with rising death tolls from the issue each year, government stalemate is the last thing the country needs right now.
Tennessee House expulsions spark controversy across U.S. BY CRISTINA GOMEZ ’23 ASSISTANT EDITOR
Since the beginning of 2023, the United States has experienced more mass shootings than days. 128 days into the year, there had been 202 shootings leaving four or more people dead. In particular, school shootings have ravaged the country, killing and wounding hundreds of victims. National and state governments have had mixed responses to these utter tragedies. On March 27th, one of these shootings occurred at The Covenant School, a private academy in the Green Hills neighborhood of Nashville, TN. Six people were killed during the violence. Tenessee lawmakers took to the floor to discuss potential legislation to prevent future gun violence in their state. The Republican-controlled House wasn’t keen on passing any immediate laws in response to the attack, but three Democratic
representatives took to the floor to rally for stricter gun control. Much to Republicans’ dismay, these three congressional reps, Justin Jones, Justin J. Pearson, and Gloria Johnson, joined thousands of citizen protesters in the days after the shooting outside the State Capitol building. They interrupted the legislature with calls of “no action, no peace” on the House Floor, and they used bullhorns to try to get their message across to hesitant lawmakers. The Republican Speaker of the House, Cameron Sexton, immediately drew parallels from the three lawmakers to the January 6th rioters at the U.S. Capitol, calling their actions “unacceptable” and an utter violation of House procedure. A few days after their protests, Sexton revoked their Capitol ID access and stripped two of the three lawmakers of the representatives’ committee assignments. In a harsh reactionary move, the House held a vote to expel the
three Democrats from the legislature after their demonstration. Republicans filed resolutions expressing that the lawmakers “did knowingly and intentionally bring disorder and dishonor” to the House and “engaged in disruptive conduct.” Two of the three representatives, Jones and Pearson, were successfully ousted by their Republican counterparts with votes along party lines, whereas Johnson slimly avoided expulsion by just one vote. After the House’s decision, the protesters throughout the Capitol building broke into a fury, with yells of “Shame on you” echoing through the galleries. When asked about his expulsion after the day’s tumultuous events, Pearson remarked, “You cannot ignore the racial dynamic of what happened today – two young Black lawmakers get expelled and the one white woman does not.” When asked why she thought she was still standing, Johnson said, “It might have to
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The Rivers Edge
May 26, 2023
News
The state of abortion pills access throughout the country BY NATALIE KLOMAN ’23 ASSOCIATE EDITOR
For almost a year now, the United States has been living with the impact of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned the decision made in 1973 that affirmed the constitutional right to have an abortion. Since last June, this court decision has sparked social and political discussion on women’s reproductive rights. Currently, 14 states have banned abortions completely, with some allowing exceptions for cases of rape or incest, while others allow no exceptions for said instances of sexual assault and violence. Several other states have gestational limits or have had state lawmakers block any attempts made at banning abortions. Finally, a majority of the states, including Massachusetts, have deemed abortion legal, and some states have even put protections in place to assist those in need of getting an abortion. More recently, however, the subject of abortion pills has additionally come into play. There are two types of abortion options available to those in need of one:
an abortion pill and a surgical abortion. When using abortion pills — the current topic of interest — two rounds of pills must be taken to have a successful abortion. The first pill is called “mifepristone,” while the second pill is known as “misoprostol.” A person first takes mifepristone to block progesterone, a hormone needed to keep a pregnancy continuing. 24 to 48 hours after taking mifepristone, the individual takes misoprostol to terminate the pregnancy completely. The abortion pill makes up more than half of the abortions in the United States, and since the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval in 2000, over five million women in the United States have used the pill to have an abortion. When the FDA initially approved the pill, pregnant women were allowed to take the pill up until seven weeks pregnant; however, in 2016, the pill was authorized to be taken until the ten-week mark in a woman’s pregnancy. The controversy surrounding the abortion pill began in early April in the state of Texas. Federal Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk issued a preliminary ruling where
he invalidated the F.D.A’s approval of the mifepristone pill, therefore making it much more difficult for patients in need of an abortion to have one, even in states where abortion is considered legal. Shortly after Judge Kacsmaryk’s ruling in Texas, Judge Thomas Owen Rice from the state of Washington ruled against the Texas decision made earlier that day. Rice ordered the government to keep mifepristone legal and accessible in 17 states and the District of Columbia. In his ruling, Kacsmaryk wrote, “The court does not second-guess F.D.A.’s decision-making lightly. But here, F.D.A. acquiesced on its legitimate safety concerns — in violation of its statutory duty — based on plainly unsound reasoning and studies that did not support its conclusions. There is also evidence indicating F.D.A. faced significant political pressure to forgo its proposed safety precautions to better advance the political objective of increased ‘access’ to chemical abortion.” The Texas lawsuit also wanted to ban the use of misoprostol, the second pill involved in having a medically-induced abortion; however, the lawsuit
Skip day, backpacks, water tag! Continued from page 1
cannot use a car while playing, and if your target is suspended, you cannot get them until their suspension ends. You must have video proof of your shot or a witness. Also, water balloons count. It sounds like a lot, but there is a saving grace: spoons. If you throw a spoon at someone who is attempting to get you out, they are suspended from getting you for an hour. The same rules for using water guns apply to using spoons. Although, if you hit someone with a spoon at the same time they attack you, both you and your attacker are suspended for an hour. Although it is sad when someone gets out, watching people try to get one another is very fun. This game evokes many emotions, including betrayal, paranoia, thrill, but most importantly, fun. “Watch out at all times; I am always watching and ready to attack,” joked senior Ian Keusch. “It’s a really good time and is a fun thing to do with the grade.” Along with these traditions, there is also a senior skip day. The seniors miss class for the day and normally do an activity as a grade. This year, the seniors headed to the beach on April 18th, where they had fun together as a grade. The weather may have been chilly, but that didn’t damper the fun of the tradition! “Senior skip day has been a tradition since I came to Rivers, and it was so cool to be able to carry on that tradition this year,” says senior class president Maya Holtzman, “although it's a bit chilly, going to the beach is a
Seniors wearing their childrens’ backpacks this spring. Photo by Abby Matsuyasu ‘23. way to take a day off from the stress of school and hang out with the grade on the beach.” With all these traditions, it’s hard to believe that some things aren’t happening. This year, the class of 2023 will no longer have senior projects. These projects typically take place within the weeks after classes end, and they complete before graduation. Senior projects ranged from community service to writing and performing pieces of music, and each senior presented their projects to their peers across all grades. Even though many will miss these fun-filled activities, other programming will take their place. Some of these events include mandatory events, such as college transitioning and Rivers Connect programming. Others are not mandatory, but sound to be exciting, like a senior beach day, casino night, and arts night. “It’s kind of sad we don’t get to experience it,” says se-
nior Lucia Capello, “but I am excited we get to replace it with class bonding events.” With senior programming replacing senior projects, graduation is earlier than in years past. With graduation occurring on May 26, the events for seniors, such as the final-all school, senior banquet, and graduation rehearsal, also moved up to an earlier date. “It’s a really exciting time to go to college,” said senior Casey Walter. “But I also wish I could have more time with my friends before I leave.” There are so many activities occurring over the next few months that it’s hard to believe that so many of us are leaving for college or other adventures after the summer. Everything happening earlier gives us seniors more time in the summer for whatever lies ahead. We don’t know what will happen after graduation, but the memories from these senior events will last a lifetime.
prioritized making solely mifepristone illegal. If the Texas decision were to be upheld, misoprostol would still be accessible and legal to women in need of an abortion, but taking misoprostol alone is less effective and causes more physical side effects. In the Washington lawsuit, the goal was to reiterate the F.D.A’s claim that the “approval of mifepristone is lawful and valid” and to ensure that mifepristone remains accessible to those in need of it. A few days after the initial lawsuit in Texas, the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit allowed for mifepristone legal in the country. However, the ruling reduced the window to taking it within the first seven weeks of pregnancy as opposed to the first ten weeks. Also, the ruling stated that the drug can no longer be sent via mail. Ultimately, the Biden Administration decided to appeal the 5th Circuit’s decision to the Supreme Court. Finally, a couple of weeks following the two lawsuits filed in Texas and Washington, the Supreme Court released an unsigned ruling that allowed mifepristone to remain legal and
available throughout the country for the time being. The Supreme Court also suspended any lowercourt judgments that had taken place regarding mifepristone. However, the political discussion regarding the availability of mifepristone still remains on the table as litigation continues. Already, the topic of mifepristone and medicated abortion has consumed the media, sparking discussions and controversy across the country. For instance, just recently, a Texas man named Marcus Silva sued his now exwife and two other women after his wife had an abortion using abortion pills with the help of her friends. In court, he showed text messages between his exwife and her friends, and he claimed that terminating the pregnancy was considered a wrongful death under state law. This case appears to be the biggest one regarding abortion rights since the overturning of Roe v. Wade last summer. It is more than likely that the discussion of abortion and women’s rights as a whole will remain a controversial topic in the United States for years to come.
Continued from page 3
there are so many wonderful qualities about this school that set all of us up for success.” She is grateful for the connections she has made with her students and colleagues and loves the environment that Rivers offers. Oberst will be departing after this school year as she is moving out of state to raise her 9 month old daughter closer to family. From teaching to serving as the faculty advisor to the Edge, Oberst has made a profound impact on her students and colleagues and has a strong appreciation for the opportunities that Rivers has provided her with. Cunningham, Enright, Massey, and Oberst all share one thing in common with regard to what Rivers has provided them with: they’ve taken advantage of opportunities to explore their interests and passions. Their love and appreciation for Rivers is so powerful that it cannot be expressed in words. These faculty members are all transitioning to a new stage of their lives that they cannot wait for: Cunningham will spend more time with her family in retirement, Enright will explore her essential civics question, Massey will continue his work in creative writing, and Oberst will spend more time with her daughter and the rest of her family. Rivers is grateful for the profound impacts that these individuals have made on their students and colleagues and wishes them luck in their bright and exciting futures.
Departing staff ready to start new paths and invited me to the SHADES affinity space towards the end of my first year. The SHADES affinity has been extremely vital and has helped me in ways no one will ever understand.” Massey will be departing this summer as he accepted a job to be an Assistant Professor of English/Creative Writing with a focus on Creative Nonfiction at Eastern Kentucky University at the Bluegrass Writers Studio. “During my interview, the place felt like home,” he said. Rivers will miss his presence as an incredible Upper School English teacher, soccer coach, and role model. He is eager for the transition to becoming a college professor and will most definitely carry the lessons that he learned and knowledge that he gained at Rivers with him along the way. Teaching Upper School History for the last two years has been nothing short of amazing for Ms. Theresa Oberst. Understanding how Rivers is such a tightly knit community leads her to wish that every school could be like Rivers. She explains, “Rivers has the environment and supports that help me to get closer to being the teacher I want to be each day.” Beyond history classes, Oberst believes there is so much more to Rivers aside from the teaching: “From things that may seem like perks, like beautiful landscaping and tasty lunches, to huge advantages, like small classes and amazing colleagues,
May 26, 2023
The Rivers Edge
Page 7
Features
Cheers and Jeers: the 2022-23 academic year in review BY ANYA CARROLL ‘26 and ANGELINA HA ’26 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
This year has enlivened the thrilling and purposeful school experience that Rivers offers, from rowdy fanzone crowds to the development of communitycentered workshops. The 20222023 school year featured numerous NEPSAC victories, with athletic teams securing championship positions left and right. Here’s our look back at the cheers and jeers of the year in review. Cheers to the Semi-Formal and Prom. Both of these dances were a hit, and we want to thank everyone who participated in organizing these events. Cheers to boys’ cross country team securing first place at the NEPSAC Championships. The boys’ XC team toiled away all fall, through hill sprints and long runs, and their hard work paid off. Go Red Wings! Cheers to grade nights. The grade nights this year were a success that strengthened the bonds between students of the same grade, bringing the Rivers Community closer together. Cheers to all those who received awards from the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. Rivers has many talented artists, and we are glad they are receiving the recognition they deserve. Let’s give them a big congratulations! Cheers to boys’ cross country skiing winning NEPSAC Championships. Their hard work, despite the lack of snow, paid off. Go Red Wings! Cheers to the winter musi-
cal, The Wedding Singer. These gifted performers worked day and night to memorize lines and perfect their songs, and this hard work came together to create a phenomenal production for the Rivers community. Congratulations to the cast and crew. Cheers to the maintenance staff. They do not receive enough recognition for all they do for the Rivers community. Their continual hard work in maintaining the facilities on campus provide an enjoyable environment for students. Their work is much appreciated. Cheers to Rivers boys’ varsity basketball, back to back NEPSAC Class B Champions. Their unwavering commitment to the team allowed for a victory over Frederick Gunn. Cheers to Rivers football winning NEPSAC Champion-
ships! Football is yet another one of our sports teams whose grit and dedication was rewarded in the end. We want to thank all of the Rivers football coaches for their hard work. Cheers to Friday Night Lights. We loved the opportunity to come together as a whole to celebrate the hard work of our variety of athletic teams. Cheers to the spring! After a long and stressful winter, the beautiful, warm weather was a relief. The array of vibrant florals and warm sunshine light up the faces of those passing by. Cheers to the French exchange student program. It was such a joy to have new faces and friends on campus joining us for two weeks of bonding and new experiences. Cheers to the numerous workshops covering meaningful subjects to further educate the
community at Rivers. A special thanks to the continuous dedication of the DEI office and the leaders of BRIDGE; Julien Burks ‘23, Jackie Lee ‘23, Mason Klein ‘24, Leah Jin ‘25, Cailyn Kim ‘25, and Andrew Ho ‘25 for making these workshops possible. And finally, cheers and a big thank you to Mr. Parsons for serving eight years as the Head of School. Mr. Parsons is a cherished member of the Rivers community, and will be greatly missed and remembered by the student body for his contributions to cultivate a safe and supportive community at Rivers. Jeers to only having one snow day. The snowday calculator got our hopes up one too many times this year. Jeers to having an onslaught of tests right after Winter and
March break. The stress of having assessments right after break prevented us from feeling fully rested. Cramming study sessions into a vacation wasn’t the most relaxing way to spend our break. Jeers to the “Rivers Plague.” This sickness took the school by a storm, and spread like wildfire throughout campus. Unfortunately, the closeness of the community on campus only further promoted the spread of the sickness. Jeers to a long and cold winter. Between walking around campus to get to classes and the gloomy winter feel, we all longed for the warmth of spring to greet us a little sooner. Jeers to revisit days’ creating more Monday schedules. Unfortunately, having every class in our schedule in a single day proves to be an exhausting and dreaded day of the week. Jeers to the frequent spring showers. The drizzling forecast cancelled many sports games and practices essential to a shortrun spring athletics season. This year was filled with many great memories that wouldn’t be possible without all of the faculty and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure yet another fulfilling year at Rivers. As the school year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation for everything they have done. We hope everyone takes the time to unwind and recharge this summer.
Yan’s kite project takes initiative on climate change BY CAILYN KIM ‘25 STAFF WRITER
Climate change poses an unprecedented threat to our planet, with rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and species extinctions becoming all-too common. The primary culprit behind this environmental crisis is the excessive release of CO2 into the atmosphere, largely driven by our heavy reliance on fossil fuels. Many proclaim that renewable energy is the clear solution, and Chelsea Yan ‘25 would agree. Yan is already working towards a more sustainable future for all of us. “Today, renewable technologies suffer from both high costs and limited opportunities for growth,” Yan argued. “They are useful situationally, but currently available technologies are not enough to lead the global energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables that we desperately need.” So, Yan took it upon herself to innovate a more sustainable way to harness wind energy. Wind is a seemingly inexhaustible, perpetual, and clean energy source. However, wind turbines
are expensive, inefficient, and take excessive amounts of manufacturing power to produce. They are harmful to their surrounding environment, and the only way to make them more powerful is by making them bigger, thus, further exacerbating their pitfalls. Furthermore, the strongest and fastest wind that could produce the most energy flows above most turbines. Yan saw this and posed the questions, “why can’t we be more efficient? Generate more energy? Go even higher?” Yan tackled these questions by designing a crosswind kite power system. The crosswind kite power system is a revolutionary alternative to conventional turbines. Instead of relying on spinning blades, this system employs kites attached to tethers connected to a ground station. As the wind blows, it propels the kite upward, generating electricity by repeatedly pulling the tether to spin a rotating drum on the ground. The increased height capability of the kite power system allows for harnessing stronger winds and generating significantly more energy. Additionally, the sleeker
design requires much less manufacturing and energy to produce. There are numerous other advantages to Yan’s kite-powered system as well. The system taps into untapped wind energy potential by reaching heights up to
“Everyone has ideas. Sometimes we don’t think it’s good enough or think we have the time. But we should all challenge ourselves and turn our dreams into reality because we need all the ideas we can get to overcome the world’s challenges.” - Chelsea Yan ‘25 ten times greater than traditional wind turbines. This enhanced efficiency not only increases power generation but also reduces material usage and costs. Unlike turbines, the kite power system minimizes envi-
ronmental impacts, preserving wildlife habitats, reducing noise pollution, and mitigating visual disturbance. These advantages, combined with the system's improved efficiency, position the crosswind kite power system as a compelling alternative to traditional wind energy. “I wanted to build a kite power system that not only generated energy and improved on turbines,” Yan said. “But most importantly, it could also run itself and adapt to various weather conditions and precipitation.” Yan devised a unique solution to overcome the challenges of building kites several hundred meters high and capturing wind currents at extreme altitudes. Leveraging the density of water, which is approximately 830 times greater than air, she submerged miniature kites into flowing water, circulated by a pump and pipe system. This innovative approach creates a stable and controllable environment for training deep learning algorithms and collecting crucial data. Additionally, Yan submitted a 14 page paper outlining her invention to the MIT
Think 2022-2023 contest. With the physical prototype and motor control units already in place, Yan's next step involves the data collection process to refine autonomous navigational algorithms. Once Yan’s project is complete, all the pieces of her prototype will be able to be scaled up into a fullsize energy-generating system that can be used in the real world. Yan's ambitious project exemplifies just one of the many possibilities for developing alternatives to wind energy. Her dedication and commitment to turning ideas into reality serve as an inspiration to all. “This is just one example of a way to develop an alternative to wind energy,” Yan stated. “It is just one project, one solution, and started as just one idea.” “Everyone has ideas,” concluded Yan. “Sometimes we don’t think it’s good enough or think we have the time. But we should all challenge ourselves and turn our dreams into reality because we need all the ideas we can get to overcome the world’s challenges.”
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The Rivers Edge
May 26, 2023
Features
Rivers welcomes new English teacher Dan St. Jean BY AVA PALAZZOLO ‘23 CO-EDITOR
This past year, Rivers welcomed new English teacher Dan St. Jean into the community. St. Jean currently teaches ninth-grade and eleventh-grade English in the Upper School. Originally from Goffstown, New Hampshire, St. Jean quickly developed a love for reading and writing at a young age. Some of his favorite books are the “holy trinity” of Roald Dahl books: Matilda, The Witches, and The BFG. He also grew up deeply loving fantasy books, such as The Wizard of Oz and Narnia. St. Jean later attended Yale University, where he headed into college knowing he wanted to study literature in some form but was unsure what he wanted to do after that. “I had no other competing interests. It all goes back to a love of reading and a love for writing,” he stated. Still, during his senior year at Yale, St. Jean did not know what his future would look like, but he did know he did not want to be a professor: “The profession felt a little too detached from what I love about reading.” After graduating from Yale, St. Jean attended law school for a year, during which he quickly realized being a lawyer was
not the correct path for him. “I went expecting to find a sense of purpose, but I felt very unhappy and unfulfilled,” he shared. St. Jean took a leave from law school and got a last-minute job as a tutor at a boarding school in New Hampshire called The White Mountain School. He ended up loving the job so much that he withdrew from law school. Eventually, St. Jean was hired by The White Mountain School, which jump-started his career as a high school English teacher. St. Jean worked at The White Mountain School for three years: one year as a tutor and the other two years as an English teacher. St. Jean then worked at Germantown Academy, a high school outside of Philadelphia, for twelve years, where he really solidified his passion for teaching English. “In a really great English class, a student will say something that will make me laugh, a student will say something that makes me think differently, and a student will say something that moves me emotionally. If those three things happen, that’s the ideal class,” he shared. Eventually, St. Jean decided he wanted to move back to New England, and Rivers hired him to teach ninth and eleventh-grade English. “He is a really experienced teacher. He led the ninth-grade team at his previous school, so
his expertise at that grade level has really informed departmental conversations about how and what we teach. He is going to be spearheading our ninthgrade team next year,” shared Upper-School English Department Chair and Senior Speech Coordinator Mac Caplan. St. Jean has fit right in with the Rivers community so far this year and has already left a lasting impact on the students he has taught. “Mr. St. Jean is such a great teacher; I appreciate the emphasis he puts on discussing books and making sure everyone’s voice is heard,” said Camille DeStefano, a student in his eleventh-grade class. “I also have grown significantly as a writer this year due to his helpful suggestions and comments. I think he is a great addition to the English Department at Rivers, and I’m glad I got to have him as a teacher this year!” Caplan has been able to sit in and experience first-hand St. Jean’s interactions with his students in the classroom. “In the classroom, from the model lesson he taught in his interview last year and in the observations I’ve done this year, it’s clear that he is just such a master teacher and really in tune with the students’ needs in the classroom. He varies activities frequently and really makes sure that everything going on in the classroom is thought-
St. Jean has already left a positive impact on the community. Photo by Camile DeStefano ‘24. ful, structured, and substantial.” Apart from teaching English, St. Jean has been able to work with the senior class on their senior speeches, helping them deliver their speeches effectively and giving supportive feedback along the way. “I’m really glad I’ve got to work with the seniors this year because that was the only opportunity I had to connect with the senior class,” he remarked. “I’m really glad I’ve gotten to meet each senior and had a little connection with each one in the graduating class. It makes me feel much more connected to the community.”
Through working with seniors and in his English classes, St. Jean has already molded his spot within the Rivers community. Rivers is lucky to have his enthusiasm and dedication toward everything he does and all of his future endeavors. St. Jean also feels a great sense of joy in being a part of Rivers. “I’ve really valued the sense of community here, within the English Department in particular. I think Rivers is an inclusive and supportive place, and I’ve valued that even during my first year here,” he shared. “I feel very lucky to be here.”
First regular prom post-pandemic was a huge success BY JOYCE DO ‘25 STAFF WRITER
Prom is a magical affair. From glamorous dresses to handsome tuxedos, it's the epitome of the high school experience. But what really goes on behind the glamor? Here's what went down on the night of the unforgettable 2023 Rivers Prom. This year's prom was held at the Westin Waltham-Boston Hotel, a new and upgraded venue from last year's homey River’s turf. However, the Rivers pre-prom kickstarted the festivities before students arrived at the awaited hotel. Students gathered at the heart of campus in front of Campus Center and the turf to take pictures with friends and appreciate the new looks of their classmates, but Mother Nature had other plans. Rain pushed everyone inside Revers, which quickly became crowded with suits and long dresses. Many students looking forward to pre-prom pictures were disappointed by the difficulty of taking photos inside the school. Students boarded coach buses to head to the Westin Hotel, but many look back on how they wished they could have driven themselves. “The drive took time away from the actual Prom,” said Joshua Do ‘24. Seniors who at-
tended prom last year, Sadie Caroll ‘23, and Sarah Stein ‘23, said similar things: “Prom felt much shorter this year compared to last year because of the drive.” Additionally, students who had excitedly planned to take extravagant or fun modes of transport to prom, such as limos or buses, could not do so. However, once students arrived at the shining Wes-
was no red carpets in sight, Rivers students made sure to arrive in style. Caroll noted that there were many stunning dresses: “It felt like everyone stepped up their game this year.” Dinner was served buffet style—options including alfredo pasta, caesar salad, and chicken parm. Dessert was later served with an ice cream sundae bar. “The food was really
Students gathered in Revers for pre-prom photos. Photo by O’Brien. tin building that towered over Route 128, they were impressed across the board. "The hotel was super nice," remarked Caroll, and Stein added, “It was fun to be in a fancy hotel.” In addition, although there
good,” said Luke Zermani ‘24. Unfortunately, though, according to students, the DJ was not up to par and did not live up to their expectations. The seniors who had experienced an amazing DJ last year had high hopes, but were
quickly disappointed. The music selection was “lackluster,” and the DJ refused to take any song requests from students. Students were left feeling disheartened, as they were hoping to dance the night away to their favorite tunes. Many students also felt a lack of unity between the senior and junior classes, reflected in the grade-dependent dance circles that formed. The size of the venue also left students frustrated. “Everyone was shoulder to shoulder, and no one could dance in the space,” recounted Anna Rosenfield ‘23. Still, students made the best of the situation and managed to stay up on their feet all night long, enjoying the good songs that were played. Nevertheless, with the acceptable–but not great—food and an unfortunate DJ, students questioned the eighty-five dollars they had paid to attend Prom, many reminiscing about their time on the turf last year. Despite these imperfections, the night was still enjoyable for many students. Mason Klein '24, who experienced his first prom, said, "The whole experience was great!” The supportive nature of prom was also evident. “I really loved how everyone was complimenting each other,” said Joylyn Kim ‘24. Additionally, Alex Goldsmith ‘24 positively remarked,
“dressing up and being with friends was fun and the coach buses were definitely a positive.” For seniors, it was an enjoyable way to end their year and yet another milestone closer to graduation. "It was great to end the year around friends, not worried about anything," said Jacob Sardinha '23. Rinny Leeming ‘23 recounts that her favorite part was “when all of my friends and I danced to ‘Downtown’ and we were all dancing like we were the only girls in the room.” These last few moments of high school will surely be special for the graduating seniors and will carry on as a part of their high school experience. The seniors were able to have one last hurrah with their friends and make memories that will last a lifetime. Students were able to have a fun-filled night. “I feel like I will be nostalgic about it,” Kim remarked. Prom night at the Westin Hotel was a spectacular event, full of glamor and excitement. Despite some minor setbacks, the students had an amazing time, marking the end of a chapter for the graduating seniors. For the juniors, it was a night to look forward to, and a glimpse of the magic that awaits them in the coming year.
May 26, 2023
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Features
From OneLove to Rivers Stands Up, student leaders shine BY SPENCER GARY ‘25 STAFF WRITER
Rivers recently held two important workshops for its UpperSchool students: the OneLove workshop and the Rivers Stands Up workshop. Both workshops aimed to educate students on important issues and equip them with the tools they need to become positive and impactful members of the Rivers community. The OneLove workshop, held on April 20th, was orchestrated by the school's Head of Wellness Programming, Megan Delano, as well as a student leader, Skylar Holmes ‘23. The OneLove workshops were held in collaboration with the OneLove Foundation, an organization dedicated to educating young people about healthy relationships and empowering them to identify and avoid abusive behaviors. The foundation was created in honor of Yeardley Love, a UVA college student who was tragically killed by her ex-boyfriend in 2010. During the workshop, students learned about the warning signs of unhealthy relationships by watching a film in small, student-led groups. Following the film, the student leaders of these workshops led discussions about the warning signs of a toxic relationship and concluded by discussing strategies for maintaining healthy relationships. "Workshops like OneLove bring attention to relationship warning signs that our students may have unfortunately already experienced,” noted Delano. “I hope that these workshops spark conversations among students about what happens when red flags go unnoticed, how to help friends in need, and how to recognize when a relationship may be unhealthy." These workshops were followed by multiple sports dedi-
Boys’ tennis wearing OneLove shirts during a home match. Photo by student intern. cation games the next day. Rivers varsity teams dedicated their games to OneLove by wearing OneLove Foundation t-shirts in warm-ups for their games that day. The t-shirts had the OneLove logo on the front and the message "Red Wings Love Better" on the back. The athletes were proud to wear the shirts and show their support for the cause. By supporting important causes like this one, Rivers’ varsity athletes are using their platform to make a difference and create positive change. Delano praised the importance of all the OneLove programming being student-led: “Having student leaders involved meant that students were discussing information with their peers as opposed to having it feel like another class to take.” She also pointed out that this OneLove education will continue. “There are certainly plans for One Love programming to continue at Rivers in years to come as well as hopefully expand,” she shared. “One Love
continues to grow with the videos, educational content, and resources they are able to provide and we will always work to bring the most up-to-date and effective content to the students.” The next day, DEI office and student leaders (and members) of BRIDGE led the Rivers Stands Up workshops. This programming provided a wide variety of workshops aimed at helping students recognize and confront bias in their daily lives. These workshops provided a wide variety of topics for students to choose from, ranging from “Beyond Kanye: Naming and Interrupting Antisemitism” to “Outwit, Outplay, Outlast: the Reality of Racial Bias.” Through group discussions and activities, students learned about the impact of bias and ways to address it. Mason Klein ‘24, one of the BRIDGE student leaders, pointed out that the workshops work for various reasons. "Primarily, the workshops are to educate students surrounding a certain issue.
It works, first, to educate students about whatever topic their workshop was focused on,” he shared. “It also works to build community with the other students in the workshop to establish a culture at Rivers of standing up to bias and prejudice and are working, all together, to combat it. The workshops were a big success.” Klein also noted that he “got a lot of positive feedback from students that the workshops were engaging, educating, and a good use of time.” He pointed out that having other students and faculty leading the workshop made these workshops even more “moving” and “powerful.” Both the OneLove and Standing Up to Bias workshops provided valuable opportunities for students to learn and, more importantly, grow. They also served as an important reminder to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone at Rivers. Will Croom ‘25, leader of the “Sports Fanzone: Examining Unhealthy Relationships between
Fans & Players” workshop, said, "These workshops were a great way to equip students with tools and resources to combat bias. It’s important to dig into these tough conversations to make change on our school’s campus.” Croom also praised the variety of the workshops. “I thought the variety of workshops was really effective. It allowed for everyone to find something that they either had a connection or interest in,” he stated. “The many amounts of groups also allowed for small student to facilitator ratios. This helped to make sure everyone in the room was involved.” Klein added that the success that he, other student leaders, and the DEI office has seen from these workshops leads him to believe that these workshops, like the OneLove workshops, will continue. One thing that will change, though, is the DEI theme for the year, which affects the workshop topics. This year's theme was “Rivers Stands Up: Confronting Bias to Build Community.” However, a new DEI theme will be introduced next year, which will change workshop topic offerings. Both of these workshops showcased the powerful, changemaking student body at Rivers. Delano was impressed with the initiative students interested in OneLove had. “If I have learned anything in this process it would be that there are students who feel passionate about the subject and want to bring these lessons to their peers,” she remarked. “Students have provided me incredible feedback on how the workshops could be improved [and] how we could deliver more One Love content throughout the year.” Overall, the OneLove and Rivers Stands Up workshops were a great success, thanks to the school's faculty and student leaders' efforts to create positive change in the community.
The man, the myth, the legend: drummer Jon Snow BY SARAH DUBARD ‘25 STAFF WRITER
Jon Snow ‘23 nearly didn’t become a drummer. Day after day, he passed by the dismantled drum set of his middle school music room, always curious about it but never given the opportunity to try it out. Now, as a widely recognized drummer in the Rivers community and beyond, Snow proves that passion and dedication can lead to incredible accomplishments in the music industry. It wasn’t until sixth grade that Snow picked up his first pair of drumsticks. Until that point, the drum set in his school’s music room had always been covered by a sheet or hidden away in a closet. That year, however, Snow’s middle school hired a new music teacher. One day, Snow entered the classroom to find the drum set re-assembled
and on display in the room. Curious about the instrument, Snow asked permission to try his hand at drumming. He made a deal with the teacher that he could play the drums, but only if he did so in front of the entire class. Snow agreed, and at the end of class one day, he attempted a series of drumming patterns and beats the teacher gave him. Although his first endeavor at the drums was less than successful, Snow was inspired. Soon after, he began drum lessons. Early on in his drumming career, Snow felt a connection and passion for rock. “I think that rock compiles the most elements of all music genres,” he explained. “It can go a lot of ways.” As a kid, Snow recalls his parents’ always playing Classic Rewind rock music in the car. Continued on page 11
Snow drumming for his band at a local performance. Photo by Christopher Snow.
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Arts
Back-to-back years, jazz bands perform at Hatch Shell BY JOYCE DO ‘25 STAFF WRITER
On a scorching Sunday afternoon, the city of Boston bore witness to a spectacular jazz band performance at the iconic Hatch Shell venue. Nineteen bands took the stage, delivering a musical extravaganza that left the audience in awe. However, only one group had the privilege of closing the show with their final performance. "It was an honor to close out the show, especially while playing with all the best bands in the state," remarked pianist Noah Springhorn '24. The Select 1 Combo and the Honors Big Band both secured gold at the MAJE competition, with the combos achieving an outstanding #1 ranking in the state and a perfect score. Their exceptional performance solidified their position as top contenders in the Massachusetts jazz community. That afternoon, the scorching weather did little to dampen the spirits of the musicians who graced the stage at the Hatch Shell. Equipped with an advanced, professional sound system and monitors, the bands embraced the stunning venue and delivered performances that resonated throughout the amphitheater. One of the standout moments of the day was the debut of Jack Benson's ‘24 meticulously crafted arrangement, "But Not For Me," a project that had consumed two months of dedication and effort. Notably, Cavero's mesmerizing violin cadenza in Benson’s piece added a touch of
classical elegance to the arrangement. The band's rendition of Bob Mintzer's "El Caborojéno," featuring Jason Zermani '23, Benson, and Ethan KasparianWeisman '24, showcased their virtuosity and amazed the audience. The Select 1 Combo also captivated the crowd with their captivating rendition of Cole Porter's "How High the Moon" and the bebop version of Charlie Parker's "Ornithology." Additionally, they performed the Brazilian piece "Minha Saudade," featuring Kasparian-Weisman's heartfelt vocals. Reflecting on the performance, Nathan Manasseh '24 shared, "it has a samba Latin feel, it's upbeat, catchy, and I love playing bass on it. You get to groove." Kasparian-Weisman highlighted the sense of camaraderie, stating, "it was nice playing in front of all your friends, and it was a really positive environment." "It felt like we were one unit under the Hatch Shell. I thought, "Wow, I made this piece, and it's playing at the Hatch Shell,” added Benson. Benson also shared his excitement, comparing it to the anticipation felt while waiting for a roller coaster, brimming with energy. He continued, "It feels great to put in so much hard work and see it pay off in such a nice way." Evan Lanzendorf '23 cherished the moments spent with friends backstage, while Mason Klein '24 found it rewarding to witness the audience dancing and enjoying the outdoor venue. Philippe Crettien, the Jazz Band director, acknowledging
The Rivers Honors Big Band performing at the Hatch Shell in Boston. School photo. the band's outstanding accomplishments, described the performance as a celebration, “It was a fitting culmination of a formal year, showcasing the band's talent and dedication in an iconic venue like the Hatch Shell. The highlight was the beginning of Benson’s piece—there was a big trumpet cadenza by Jack Benson, and then the whole band supported it with sustained chords, creating a super dramatic and incredible way to draw the audience in. It brought it down to this really intimate, sophisticated, crafted solo," Crettien expressed. The arrangement told an epic story with changing meters and many exciting developments. Crettien praised Benson as an incredible arranger. Dylan Herlihy '25 appreciated
the opportunity to perform in a different venue, while Cavero expressed her delight in the unique experience of rising onto the stage from underneath. She beamed as she shared her favorite part, saying, "It was so cool to walk onto the stage from underneath. It’s like you rise onto the stage." The performance at the Hatch Shell demonstrated that Rivers is thriving in the world of jazz, consistently raising the bar of excellence. The band's resilience and unwavering commitment to their craft continue to impress, making a impact on the Boston jazz scene. As the sun set on this unforgettable day of jazz, the band members basked in the satisfaction of a job well done. Their performances showcased the increasing level of talent and
artistry within the ensemble, leaving no doubt that they were at the forefront of their game. The band is filled with anticipation for their upcoming trip to Cuba, where they will have the opportunity to expand their musical horizons and inspire new creative endeavors. Reflecting on the band's overall dynamic, it is evident that they have formed a tightly-knit community that supports and uplifts one another. As the final notes echoed through the Hatch Shell, the band members and the audience were left with a profound sense of accomplishment and pride. Crettien remarked, “The level of jazz is getting higher and higher,” he continued,“We're resilient. The students rise up to the occasion, always, always, always.”
Department Chair Tim Clark. Some new mediums that have been experimented with this year include alternative photography processes and metal usage in sculpture. Gallery Coordinator Nicole Winters is glad to see the “large range of art [Rivers] students can make” and thinks that the final show “serves as a re-
minder that one student can dip their finger into so many ways of art making in the Upper School.” This year’s show, like previous ones, showcases students’ growth, experimentation, and passion. Similarly to the Upper School’s show, the Middle School’s art show, held in the Bell Gallery, was another show of progress and passion. Easily found by going down the staircase in Campus Center, works of sculpture and self-portraits capture the eyes of teachers, students, and visitors that pass by. Winters expressed that the 8th graders’ self-portraits are her favorite part of the middle school’s show, as “they are always so impressive lined up next to one another.” Despite the final shows being in the same format each year, there are always fresh ideas and experiences that the students bring to the table. “Each student artist brings their own aesthetic and experience to their artwork, such that the work in the galleries is always new and exciting,” shared Clark. He hoped that the viewers of the show could take into consideration the messages that the students wished to express in their art. Both teachers are impressed
with the versatility and capability of Rivers’ art students. “Something to remember is that when we encounter a work of art, we begin to communicate with it. The works that intrigue me the most are the ones that are deeply personal to the artist who created them, or artworks that tell a story,” Winters reflected. “Looking at artwork that holds meaning can help us uncover new understandings about ourselves, our peers, and the world around us.” And perhaps this is the purpose of the student gallery: to give a chance to the students who want to tell a story through their work and for other students and faculty to be able to appreciate that story. When asked about his opinion on this year’s student products and the artistic process, Clark indicated, “Our students are strong artists who push themselves to integrate the process, fail along the way, and make their work stronger as a result. What we see in the gallery is the product of that lengthy and critical process of growth and discovery.” It is evident both teachers think highly of this year’s showcase and are proud of the progress they have seen the students make.
Spring gallery and Scholastic key winners wrap up year BY MIA WANG ‘26 STAFF WRITER
The Visual Arts program at Rivers has seen massive success this spring. Not only did students contribute to a beautiful annual final show, but Rivers also saw many accomplishments in the Scholastic Art Awards.
At this year’s Upper School final show, works were displayed in the Baldwin Family Art Commons and the Revers Center. The art in both venues depicted issues that were important to student artists. “Students have explored themes such as identity, family, current events, history, and social justice,” shared Visual Arts
3-D and 2-D art on display in the Baldwin Art Commons in Revers. Photo by Ava Palazzolo ‘23.
Continued on page 12
May 26, 2023
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Arts
First Caroline’s Coffee House boasts many talented acts BY NATALIE KLOMAN ‘23 ASSOCIATE EDITOR and AVA PALAZZOLO ‘23 CO-EDITOR
A unique aspect of Rivers is its ability to continually bring the community together for special events that help alleviate everyone’s minds from the stress of academics and extracurriculars. And one of those special events that both faculty and students enjoy together is the Coffee House. This spring’s Coffee House fell nothing short of amazing with countless Coffee House regulars performing and some surprising new acts that had the audience in awe. This spring’s Coffee House was named “Caroline’s Coffee House” in honor of Caroline Grape ‘18 who passed a few years ago from cancer. Caroline left an impressive legacy behind at Rivers and held a special place for the Coffee House in her heart. Now, every spring Coffee House will be dedicated to her to help keep her and her memory alive. To kick off the performances for this spring, Lexi Tower ‘24, Payson Salyer ‘24, and coffeehouse faculty advisor Julia Auster-Hogan ‘06 performed “Let Me Down Easy” from Daisy Jones and the Six with Mason Klein ‘24 accompanying on the drums, Evan Lanzendorf ‘23 on bass, Bryan Mann ‘23 on guitar, and the legendary Jon Snow ‘23 on keyboard. “The Coffeehouse is my favorite tradition on campus. It's the most supportive and encouraging atmosphere. It was extra special to be a part of the first annual Caroline's Coffeehouse last Friday and to see all the students really honoring Caroline with their vulnerability and risk taking,” shared Auster-Hogan. “I had always wanted to per-
form with a student band and am so glad I got experience it for the first time on that big night.” Following the outstanding introductory performance, Dana Lowitt ‘23, a Coffee House leader and a regular perform-
brought joy to the entire audience and served as a wonderful dedication to her late classmate. A talented duo took the stage next. Rinny Leeming ‘23 and her dad, Ben Leeming, performed “World Spins Madly On” by the Weepies. The father-daugh-
with Moon” by Liana Flores with Harris singing and KasparianWeisman helping out on the piano. Next up, members of the Pierson family sang and performed “Slide” with Cole Pierson ‘23 singing, Stewart Pierson playing guitar, and Gray
Power duo and next year’s Coffee House leaders Payson Salyer ‘24 and Lexi Tower ‘24 sang “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon. Photo by O’Brien. er, sang “We’re Going to be Friends” by The White Stripes with Anna Rosenfeld ‘23 accompanying on piano and vocals. “As someone who started performing in coffee houses my freshman year, it’s amazing to have the chance to lead! The atmosphere at Coffee House is really supportive, so when I go up I feel like everyone there wants me to do well,” Lowitt shared. “But what I think my favorite part about Coffee House is just getting to see people from across Rivers come together to support their friends and even perform!” Next up, Julia Holton ‘18, sang “When We Were Young” by Adele in honor of her classmate Caroline Grape. Her beautiful singing
ter pair sang beautifully, and it was a bittersweet moment for the pair as this was their last of many Leeming family performances before the youngest Leeming graduates this month. The Monsters, Inc. group then performed the upbeat Monsters, Inc. theme song that had the audience smiling and swaying along. The band was composed of Julia Lanzendorf ‘23 on clarinet, Evan Lanzendorf on bass, Nathan Mansseh ‘24 on vibraphone, Jack Benson ‘24 on trombone, and Jack Willard ‘24 on drums. After the performance that brought us all back to a hilarious movie from our childhoods, Kam Harris ‘24 and Ethan KasparianWeisman ‘24 performed “Rises
Pierson on percussion. The song had the audience cheering as Cole impressively hit some crazy high notes in “Slide.” Natalie Kloman ‘23 then sang “Our Song” by Taylor Swift with Rosenfeld once again using her talented accompanying skills to help out. “I love performing at Coffee House because it’s such an incredibly supportive atmosphere. Even if something goes wrong, everyone will be cheering for you,” shared Rosenfeld. “It’s definitely less intimidating performing as a senior than as a freshman, but the fact that any stage fright I used to have is now gone is such a nice reminder of how much I’ve grown
joined RSC, it was like a novelty.” Despite his appreciation for his jazz training, Snow realized that jazz drumming was not the path he wanted to take. He found himself yet again gravitating to rock. In 2019, Snow co-created a band called Milton, Jon, and Joey. The group produced a full self-titled album that took two years to complete. “It was two years of pure dedication to that project,” Snow explained. “The album’s completion was a major accomplishment. I am still so proud of the work we produced.” His first band became inactive shortly after their album was released, but Snow already began working with another group. He also continued studying music at RSC and joined multiple ensembles. Snow participated in the fall and spring seasons of the Conservatory for all four years of high school. During that time, he participated in many ensembles and took a variety of classes. For
the past three years, he has been a key member of the Select 1 Combo and the Honors Big Band. Most Rivers students can connect Snow’s work to his many performances at all-school assemblies with other Rivers musicians, but Snow has spent even more time on his independent pursuit of rock music. Besides his devotion to the drums, he also uses the keyboard, guitar, and bass to brainstorm song ideas. Currently, Snow is taking a home recording elective, where he brings in content from home and RSC teacher Patrick Mottaz helps him mix it. Most of his compositions are rock. Snow is heading towards releasing a second full-scale album with Joey from his old band Milton, Jon, and Joey. “We were initially planning on releasing an EP, a shorter album with just a few songs,” said Snow. “But then the ideas just kept coming. Now, it’s looking more like a full album.”
Snow’s current band, Bissell Blues Company, is also working on producing more content. This summer, the group plans to work on their second record. Along with music production, Bissell Blues has a packed performance schedule; they are currently looking to play 11 to 15 shows and counting. After an eventful summer full of musical expeditions, Snow will head to the University of Massachusetts Lowell to study sound recording technology. There, he will learn the theory behind music production, from hardware and software to physics and technology. Snow knew going into the college application process that he didn’t want to study music performance. Instead, he wanted to find the degree that would offer him the most opportunities in the music industry coming out of school. “This degree is really versatile,” he described. “It opens up opportunities for live sound engineering, studio pro-
throughout the past four years.” Then, the extremely talented Mr. Bagley had the audience clapping along and laughing as he sang “Wonderful World” by Sam Cooke. While Bagley’s Coffee House performances are rare, it is always a treat for the audience to hear him perform. After a brief intermission filled with coffee and cookies, Nicole Baldwin ‘23 and Alex Massarotti ‘23 (wait, wasn’t he also on TV the other night?) sang “All I’ve Ever Known” from the Broadway musical Hadestown. And of course, the talented JB accompanied on piano as well. “The Coffee House is one of my favorite parts of rivers. I have always loved to sing and the coffee house has given me such a fun and comfortable environment to do what I love,” shared Baldwin. “Becoming a leader this year has been so fun because it allows me to encourage people to be apart of the community I love. I hope that after this year new and returning people continue to perform and that the coffee house stays a supportive community.” Then, the audience got to marvel in the beautiful voice of Anya Carroll ‘26 as she sang “The Rose” by Bette Midler. While singing as a freshman in front of a ton of people can be scary, the audience burst into applause as Carroll finished her piece. One of the stand-out performances of the evening was senior Cristina Gomez’s rendition of “Piano Man” by Billy Joel. Not only did she sing and play the piano, but she whipped out her harmonica too! The audience erupted into loud cheers every time she graced them with her spectacular harmonica skills. Next up was another freshman Katherine Shaw who switched Continued on page 12
From jazz to rock, Snow has a multitude of experience Continued from page 9
“I would implore them to put on 93.3,” he said. “But they were obstinate when it came to the radio.” So, Channel 25 remained their station of choice. As time went on, the rock classics grew on Snow, and he began to formulate his own music taste. He discovered The Beatles, and his parents’ support for his exploration of music performance encouraged his love of drumming. In ninth grade, Snow began taking drum lessons at the Rivers Conservatory, where he played jazz for the first time. Rivers’ emphasis on technique and proper training gave him a perspective of music he hadn’t seen elsewhere. In combination with his studies of music theory, jazz offered Snow a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of music. “I knew jazz was the epitome of technical ability. I was obsessed with gaining technique. When I
duction, technology engineering, or working for music technology companies to produce software.” Despite his degree’s focus on the technological aspects of music, Snow certainly will not stop performing. He hopes to continue performing every one or two weeks with his bandmates and plans to continue working with Joey. Until then, his focus lies on his summer plans, packed with performances, collaborations, and new projects. During his four years here, Snow has established himself as an integral asset to the Rivers music community. With his dedication to his craft and creative spirit, Snow is set to make his mark in the music industry and continue inspiring others to follow their musical aspirations.
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Many bittersweet last performances by veteran seniors
Continued from page 11
things up a bit and performed two original poems. They were titled “How do You Know” and “The Darkness Eats Me,” and the talented freshman delivered them with grace and poise. After the beautiful poetry, the talented Paige McCarthy ‘23 sang “Motion Sickness” by Phoebe Bridgers with Cole Pierson, Mann, and Gomez all accompanying her. Baldwin then returned to the stage again and sang “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell, and her gorgeous soprano voice fit the stunning song perfectly, leaving the audience in awe. Perhaps the most interesting performance of the evening was Rock Band’s performance of “Creep” by Radiohead. While many Rock Band members made their usual appearances, the band had a guest appearance from none other than Rivers’ very own Sam Lyons ‘23. The dramatic storytelling of how “Creep” related to Lyons’ own life left the audience in tears of laughter. Tower and Salyer took the stage again and put on a gorgeous
rendition of “You're So Vain” by Carly Simon. The best friends sang, and Tower also displayed her impressive guitar skills. Mann came up onstage again, this time as a solo, and played a solo piece called “Where Rainbows Never Die” by the Steel Drivers. Not only was the song amazing to listen to, but it was the song he performed with his sister at his first Coffee House freshman fall. To close off the evening, Rosenfeld also performed a solo piece and graced everyone with “Cleopatra” by the Lumineers. Her melodic voice and cheery attitude spread everywhere in the Black Box as everyone clapped along during the chorus. While every Coffee House is special and unique, this Coffee House especially focused on remembering Caroline Grape. Performing in Caroline’s Coffeehouse and helping make it a reality was a magical and nostalgic experience. “As close friends at Rivers, Caroline and I summoned the courage to sing together in all three coffeehouses our senior year. We had a desire
Father-daughter duo Mr. Leeming and Rinny Leeming ‘23 sang “World Spins Madly On” by the Weepies as the last of many Leeming family performances. Photo by O’Brien. to be understood and to prove a strength within ourselves that many didn’t see,” shared Holton. “Performing together was a transformative experience at the time, and now years later, when all I have left is her voice. I am honored time and time again to
keep her flame burning brightly." The community is beyond thrilled for all future Coffee Houses, especially the next Caroline’s Coffee Houses that are on the horizon. With rising seniors Tower, Salyer, and KasparianWeisman taking on the responsi-
bilities of leading Coffee House for the next school year, Rivers is excited about what they will bring to the table. This spring’s Coffee House showcased countless incredible performers and brought the community together to celebrate as the year comes to a close.
From photography to sculpture, visual artists shine Continued from page 10
The arts at Rivers were appreciated further when the results for the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards were released on March 22. The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teenagers in the United States. Founded in 1923, the awards have recognized and encouraged artistic talent and excellence among young people for almost a century. The program accepts submissions in 28 categories of art and writing, including painting, photography, poetry, short stories, and more. Winning a Scholastic Art and Writing Award is a significant achievement and can lead to scholarship, publication, and exhibition opportunities. The program has a long history of identifying and fostering the creative talents of young people who have become some of their generation's most celebrated artists and writers. During this year’s Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, 31 visual art pieces by Rivers students were recognized for their excellence. These spanned across categories such as digital art, photography, sculpture, and drawing & illustration. Four students received recognition at the national level: two gold keys and two silver, three of which were in photography. “We were very fortunate to have incredible success at Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. I am so excited for each of our students whose work received recognition, as it is a huge honor,” Clark
Sculpture and ceramics pieces on display. Photo by Palazzolo. remarked on the achievement. Winters is similarly impressed and proud of the students. However, her outlook of the great success does not stop here. “We did very well at Scholastic this year, which is wonderful for the student artists who worked so hard and were recognized for their art. I do think, however, it's important to note that art is subjective,” she noted. “Artistic expression is deeply personal, and each artist brings their unique perspective, experiences, and emotions into their work. This individuality
makes it difficult to establish an objective set of criteria for judging artwork. What may resonate with one person may not necessarily have the same impact on another. Different judges may have different preferences and interpretations, further contributing to the subjectivity of the evaluation process.” She adds, “Rather than solely focusing on awards and recognition, the emphasis should be placed on the process of creation, self-expression, and personal growth. Art competitions should be seen as
platforms for students to engage with their creativity and share their unique perspectives with a wider audience, rather than a definitive measure of artistic merit.” Chelsea Yan ‘25, who singlehandedly won three awards, has been a traditional artist for “as long as [she] can remember.” The caliber of Yan’s work – reflected in her gold and two silver keys – stems from thoughtfulness and hard work. “I started my pieces at the start of the year,” Yan described. “I then continued to complete them throughout the year and take whatever opportunities I have to enter them… but I don’t do that art specifically for Scholastic, I do it for myself.” An avid artist, Yan takes time every weekend to hone in on her artistic abilities. Yan’s favorite piece she submitted was Watching Tomorrow’s Light - a self-portrait on dark paper, a new medium to Yan. “I spent a very long time on it since I had to learn how to draw my face in different lighting. I also spent
a lot of time writing the text that was on the border, experimenting on the dark paper,” she shared. Despite the lengthy process, this silver key work remains Yan’s personal favorite. “Like the name, I wanted to convey ‘hope for a better tomorrow’ with this piece,” Yan said. Relating to Winters’s view on the awards, although this specific piece of work did not receive the highest honors, Yan was still able to be recognized and experience personal growth in the process of creating her art. In addition to Watching Tomorrow’s Light, Yan also received a gold key for her piece Fragile Mask, portraying the media’s exoticization of AAPI identities. She also received a silver key for her piece Savior’s Judgement. As the end of the school year draws to a close, the creative process does not. Student work can still be admired in the spring gallery. The Rivers Community will continue to anticipate the work of our talented student artists throughout the summer.
Seniors’ 2-D art work on the walls of Revers. Photo by Palazzolo.
May 26, 2023
The Rivers Edge
Page 13
Sports
Experienced seniors and young talent power girls’ tennis BY NOELLE LEE ‘26 CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Spring signals the start of a new wave of sports, filling the Rivers atmosphere with exhilaration and energy. It is an especially exciting time for our Rivers girls’ varsity tennis team, who have waited a long time to play on the sunny courts by Nonesuch Pond, spend lots of time with each other, and make longlasting friendships and memories. The time and effort put into this sport is intense, and this team has been working hard to strive to be the best at their sport. The girls’ varsity tennis team practices alongside the boys’ varsity tennis team to improve and strengthen their skills. This year’s main focus of practices has been working on volleys and groundstroke placement. The team works diligently to refine their skills, so tempo groundstroke hitting has been added to practices to get players to make their hits harder and eventually shorten points during sin-
gles play. Doubles drills are also frequently practiced to strengthen the team’s doubles play. The grit and resilience of the girls’ varsity tennis team have certainly paid off and are proven by their stats this year. The overall and league statistics for the team are 54.5%, consisting of six wins, five losses, and zero ties. So far, the wins of this year have been against Milton (6-3), Brooks School (7-2), Governors (9-0), Middlesex (7-2), Dana Hall (4-1) and Tabor Academy (7-2). The captains of this year’s girls’ varsity tennis team are seniors Jackie Lee, Vanessa Xue, and Gretchen Kerfoot, who have taken hold of their leadership positions in an inclusive way to bring the team closer, such as organizing team dinners and planning spirit dress on days of matches. There are a total of 13 girls on the team, four of which are freshmen, who all work hard and love being on the team. One freshman in particular, Anna Schlenker, enjoys the supportive dynamic of the
Senior captain Vanessa Xue serves a ball in a recent home match. Photo by Jacob Werrick. team. “We all cheer for each other during our matches and it has created a special bond between us,” said Schlenker. “I hope to keep becoming closer with the girls on the team.” Sara Kellogg, coach of girls’ varsity tennis, has many highlights and goals for the season as it progresses. “The highlight is that
all the varsity players have had an opportunity to play in a match,” said Kellogg. “Our goal is to make the Class B New England’s the weekend of May 20th & 21st.” Kellogg is also very impressed with how much the team has grown and improved. “This is my 11th year as varsity coach. Every year I am in
awe of how much the girls improve their tennis IQ each year.” As the season rolls on, the girls’ varsity tennis team will continue to practice hard and play matches even harder. Hopefully, more wins will be taken back to Rivers and added to the team’s collection.
Girls’ lacrosse responds to changes Boys’ tennis success BY CHARLIE KANTAROS ‘24 STAFF WRITER
After losing ten seniors and their head coach from last year, there were many uncertainties leading up to this season of girls’ lacrosse. Senior Captain Skylar Holmes has described the team as “small and mighty.” Being comprised of only 19 players, half of which are underclassmen, new additions to the roster are given no place to hide from the spotlight. Freshmen such as Molly Hazard, Kyleigh Rabazzi, Hannah Piche, and Chloe Chitkara have gracefully stepped into crucial roles on the field so far this year. Coach Pistel joined this team and immediately gained the love and trust of the team. The first idea Coach Pistel preaches is constant improvement. She states that she is “big on grit, intensity, and work ethic, as well as controlling the aspects of the game you are able to control. Making your teammates better at practice and pushing them to be their best selves both on and off the field is huge for me.” Another philosophy Coach Pistel frequently speaks to is how, regardless of where you are on the lineup, “everyone has a role on this team.” Cailyn Murphy ‘23 will tally a third varsity letter this spring, after spending the fall playing varsity field hockey and the winter playing varsity ice hockey. Murphy is a competitive, athletic, well-positioned defenseman whose vision on the field guides younger players through on the back end of the field. Sammy Cohen ‘23 returns for her third year on this team as a strong scoring threat in the low right crease. Though teams can label Cohen as a shooter, she is
often used by Rivers as an offensive initiator due to her ability to beat her defender off a dodge. Senior captain Skylar Holmes (Franklin & Marshall commit) is a weapon from behind the net. Holmes plays a heads-up style of lacrosse, where she always looks to feed off her dodge but is never scared to take it to the net either. Skylar commands the offense with great vision, a skill that will bring her success at the next level. Junior captain Avery Del Col (Columbia commit) has been a dynamic player on the defensive end, whether taking on top-tier players from opposing teams or being a leader when times get tough. Del Col informed us of her belief that “Leadership isn't just about the best or loudest player on the field, rather leadership comes from those who are able to face adversity headon and lift their teammates up no matter the circumstances.” Murray Finard ‘24 (Vermont commit) is a strong 2-way midfielder who can often be seen battling at the faceoff X. Off the field, younger players have noted Finard’s efforts to make the team feel like a family, whether it be helping younger players feel included or preaching a team-style version of lacrosse,
rather than an individualized one. Cece L’Esperance ‘25 can easily be described with one word, unstoppable. L’Esperance has tallied up significant points with her unbelievable shot and her remarkable skills. L’Esperance has consistently set the pace for the rest of the team and has been someone the team can rely on when they need a goal. Chase Anderson ‘25 has been the backbone of this team this year. Anderson has stepped up in big games this year by making remarkable saves and then promptly clearing the ball down the field, often to her twin sister Mairin Anderson ‘25. The girls have competed and had one-goal games against some of the highest-caliber teams in the ISL, including Milton, Thayer, Tabor, and Brooks. With some big wins already under their belt, such as St. Marks and BB&N, the team is looking to make a run in some of the last games this season. Rivers will be taking on Phillips Academy - Andover, St. Georges, St. Pauls, and Lawrence Academy in the last stretch of the season. The Rivers community can’t wait to see Coach Pistel’s philosophies unfold in the final stretch of the 2023 season.
Captain Skylar Holmes ‘23. Photo by Ami Vithiananthan ‘24.
BY AVA PALAZZOLO ‘23 CO-EDITOR
As spring has rolled in on campus, the Rivers boys’ varsity tennis team, led by captains Aaron Weiner ‘23, Colin Falvey ‘23, and Nick Ruddy ‘23, has been nothing short of determined to have a great season. The boys’ tennis team is seventh in the ISL, having won seven matches and lost six. The team has beaten Beaver Country Day School, Thayer Academy, Brooks School, BB&N, Governors Academy, Dexter Southfield School, Tabor Academy, St. George’s, and Lawerence Academy. On the other hand, the team has lost to Belmont Hill, Roxbury Latin, Groton School, St. Sebastian’s School, Middlesex School, St. Marks School, and Milton Academy. The team will face Nobles on May 24th for their final league match of the regular season. While winning is obviously important to the team, they really find deeper importance in the tennis community behind their relationships. “Tennis this year has been so amazing. All of the guys are so fun and everyone brings something special to the team. In my past four years of being here and playing tennis, there has never been a group of people on a sports team that I’ve bonded with like these folks,” shared Weiner. In terms of the team, seniors include Weiner, Falvey, and Ruddy, who all have led the team with poise and enthusiasm during their final season at Rivers. However, the team is mainly comprised of sophomores who have been essential to the success of the team. The sophomore players include
Jacob Decker, Edward Foley, Ewen Robertson, Charlie Schlenker, and Jordan Schwartz. Lastly, freshmen players include Nolan Carlstrom and Grant Ramirez. Falvey was easily able to comment on the positive en-
Charlie Schlenker ‘25. ergy from the team so far in the season. “It’s been a great season with great vibes, and I couldn’t ask for a better team,” he shared. The team also consistently supports each other on and off the court. “We all support and encourage one another. A great example of this was our win over BB&N in late April. This match was very crucial for us to win, and when it came down to the wire, we all rallied around one another and pulled through a 4-3 victory,” stated Weiner. With their season drawing to a close, the boys’ varsity tennis team has had a successful season thus far and has grown together, forming strong bonds with one another along the way. “I’m sad that it’s nearing the end of my time on the tennis team, but I’m so stoked to see what Rivers boys’ tennis will look like in the future,” shared Weiner.
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May 26, 2023
Sports
Baseball works hard, plays hard Seniors lead softball BY CHARLIE KANTAROS ’24 STAFF WRITER
BY CAMILLE DESTEFANO ‘24 STAFF WRITER
As the air gets warmer and the grass gets greener, the varsity baseball team comes out of hibernation. This year, the team has seen a noticeable amount of talent from all nine players on the field. “There isn’t one player on the team who has carried in any games as it’s been all nine guys who contribute,” shared player Brett Stone ‘24. Regardless of specific player spotlights, the team has found its success from every player contributing in each game. Everyone in the lineup can play on both sides of the ball, giving opposing teams no weak spots to attack. Captain Ian Keusch ‘23 has led the charge on the pitcher's mound. Keusch has consistently approached games with a contagious intensity, setting the tempo for the rest of the team to match. Keusch will attend Brown University next year, where he will be a preferred walk-on for their baseball team. Finn Cahill ‘24 has earned the starting spot as a catcher this season, and it is an understatement to say that he has exceeded all expectations. Brett Stone ‘24 has described Cahill as a “consistent brick wall behind the plate.” At first base, we will find Griffin Schutte ‘24. Schutte is a monster; his 6’5’’, 230-pound build makes him a force in the batter's box. Schutte leads the team at bat, and when he makes contact with the ball, Schutte has the ability to hit it out of the park. Brett Stone has been a huge component of this squad's success thus far this year. Stone, being a talented player on both sides of the ball, is a dynamic athlete who can make big-time plays at the shortstop position. Jason Delehoy ‘24 occupies
Led by head coach Christine Pynchon and senior captains Abby Matsuyasu and Mia Patel, the varsity softball team has had an incredibly memorable season. While there have been some tough losses, the team has fought back, leading to impressive wins over talented St. Marks, Dana Hall, and Pingree teams. Maddy Stikeleather ‘24 reflected on the successful season and phenomenal teamwork and collaboration along the way. “I am constantly in awe of their dedication to the team and to the sport. As someone who just started playing a few years ago, Abby and Mia have helped me so much, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to play with them,” said Stikeleather. From Coach Pynchon’s perspective too, Matsuyasu and Patel have played a large role in shaping the team and making everyone feel welcome, including the three new freshmen additions to the team. Sophomore Izzy O’Brien has stepped up and played a crucial role on the team this year as well. With two skilled players leaving at the end of last year, O’Brien rose to the occasion and took on the position of shortstop. She has continued to work hard in practice and perform well in games. Another notable player this season has been senior pitcher Sophie Bailey. As a member of the team since freshman year, Bailey has continued to practice with purpose and be a leader to fellow teammates. She will be missed next year, along with the five other departing seniors. This year, the softball coaches have also played a significant role in the team’s success. Between helping the players maintain a positive attitude and
Jack DosSantos ‘23 has been impactful on the bases. Photo by student intern. second, while Jack Dossantos ‘23 plays third. Senior captain Mark Herlihy also plays in left field and Max Stevelman ‘24 is in the right. All eyes are drawn to center field, where we find Virginia Tech commit Carter Bentley ‘25. Bentley is one of the most dynamic players in the state, making it no surprise that he will find himself playing for one of the best division one baseball programs in the country. Coach Darren Sullivan has coached Rivers Varsity Baseball since 1995. Coach Sullivan has a “work hard, play hard” mentality with the team. “[Coach Sullivan] is one of the funnier guys on campus. But, even though he is great
at keeping us laughing, he can lock in and fire the team up when it’s time to go,” shared Stone. In terms of stats, varsity baseball has done historically well this season. They came out hot after a team spring break preseason trip to Florida and haven’t taken their foot off the pedal since. They are currently 7-4 in the ISL and have tallied up some big wins against teams like BB&N and Milton Academy. The biggest win for this team, though, was beating St. Sebastions, who were previously undefeated. The team has been fun to watch this year, and Rivers cannot wait to see how they do in the upcoming weeks.
sion I faceoff guy. This puts us at a disadvantage in every game we play. We have to try to throw long poles on the faceoff and do everything we can to mess with the opposing team’s faceoff guy to try to help our team.” One of those “long poles” is Charlie Kantaros ‘24. He agrees that the absence of a “faceoff guy” is challenging. “We struggle with finding a good rhythm and a consistent intensity every game. With a new coach [Coach Matt Hudson], we are also navigating new systems and play styles.” Kantaros continues, “[Coach Hudson’s] favorite saying is ‘control the controllables.’” Coach Hudson brings a positive outlook to their challenge of not having a “faceoff guy.” “I feel fortunate that this is our biggest challenge because it’s internal and fixable. I’m learning that more consistency from myself and our coaching staff will hopefully
lead to a more consistent effort and execution from our team.” Coach Hudson has been working towards creating a new culture in Rivers’ lacrosse. His goals are reflected in his outlook on coaching: “Building good character is the foundation of what I believe my role is as an educator and coach. I truly feel that winning will be a byproduct of a team culture rooted in the core values of passion, discipline, courage, selflessness and brotherhood. Under my direction, we will live these core values every day in a familyfocused environment that supports our athletes.” He continued, “The goal is not just passion for the game or winning on the field, it’s motivating them to embrace every experience in their life with enthusiasm, drive, and dedication.” With a new coaching philosophy and systems in play, senior leaders are welcoming the season’s challenges. “Being a leader
running through helpful drills in practice, Coach Pynchon continues to be a valued asset to the varsity softball program. Coach tC Hanmer has also been an incredible addition to the team, bringing their enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of softball. “Working this year with four coaches has been great. Our team is constantly receiving feedback whether that be from Fitz, tc, Coach Ellie, Coach Leah or another player and so we are constantly improving,” said Patel.
Sophie Bailey ‘23 pitches almost every inning, every game. Photo by Werrick. While their record was not what they had originally hoped, the softball team has had many notable moments this year. One specific memory that stands out is their win against St. Marks. “One of my favorite moments this season was winning our game against St. Marks when Abby hit a walkoff in the bottom of the seventh inning! Our whole team was so excited and it was so special,” Stikeleather reflected. Remarkable moments like these fuel the softball team’s energy and bring the team even closer together. While they will lose many skilled senior players next year, the team is looking forward to coming back next year for a great season.
Passion, courage, and selflessness drive boys’ lacrosse BY RYAN FERGUSON ‘24 STAFF WRITER
The Rivers boys’ lacrosse season is in full swing! Currently sitting at a six-and-nine record, the season has yet to play out as expected, but not without reason. The team has played the top three teams in the ISL standings, Belmont Hill, Nobles, and St. Sebastians, in a short five-game stretch at the beginning of their season. The group, led by captains Anthony Stillwell ‘23 and Brendan Poirer ‘23, started the season with a competitive 11-9 victory against Kimball Union Academy and later added decisive victories against BB&N and Tabor Academy (12-9, 13-6). Poirer, who has committed to play Division I lacrosse at Lafayette College, explained his take on the season’s disappointing start. “Almost every other team in the ISL has a high-level Divi-
Charlie Kantaros ‘24 defends Nobles player. Photo by Zheng ‘24. on the team comes with a lot of responsibility. Being a leader means doing everything I can possibly do to help the team win. Whether that’s the shiny play or the dirty play, such as ground balls and clears,” Poirer remarked.
The team’s senior night was against Lawrence Academy, in which Rivers beat Lawrence 16-5. Despite early-season challenges, the team and the coaching staff believe that they’re, as Hudson put it, “in control of their own destiny.”
May 26, 2023
The Rivers Edge
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Sports
Track and field finishes season with growth and success BY GRANT RAMIREZ ’26 STAFF WRITER
Early in the season Rivers made its mark on the ISL track and field scene. The team is led by veteran head coach Steve Karasch, who has spearheaded the team since 2003. Sequoyah Reynoso returns for a 3rd season as an assistant coach, along with returning coaches Steve Paluseo and Jeffrey Nisbet. Rounding out the coaching staff is new coach Rachel Rios Lyon. The 48-member team has a fantastic mix of students across all grades. With 11 seasoned seniors, 10 juniors, 20 sophomores and 7 freshmen, the team has the perfect balance of experienced athletes and younger stars waiting to take the reins. “We had a record number of athletes out for track this season. Each meet this season, we’ve seen many athletes set personal bests in their events,” said Coach Karasch. With seven meets under their belts, the upper-class students came out strong in their first meet against rival schools BB&N, Middlesex, Roxbury Latin, and Belmont Hill. Stellar results came from junior Milan Joshi ‘24 coming in 2nd in both the 100 (11.34) and 200 (23.68) meter races, while junior Alexa Mordas
‘24 placing 2nd in the high jump (4-06.00) and junior Keagan Harder ‘24 came in 2nd in pole vault (12-00.00). Sophomore Henry Buckley-Jones ‘25 had a fantastic showing achieving 2nd place in both the 800 (2.08.98) and 1500 (4.24.35) meter races. “As we move into our ‘championship season’ that includes the ISL Championship Meet, the New England NEPSTA D3 Championship Meet, and the ISL Development Meet that we are hosting at Regis College, we are looking forward to the continued progress by all of the team in these final three meets,” commented Coach Karasch. Captain Ava Palazzolo ‘23 shared, “ I think we are doing great as a team this season. This year, in particular, I’ve noticed that the team has really come together and are constantly supporting each other, regardless of the event. Most of our meets have had three or four other schools at them, so the competition has not been lacking in any sense.” Despite the fact that Rivers does not have their own track and field facility and the weather has been less than ideal at most meets this season, Rivers track and field athletes continue to push themselves to exceed expectations. This drive was clear
when Rivers took on Groton, Lawrence Academy, St. Georges, and Thayer on May 3rd. The team had some exceptional performances, with Nate Olson ‘25 coming in 1st place in the 200-meter (22.97) and Buckley-Jones coming in 1st for the second time this season in the 800-meter race (2.03.77). In the 1500-meter, the three top spots were all claimed by Rivers runners. Buckley-Jones took 1st (4.21.40), while Sam Lyons ‘23 achieved 2nd place (4.41.29), and Justin Jang ‘25 nabbed the 3rd spot (4.41.33). Palazzolo also earned first place in the 3000-meter run (12.03.39). Keagan Harder ’24 also had his best pole vault this season and took 1st place (10-10.00). “We look forward to the continued growth and success of track and field at Rivers in the coming years as our 9th, 10th, and 11th graders continue to refine their technique and improve their marks in the years to come,” commented Coach Karasch. Judging from their drive and determination, this team will be one to watch now and in the coming years.
preseason-trip to Florida during spring break; this had been postponed due to Covid in the past few years. Coach Caplan said, “We had a fantastic trip to Orlando. All ten members of the team came; we played 81 holes over four days; and we bonded over meals and rollercoaster rides.”
to finish their season strong. The Kingman Tournament is the endof-season ISL Championship for golf, in which every school brings its five top golfers for an 18-hole stroke play tournament. Prior to this event, Abrams enthusiastically pointed out that “the team with the lowest combined score wins
Shane Olson ‘25 competes in the long jump field event. Photo by student intern.
Team atmosphere leads golf to strong performances BY SPENCER GARY ‘25 STAFF WRITER
Powered by a dynamic team atmosphere, the Rivers golf team has had a successful season. Led by Captain Matt Abrams ’23 and Coach Mac Caplan, the golf team has been able to string together many achievements throughout the season. Although the golf team has been on the “wrong side of numerous close matches,” Abrams has seen growth throughout the entire team. “The team has improved tremendously throughout the season,” said Abrams. He has seen “hard work at practice and…determination on the course in [their] intrasquad weekly matches.” Coach Caplan has also seen these improvements: “They’ve worked hard at the range, and a lot of players have gained more consistency as the season has gone on.” Hard work throughout the entire golf team is important for its overall success, despite many people viewing golf as an “individual” game. Jack Renaud ‘24 emphasized the importance of a team in high school golf: “High school golf is … all about depth. A team can’t thrive with only one good player. Matches are won based off of a collective effort.” He added, “A team of 7 solid players will beat a team of only 2 superstars any day.” One change for the golf team this season was the return of a
appointed,” Caplan pointed out that the team was “consistent, and no one blew up.” DeStefano also qualified to play in another postseason tournament, the Pippy O’Connor tournament. In this tournament, she competed against the best female golfers across all of the
Camille DeStefano ‘24 and Ryan MacDuff ‘24. Rivers stock photo. On the opposite end of the season lies the Kingman Tournament. This tournament, which took place on May 15, left lots of opportunity for the golf team
the tournament as well as the ISL!” Led by Camille DeStefano’s score of 82 (+10), the team finished 11th out of 14 teams. Despite being “definitely dis-
NEPSAC. DeStefano scored an 81 (+9), which was good for a tie for 8th place and All-NEPSAC honors. Caplan called her performance “terrific” and pointed
that this accomplishment “shows that she’s one of the top female golfers in New England independent schools—probably a first in Rivers golf history, too.” Aside from the overall golf improvements and postseason success, the team has come together to create a strong team environment. For Abrams, the strong team dynamic has been the highlight of his time on the golf team. He noted, “I don’t define the season by individual and team wins and losses, but instead, by the connections forged and the quality time spent on the golf course doing something we all find joy in.” Abrams hopes that this “encouraging, low stakes environment will continue to flourish” even once he’s left the program. Renaud has also found this fun environment to be beneficial to the team’s culture and performance. He noted, “I have learned that having fun and not worrying too much helps me play better, so now I just focus on keeping a good attitude and not letting bad shots get to my head.” Overall, the dynamic team connections and widespread improvements have made the golf team successful in their spring season. As they look to finish their season strong, the golf team knows that their season was a success, despite their less-than-optimal record.
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Sports
Stillwell never meant to play lax BY MATT ABRAMS ’23 CONTRIBUTING WRITER
“You really never know when something can end, and even when things end the connections and memories will always be there,” said Anthony Stillwell ‘23. “Having a shoulder to lean on whether in the locker room or at practice. We are always having fun and making the most of the time we have together.” The game of lacrosse has been tremendously important to Stillwell throughout his childhood and young adult years. As he wraps up the fifth and final year of his high school career, Stillwell took the time to reflect on the impact lacrosse has on his future and, more influentially, the way he views his relationships forged through lacrosse and shared experiences. Lacrosse was never in the cards for Stillwell as a child who grew up outside Pittsburgh. This all changed when Stillwell and his family moved to Southborough at nine years old. Stillwell soon became envious of the children who played lacrosse, a sport he had never considered playing before moving to Massachusetts. “Everywhere I looked, there seemed to be kids playing lacrosse,” shared Stillwell. “Lacrosse was never a huge sport, but when I moved to Boston, all of my hockey teammates played or knew someone that played lacrosse. From there, I decided to pick it up and I fell in love with the sport’s connection between hockey’s physicality and basketball's footwork.” Stillwell says that sports, especially lacrosse, put him in a routine on and off the field, which allows him to be his best self when with his teammates and family. However, this routine was derailed during his sophomore year at Algonquin. “Sophomore year at Algonquin was a wash because of the start of COVID,” said Stillwell. The lockdown during his sophomore year put Stillwell in a difficult position. One that he was not considering before the unpredictable virus struck. “The lockdown was tough. However, it gave me time to think about my future plans as a student and lacrosse player. Those thoughts resulted in me transferring to Rivers to repeat my sophomore year and get another year of recruiting and lacrosse under my
May 26, 2023
Captain Anthony Stillwell ‘23 will take his lacrosse talents to Hobart and William Smith next year. Photo by Aidan Zheng ‘24. belt,” Stillwell said thoughtfully. Luckily for Stillwell, Rivers provided a space where he could flourish in the classroom as well as on the field. “My second sophomore year really shaped me as a person and lacrosse player,” he shared. Stillwell is a special talent, and he credits that to the uniqueness of lacrosse. “I love the speed of the game, it never stops moving and there's barely any wasted time between whistles. I also love the creativity used when we play. There are no players that play the game the same way,” he described passionately. Stillwell mentioned that the lacrosse team captains his sophomore year, Joey Kraft ‘21 and Greg Dennison ‘21, greatly impacted his development as a player and person. He utilizes the skills he was taught in many different ways on campus to push himself to be a better student, player, and person for all of his community members: “I learned from Joey how to be there for teammates and always be there for people regardless of the situation. Greg taught me how to flip a switch when stepping on the field and compete.” These lessons proved crucial during Stillwell's junior year. As one of the top-scoring members of the team, he found himself in a leadership role that he was more than ready for. Although the season did not end as Stillwell had hoped, he was ready
for his experience to come full circle this spring after being selected as one of the captains. “Stilly’s drive to be the best player and role model on and off the field is inspiring and pushes me to be my best at all times in order for us to succeed under his leadership,” exclaimed a teammate. Stillwell’s passion and effort have his team primed for a late playoff surge in hopes of hoisting an ISL championship. “If one thing is certain, we’re always prepared going into any game and a large reason for that is Stilly,” shared another teammate. After the season concludes, Stillwell will look forward to his next chapter as he will become a Statesman, playing Division One lacrosse at Hobart and William Smith College in Geneva, New York. “I’m excited for the opportunity to work hard every day and I know I’ll learn a lot about myself,” said Stillwell. “As for what I’m bringing, I’m prepared to bring whatever I can to benefit the team and guys to the left and right.” Stillwell has learned a lot from different people and events throughout his high school years and he will always build on them and learn from those experiences to enhance his performance. Although he is departing from the nest he has created as a Red Wing, Stillwell’s memories of Rivers will remain with him as he looks to build on his impressive resume.
CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK RIVERS CLASS OF 2023!
College Matriculation - Class of 2023
Abrams, Matthew Ansin, Oliver Bailey, Sophia Baldwin, Nicole Barringer, Thomasina Beakey, Nicholas Beber, Matthew Behrens, Andrew Borgos, Anthony Braudis, Lauren Brennan, Brooke Brosnan, Grace Burks, Julien Capello, Lucia Carroll, Sadie Carswell, Mitchell Chitkara, Isabelle Cohen, Samantha Cornetta, Tyler Correia, Andrew Diamond, Charlotte DosSantos, John Erlandson, Jacob Falvey, Colin Fernandes, Adelino Floyd, Ryan Fookson, Alexander Freeman, Amanda Frometa, Crystaliz Gold, Max Gomez, Cristina Handler, Eliana Helzberg, Elias Herlihy, Mark Holmes, Skylar Holzman, Maya Johnsen, Braden Johnston, Graham Kemper, Maxwell Kerfoot, Gretchen Keusch, Ian Kloman, Natalie Lanzendorf, Evan Lanzendorf, Julia Lee, Jacqueline Leeming, Corinne Lewandowski, Luciano Lindsey, Kalyl Lowitt, Dana Lyons, Samuel Maloney, Matthew Mann, Bryan Massarotti, Alexander Matsuyasu, Abigail McAnena, Ainsley McCarthy, Paige Meade, Matthew Meyerhardt, Jesse Minicozzi, Nina Mortarelli, Stephen Mullen, Stella Murphy, Cailyn Ndjigue, Jayden O’Brien, Mary Palazzolo, Ava Patel, Mia Paul, Jack Pierson, Cole Poirier, Brendan Presley, Autumn Rosenfeld, Anna Ross, Jared Ruddy, Nicholas Salyer, Henry Santaniello, Nicholas Sardinha, Jacob Segel, Olivia Siegel, Lexandra Snow, Jonathan Sopko, Katherine Stein, Sarah Stillwell, Anthony Stuart, Charles Sugarman, Nathan Swaim, Luke Thomajan, Charles Tuff, Hunter Varsamis, Irene Vlacich, Gabrielle Von Rumohr, Christiane Wade, Theodore Walter, Casey Weiner, Aaron Wu, Michael Xue, Vanessa Yang, Hongkai Young, Andrew Zermani, Jason
Tulane University University of Miami Dickinson College Elon University Bucknell University Southern Methodist University Washington University in St. Louis Bucknell University Syracuse University Clemson University Occidental College Vanderbilt University Clark University Santa Clara University University of Miami University of Colorado Boulder University of Richmond Tulane University University of Wisconsin Tufts University Boston College Georgetown University University of Vermont Washington University in St. Louis Trinity College University of Wisconsin Colgate University Washington University in St. Louis Colby College Wake Forest University Georgetown University University of Richmond University of Michigan Tufts University Franklin and Marshall College University of Richmond Wake Forest University Lehigh University Syracuse University Dartmouth College Brown University Syracuse University University of Vermont University of California-Berkley Brown University Smith College Skidmore College Brown University University of Chicago Chapman University Clark University College of the Holy Cross Pace University Yale University Fordham University Occidental College Babson College Dartmouth College Dartmouth College Northeastern University Providence College Colby College University of Massachusetts Amherst University of Richmond Boston College Loyola Marymount University University of Miami Union College Lafayette College Tulane University Colby College University of Michigan University of Colorado Boulder Skidmore College University of Miami Johns Hopkins University Skidmore College Northwestern University University of Massachusetts Lowell University of Notre Dame Boston University Hobart and William Smith Colleges Washington University in St. Louis Syracuse University Colby College George Washington University University of Vermont Villanova University College of the Holy Cross Colby College Elon University Boston College George Washington University University of Massachusetts Amherst University of Toronto New York University Northeastern University University of Virginia