The Rivers Edge

THE RIVERS EDGE Vol. XLVII, Number 2

The Rivers School, Weston, MA

January 25, 2017

Despite some updates, Podium has its limits

BY KATE REGAN-LOOMIS ’17 EDITOR IN CHIEF

commitment process. The commitment process involves all of the same components of the regular college admissions process, such as writing essays and standardized testing; however, it also involves talking to coaches and getting their support during the admission process. For this reason, many people believe the process is much simpler for athletes than non-athletes. That, however, is not always the case.”

“I think there’s a perception that it’s a lot easier, when in reality it can be just as difficult,” said Lyons. “The difference is that the complicated component Continued on page 3

Impossible though it may sound, there was once a time when there was no Podium.

This online staple to the Rivers student experience is relatively new, only appearing as a way to organize transcripts, schedules and assignments since around 2004.

According to Carol Davidson, “the goal of [podium] was to make grading and comment writing a lot easier and so that it would be online, because the method that we used before was NCR paper on word processors.

This was a way of saving time and making it easier.”

However, Podium soon evolved to function beyond a grading platform for teachers. It now acts as an essential tool for students to see their schedule, homework, long-term assignments, calendar, campus news, grades, and announcements. This transition didn’t occur immediately.

“It must have been a couple years after we started with the transcript stuff,” said Davidson.

“So it has probably been about ten years. The software isn’t actually called podium anymore.”

The software is designed by Whipplehill, the same people who designed the Rivers website, but they no longer refer to that particular software as podium, as they recently changed it. Everything used to be on one page, as Rivers vets might remember.

This new software is now called “ON products.”

outside the classroom to 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike rides and 26.2-mile runs. Yes, Ms. Webster is an accomplished, world class, and fiercely dedicated triathlete.

“I did my first one back in 2006. I didn’t have the best experience and I vowed to never do it again,” Webster recalls.

“But in the back of my mind, I knew I could do it again and have a much better experience.

So in 2016, I did Ironman Lake Placid in July and then from Continued on page 12

Math teacher Kim Webster on the bike portion of the Lake Placid Triathalon last year. Photo courtesy of Ms. Webster.

Holiday Tournament 2016 was Fan-tastic!

Huge crowds of students, faculty, and recent alumni turned out to watch the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams during the annual Rivers Holiday Tournament. Seniors Andrew Martin, Hunter Corlis, Aidan Byrne and Andrew Ciampa get pumped for the opening game with Zach Lisman. Story on page 11. Photo by ...

Committing to college early for athletics is on the rise at Rivers

BY MADDIE MOORE ’17 CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Senior fall is a chaotic time for all. It’s a time full of big decisions, such as deciding where you want to spend the next four years of your life. This can be influenced by many factors, from class size to weather to what you want to study.

For athletes, the question of which team they want to be a part of is added into the picture. This makes the process more complicated.

Every year, around 20% of the senior class goes off to play either Division 1 or Division 3 sports

in college, with around half of those students playing D1 and the other half playing D3. To be in the position to play for these colleges, athletes must first gain exposure. Although this some times involves personally reaching out to coaches and marketing themselves, Rivers’ director of college counseling Dave Lyons states that for the most part, the colleges will find them.

“If kids are in club sports and have that visibility, more often than not they are found,” Lyons said.

Once athletes gain this visibility and find coaches that are interested in them, they enter the

This includes “ON campus,” the scheduling, “ON message,” an announcements platform, “ON record,” for grading, and “CORE,” a timetable. While the Rivers community still affectionately refers to it as Podium, this transition actually occurred around four years ago.

However, only the Upper School uses this platform to this extent. The Middle School may use Podium for schedules, but for the most part, they employ Schoology, a web-based program. Schoology has all of the functions of Podium, such as grading and assignments, but it also includes an active messaging system that the students use to ask questions, post pictures of problems, and communicate in an almost Facebook-like format.

The middle school is not the only place where other options are being explored. Edmodo, Google classroom, and EdPuzzle are alternatives that teachers have tried to use, with varying degrees of success. Several math teachers would love a platform that allowed students to submit directly and then let them grade in the same platform. Only Schoology and Classroom allow the teachers to grade assignments directly. EdPuzzle allows for embedded videos that ask questions during and turn off when you switch tabs (ensuring that you watch them), and Edmodo provides the direct teacher-class communication seen on Schoology. Google drive allows for easy sharing, but everything has to be Continued on page 3

Ms. Webster: math teacher, mother, Ironman triathlete

BY ADAM NADDAFF-SLOCUM ’18, ASSISTANT EDITOR

“I have learned through training and racing, that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. It takes hard work and a lot of discipline, but if you truly commit to your goals and are willing to put in the time, you can make your goals and dreams a reality… I truly believe, you can do anything you put your mind to. And I hope to role model that attitude for my students and fellow faculty members.” - Kim Webster, math teacher, and Ironman triathlete Ms. Webster has been a math teacher in Rivers’ Upper School since 2001, but her passion for numbers takes her

I N S I D E

NEWS

Dr. Willard and two seniors form new BioEthics club, tackle tough issues.

Page 3

OP/ED

How a TV ad for Snickers changed my life and made me strive for more out of school.

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FEATURES

Profile: The talent of photographer Alex Klein’18 seems limitless.

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ARTS

Cast and crew of “Children of Eden” prepare for performances, Feb. 23-24.

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SPORTS

Varsity hockey teams and basketball teams are standing tall near the top of ISL.

Page 10

Page 2

News Briefs

Harvard grad Ms. Lowe joins history department

The whole Rivers community is pleased to welcome Ms. Lowe to the history department. She will teach a portion of the 9th grade Perspectives in World history classes as well as the AP U.S. Ms. Lowe went to high school in Connecticut and then attended Harvard University for both undergraduate and graduate school majoring in Folklore and Mythology. In fact, her favorite subjects in high school were history and biology. When asked about why she chose to teach history, she said, “I love stories, and history has a lot of stories. We can learn a lot from the past.” Her passion for history is immense which is excellent for the community.

Rivers was the ideal fit for Ms. Lowe because it is the type of school she was looking for being a coed day school. “Everyone has been super nice and really welcoming, and asking if they can do anything to help which I really appreciate,” Lowe said. She loves and respects the community and is excited to get to know everyone in it. For those of you who have Ms. Lowe as a teacher, she gave some tips on how to be successful in her class: “Do the reading and know why it’s important. Also, ask questions if you don’t understand.”

A fun fact about Ms. Lowe is that she is part of the 10% of people world that is left handed. She also played a variety of sports including soccer, rowing, ice hockey, water polo, swimming, golfing and tennis.

Although she isn’t a Rivers coach for any sports this season or next, coaching could be in the future for her.

One other thing you should know about Ms. Lowe is that she loves being outdoors. Two of her favorite activities include backpacking and climbing.

Although Ms. Lowe is brand new to Rivers and our community, her positive attitude and love for the classes she teaches is sure to make for a smooth transition and truly feel apart of the Rivers community in no time. Welcome to Rivers, Ms. Lowe.

-Annabelle Hasselbeck and Sofia Buckle

Students form DECA Club, earn trip to states

Earlier this year, three Rivers seniors founded a club with hopes of eventually competing against chapters throughout the region at simulation and writing-based competitions similar to Model United Nations and Debate. As it turns out, the founding members of DECA have already achieved that goal by qualifying for the state competition with a third-place finish at the district level.

Blake Griffith ’17 and Shahen Hagen ’17 qualified for the state tournament in the district competition’s most competitive category – sports and entertainment marketing. The pair finished third out of 30 teams by presenting their plan to market a ticket sales campaign for a Division I athletics program.

“We were asked to create a ticketing structure for an athletic department and come up with ways to not only justify the way we priced them, but also how to market the subscription service we ended up creating,” Griffith said. “We went in expecting that we were there for the experience and did not expect to move on to the next stage of the competition.”

Two other groups – fellow founding member Rider Tuff ’17 and his partner Andrew Reale ’17, plus the partnership of Ian Brostowski ’18 and Aidan Byrne ’17 – qualified for states through a written marketing plan section of the competition.

The Rivers Edge

January 25, 2017

New turf field on Nonesuch Rd., first phase of plan near completion

BY ALEX CLAY ’18 STAFF WRITER

From the English classrooms in Upper Haynes, one can constantly hear the buzzing and humming of tractors, jackhammers, and dump trucks. Since September, the school has been moving forward on one of the first steps of a comprehensive plan to expand the school’s facilities: the building of a new turf field.

While Waterman Field’s iconic location at the center of the Rivers campus is perfect watching athletic events or, more casually, for volleyball, spike ball, and pickup football between classes, it has become increasingly attractive as a place for the school to expand its academic facilities. “The architects who created the master plan saw Waterman Field as a prime building space on campus,” Head of School Ned Parsons said. In addition to the perfect building opportunity, there are several flaws with Waterman Field’s position at the center of the campus that led to the school’s decision to build the new field.

First, there is very little room on the sidelines for teams and spectators, especially alongside the Haffenreffer gym. The balcony jutting out of Upper MacDowell is separated from the action, and most spectators have to jam near the fence for viewing angles.

Waterman Field’s close proximity to the center of campus also poses major parking problems.

The visiting team’s buses cannot park during the game alongside the field, and shuttle buses are needed for the homecoming night games. Moreover, the field’s goal posts are almost up against the parking lot and the road dividing the field from the campus center. Extra points and field goals are routinely kicked over the net and onto the road, hitting the cars parked alongside the campus center. The same goes for lacrosse games in the spring.

Although students all love

Construction crews were quiet on a snowy day earlier this month, but work on the new turf field at the end of Nonesuch Road is close to being finsihed in time for the spring season. Photo by A. Stephens.

Waterman Field’s place at the center of the campus, its location is a logistical challenge. These challenges are mostly being addressed with the new field.

“We’re temporarily referring to it as North Field,” said Mr. Parsons. The new field was “initially scheduled to be completed by mid-December, but it’s slightly behind due to weather. We hope to have the field ready by the beginning of lacrosse season,” he added.

Located across the marsh and at the end of Nonesuch Road, the field has enough parking beside it, providing an ideal place for medical vehicles, sports buses, and handicapped parking. Rivers has also decided to build a footbridge from the main campus to the new field so students can reach the field without cutting through the baseball fields.

Although the field does not currently have built-in bleachers, the school will be building a small section of bleachers in the future, and there are gently sloping hills surrounding it, creating a natural amphitheater or berm that will offer perfect sight lines.

“A pavilion is being built that will have changing rooms and bathrooms for away teams. It’s not a locker room in the sense that it doesn’t have showers, but teams can leave their bags there,” said Mr. Parsons.

The playing surface is the same artificial turf (installed in 2005) as Waterman Field. Although natural grass is cheaper to install and does not heat up as much as artificial turf, it is expensive to maintain and has a notable environmental impact on its surroundings because of the fertilizers and excess water that grass fields require.

Another drawback that natural grass fields present is the increased prevalence of non-contact injuries caused by getting stuck or slipping on the turf (turf toes, ACL tears, etc.). The school’s investment in the new turf field will be a major financial benefit in the future and a major draw for athletes looking to play lacrosse, soccer, or field hockey in a great setting.

Down the road, Waterman Field will be moved to the location of the boys’ soccer and baseball fields. The school plans to build a new academic building in the space currently occupied by Waterman Field.

“We felt that having the academic life at the heart of the school and the center of the campus in a building that could showcase the excellence of our academic programs was crucial to the future of the school,” said Mr. Parsons. “We also wanted to create an academic quadrangle.”

The last conference of the year takes place at Columbia University in New York City in mid January. This conference is much more competitive with students coming from all over the world to compete for prestigious awards. Columbia committees are very historical and sometimes fantasy based, so students can pick committees that line up with their interests.

This year the MUN club is led by seniors Omar Frometa and Aliza Bloostein. These seasoned leaders share their knowledge of the club with the underclassman and bond with the team while exploring different cities.

This was Omar’s fourth and final time attending the Columbia Conference, and he ended on high note, achieving the number one award of Best Delegate as Karl Wagner in a joint crisis

committee on the Space Race. It was an honor four years in the making and one Frometa does not take lightly.

“Winning Best Delegate at my last model united nations conference with Rivers was a magical experience,” he said. “I’ve been blessed to be able to co-lead such a talented group.”

Rivers Model UN meets Tuesday during A mod for thirty minutes and run two annual simulations. Longtime faculty advisor Amy Enright, History Dept chair, helps prepare the group for the conference.

The first simulation of the year was based on certain impoverished countries pleading for a portion of $10 billion that selected countries in the simulation were giving out. The second simulation of the year is just starting, and is on World War II.

MUN club shines in New York

BY ADAM NADDAFF-SLOCUM ’18 ASSISTANT EDITOR

Rivers’ Model United Nations Club is one of the most established clubs in the school. With a strong following and weekly club meetings full of interesting simulations, it is perhaps one of the most involved clubs offered. The club does not just stick to meeting in Haynes 12, however, as two times a year elite members travel to out-of-state conferences.

The first conference of the year is hosted by the University of Connecticut. It is regarded as a learning conference during which students from all over the country come to familiarize themselves with parliamentary procedure. This year sophomore Leighton Young won an award for most improved in his general assembly committee.

The Rivers Edge

January 25, 2017

Page 3

News

New BioEthics Club has students tackling tough topics

BY CHRISTIAN SCHOEN ’17 STAFF WRITER

The club scene on the Rivers campus is extensive. With so many appealing, diverse activities offered, it is unfortunate that most students have to settle for just a handful of clubs to participate in. Like the majority of new students, my first year at the Rivers club fair was overwhelming; I wanted to join clubs with my friends, but also explore things I knew I personally enjoyed. I ended up joining Red Key, ultimate frisbee, debate, and Model UN and was eager to start them the following week. Since then, myriad new clubs have been added.

In the past year, Rivers welcomed the BioEthics Club.

Spearheaded by English teacher and chair of the Interdisciplinary Studies Dept. Dr. Julian Willard, the club discusses various bioethical issues such as physicianassisted suicide or anti-vaccination issues. Members of the club select an issue every week, and they research the topic leading up to their weekly Thursday meeting.

Seniors Michelle Ryder and Aliza Bloostein are both members of the club, and both cite their interest in medicine and interdisciplinaries as motives for their joining of the club. The BioEthics club is the intersection point between science, morality, and our everyday life.

“When I was in middle school, Massachusetts voted on the Death with Dignity Act, and

since then I’ve been fascinated with these types of questions that seem to have no right or wrong answered, but require deep debate and discussion in order to find the best methods possible for solutions,” Bloostein said.

The club opens a number of doors to its members, with opportunities to attend CEC (Community Ethics Committee) meetings and debates at Harvard.

The club’s next step is the creation of in-depth research paper, in which each member delves deeper into an issue of their choosing and creates a personalized argument.

“Aliza and I are digging deeper into an issue of our choosing in order to produce a research paper,” said Ryder, who will attend Johns Hopkins next year. “My topic is genetic modification as related to reproductive choices in humans, and Aliza’s is the issues that come with caring for a noncompliant patient.”

With connections at the CEC, students receive support from a mentor at CEC during the process. The creation of a research paper allows for the exploration of a controversial topic that may have no right answer and the creation of a cohesive argument that the writer feels passionate about.

The BioEthics club deals with issues that require deep debate and discussion in order to find the best potential pathways towards a solution.

“I kind of enjoy the feeling of being unsure about a certain topic and needing to look for evidence and my own moral guidelines to

Dr. Willard, Michelle Ryder and Eliza Bloostein at a recent BioEthics club meeting. Photo by C. Schoen form an opinion,” said Bloostein.

In its pilot year, the BioEthics club is still evolving, but it is perfect for students interested in science, technology, ethics, English, history, and everything in between. The club offers the perfect platform to mix all the subjects together.

As advisor, Dr. Willard has much to offer. In addition to being Interdisciplinary Studies Department Chair, Dr. Willard teaches English, AP English literature, and interdisciplinary courses.

Outside Rivers, Willard was a Yale-Hastings Scholar in Bioethics and a Future of Learning Fellow at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education.

One of his IDS classes is Ex-

ploring Ethics: Language, Literature, and the Brain. According to the listing, the course “takes an interdisciplinary approach to the investigation of central ethical concepts: free will, duty, empathy, authority, virtue, and justice.

Students are required to integrate disciplinary contributions from English, biology, and philosophy in order to fashion their own resolutions of some of the most important questions in ethical theory. What roles do empathy and imagination have in effective moral deliberation?”

Both Michelle and Aliza recommend the club to anyone who enjoys debating difficult bioethical topics. The discussion, however, is not simply limited to

medicine, with topics going far beyond the most common scientific topics. The topics dealt with in the club are never crystal clear and are meant to initiate discussion.

“I would recommend this club to anybody who has ever heard a bioethical question and couldn’t wait to engage in discussions about it. I don’t think it’s necessary to be interested in medicine because there are bioethical topics that are beyond medicine.

However, I would recommend it to anybody who loves science but enjoys combining the science they learn and love with the analyzation and communication skills we learn in English and History classes.”

Use of Podium by teachers and students often inconsistent

Continued from page 1

uploaded to a different platform, like notability, graded, and then re-uploaded to Google Drive, a considerably time-consuming process.

Teachers also use podium to different degrees. Some only use it to post assignments, but tell students to rely on the syllabus, while others post everything, use the topics section, dropbox, announcement centers, and bulletin board.

These inconsistencies can create problems of their own.

“It’s important to have all of the teachers and all of the students in the same platform,” said math teacher Kristin Harder.

“It’s too confusing when different teachers say different things.

Especially with ninth graders, when they are already so overwhelmed,” Davidson is also aware of the problems people feel there are with podium.

“There are people who don’t think that it does enough,” she said. “People have been talking about doing something different for the upper school, but my feeling is that most of the faculty is

not utilizing podium fully. There are a lot of thing you can do on it.”

Davidson also believes students aren’t taking complete advantage of it either.

“I might put something into an announcement, and nobody

“There are people who don’t think that it does enough. People have been talking about doing something different for the upper school, but my feeling is that most of the faculty is not utilizing podium fully.”

- Carol Davidson

ever looks at those,” Davidson said. “I haven’t heard any complaints from students, ever. I have heard from faculty that they don’t like it. The problem with switching to a different software is that it requires an entirely new

database.”

It would take quite a bit of trouble to change again, maybe more than it’s worth.

And students likely aren’t going to complain about teachers not using Podium to its full potential. The partially spoken, partially unspoken rules around Podium provide for a convenient loophole.

“It’s sort of odd that students don’t do homework if it isn’t on Podium, even if it is on the syllabus that the teacher gave them at the start of the year,” said Aliza Bloostein ’17.

While this seems like a slightly questionable assumption of students, it is actually backedup by what the faculty is told; “if it’s not on podium, it didn’t happen,” explained Harder.

This has the potential to create a dependency on Podium, a system most colleges won’t likely replicate to this extent. Future college students aren’t necessarily taught the skills to keep track of due dates on their own.

“Students can be work averse, and Podium sort of enables that,” said Josh Polanco-Cauldron ‘17.

Podium, or ON products, may be imperfect, but the com-

munity also has a clear dependency on it. The question is, would switching to an entirely new platform be worth it?

The various methods that are

used stitch together into what we have now must at least sort of work, because students still do their homework, and teachers still grade it.

Early college commits Continued from page 1 tends to happen earlier in their high school career. There can be the same ups and downs of being wanted by a school or not wanted by a school.”

For instance, Christian Schoen, who committed to Tufts early for swimming, had his share of struggles during the commitment process. “Along with balancing my swimming, I had to obtain high grades and test scores in order to position myself on the top of a coach’s interest list,” Schoen said. “When coaches told me they weren’t interested in having me on their team, it was hard to accept.”

Bowdoin commit and lacrosse standout Elliott Ramirez also described her stresses during the commitment process. “It was weird to be going through the process before the majority of my

friends,” she said. “I definitely got a lot of help from Rivers and my club coach, but I still felt unsure about whether or not I was going about things in the right way. It was a lot of work going to camps and tournaments and play days all of the time, but it has paid off in the end.”

Both athletes are extremely excited for what’s ahead of them.

Elliott states that by having her coaches help her with the lacrosse fit and her counselors help her with the academic fit, she was able to find the perfect school for her. Christian is also very excited about his choice, describing how he based his final decision off “the vibe of the team and coach.”

Although it can be long and stressful, the commitment process has opened many doors for these athletes.

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The Rivers Edge

January 25, 2017

EDITORIAL

Day of Consideration had flaws, but was a step in right direction This community approached January 9th frayed around the edges. The Day of Consideration carried a new significance this year. Fall 2016 was a difficult time for our community. Having already experienced the program, the faculty wasn’t certain how the students would react, and the students had no idea how directly the issues we’ve experienced would be addressed. The arguably ineffective town halls of past years were on the minds of those who could remember them, places where self-confident students delivered monologues to the whole school.

So, did it work? Are we better now? Did we finally address the tensions that have been fermenting under the surface of our community? The answer, it seems, depends on what group you were in.

The day got off to a relatively good start. Commencing a discussion with just how to talk about issues most people don’t want to talk about lays a promising foundation for the dialogue to follow. The problem for most groups, however, was that dialogue never came. Whether it be a result of reluctant students or inflexible leaders, it felt that we reached an important precipice, but never took the jump, only looked over and talked about whether or not we should.

I can only speak from what I experienced and what others told me, but it seems that the reactions and programs of each group varied. In the step over the line activity, for example, my group was then asked for volunteers to speak about what their experiences on that side was like. This addition helped make the activity feel less like an uncomfortably forced display of our differences, and rather the creating of a connection and shared understanding of what being ‘other’ can feel like. Not all groups did this, however. Others just had everyone walk back to the opposite side after standing there for a few moments.

Similarly, my group took advantage of the open discussion. There was an active retaking of the reins and student-led discussion, even if it was only in the last 25 minutes. Students directly brought up the issues that needed to be addressed, rather than talking in circles about how to address them, which was basically a reiteration of the morning assembly. The issue that our group initially experienced - and that many groups didn’t break out of - was that the facilitators didn’t trust us. And they didn’t facilitate. In their attempt to guide us toward conversation, there were times that they restricted it. They couldn’t quite see that we are aware of the problems in our community and desperately want to address them. They stuck firmly to their program, a program that, perhaps in other contexts, is probably effective.

The Day of Consideration started a conversation, or at least hinted at one. But we can’t let the momentum that built up during the day (and was often never released) just fade away. We need to continue the dialogue, this time led by faculty and students. Not in a town hall format, but in the smaller discussion groups that are more conducive to allowing everyone’s voice to be heard.

Though the sheets on the lunch tables were an interesting idea, we tend to sit with generally like-minded people with whom we have already talked about important issues. Our community still has a lot of work to do, but, despite its shortcoming, this was a good start.

Opinions & Editorials

School should examine effectiveness of Veterans Day Ceremony tradition

BY KATE REGAN-LOOMIS ’17 EDITOR IN CHIEF

Going into Veteran’s Day this November, I thought I was about to add fodder to the editorial I had been mapping out in my head since before I was part of the paper: Veterans Day assemblies need to change. Since I was in 6th grade, and for over 30 years, the assembly followed an exact formula that I had memorized by 8th grade. I wanted to talk about how it was almost disrespectful to do the same thing over and over, how I felt guilty about getting bored, how we needed variety. And a shorter length. Then we had the 2016 Veteran’s Day assembly, and I completely changed my mind.

It was extraordinarily short.

One veteran gave a speech, one that I, and my classmates, expected to be followed by 11 more. Instead, he stopped speaking, and immediately began the solemn march to the flag pole. I knew I wanted a different (and possibly shorter) assembly, but this felt wrong.

If we were coming into school to respect the veterans, why not actually make it count? The usual assembly, while the object of much complaint, was fascinating to me for the first two years I saw

it. It was only after witnessing it six years in a row that I began to feel that it wasn’t truly respecting veterans or the spirit of the day, just going through the motions.

But this year was different.

Veterans Day was only two days after arguably the most contentious election in American history. It felt like every ac-

The usual assembly, while the object of much complaint, was fascinating to me for the first two years I saw it. It was only after witnessing it six years in a row that I began to feel that it wasn’t truly respecting veterans or the spirit of the day. tion in the days following were somehow more significant. Was actively celebrating Veterans Day pro-war? These are not questions that were normally asked. The answers seemed clear. But things became fuzzier after November 9th.

The peculiar perceived rela-

tionship between the military and America has always appeared at Rivers, clearly seen when camo is more visible than the flag on America Day. But this was different. Many students were feeling particularly un-American in the days following the election.

If the veterans were given the open mic so soon after such an emotionally charged event, was there risk involved?

I don’t know what they should have done, but that didn’t feel right. If anything, maybe we should have spent more time realizing that no matter the political climate, the military’s goal has always been protecting its citizens. Considering how unusual it is that we have school at all, we should make it worth something.

I would argue for a trade.

Instead of having school on Veterans Day, we should have had a full day of service on MLK day, or make that our permanent Day of Consideration. Either that or figure out a balanced Veterans program that somehow avoids both a political statement and apathy, isn’t repetitive, and manages to honor veterans and feel relevant and important.

The Rivers Edge

Editor-in-Chief Assistant Editor Sports Editor Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer/Columnist Staff Writer/Columnist Faculty Advisor

Kate Regan-Loomis ’17 Adam Naddaff-Slocum ’18 Grace Monaghan ’17 Cam Cobey ’18 Phie Jacobs ’18 Alex Clay ’18 Zachary Zhang ’18 Alex Stephens

Contributing Writers: Samantha Baldwin ’17, Sofia Buckle ’19, Blake Griffith ’17, Annabelle Hasselbeck ’20, Tony Milne ’17, Madeleine Moore ’17, Christian Schoen ’17.

Photography: Alex Klein ’16, Chip Riegel, Christian Schoen ’17, Alex Stephens THE RIVERS EDGE is published by the students of The Rivers School. THE EDGE is a forum for the 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.

January 25, 2017

Page 5

The Rivers Edge

Opinions

Taking a chance in a club or class can change your life

BY BLAKE GRIFFITH ’17 CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The following is an excerpt of Blake Griffith’s senior speech which he delivered on Tuesday, January 10, 2017.

A Snickers ad changed my life.

It was 2007. The Colts were playing the Bears in Super Bowl 41. I was an 8-year-old with no stake in the game and minimal knowledge of football. I had never watched a Super Bowl before and had therefore never been captivated by the power of Super Bowl advertising. But then it happened.

The commercial break.

I leaned forward, watching intently, as two rugged men appeared in a garage, leaning over the open hood of a car. One of the men grabbed a Snickers bar from his pocket. He hastily unwrapped it and began chomping away at the satisfying treat. The other dude, giving into temptation, leaned in over the car and locked his jaw on the opposite end of the snickers. Straight out of “Lady and the Tramp”, the two munched their way down the Snickers bar and locked lips.

Not only did the ad make me laugh; it made me want a Snickers, and I knew that such a response was their intention.

But how did they do it? How did they make me want the Snickers?

DECA, and I’ve challenged myI was enthralled. Poof. Just like for me or if I’d even take anyself to dig deeper into a field that that, a curiosity formed inside of thing away from it. Regardless, I I didn’t know anything about. I me–a fascination with marketing. decided I was interested enough took a chance based on an interSince that fateful day in to start a club chapter at Rivers est of mine, and it paid off.

February, I have spent my life with a couple friends.

Similarly, I took a chance critiquing and/or admiring nearly Once we got approval from last year in English class, when, every ad I’ve come across. the school and the DECA orgainstead of writing the assigned And so, when my cousin nization, and the club officially analytical essay, I mentioned wrote a song. a marketing As I sat zonedcompetition out in English, that he had while Ms. recently parMertsch explained ticipated in, our Scarlet Letter I was more essay prompt, than a little I realized that intrigued.

I couldn’t sit The organithrough writing zation that another analytical ran the event essay. I decided was called that if I was going DECA, to write another which stands paper, I was going for “Distribto do it my way uted Educaand enjoy it. I tion Clubs The 2007 Snickers TV ad that changed my life. took a chance. of America”.

I approached It is an my teacher, Ms. Mertsch, and formed, we spent months prepinternational association of asked her if I could write an ping for the regional competimarketing students that provides analytical song, because I really tion. And at the regional compeits members with developmenliked music. I have always loved tition last month, every member tal, simulation-style events. My of our club placed highly enough singing, and I’ve been playing cousin told me that DECA was the piano and writing songs since to move on to the next round, actually a club at his school and I was 3, so I decided to take the states. As a first-year club, this that he participated in the Sports chance and pitch my idea to Ms. was a huge feat. We proved to Marketing category.

Mertsch. She looked concerned ourselves that we were capable He had me hooked. I knew but supported me fully and althat I liked sports and that I liked of having fun and doing well lowed me to write my essay in even though we had minimal to judge ads. That means I must the form of a song. marketing experience prior to like Sports Marketing, right? I It was both difficult and joining the club. didn’t know the answer. I didn’t I’ve loved my experience with time-consuming, but it was fun. know if DECA would be right

My intro paragraph became the song intro. My thesis, that being true to oneself is more important than self-preservation, became the hook; my body paragraphs took form in verses, and my conclusion was my outro. I poured hours into my song, but I produced something I was really happy about, and it allowed me to connect with the novel on a level that I previously had not.

These two experiences - starting a club with some friends and writing a song for a class - are seemingly disparate. What brings them together is that, in both cases, I took a chance. I acknowledged that I enjoyed both music and advertising, and I pursued them in a way that was completely foreign to me. I stepped outside of my comfort zone and tested myself. I tested my interest. I tested what I could do with it. And, in both cases, I developed passions and actually made something out of what I had previously only pursued for fun.

I’ve learned that true greatness occurs outside of your comfort zone… as does excitement.

Trying challenging, new things allows us to achieve personal progress.

Yogi Berra once said, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” What he means is live a little. Accept the challenge and run with it. You won’t regret it.

hours before a deadline more than I’d like to admit, but every single one has honestly been so much fun to work on, and the people that I’ve met - from my co-writers to my editors to the faculty advisors - have honestly been fantastic and amazingly support of me throughout my writing career here. And I can safely say that going to an Edge meeting is one of the highlights of my week.

It’s cheesy and corny, but The Edge needs you. It’s always been sort of a running gag that The Edge is a bit understaffed and small for a club, but as I sat

through a weekly meeting with just seven people, a full half of our already small staff out or otherwise preoccupied, it really did hit me how serious and devastatingly true this was. Even if I don’t manage to convince you to write an article, there’s still so much we need to happen that might be what you’re looking for. We need photographers to go out and get pictures taken for us.

Kudos to Alex Klein for raising the bar on this. Moreover, we’d like people giving us updates on sports teams. We’d even take people who just hear or witness random stories occurring around

campus or the world to talk about so that one of us can put it in writing later.

What I’m getting at is there’s a place for everyone at The Edge.

There’s a place for you too, if you’re just bold enough to join it. We meet on Thursdays, B mod lunch in Upper Haynes, in the classroom on the far left next to the mailbox. If you’re even considering joining, just stop by for a meeting and see if you like it or not.

I’m pretty sure we have cookies and brownies to share... sometimes.

I was raised in an oxymoronic environment of Roman Catholic scientists. I have fiddled with dozens of medical devices brought home by my entrepreneurial father; I have learned about every contractible illness and disease from my WebMD-loving mother; I have experienced the inner-workings of the consumer mind through my sister’s neuroeconomic obsession. Recently, I have begun chartering my own scientific interest; one that bridges ethical decision making with my Catholic upbringing.

My “aha moment” occurs as I am standing in the Tufts University Biomedical Engineering Lab

for the second summer, working with Dr. Chen on her research creating synthetic silk small intestines and villi. While we share the excitement of working on groundbreaking bioengineering research, I grapple with larger moral questions. Standing at the precipice of developing synthetic organs which may prolong human life, my ego bulges, but I wonder, am I playing God? What right do I have to push forward on research that circumvents the goals of our Creator? Or is it Thomas Aquinas’ “prima causa”, that God is the ultimate cause of all things, therefore the research is part of His larger plan?

I have become more passionate about how science can be the solid foundation from which I can pursue other areas which directly impact health care, but also involve political, legal, economic and social aspects of the field.

The scientific community is racing ahead at such a frantic rate that personal, ethical standards are having a hard time keeping pace. I often walk the line between my faith and my interest in scientific research. I recognize that, like my family of scientists, I must use both my intellect and my social conscience as my moral compass to move ahead successfully.

- Tony Milne ’17

Why you should totally join The Edge and be awesome

BY ZACH ZHANG ’18 CONTRIBUTING WRITER

You might not have noticed it, but the Edge has only come out with one issue in about four months. To translate, that’s really, really not good.

Look, I get it; at a glance, The Rivers Edge™ might seem irrelevant in this age of new-fangled technology and the death of print media in general, and not terribly interesting to devote time to, especially so if you’re busy with work/not good at writing/can’t give the time of day or focus to the paper. I’m sure that those of you reading (and it’s already a huge leap that you’re reading) this probably enjoy doing just that instead of actually taking the time to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and pump out an article or two. But please, just consider doing just that (or really anything that could help the newspaper out; every bit of effort counts!) at least once, maybe attend a meeting or two if possible.

Let me let you all in on a secret of mine: I’m really very super bad at writing. Seriously.

For all of my amazing characteristics that everyone has definitely heard of (that was meant to be sarcasm, but as I said, me no good writer), I’m not afraid to admit that I’m only sub-par at

cranking out actual writing, as I’m sure my various English teachers are willing to attest to over the years. For me, I view the ink that you see on the page not so much as words that I wrote down and more a transcript of talking that I do in my head that is put down on record. I see writing more as a way to have a (admittedly one sided) conversation with the reader, delivering a message, rather than some boring, nondescript, two-dimensional piece of work. In other words, don’t see the articles as work, but opportunities.

What I’m trying to get at is that The Edge is not just extra English assignments in the disguise of a club. Whatever you put into it - articles, photos, comics - it’s undeniably yours alone, something to both be proud of, and should you wish yours to gloat over others with. The newspaper is a work made of a conglomeration of sweat, tears, work and love cooperatively put in. I’ve spent time in various other clubs during my three years at Rivers - debate, Model UN, GSA, the short-lived Super Smash Bros. club - but none of them have mattered so much in both my school life and in shaping my identity, not only as a student but as a person, than The Edge. Sure, I’ve pulled out an article from the seat of my pants

Bioethics: Bridging Science and Religion

Page 6

The Rivers Edge

Features

January 25, 2017

Ms. Webster conquers Ironman World Championships Continued from page 1

there I qualified for the Ironman World Championships in Kona in October.”

Anxious to continue a competitive sport after college, Ms. Webster discovered triathlons. “I played soccer in college and then needed a competitive outlet after I graduated,” she says. “I ended up running a few marathons, but always got injured during the training. So I thought I would try a triathlon and did my first sprint up in New Hampshire back many years ago - maybe 15 years or so - I’ve lost track of time. I did pretty well without knowing anything about the sport or the training and instantly signed up for another. It’s a very addictive sport. I think the next summer I did seven triathlons.”

Training to compete in a triathlon is exhausting-both mentally and physically, but it is no surprise that Ms. Webster is up to the challenge. On average, Ms. Webster swims two to three times a week, bikes three to four times and runs three to four times.

“I often train twice a day during peak training,” says Webster.

“For the Ironman, I built up to training over 20 hours a week.”

When asked how long it took her to start enjoying triathlons, Webster replies, “Immediately after my first race! It was a combination of enjoying the atmosphere and realizing it was something I could be successful at.” Ms. Webster considers herself lucky to have found something so great and be able to pursue it.

“I love the variety involved in triathlon,” Webster says. “It’s a three part race, and it’s fun to train in the different disciplines.

The Ironman, for example, doesn’t feel like a 10-11-hour race. But rather three shorter races put together. When you get off the bike and start running, it feels like you are starting an entirely new race.”

While the wins, the adrenaline rushes and the love of the sport keep her going, Ms. Webster says there are some downsides like the cost of the entry fees to the races, training, equipment, and food.

Finishing an Ironman Triathlon is like no other experience - the distances, the toll on one’s body, the heat. So how would Webster sum it up?

Simple: “Awesome. I’m usually exhausted, but have an amazing sense of accomplishment. This sense of accomplishment mostly does not stem from the result of the competition. It’s more the satisfaction of feeling like I gave everything I had out there on that day. And the feeling that all the hard work I put into training on a daily basis paid off for me.”

While people are aware of her triathlon racing, many don’t quite fully grasp it. The main question often is Why?

complish are clear, I know that mance Coaching.

I just need to take the necessary Even though Websteps (including grueling workster herself has not outs and making sacrifices) along had much coaching, the way. If I do all that I can do she relies on drawin training to put myself in the ing from her sports best position of accomplishing psychology training. my goals, that is all I can ever The advice she has ask of myself. I actually love for other triathlonthe grueling workouts. No pain ers is, “once I realno gain. I love seeing the results ized that fatigue and of what I can accomplish when I your physical limit push myself.” is all constructed in This inspiration makes perfect your mind, I began sense, because when asked how to learn that I could she celebrates a win, Webster push myself beyond smiles. “High fiving my kids what I ever thought after crossing the finish line.” to be possible.

Not only is her family supEndurance sports portive, but the faculty at Rivers are all mental. Your are too. Ms.Webster made sure mind tells your to note, “I texted Mr. McCartney body what to do after I qualified for Kona to make and not the other sure it would be okay to take way around. Once a few days off from school to you fully embracing compete. He was so happy for the notion that your me and fully supported me. It’s mind controls your amazing to hear about people body, you can learn tracking me and watching me to fully control your cross the finish line online. Rivmind to keep yourers is the best.” self pushing through Ms. Webster’s passion and fatigue.” drive have contributed to makMs. Webster’s ing her a admirable role model three sons are her within the Rivers community. primary source of “I have learned through training inspiration. “I hope and racing, that you can accomto show them the plish anything you put your mind Ms. Webster was all smiles after completing the Lake Placid Triathalon which meaning of hard to. It takes hard work and a lot of helped qualify her for Ironman in Kona. work, discipline, discipline, but if you truly comand what it takes to “Most don’t quite understand recalls. “After exercising for 10mit to your goals and are willing accomplish your goals. I know 11 hours, being able to stop and the Ironman - how anyone could to put in the time, you can make I can always get better and I get a finisher’s medal put around possibly swim 2.4 miles, bike your goals and dreams a reality.” always have goals that I’m trying 112, and run 26.2 all in one day,” your neck is an amazing feeling.” to accomplish. Once my primary However, leading up to that Webster says. “And even more goals of what I’m trying to acday, Webster has the time to so, most don’t understand why anyone would actually want to prepare physically by training. do something like that.” Well, “the hard work is all done during believe it or not, one of Rivers’ training,” she says. “Through training, I train both my body “I love the variety and mind to perform. In training, involved in triathlon. I train my mind to know how hard I can push myself. Then on It’s a three part race, race day, it’s all about showing and it’s fun to train up to race.”

Ms. Webster has an equally in the different disci- positive outlook on losing a race. plines. The Ironman, “I take every race as a learning experience,” she says. “As long for example, doesn’t as I finish every race knowing feel like a 10-11-hour that I gave it my all, I never conit a loss. I define success in race. But rather three sider making the best of every given shorter races put tosituation. If the race doesn’t according to plan, I analyze gether. When you get go why and then try to learn from off the bike and start the experience moving forward.

It’s all about learning from your running, it feels like mistakes and figuring out how to you are starting an en- make yourself better as a result.”

This mantra not only applies to tirely new race.” running, but life as well.

-Ms. Webster When the big day comes for a race, Ms. Webster prepares menvery own can compete very well tally adding, “I know that on race at it. day, I can’t change my fitness.

After having completed All I can do is attack the day numerous triathlons, it was hard and put my best foot forward.

I for Webster to find one favorite always try to focus on positive memory. “It’s a toss up between thoughts. I can’t control what finishing Ironman Lake Placid, crossing the finish line as the 3rd the other competitors do out there on the course. I can only amateur female, after executing be concerned with myself and the ‘perfect race’ to crossing the executing my race plan.” finish line in Kona at the race Webster is a part of a group Ms. Webster concentrating on rounding a corner during the bike porI’ve always dreamed of competcalled Breakthrough Perfortion of the Lake Placid triathalon. ing in. Both were awesome,” she

January 25, 2017

The Rivers Edge

Page 7

Features

JuniorAlex Klein might just be a photography phenom

BY KATE REGAN-LOOMIS ’17 EDITOR IN CHIEF

When opening an issue of The Rivers Edge, the artful photographs are bound to catch one’s eye. The professional-looking athletics pictures look like the kind that would hang on the wall of a sports fanatic. However, many of these aren’t the work of a college-graduated professional, but the extraordinary talents of Alex Klein ‘18.

Photography has been a large part of Klein’s life for over six years now. As can be noted whenever “The Current” reads out the annual photography prizes (1st place: Alex Klein, 2nd place: Alex Klein, 3rd place: Alex Klein), he’s honed this hobby to near mastery. Visit his website and you will see stunning landscapes, incredible action, and close details of nature.

“There isn’t a specific time that I can remember when I first became interested in photography, but I have always been interested in how a photograph can look so different than what you can see with your eyes,” says Klein.

Youtube has also been formative in his love for the art. As he writes on his website: “YouTube has been one of the most important tools enabling me to learn more and improve my photography throughout the years. You can really learn anything about anything from the online collections of videos at your disposal.”

The different perspective on the world that photography can provide interests him greatly.

“Changing the angle the image is taken at (for a unique composition), the shutter speed (time), and various other aspects of the photo can make a simple scene much more interesting,” he explains.

But photography has transcended beyond being just a pastime for Klein. He maintains a personal website (the URL to which is below), which he uses to promote himself and keep

Alex Klein has traveled extensively and his camera is always with him allowing him to capture this stunning image in the French Alps. track of his photos. “I think that having a website has been the best way to get my photography out there,” says Klein. “It also serves as a great way to continuously critique, narrow down, and keep a running album of my best photos.”

Instead of constantly uploading photos, he switches them out, constantly changing the content.

According to Klein, doing so is a lot easier than it sounds. “I usually will add new photos every time I think one deserves to go up there, at which point I will have to decide which photo for it to replace,” Klein says. “It really depends, and ranges from one new photo per month to about ten photos per month (over break and on vacation). It is very easy to maintain.”

The website helps Klein attract clients, which are much easier to take during the summer.

“Over the past two years I have continuously taken on more photography jobs which I do on the

weekends and sometimes after school,” he says. “I try to get as many jobs as possible that I still have time for during the school year, and over the summer I am able to take on many more.” The clients are certainly not sympathetic relatives: he takes actual, serious jobs. His clients include Charles River Apparel, Flash Stock and Flash Gear. “Some of these jobs include product photography, events, and taking photos for brands for advertisements or for social media.”

His site reveals the extent to which his skills go; under ‘services,’ Klein lists the exact jobs he’s capable of. From Product Photography, with Studio Product Photograph, Environmental Product Photography, 360 Degree Interactive Product, to Video Production, Photo Retouching and Editing, and Image Manipulation.

The photos on the site go beyond just the sports ones the Rivers community often

In addition to landscapes, people, and animals, Alex loves photographing adventure and sports.

sees in the paper or The Rivers view book. While the in-action hockey, basketball, and ski shots are still present, Klein takes a much more artistic route. Page titles include Action/Adventure, People, Night. His impressive mastery over the medium show clearly in his long-exposure shots of the night sky, breathtaking landscapes, and meaningful portraits. Many of his photographs were captured on trips to remote places in China, Alaska, Iceland, Peru and Israel.

The original art clearly shows Klein’s commitment to what he writes in the page description: “With almost 1.2 trillion photos being taken in the world in 2016 alone (or almost 40,000 a second), it can be hard to stand out among them, but I try to find the most unique angles possible when photographing my subjects.”

The question remains, where

is he going to take this talent?

According to Klein, the answer isn’t black and white. “I am still not entirely sure if I want to pursue photography as a career,” Klein says. “I want to take photography classes in college, but definitely do not want to do fine art or ‘museum’ photography.

I like the feeling of seeing my photographs in places that benefit from them, and so I am most interested in commercial photography. This would mostly include photography for advertisements and business websites.”

However, he still holds that wonder that first prompted him to pick up a camera. “I have always dreamed of being a National Geographic photographer, so that would be the ideal situation.”

You can see Alex Klein’s artwork hanging in galleries, or at his website: http://www. alexkleinphoto.com/.

A Vermont barn at night. The photo is far more effective in color.

Page 8

The Rivers Edge

Arts

January 25, 2017

Cast and crew prepare for musical “Children of Eden”

BY SAM BALDWIN ’16 ARTS EDITOR

Following up on a very successful production of Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” this fall, Rivers thespians are hard at work on the winter musical, “Children of Eden”.

The two-act musical, with lyrics and music written by Stephen Schwartz, a composer best known for penning “Wicked”, is based on a novel of the same name written by John Caird. The musical’s plot is based on the Old Testament’s Book of Genesis.

Performances are set to run on February 23rd and 24th at Regis College.

“Children of Eden is one of the lesser known musicals,” says Sara Stephenson ‘18 who plays the role of Yona, but the audience is sure to enjoy the story outlining the age-old conflicts between parents and their children in a heartfelt, emotional, and even some times humorous way.

The audience should be sure to look out for themes of free will, new beginnings, forgiveness, and love throughout the show, which tackles these ideas, among others, in a clever and (of course) musical way.

Despite the fact that “Children of Eden” is based on the tales of the Old Testament, the story is so much more than the typical religious stories outlined in Sunday School or Synagogue.

Nazel Hagen ’17, who plays Eve, believes that the musical has potential to inspire and entertain every audience member.

“For potential audience members, I would say although the show is based on the Old Testament, it is about so much more than religion,” Hagen explains. “It is about human nature and about how we live our lives, and I think everyone can relate to it regardless of your religious beliefs.”

Owen Pfannenstiehl ‘19, who is to act as the young Abel as well an an ensemble member in the show, says the show’s moral

The large ensemble cast is headed by Caleb Leeming (left, as Adam), Nazali Hagen (center, as Eve) and Joe Nedder (right, as their Father). Photo by A. Stephens. resonates. “[Children of Eden] the ensemble to Adam and Eve, organize the show, the cast memis about growing up and letting themselves, are anxiously awaitbers are working equally hard go and the songs are very moving the fast approaching final memorizing lines, choreography, ing.” He jokingly adds, “If your performance, which is bound to and blocking. parents are the controlling type, be a success due to the diligent “The production team is ultratake them to this musical,” nodefforts of the cast and the proorganized and keeping us on our duction team alike.

Christopher Holownia, direc“For potential “I’ve always loved tor of the musical, explained audience members, that putting on a production as the competitive inI would say although complex as “Children of Eden” tensity of sports, and the show is based on is no easy feat. through my time spent “When I go see a professional the Old Testament, it show, I often forget how much in the musical I’ve realis about so much more time, effort, sweat, and tears go mounting a production like ized that it requires just than religion. It is about into ‘Children of Eden’ because the as much intensity as a human nature and people on stage make it look so sport, just in different about how we live our easy. But there is so much that goes on during rehearsals and lives, and I think every- behind the scenes that the public ways.” isn’t privy to,” Holownia says. one can relate to it.”

- Sarah Stephenson ’18 - Nazeli Hagen ’17 “I’m just one piece of the puzzle; Mr. Bower does the music, Ms. Villagran and Callie Kamanitz ding his head at the numerous toes in terms of learning all of familial conflicts that the musical do the choreography, Ms. Weiner our lines and blocking and songs does the costumes, Mr. Leeming outlines. as rapidly as we can,” Hagen does the sets, Kate Knight and The cast of “Children of stated. “It’s a long show, though, Eden” has been tirelessly prepar- Maya Wasserman do the stage so we need it.” management, and other people ing since late November for the Every day, the cast attends do the lights and the sound.” production, and underclassmen packed rehearsals in which they While the team works to and upperclassmen in roles from work on singing, acting, danc-

The production of “Children of Eden” features a lot of elaborate staging with the large cast. Photo by A. Stephens.

ing, and stage blocking. Many of the talented and committed actors and actresses can even be found helping one another memorize lines in free moments during the school day. With the help of dedicated and passionate directors, cast members step out of their comfort zones, pushing themselves into new, unfamiliar roles and striving to be the best that they can be.

Tony Milne ’17, a veteran of several Rivers musicals, plays Japeth, and is one of many cast members to agree that the best thing about performing in musical theater productions is “being able to take on a new character and create a new personality on stage.” And in a show like “Children of Eden”, with so many rich and unique characters, each cast member will be granted the opportunity to step out of his or her comfort zone and fully immerse him or herself in the storyline.

Milne confirms this, stating: “The cast is working to put their own spin on the personalities of their characters.”

When asked why she loves musical theater, Stephenson compared her acting experiences to her involvement on Rivers’ soccer and lacrosse teams. “I’ve always loved the competitive intensity of sports, and through my time spent in the musical I’ve realized that it requires just as much intensity as a sport, just in different ways,” Stephenson says. “Experiencing both atmospheres has been such a rewarding experience for me.”

Whether you are an avid thespian, a friend or family member of a cast member, or just somebody looking for a source of entertainment that is emotionally moving and full of heart and energy, be sure to purchase your tickets for “Children of Eden”.

“The best feeling ever,” Stephenson says, “is when the theatre is full of people on both opening and closing night because the audience’s energy helps to enhance our own energy on stage.”

Many veterans of past Rivers musicals and plays are enjoying the spirited rehearsals.

January 25, 2017

The Rivers Edge

Arts

Page 9

Gallery exhibit showcases diverse array of student talent

BY SAMANTHA BALDWIN ’17 STAFF WRITER

Once again, the Rivers student body has astounded with their artistical talents. This December, a fresh wave of artwork filled the walls of the lower campus center and library room. Displaying a wide variety of technique, subject, medium, and composition, the art is certain to halt you in your tracks as you pass by.

Visually striking, the blackand-white prints bring a quiet solemnity to the gallery. David Freedman ‘17, Joelle Mentis ‘18, and Madeline Olton ‘18 are a few of the students employing the high-contrast medium. Not all of them are in the printmaking class, however. Says visual arts teacher Jeremy Harrison, “I was really happy to have not only the printmaking class. It also at least two kids in the advanced class did printmaking. It’s a process I really enjoy.”

The skill of the artists is evidenced by the more advanced techniques they use. “They start with a smaller one and move on to the 9x12s,” says Harrison.

“Then they move on to Intaglio, where you can get gradations.

They are on zinc plates, which is distinguished from block printing, where it’s either white or it’s black.”

Mentis added to her incredibly detailed print of an old man by then using watercolors to add soft color. The lovely blue background is unconventionally textured. “She got this texture by throwing salt on the paint while it’s wet. The paint then collect around the salt and creates the pattern.

The strength of the photography students is also well represented. Sofia Pacific ‘18 and Syd Epstein ‘17 show interesting and slightly abstract perspectives, and Eliza Baldini ‘17 and Alex Klein ‘18 take full advantage of

Pen and ink and watercolor portrait by Joelle Mentis ’18.

A detailed drawing by Seamus Cullen ’17.

the high-contrast nature of the photography to produce dramatic pieces, similar to the prints they hang next to. Harrison advises his students to take risks with their work: “In the digital photography class, an assignment is for students to create an abstraction by using point of view or cropping to fragment things so that the content is less important that the composition.” He asks them, “how can you look at an object or scene in a way that is unique or that Black and white photograph by Eliza Baldini ’17. others might have A unique sculpture by Matt Cronin ’19 not thought to look Strong, indeed. that. All of these assignments at?” is off-campus at a show at Leslie The artwork will not be for were about identity,” says HarEpstein’s passion for photogCollege, one would never guess very much longer, so be sure rison. “Some of my classes were raphy is clear in her stunning that these are the pieces that to stop by to see the incredible small, so there’s no double hangpaintings. She draws inspiration didn’t go. “There’s a lot of great work students have put in and the ing in here at all. The work in from the people around her. “I work that isn’t here because of amazing results. here is very strong.” am super into drawing to capturing human emotions and how we express ourselves and our identity. My main theme was trying to figure out my identity and how to express that through photography.” Her eerie and thoughtprovoking self-portraits show this dedication to understanding who we are, and Harrison agrees.

“She did a whole series of excellent self-portraits where she uses the concept of time and motion to create distortion and blur.”

The paintings that occupy the space also show a wide variety of subject and interests in the Rivers artist community.

Opposite to Senior Jermaine Samuels’ rendering of Drake hangs Caroline Phelps’ ‘18 beach scene, complete with foamy waves breaking on a shore. This Chair and table sculpture by Matt Cronin ’19, with pieces by Julia Slayne ’18 and Matt Longfield ’18. individualism and passion show in all the artwork.

All of the 2-D art is fascinating to look at, but the 3-D art literally fills the room with creativity. The quirky clocks that always make their way out of Rindy’s sculpture class again make an appearance. The brightly colored and functional pieces are tucked away under the stairs, but are absolutely worth a trip out of the way.

The ceramics in the gallery show a meticulous dedication.

Frankie Ferrara ‘17 and Meghan Gazard ‘18 both created beautiful vases that look as though they were recovered from an ancient society. Isabel Silvia ‘18 formed a beautifully decorated bowl with blue coloring dripping into the center. Kaitlyn Nadeau’s ‘19 slightly abstract box conjures up images of a galaxy with it’s lovely blue and purple coloring.

Some of the clocks made by students in Ms. Garner’s sculpture class last fall. Photo by A. Stephen Though some of the artwork

Page 10

The Rivers Edge

January 25, 2017

Sports

Girls’ and boys’ hockey teams both near top of standings

BY GRACE MONAGHAN ’17 SPORTS EDITOR

Coming off a successful 18-51 season last year, the girls’ varsity hockey team is off to another strong start and working toward a return to the NEPSAC tournament. The team is 8-2-2 on the year having already defeated a number of tough ISL and other prep school teams. Coach Malcom Spurling, now in his fourth year, has a decade of experience coaching for various New England girls’ teams, and his expertise will undoubtedly help these players in reaching their full potential.

The team is lead by captains Missy Segall ’17 and Emily Smith ’18. As there is only one senior, the leadership is shared among all the upperclassmen as they work to integrate the seven new freshmen who made the squad in December.

“Since we are at the beginning of the season we are trying to find our identity as a team. In addition, everyone is working on better communications to help each other both and off the ice,” said Coach Spurling.

In addition, the players have been working hard every day in practice in order to perform to the best of their ability in games.

“A typical practice includes working on individual skills at high tempo, including skating, passing, shooting, and team play,” Coach Spurling described of the team’s practice schedule.

This routine set the teams up for

success in their tournaments over break. They participated in both the Exeter and Southfield tournaments over break and performed very well, losing only one of the games they played in. The Red Wings have notched wins over Middlesex (twice, 2-0 and 6-1), Brooks, Proctor, KUA, St. Paul’s, and Hebron.

“In our team meeting we talked amongst ourselves of our team goals and expectations, leading with 100% effort 100% of the time,” Coach Spurling said. This goal is sure to continue to guide them throughout what is already a strong season.

Boys Varsity Hockey The boys’ varsity hockey team is off to a strong start this season, with a 13-3-1 overall record and 7-1 in the ISL. The team is lead

by Coach Shawn McEachern, who has been coaching the team for the past seven years. A former NHL player himself, McEachern has a vast amount of playing experience and wisdom to pass on to his players. And that, combined with a hefty amount of talent on the team, has been a recipe for much success.

The team is also headed by two senior captains, Mike Young ’17 and Brendan Hamblet ’17, both of whom have been on the team since freshmen year and are experienced players to say the least. This year’s team is also special in that there are eight seniors, including the two captains, who provide essential leadership for the underclassmen, both on and

Forward Billy Shea controls the puck during the Red Wings’ 5-1 over Groton. Photo by Janet Ciummei. off the ice. This also contributes to the tight team bond between the players, as many of them have been playing together for the past four years. Goalie Aidan Porter’18 has been very strong in net, helping the defense keep opposing teams at bay.

In this first month of the season, the team met with success both in practice and in games.

They make the most of their limited ice time during practice by working hard and efficiently.

“We try to be fast paced without a lot of standing around, and to work on our team concepts

Girls’ basketball 11-2 and rolling

BY ADAM NADDAFF-SLOCUM ’18 ASSISTANT EDITOR

The Rivers varsity girls basketball team has been a powerhouse within the ISL and New England over the past ten years.

While the team boasts many star players, they are captained by the trio of Emma Roush ‘17, Tess Sussman ‘18, and Marissa Tomaino ‘18.

The team is coached by Bob Pipe who was recently named the school’s Athletic Director, Science teacher Doc Meropol, and Rivers alumnus Tayra Melendez ’12. Pipe took over the girls basketball program in the 1999-2000 season, and it has since become a force to reckon with. Girls basketball is one of the top teams in New England, achieving three NEPSAC Championships from 2008-2012 and a near perennial contender for the ISL crown.

Tayra Melendez graduated Rivers in 2012 after being a prodigy on the girls’ basketball team. She was a member of the Puerto Rican national team and played division one at the URI. So while the team is rich with talent, they are also very well coached. “Our team chemistry is absolutely great, the girls get

along really well,” Melendez said.

Team chemistry is such an important aspect and has been essential to the team’s 11-3 record with losses to Worcester Academy and Nobles (nonleague), respectively.

Melendez is very pleased with the team’s win over Marianapolis Academy, and is eager to take on the challenging New Hampton School last Friday. When asked what it’s like to be on the flip side of the court, Melendez quipped: “It is very nice and different to be back as a coach. I’ve noticed the style of play is more up tempo, we have great shoot- Tess Sussman has been a key player ers, and it is nice to be a part for the Red Wings. Photo C. Riegel of a good team.” Melendez basketball, but also a very well remains very positive for the rest bonded team.” of the season is “looking forward Thankfully, the team is to keeping everyone healthy.” nearing full strength. January Sussman is a standout on the 17, 2017 was the first practice court and is on the recruiting where everyone on the roster was list of many D1 schools. Due to practicing. The girls are working multiple injuries, Sussman and a hard and on a well earned road to small core had to carry the load the playoffs. After New Hampearly in the season. “We had a ton, the next big test for the Red small roster to start out with, and Wings should be Nobles on Feb. then a bunch of people got hurt,” 17. If all goes well, the home Tussman explained. “We are a game could be another chance young team, with a lot of freshat an ISL title, so mark your men adjusting to high school calendars.

[while] at the same time keep our conditioning up,” said Coach McEachern. This has paid off in their games thus far, particularly in their victories over Thayer (54) and St. Sebastian’s (3-2), two teams that they lost to last season.

Their success continued into winter break when the team went 2-1 in the St. Sebastian’s tournament and followed up on that with a win over Phillips Exeter, a game they played at Boston University’s Walter Brown Arena.

The team then traveled out to Upstate New York where they beat Belmont Hill (3-1). In the their

first game of the 2017, Rivers took down Governors by a score of 3-0 in front of a home crowd in the MacDowell Arena.

The team has plenty of challenging opponents ahead, however, the team is looking forward to another exciting season of hockey and a chance to return to the postseason.

“Our goals are always to play the best hockey we can,” said McEachern. “We want to out work the other team and concentrate on our process. Our team is hard-working and talented so it should be a good season.”

Alpine skiing teams are ready to hit the slopes

BY GRACE MONAGHAN ’17 SPORTS EDITOR

Although they have not yet had a chance to perform in a race, this year’s alpine ski team is off to a promising start. The team is lead by Head Coach Tori Wilbur, who teaches middle school math, and Assistant Coach Sarah Freeman, who teaches middle school science. In addition there are three captains: Georgia Freeland ’18, Grace Bradley ‘18, and James Bradley ’17. These captains are proving to be an important source of leadership early on in the season.

“The captains have done a great job inviting new members of the team and integrating everyone into a team mentality,” commented Coach Wilbur.

Due to the unfortunate lack of snow, the team has been doing dry-land practices in preparation for their races, the first of which will be on Wednesday, 1/11. This training includes squats, lunges, sprints, and more. The team has also been able to go up to Nashoba

a few times to get real racing experience. This time gives the racers a chance to practice their technique and receive feedback from Coach Wilbur and Coach Freeman. Their practice at Nashoba is also essential in acclimating the newer members of the team to the sport. This year there are six new skiers, along with twelve returning ones.

“I am excited to see progress with some of our beginner racers this year. We have a mix of ability so it’ll be great season to watch growth,” said Coach Wilbur.

The teams of past years have met with a lot of success, most recently with the boys being the 2014 NEPSAC Champions. Coach Wilbur hopes that both the girls and boys teams will be able to keep up that success into this season.

“In the past, boys’ varsity has earned a lot of recognition and this year I look forward to the girls really shining,” Coach Wilbur said. Regardless of the outcome of the races, it is sure to be another fun season for both coaches and racers.

The Rivers Edge

January 25, 2017

Page 11

Sports

Basketball teams dominate spirited Holiday Tournament

BY CAM COBEY ’18 STAFF WRITER

The Rivers Holiday Tournament is one of the school’s strongest and most celebrated traditions, and this year’s certainly didn’t disappoint as it was filled with exceptional play and plenty of reasons to celebrate.

Among the teams that competed were Beaver Country Day School, The Gunnery School, Holderness School, Marianapolis Preparatory School, Millbrook School, Northfield Mt. Hermon School, Taft School, and Thayer Academy in a competitive pool for the boys and the girls. In the end, both Rivers’ teams claimed their championship titles. It was the second title in three years for the boys and an impressive ninth consecutive championship for the girls.

Led by head coach Keith Zalaski and captains Jermaine Samuels (who will suit up for Villanova next year) and Azar Swain (bound for Yale), the boys had high expectations for the year which they met during the Holiday Tournament.

They opened with a Thursday night game against The Gunnery School. Faculty, students and parents filled Benson Gymnasium for an electric first game, and they weren’t disappointed with the show the Red Wings put on.

“I thought we played our best basketball of the year throughout the tournament,” Zalaski commented. “I give a lot of credit to our fans who really energized us on Thursday night, and I think we carried that throughout the rest of the weekend. When we play with that type of energy and focus, I think we are a lot of fun

A large contingent of Rivers fans were treated to exceptional basketball during the Holiday Tournament in December. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams captured championships. Photo by Chip Riegel. to watch, and I know our guys are having a great time.”

The boys opened the game on a 21-0 run and didn’t go away. Throwdown dunks by Andrew Snoddy and Jermaine Samuels made Benson feel like the TD Garden. The final score was 89-50. This led to a second round matchup against Beaver on Friday resulting in another dominant performance, a 78-48 victory. A championship matchup with Thayer awaited. It was yet another case of the boys taking an early lead and not relinquishing it. It was the most competitive of the three games, but a 78-44 victory and another championship was claimed by Rivers.

Samuels (17 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals) and Swain (23 points,

5 rebounds, 2 assists) were coMVPs for the tournament with very impressive play throughout.

Although the two seniors stood out, Zalaski thought everyone contributed to the winning effort.

“It’s hard to pick out one or two guys that stood out for us in my eyes. I know that Jermaine and Azar played very well all weekend, but I truly feel that everyone stood out to me and had an impact on our success.”

It was an overall success for the boys and Zalaski was very proud of the boys’ performance.

The boys look to build off of their dominant wins in the tournament and play to their highest potential. “I like the attitude and effort that our guys have had,” Zalaski said. “We have played

well in stretches, but I still think we have our best basketball in front of us. I’m looking forward to working with the guys throughout the rest of the year and seeing us step up to the many challenges ahead.”

Rivers Girls’ Basketball The girls’ basketball team rolled to their 9th consecutive Holiday Tournament championship under head coach Bob Pipe, now in his 19th year as coach. With only one senior this year, captain Emma Roush (out with an ankle injury), and only a 10-player roster, the girls have really impressed this year, starting off the season 7-2. They kicked off the tournament with a game against Marianapolis, and

just like the boys game, Benson Gymnasium was rocking. The spirited presence of the Fan Zone propelled the girls to a gritty 60-51 win in their first game.

The atmosphere was what made the girls dig deeper and grind out a win against a formidable opponent. Four girls posted double-digit scoring in this semifinal affair. This led to a championship matchup with Northfield Mt. Hernon School on Saturday.

The girls got off to a slow start and found themselves down 13 at the half. But the team showed grit and stormed back though slowly cutting the deficit until it was neck and neck. Fiona Finn’s 18 points and 7 rebounds and Tess Sussman’s 16 points and 4 steals helped with that effort towards the end. It was a closely contested until the very end, but the girls came out on top with a 50-47 win and another Holiday Tournament Championship.

Sussman was named the MVP of the tournament and Finn was named to the All-Tournament Team. It was another huge win for the girls team, a perennial powerhouse in basketball. They hope to continue their success into the rest of the season and vie for a NEPSAC title.

The Holiday Tournament was yet another great weekend for Rivers and this enduring tradition. The student and faculty turnout was enormous, and fans were treated to what is becoming another tradition: Rivers basketball teams dominating their opponents. “(The atmosphere) makes me wish that we could get that level of energy in the gym at all times,” Caoch Zalaski said. “All in all, it was a special weekend.”

Boys’ hoops poised to make run at ISL, NEPSAC titles

BY ANNABELLE HASSELBECK ’20 CONTRIBUTING WRITER AND GRACE MONAGHAN ’17 SPORTS EDITOR

The 2017 boys’ basketball season is in swing, and it promising to be another exciting one.

The team is headed by coach Keith Zalaski, who teaches upper school math and has been coaching the team for two years.

The team is also lead by captains Azar Swain ’17 and Jermaine Samuels ’17, both of whom are coming off fantastic seasons last year, after which they were named All-ISL. However, despite their impressive individual accomplishments, it is their leadership skills that make them such integral components of the team.

“Jermaine Samuels and Azar Swain, our two captains, have continued to show that they are two of the best players in New England, but I am most excited to see how they are becoming tremendous leaders,” commented Coach Zalaski.

Aside from the two captains, there is an even mix of seven

returning players and seven new players, which contributes to a strong team dynamic.

“Our guys have really started to come together, and a lot of it can be attributed to all of the returners, as they model what it means to be a player on our team,” said Coach Zalaski. Some of these returning players include Derek Lamparelli ‘17 and Kyle Butler ‘19 who “have stepped into much bigger roles from last year,” Coach Zalaski noted. Tyler Aronson ’18 is also returning to the team, coming back from a recent knee injury suffered as QB for the football team. New to Rivers and the team this year are junior Andrew Snoddy and freshman Jay Dieterle, both of whom are in the starting line-up and adding another dimension to the team’s potent offense and stifling defense.

Eleven games into the season, the team is 12-1. Their only loss so far came early in the season, against a tough Belmont Hill team, although Rivers played without Aronson and were there-

Junior Tyler Aronson (point guard) is back in the line up and helping the team rack up wins. Photo by Chip Riegel. fore not quite at full strength.

47), BB&N (80-56) and Milton Since then, however, they rattled (61-56). Their wins - many by off nine straight wins, most more than 30 points - can be atrecently over St Mark’s (81tributed to the prodigious scoring

talent on the team as well as the high-level of intensity that each member of the team brings to both practices and games.

“We try to keep most of our drills competitive, when possible, as it generally brings out the best in them,” Coach Zalaski said.

The team was able to put this into practice during the Holiday Tournament. During this annual tournament, hosted by Rivers, the team competed against a number of ISL teams, in front of their enthusiastic home fans.

Impressive performances by each individual member of the team catapulted them to a victory.

“All in all, I think we have a really fun and dangerous team,” Coach Zalaski summed up.

Although the team will have to continue to work hard to reach their full potential, the talent and motivation of this group of players, as well as the excellent leadership of both coaches and captains, bodes for another great season and perhaps a run at the ISL title and a return trip to the NEPSAC finals.

Page 12

The Rivers Edge

January 25, 2017

Sports

Red Wings’ winter sports round up MS athletes enjoying first MS Boys’ Hockey

The Rivers Middle School boys’ hockey team is experiencing a great season as well.

Ten strong eighth graders have helped lead the squad to a solid 4-2 record. The boys are coached by former Rivers parent Greg Chalmers, only this year without the longtime help of Middle School science teacher Josh Shaller who is on sabbatical.

The talented group of skaters have notched strong wins over Arlington MS (4-1), BB&N (4-2), and Fay (4-3). Their two losses were competitive, especially the hard-fought match up against Fessenden (2-3). A number of the players are sure to make their mark at either the varsity or JV level in the future.

With ten games left in the season, Middle School boys hockey is heading for success.

JV Boys’ Hockey

The Rivers boys JV hockey team is off to a strong start this season. Coming off a successful 2015-2016 season, the team returns with a 16-man roster, including four-year veterans of the program seniors Joey Duffy, Aidan Byrne, and Henri Marius.

The first game was Dec. 10 against Thayer Academy which resulted in a strong 6-3 win. On Jan. 11, the team played a tough

match against an undefeated Fessenden School resulting in a 3-2 loss. The team is captained

by Joey Duffy and junior Matt Longfield, with the help of assistant captains Henri Marius and junior Austin Colena.

The team is coached by Dave McAdams and Chris Pisano, who are both new to the program.

Coach McAdams has a rigorous practice schedule and it is getting results.

“Our goal in practice is to get everyone comfortable with in-game situations, while also pointing out when things go good or bad so we can all improve-and once we get to the real thing it can be second nature,” McAdams said. “We’re most effective when everyone can contribute.”

The team has many more games ahead and both players and coaches remain very optimistic.

MS Girls’ Basketball

The varsity girls’ and boys’ hockey and basketball teams are not the the only winter sports squads dominating the competition. The Middle School Girls’ A Basketball squad is having a equally tremendous season on the court.

With a small roster of only nine players, the girls are taking down all teams in their path on

their way to a current 8-0 season thus far.

The three eighth graders on the team - Mia Folliard, Hannah Long, and Ellie McCarron - are showing strong leadership and, with their height, dominating in the paint and on rebounds. Four 7th graders and one 6th grader comprise the rest of the line up.

The girls are coached by current Rivers parent Robin Sallie (Tayja Sallie, an 8th grader, is playing varsity mostly). Coach Sallie has the team firing on all cylinders. Among their many highlights so far were a 56-34 win against Winsor School, a 30-18 victory over Nobles, and a 39-15 win against The Meadowbrook School. After downing Thayer 40-27 last week, the Middle School Red Wings had their closest test versus Dana Hall this past tuesday, but were able to pull out a 41-37 victory.

These tightly bonded girls will soon be great additions to the upper school programs. There are nine games left on the schedule, and the chance for a perfect season is in sight, however the Middle School Girls A Basketball team are simply focusing on their next opponent. Like the Pats like to say: One more.

- Adam Naddaff-Slocum ’18

year of Nordic skiing

BY SOFIA BUCKLE ’19 CONTRIBUTING WRITER

This year marks the start of the Middle School Nordic Ski team coached by Ms. ReganLoomis, an English teacher in the Upper School.The Middle school team is unique from the Upper School team because the team doesn’t compete due to the lack of competition. Students are taught how to ski to be ready for the competitiveness of the Upper School program, which is in its second year.

Practices for the sport are different from most. Besides skiing, the team works on balancing and conditioning with Coach Paul Sanclemente twice a week. The sport is incredibly demanding on the body so one must be in great shape.

Ms. Regan-Loomis is ecstatic to be the coach of the team. With her previous cross country skiing experience, she is excited to pass down her knowledge of the sport to the middle schoolers.

“I was so happy that Mr. Adams took the initiative to start an Upper School team,” Regan-Loomis said. “This is a

sport that most kids start later than they start team sports. We knew that if we could teach kids to ski well in middle school, they will enter the upper school as competitive skiers. But I also knew it would be good fun, and I am happy to have an excuse to be outside and on skis a few times a week.”

Every team faces challenges.

For this team, it includes being patient and not getting frustrated learning the sport. ReganLoomis believes that this sport is one of the hardest out there.

Quoting Outside magazine, she says “‘While technically it’s not as difficult to learn as downhill alpine skiing, Nordic skiing is almost unparalleled when it comes to required fitness.

Traveling quickly, often uphill, using both your arms and legs, makes it a true full-body workout. In fact, the highest VO2 max ever recorded was in the lungs of Norwegian Nordic skier Bjorn Daehlie.’”

Although this team is just starting out, its potential is evident. Ms. Regan-Loomis predicts by 2022, Rivers will have the best Upper School Nordic team in all of New England.

A potential list of exciting new sports Rivers could offer

BY ZACH ZHANG ’18 STAFF WRITER

Did you know that there was once a fencing team at Rivers?

If you didn’t, that’s okay.

Admittedly, it was last year, headed by yours truly, and had a strong roster of a whopping three people, all of whom we named captains. Sadly, due to various reasons such as funding, transportation and lack of interest, the Rivers fencing program was short lived. And most disappointing of all, we never did get those cool hoodies that everyone else seems to get in their “mainstream sports.”

But enough moping about me and my experiences with oneand-done, foreign, arcane and interesting sports pursuits - with the new year, let’s make like prophets and start looking to the future. Obviously, Rivers is extraordinarily lagging in the exotic and unusual sports department.

Sure, we’ve got our football, our volleyball, our hockey, and other sports, but everyone in the ISL knows and plays those sports. And let’s face it, at least in football, people know and play the sport better than we do, while simultaneously juggling sports we don’t even have - swimming, wrestling, and fencing (still salty about that one) among others are present at other ISL schools, while conspicuously absent from the sports curriculum at Rivers.

Clearly, advancing into 2017 will need the school to adapt new

methods and new sports to remain relevant to the 21st century.

Volleyball was a great start, but I suggest we take the trend even further, adding sports that both don’t draw the ire of SDon and offer unique options to those who might be otherwise uninterested in athletics. To that end, I’ve compiled a list of potential sports that Rivers should definitely look into and are mostly not made up: Archery. Who hasn’t wanted to be like Katniss Everdeen or Robin Hood and become a dashing rogue with a bow and arrow when they were growing up?

This might be the one closest to reality on this list since the Rivers Summer Camp actually does store archery equipment for use during the program, so it’s not a problem of money. Plus, it is an Olympic sport. Though it could be argued that it’s “unsafe”, so is basically every other sport at school, from hockey to football to basketball to lacrosse and so on. We’re not aiming at live targets - most of the time, bar the off-chance someone gets conscripted into the occasional competition to the death like those one two several book series. Mind you, given how nasty those hockey fights tend to be that might not be as far

off from reality as we like.

Wrestling. Another fun trivial tidbit about Rivers is that we also once had a wrestling team in the distant past, and the Black Box in Haff actually used to be a wrestling arena before being converted into a makeshift the-

ater, which clearly is only further proof that modern professional wrestling really is just all acting (Sorry, John Cena). That being said, wrestling is still a very real sport, and it’s also a very real possibility for Rivers to resurrect the team and rise to glory again - I mean, who would pass up the opportunity to fight and grapple people with the school’s permission, for once?

Canoeing/Kayaking/Literally any water sport. Please, we have a pond in our backyard at Rivers, as well as the various canoes, kayaks, docks and other

equipment to very well make this a reality, save for that one time the middle school assembles duct-taped cardboard boats and casts off at the end of each year, we almost never use the sizable water body (aka Nonesuch Pond) at our ready disposal. Granted, the water currently is nasty enough to make you grow a third eye or have a mutant baby when you’re older, but with time and care I’m sure this wouldn’t be an issue.

Quidditch. Perhaps the true sport of the future might really be found in the fictional past, with the Harry Potter sport that we all know and love being the right fit for us. Granted, there might not be any broomstick flying anytime soon, sadly, but quidditch is actually a real-life sport with its own rules and league, the International Quidditch Association. Yes, you still have to carry around brooms, and, yes, the snitch is actually a runner with a tennis ball attached with a sock on their back (I’m deadly serious, look it up), but not only is the sport co-ed, it’s composed of multiple working roles put together, meaning anyone and everyone can contribute to a team. It’s not like equipment will be an issue, at least, though the real question might be whether the funding comes from

the sports or janitorial department.

Underwater Basket Weaving.

Oh, come on, it’s a perfectly valid request. Colleges around the nation allow you to major in it, and while its audience is a bit smaller than people would like, it’s certainly more relevant than ever as a calming sport in our not so calming world. It plays exactly as it sounds: the athlete dons scuba gear, dives underwater and in the shortest given time possible weaves a usable container for later use. Sure, equipment might be an issue, but I’m sure some scuba gear and decent weaving material can’t be as expensive as shelling out for equipment for an entire football/ hockey team.

I’m certain there are several other sports that I’m missing, it’s a start. Yes, Rivers provides an obscene amount of opportunities and options for everyone in just about everything already, but my point is that it couldn’t possibly hurt to have even more exotic choices for us to pursue.

I honestly never thought that I would ever be a sporty person by any measurement, but fencing (at least for me) really changed that, and if someone suddenly finds they really like archery/underwater basket weaving/quidditch where previously they might’ve never touched a sport their entire life, then it’d all be worth it.

At the very least, it wouldn’t hurt to get the fencing team back.