Stuck@Webb

Stuck@WEBB By Isa Hill '20

When the news hit that Webb was closing for the semester and that students would have to take classes remotely, it was a shock for everyone. We, at Webb, are not accustomed to change. For some, home was not an option due to an at-risk relative, hands-on thesis, or other reasons. Thankfully, our Webb family was here to help. Seventeen students stuck around on campus, and we experienced a whole new Webb.

First, nearly all of the staff left campus. Those of us who remained had to take on a lot of the responsibilities of the staff that can no longer come in to support the campus. Chef Rob still cooked during the week, but we took over evening cleanup and dishes and cooking our own meals on the weekends. Some of the staff who stayed on campus, including Josie, Marissa, President Michel, and Rhonda took on new chores as well.

Another new aspect of life on campus was that a small group took over the whole place, including the new building. We spread across campus to study, we had use of the whole school’s pub and student kitchen (SK) stock, and we used every couch and television on campus. Some have taken this to a greater extreme than others.

A new set-up in the Senior Classroom.

Though so much was different, and the campus was quite a bit emptier, some things never change at Webb. For one thing, the beautiful campus bloomed in spring and transitioned into summer with no care for coronavirus.

Another thing that never changes is that we found ways to get away from our work. With the run of campus, and no way to leave, we have thrown some mini versions of spring parties and taken on campus improvement projects. Social Committee representative Mary McGuinness '20 planned a beach barbecue in place of Webbstock and a murder mystery party in place of the usual Gatsby-themed formal. Though these could never

A Sunset, as seen from the Bollinger Courtyard.

substitute sharing the usual traditions with the rest of the school, they have helped us make our weekends fun!

Campus improvement has included cleaning out storage spaces and fixing broken things, as well as working on the Peggy Michel Memorial Gazebo. Most of the students and staff on campus have helped out with the gazebo. It has been rewarding to contribute to the campus Construction on the Peggy Michel and to learn about Memorial Gazebo. construction from President Michel, who has a love and talent for woodworking.

We have missed the rest of our Webb family this semester, and we wish we could have had our usual spring party line-up, but we’ve found a new way to live at Webb. We have learned to adapt to the new Webb: to clean up after ourselves, to share everything from snacks to school supplies, to stay in touch with the outside world only through our computers (okay so not much has changed there), and to support each other through this crazy time. Though the semester didn’t look quite like it normally does, the Webb family has continued both on and offcampus. All our love to our family, friends, and classmates at home!

The Murder Mystery Party, where Mike DeNapoli '20 was the killer.