Celebrating 50 Years of Student Voice
THE RIVERS EDGE Vol. L, Number 3
The Rivers School, Weston, MA
Remembering Mr. McCartney
March 6, 2020
School mourns sudden passing of beloved teacher, mentor, advisor, family man, and friend
Students, teachers pay tribute to McCartney BY RYAN JOHNSEN ’20 ASSISTANT EDITOR
Rivers was cast into sorrow at the start of January with the sudden loss of Daniel Joseph McCartney, one of the hearts of the school, who passed away on Jan. 4th due to complications from a chronic illness. McCartney was one of the most beloved faculty members to come through Rivers and his loss has been deeply felt. A popular math teacher here for 16 years, the chair of the department for eight, as well as an incredible advisor, mentor to younger faculty, and one of the Rivers’ loudest cheerleaders, Mr. McCartney touched the hearts of many. Perhaps science teacher Michael Schlenker summed it up best: “I feel like the heart of Rivers has been ripped out.”
The impact he had on Rivers students, past and present, as well as everyone else in his life, was more than evident in the huge crowds drawn to the services. More than 1000 people passed through Lane Funeral Home in Winchester to attend his wake on Friday, Jan. 10. Some waited upwards of three hours in the cold just to enter the home. Just as many attended his funeral at St. Raphael Church in Medford as his family gave moving and beautiful tributes to the man who meant so much to so many. “The number of lives he changed in the time he was given will forever amaze me,” remarked senior Ryan Rahbany, one of his students. “He shared so much joy with the world and I am eternally grateful for the time we had together.” Continued on page 6
“He made everyone whose lives he touched feel special and known, making him a true embodiment of Rivers at its best.” - Leslie Fraser, Math, Dean of Faculty
“He always left such a positive and happy impact on every space he was in. Mr. McCartney was the heart of this school and we should strive
as a community to model his legacy.” - Mr. McCartney’s Advisory
‘The world has lost an incredible person’
It is an honor to speak on behalf of my family, especially my mother, as we celebrate the life of my father, Daniel Joseph McCartney. The past few days have been unimaginable. The world has lost an incredible person, and life will forever be divided
between a time when my dad was with us and now. During the past several days, many people have told us that they cannot imagine a world without Danny. It is hard to put into words his larger-thanlife personality and how much he meant to so many different people. My Aunt Kathy spoke for many when she said, “My best days were spent with him.” A Rivers faculty member shared that “the heart of Rivers has been ripped out.” His good friend and best man Jack Richard noted, “Sometimes the universe gives us a light so bright it can’t sustain itself forever.” My mother summarized how we all feel when she told her three children, “He was my best Continued on page 6
BY THE MCCARTNEY FAMILY
The following is the eulogy Steph McCartney, Mr. McCartney’s oldest daughter, delivered at his funeral on Jan. 11 on behalf of her family. Steph graduated from Rivers in 2008 and served as a co-editor of The Edge and was a member of the varsity soccer team. She graduated from Harvard and Harvard Business School and now works in consulting at Bain & Company.
Newly opened Revers Center gets high marks from all “Stunning.” “Innovative.” “Insane.” These are three of many adjectives that Rivers students have used in describing the brand new Revers Center for Science and Visual Arts. In a short 18 months, the Rivers community watched as the $23 million, 34,000-square-foot Revers Center rose right before its eyes. It watched as the turf
football field disappeared piece by piece. It watched while the foundation was poured followed by steel beams airlifted and welded together. It watched as walls and windows were built and placed. The Rivers community waited patiently for the day that it could enter the building and start the next chapter of Rivers’s great legacy. Before its grand opening, Rivers students had generally deduced what the new Revers Center would look like because Head of School, Ned Parsons,
had spoken excitedly of ambitious plans for tall ceilings, abundant light, quiet study spaces, and large art galleries. Students certainly had some idea of the new building, yet no one knew truly how integral the space would soon become to the Rivers campus and community. Soon after its opening, the Revers Center’s impact on Rivers became abundantly clear. Students immediately expressed admiration and appreciation for the new spaces. Sophomore Natalia Ramos said that she is
“in shock of how awesome the building is.” One of these, as Ramos puts it, “awesome” attributes, is the new building’s seemingly skyscraping ceilings. They allow for vast quantities of light to cascade across the atria, and even on dark and rainy days, the building seems to be awash in natural light. Furthermore, several of the visual art classrooms on the first floor all sport large interior window panels that allow student artists at work to be viewed by passersby.
The other amazing features of the building are nearly 20 stateof-the-art classrooms and student meeting spaces. The Revers Center is now home to not only the Science and Visual Arts departments, but also to select English, foreign language, math, and history classes that reside in the six interdisciplinary classrooms on the first floor. Because each department hosts classes in the new building, it has become a sort of academic Mecca on campus. A Continued on page 3
AP US Government class puts curriculum into action with visit to Kennedy Institute. Page 3
Kloman: Do yourself and humanity a favor: put down your phone. Page 5
Winter Musical Review: Talented cast, crew, and direction make Legally Blonde a stunning success. Page 8
Strong season for girls’ hockey as they vie for 2nd straight title; Boys’ hoops hope to make tournament run. Page 10
ISL take notice: Basketball star Cam Tongue’ 21 has become a dominant force on the court. Page 12
BY MEREDITH SHAH ’21 ASSISTANT EDITOR
I N S I D E
NEWS
OPINIONS
ARTS
SPORTS
AROUND CAMPUS
The Rivers Edge
Page 2
March 6, 2020
News
Alumni tell seniors about “Life Beyond Winter Street”
Stroum has become very close with the seniors and is a friend to many. “He’s one of the most hardworking and respectful faculty at the school,” said Donald Sivolella ’20, who has come to know Stroum well through baseball. “Whether it be on the field or walking around campus, it is apparent that Mr. Stroum treats students with respect and wants the best for them.” After a warm welcome by Stroum, Chris Whittier ‘07 kicked off the event with a speech about his path to the career that he ended up with today. Whittier, a graduate of Johns Hopkins undergrad and MIT graduate school, talked about his time at Rivers and how prepared he felt for college. He specifically described watching others
struggle to write English papers his freshman year at Hopkins, and thinking about how routine it became for him after all the papers he wrote at Rivers. Whittier then went into further detail about working at Blackrock, the world’s largest investment firm with $7.4 trillion under management. Whittier served as with the firm’s senior management, attempting to identify and execute opportunities for growth. However, Whittier then added that he didn’t like his time working as VP at Blackrock, and went back to school at MIT’s Sloan School of Management. As he spoke, Whittier’s theme became apparent: do what you want to do for work, not what is going to be the most lucrative. After passing up the Blackrock title, Whittier said that he felt
relieved and became excited for what was ahead after MIT. Most importantly, he became excited to do work that he had real interest in. Shortly following Whittier’s speech, students and alumni headed to the Revers Center for Science and Visual Arts to talk to the alumni in smaller group settings. Among the alumni included was Julia Williamson Robinson ’02, who graduated from Hamilton College and is the owner and founder of Modern Barre Fitness studios. Robinson, an athlete throughout her time at Rivers, attended Bates College her freshman year until transferring to Hamilton for the remainder of her college years. Robinson talked about the many different jobs she had after college; but, the realization that she couldn’t sit at a desk is what sparked her idea for Modern Barre Fitness studios. Robinson has grown her business to meet the demand, and now has storefront locations in Chestnut Hill and West Acton, as well as one satellite location at New Balance Fitness Club in Brighton. Students who spoke with Robinson got a glimpse into the daily life of owning a small business and what it is like to do what you love. One common theme throughout the night was the idea that Rivers alumni care for each
whether that be through grade nights, extracurricular activities, or school trips. Our findings conclude that students from less affluent families find it difficult to navigate such expectations of community involvement. One student writes, “Oftentimes, people just assume that I will go on trips or ask me why I wouldn’t want to travel somewhere new without considering the fact that it would be a large and unfeasible economic burden for my family, even with financial aid.” Each time we present an assumably fun event or trip without acknowledging how an individual’s socioeconomic status might affect their perception of such an event, we risk further isolating a group of our community that struggles with our expectations of community involvement. The second trend we discovered was students’ feeling their socioeconomic status impacts their social interactions at Rivers. One responder mentions that, “although [the dynamic is] not necessarily hostile, there are certainly power dynamics within the school when it comes to socioeconomic status.” Another student writes, “I believe my socioeconomic class shapes a lot of my friendships
at Rivers because I can’t afford to do the activities many of my classmates can.” Multiple responders referenced how their lower socioeconomic status disallows them from forming relationships outside of school with those of higher socioeconomic status. Many students of lower socioeconomic status feel burdened by their class at school. One student mentions how it is easier for someone to come to terms with their sexuality here than it is to “come out” as someone with lower socioeconomic status. “I often feel really poor at rivers, despite my immense privilege in the larger scheme of things,” writes one student. So much of this burden or shame comes from the system of silence around socioeconomic status and wealth we have all created here. At the beginning of each year, we discuss how Rivers is a community in which students support each other through success and difficulty. For the majority of us, it might be more comfortable to not speak about wealth. But, if students arrive at school every day ashamed of their socioeconomic status, we are not succeeding in our pursuit of becoming the most supportive
and inclusive community we can be. We asked faculty and staff how socioeconomic status impacts their experiences as educators at an affluent school and discovered strong trends in their responses. 80% of the faculty who completed the survey expressed that socioeconomic status impacts their experience as a faculty member at Rivers, and 6.7% responded that socioeconomic status might have such an impact. “Like it or not,” one faculty member writes, “I believe that my socio-economic status most impacts who I relate to the most on campus, and who can probably relate the most to me—both in terms of past experiences and current. This applies to relationships both with other adults on campus, and with students.” After analyzing faculty responses, we realized that some faculty members experience the same social stigmas around socioeconomic status that students undergo. Many faculty members share the same worry students have about transportation to and from outside-of-school events and what sacrifices must be made in order to ensure their attendance: I feel there is an assumption that all faculty have the same ex-
BY TOMMY KANTAROS ’20 CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
During a time of year when many seniors might be focused more on the college process or longing for the rite of passage known as “senior spring,” the Alumni and Advancement Office hosted a special event on Jan. 30th designed to give the graduating class a glimpse of what life is like after Rivers. The program, “Rivers Connect: Life Beyond Winter Street”, began last year and, according to those in attendance this year, it was a big success. Beginning promptly at 6:00 p.m., members of the Class of 2020 and approximately 27 Rivers alumni gathered in the Campus Center to enjoy a feast of Chinese food prepared by Chef Clancy. For approximately 30 minutes, students enjoyed the fresh dumplings and General Tso chicken while given the opportunity to chat with alumni in a casual setting and learn about post-Rivers and post-college experiences. After dinner, Director of Alumni Marc Stroum made his way to the stage to introduce the alumni and himself to all in attendance. Stroum is a Rivers graduate of the Class of 1998 and the Director of Alumni Engagement, as well as a volunteer assistant coach to the varsity baseball team. Overall, Mr.
Alumni Cathleen Connors ’09 and Lenny Bautista ’09 (behind Connors) talk to seniors during the annual “Rivers Connect: Life Beyond Winter Street” event in January. Photo by M. Stroum ’98.
other and the alumni network is strong and widespread, even global. James Greenslit ‘02 emphasized this idea through his own experience. Greenslit, a highly accomplished threeseason varsity athlete at Rivers, talked about how graduating as a soccer and basketball player from Wheaton, he had initial troubles finding a job. He said that it wasn’t until he reached out to a fellow member of the broad Rivers community that he got his first real job. After speaking to alumni, senior Pat Lawn summed up the night as a “remarkable experience,” and one that “[he] will not forget anytime soon.” And, many seniors shared the exact same feeling as Lawn. With only a few short months left of attending Rivers, seniors were awakened by the very true reality that things will be very different next year at college. Being able to talk to recent graduates who were in their shoes not long ago captivated the entire Class of 2020. All agreed that the night turned out to be a huge success. The ability for seniors to talk to alumni about the real world college and beyond - proved to be meaningful and memorable to many. The themes of “do what you love” for work and “stay connected to Rivers” will for sure not leave the minds of the seniors anytime soon.
BRIDGE survey examines impact of socioeconomic status BY TALIA DAVIS ’21 CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Over the past several weeks, BRIDGE has conducted surveys and held meetings to better understand what role—if any—socioeconomic status plays in the student and faculty experience at Rivers. We began our second student/ faculty meeting, “Breaking the Silence: A Student-Teacher Dialogue on Socioeconomic Status at Rivers,” by sending out a two-question survey with the following question and space for elaboration: Do you believe your socioeconomic status shapes your experience at Rivers? We asked students how socioeconomic status impacts their school interactions and participation in our community and found that 52% of students who completed the survey felt socioeconomic status impacts their Rivers experience, and 26% of students believe socioeconomic status might have that same impact. The first trend we noticed was with students expressing issues with affording our out-of-school events; specifically, transportation to and from school events was a critical issue. Our school expects each student to be involved with the community,
pendable income laying around to accommodate what is convenient for the most privileged at our school. It’s frustrating and stressful. When attending after school events, I often need coverage for my kids outside of regular school hours. I sometimes choose not to bring up [my life outside of school] because I don’t want others to feel uncomfortable. Although the conversation about socioeconomic status brings polarizing discomfort for many, the responses we received demonstrate how we must have this conversation. In order for our community to truly thrive and become the most inclusive community we can be for each and every one of our community members, we must break the silence. Socioeconomic status (high or low) is never something to feel embarrassed or ashamed about, and our conversation on the disparities of socioeconomic status in our community must be continued. BRIDGE intends to continue programming around socioeconomic status in our next student/faculty meeting to uncover how we, as a community, can improve the student and faculty experience here.
The Rivers Edge
March 6, 2020
Page 3
News
AP US Gov. visits Kennedy Institute for Senate simulation BY MAX MEYERHARDT ’21 STAFF WRITER
The philosophy of most academic departments at Rivers is to give students real-world applications to what they’re studying in the classroom. For proof, look no further than the AP U.S. Government and Politics classes, which recently traveled to the Edward M. Kennedy Institute. For the first time, the classes, taught by Will Mills and Arturo Bagley, decided to visit the institute for the purpose of allowing their students a chance to apply the knowledge they’ve learned in the classroom by taking part in a United States Senate simulation. Having visited the institution in Dorchester last year, Mr. Bagley “thought [taking students there] would be a great experience and allow them to apply their learning to the real world.” Regardless of a state’s population, the United States Senate is comprised of two elected senators from each state. Each senator serves a six-year term and their power allows them to vote on treaties, conduct impeachment trials (a power only used three times including this past year), and confirm the swearing-in of numerous governmental employees, such as
Cabinet appointees and Supreme Court justices. Although most US students learn these facts in various history classes at one point or another, diving deeper into the legislative branch of the government through simulation offered a unique lesson. The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate offers immersive experiences that enables its visitors to act as reallife U.S. senators for a day and engage in realistic simulations of daily tasks and problems a U.S. senator may face throughout his or her term. The main focus of the Rivers trip, which took place on Tuesday, Feb. 18, was the near 2.5 hour Senate Immersion Module Program run by the students themselves. “Students were sworn in as senators and debated laws dealing with the subject they chose--how humans with superpowers should be treated,” Mr. Bagley said. Senior student Donald Sivolella described the class field trip as “very engaging.” “We took advantage of the unique opportunity the trip provided and found it interesting to be able to experience what a senator does in the chamber,” Sivolella said. “Not only did we utilize debate skills, but also skills in-
volving teamwork and compromise. I think we all felt really lucky to be able to take part in a real life simulation such as this.” Mr. Bagley described one of the many interesting simulations Rivers students used to deepen their understanding of the responsibilities that come along with such a position. “Each visitor becomes a member of the Senate through the use of an e-tablet on which he/she chooses which state they wish to represent and which party they wish to belong to,” Bagley said. “The new Senators are then taken to the institute’s replica of the chamber and seated at their proper desks on the Senate floor. An actual issue the Senate is considering is presented and institute facilitators present both sides of the issue, allowing students to ask questions and make their statements afterwards. The final vote is cast on their e-tablets, with the results tabulated on a screen behind the Senate chamber.” Students also observed facilitators at the Institute through speeches and videos as they reenacted real deliberations of historic issues that have come before the U.S. Senate over the years. Students learned that the role of the U.S. Constitution is to ensure
Tommy Kantaros ’20, Donald Sivolella ’20, and Nico Campana ’20 stand in the Edward M. Kennedy institute in Dorchester and argue for their bill in a mock senate simulation that took place on Feb. 18th. that the tasks of Congress are conducted thoroughly and fairly, which may answer why so many bills never pass. “Being able to experience the attempts at a compromise that Senators face in the real world today caused me to see the reality in why it is tough to pass a piece of legislation quickly.,” said senior Tommy Kantaros. He is appreciative of this realworld application to the material he is learning in the classroom: “Overall, my understanding about government and specifically the
Senate has increased thanks to the simulation,” Kantaros said. At the end of the module, the newly inducted Rivers senators discussed the bill they were arguing for, or against, and voted on whether to pass it or not. An activity members of the classes thoroughly enjoyed. “The importance of such a fun and educational trip,” said Mr. Bagley, “is the immersive experience that allows for the students to connect to the material in a more direct and personal way.”
The new Revers Center has quickly become the place to be Continued from page 1
place where students of all disciplines take classes side by side, where before, department classes were in separate buildings. In between classes, the halls of “The Rev” buzz with the sounds of the shared lessons and ideas of all departments. In the past, Statistics students would never have taken class neighboring Art History students, and there was never one building on campus that could perpetually host the number of different classes that the new building can. Though all of the other departments enjoy the new space, the building’s primary foci are the Visual Arts and Science departments. The visual arts now take up nearly a whole floor in the Revers Center, where before it was spread across campus in old, dark classrooms. The art faculty now leads Rivers’ young artists in expansive and pristine classrooms with large windows and brand new supplies. Art-centric students have rejoiced. “It’s really exciting to be in the new space where there is so much more natural light, but I am more excited for the new building to get messier and more lived in,” said sophomore Lucy Tonthat. Senior artist Lauren Barich added: “I love the art environment, it picked up perfectly where Haynes left off...it’s beautiful.” Students can now pursue drawing and painting in class-
PIC
After opening for classes on Jan. 7th, the Revers Center for Science and Visual Arts has been heralded by students and teachers alike, and has had a huge impact of the academic, cultural, and daily life at Rivers. Photo by Adam Richins
rooms dedicated to and specifically set up for those artistic media. The two-dimensional art studios, for example, are fully equipped with standing, table, and portable folding easels to allow students to create their work in the way that they prefer. Furthermore, Rivers’s sculpture program has undergone an upgrade from the small basement neighboring Haffenreffer gym to a large and airy sculpture suite, and the new ceramics classroom has 50% more wheels than the previous classroom did. “It is nice that the art department is all under one roof,
it allows us to explore more collaborative projects,” said art teacher Nicole Winters. “I’m most excited to integrate interdisciplinary learning even more in the new building.” The Science Department is also relishing its new spaces. The science program was previously relegated to the Lewis Math and Science Center, a building that now seems far too small to ever hold the entire department. Now the science faculty has a domain of six laboratory classrooms, four lab prep spaces, an advanced guided research lab, and an entire digital fabrication
studio that enhances Rivers’s engineering program. The high ceilings in the main atrium enable junior physics classes to test their egg drop projects, and the ample whiteboard space in each classroom is ideal for extensive chemical equations. According to Jeffrey “Doc” Meropol, head of the Science Department, the new building is “a happy place to spend your day.” Admissions tours also now must include the Revers Center, an addition that lengthens the full-campus tour time from thirty minutes to nearly forty-five. Red Key tour guides now have the
added task of remembering all of the key points and facts about the new building, like that it is home to eight new three-dimensional printers, a ceramic printer, a living wall, and debatably floating stairs. Spoiler: they do float. Ultimately, the Revers Center for Science and Visual Arts has been met with wide acclaim. Students and faculty alike value the building for not only its functionality, but also its immense beauty. The building will bring about a time in Rivers’ history that is marked by academic excellence and innovation on entirely new levels.
Page 4
The Rivers Edge
March 6, 2020
EDITORIAL
Finding the good during a time of incredible loss There are no words to describe what it feels like to lose someone you love simply because losing someone is bigger than words are capable of expressing. It’s shocking, hard to comprehend, terribly sad, and leaves people feeling helpless and bewildered. It’s like being force fed a pill you never had any intention of taking. How will I go on? How will life ever be the same without them? The truth is, if you truly loved someone, the impact of their loss will always be with you. You will think about them when you least expect it and crave their presence during hard times and exciting ones. You will wonder if the afterlife exists and if that person is in fact looking down and watching over you. You will try to fill the void left by their absence with other people, other hobbies, other places, but there will always be an empty chair you wish they’d sit in or an open doorway you wish they’d walk through. Death, however, is inescapable for us all. We must, as a very wise man once said, “find the good” in every situation, even those we wish with our entire beings we could reverse. Part of being a human is feeling a connection to others, and alongside that, feeling pain from separation and loss. Pain controls our emotions in a sort of way that, almost alarmingly, takes over our being. We cry or get angry, and for once in our lives we don’t care who sees. Although no one enjoys being sad, it’s important to see how sorrow and mourning makes us remarkably and beautifully human. It’s supposed to be difficult, though. It shows us we have compassion, empathy, sorrow, yearning, respect, care, and so much more for that person who’s no longer with us. It shows how much they meant to us. We cry because we miss them - maybe more than anything we’ve ever missed - but in sorrow’s wake there is often a laugh, a smile, a memory. You need to feel all the emotions that come with loss: the good, the bad, and the ugly. It’s okay to mourn. Everyone is allowed a mourning period, and you should take as long as you need. Along with that, give yourself time to remember the memories you made with your loved one - the friend, the relative, the teacher - and the lessons you learned, the impact they had on you. In the end, that is what will stay with us as we transition to happier days. We always want more because no time will ever be enough, but cherishing the time you have with someone, telling their stories, laughing at their jokes, eating their favorite foods, is, in a way, more time with them. You carry on their legacy and their memory, and that, that is so wonderfully good.
Opinions & Editorials
My pronous are they/them/theirs BY TAYJA SALLIE ’21 CONTRIBUTING WRITER
My name is Tayja Sallie, though many people call me T. You may have seen me playing basketball or cello on campus. Though to some this may not come as such a huge surprise, I feel the need to come out about this publicly so that everyone is on the same page. I am nonbinary. Nonbinary is an umbrella term for a gender identity which includes being a combination of male and female gender identity or neither of those. Along with this, my pronouns are they/ them/theirs. This means that when referring to me in the third person, instead of using she/her/hers pronouns, e.g. She plays the cello, one would reference me by using they/them/ theirs pronouns, e.g. They play the cello. The reason I have not come out to everyone before now is mostly because it becomes a tiring and awkward process to repeatedly tell everyone you meet that “oh, by the way, I’ve changed my pronouns.” However, this space provides the perfect opportunity to announce that my pronouns are now they/ them/theirs. I would also appreciate it if anyone who somehow happens to read this article would let those around them
know of this change. Respecting people’s pronouns shows your respect for the person and their gender identity. When you misgender someone, that is, fail to use someone’s correct pronouns, it can leave the person feeling invalidated and disrespected. Unintentional mistakes are obviously going to happen, but
Respecting people’s pronouns shows your respect for the person and their gender identity. When you misgender someone, that is, fail to use someone’s correct pronouns, it can leave the person feeling invalidated and disrespected. you can easily remedy this by replacing the incorrect pronoun with the correct one. When you intentionally misgender someone, not only is that invalidating to the targeted person, it is also hurtful and disrespectful, and no one appreciates that. One clarification that I would like to make is the distinction between gender identity and sexual orientation. Although these aspects of identity are
The Rivers Edge
Co-Editors-in-Chief Assistant Editors Staff Writers
This Day in History March 6th
1475 - Michelangelo was born 1820 - The Missouri Compromise Signed 1836 - The Battle of the Alamo 2012 - A woman from Nebraska sells 3-year old McNugget resembling George Washington for $8,100 on eBay. Today is National Oreo Cookie Day!
tied to one another, they are two separate concepts. Gender identities include (but are not limited to) cisgender (a gender identity that matches one’s sex assigned at birth), transgender (a gender identity that differs from one’s sex assigned at birth), nonbinary (a gender identity that doesn’t fit into the gender binary of male and female), and genderfluid (a gender identity that fluctuates between different genders). Sexual orientation, such as straight, gay, bisexual, and pansexual, relies on the relationship between one’s own gender identity and the gender identity of the people they are attracted to. I am aware that some of you may have more questions about all of this, and while I am open to discussing this matter further in a private environment (there are a few other aspects to this discussion that I prefer not to disclose in this setting), there are also other members of the community who would be happy to answer further questions, namely Lucy, the club leader of GSA, and GSA club advisor Ms. Mertsch. Though they do not share my personal experience, they are both able and willing to answer further general questions about gender and sexuality.
Faculty Advisor
Tommy Kantaros ’20 Julia Larkin ’20 Ryan Johnsen ’20 Meredith Shah’21 Will Conway ’21 Sofia Buckle ’20 Charley Foley’22 Annabelle Hasselbeck ’20 Sam Lyons ’22 Max Meyerhardt ’21 Brooke Nelson ’20 Ryan Rahbany ’20 Alex Stephens
Contributing Writers: Talia Davis ’21, Kendall Diamond ’21, Amanda Gary ’22, Alex Hiatt ’21, Natalie Kloman ’23, Hannah Lapides ’22, Dana Lowitt ’23, Ellis Mandell ’21, Donald Sivolella ’20, Tayja Sallie ’22 Photography: John Hurley, Janet. Ciummei, Adam Richins, Chip Riegel, Marc Stroum ’98 THE RIVERS EDGE is published by the students of The Rivers School. THE EDGE is an open forum for the news, events, ideas, issues and concerns of the student body. Letters and contributions from the entire Rivers community - students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni - are welcomed and encouraged. Unsigned letters will not be published, but names will be withheld upon request. Please send letters to The Editors, THE RIVERS EDGE, The Rivers School, 333 Winter Street, Weston, MA 02493.
March 6, 2020
Page 5
The Rivers Edge
Opinions
When quitting seems the easiest option, ‘keep chopping’ BY DONALD SIVOLELLA ’20 CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The following is the speech Donald delivered at All School earlier this year. The senior will be attending NYU next fall and playing baseball. ver since I can remember I have loved sports. From following my favorite teams and players to competing myself, I thoroughly enjoy every bit of it. Most importantly, though, sports have taught me never to take anything for granted and to always believe in myself. When I was eight years old, I had just moved to Wellesley from New Jersey and had the opportunity to play baseball for my town’s summer travel team, which happened to be coached by legendary Rivers alum and current parent and Wellesley resident Gary Todd ’84. Joining me that summer was a kid named Harry Clark, who, at a young age, changed my perspective on life and continues to do so today. When Harry was five years old, he was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor. With slim chances to even survive, Harry persevered and after three years, countless operations, and damaged vision, he was sitting next to me on the bench at our game.
E
Harry is one of the biggest baseball fans I know. Throughout middle school, he took me to many Red Sox games, and he even got a chance to announce Big Papi’s name as he was coming to bat. For a kid like Harry, who has fought so hard for his life, to find joy in a game like baseball is surreal to me. Harry inspires me to play my hardest and work my tail off with no excuses because I know he would give anything to be able to step on that field. Like Harry, baseball is my favorite sport without a question, but following my favorite college football team, Rutgers, has taught me similar lessons. In October 2010, in a game against Army, a Rutgers special teams player, Eric Legrand, suffered a spinal cord injury going in for a tackle, causing him to be paralyzed from the neck down. Although this is a devastating and unimaginable injury, Legrand has kept a stellar attitude and stayed hopeful. With the entire Rutgers community supporting him, Legrand and Coach Greg Schiano made the slogan “Keep Chopping” a school-wide saying. Schiano explained this mantra with a story: If you are lost in the middle of the forest and don’t know which way to go, start chopping every
tree down and you will then be able to see your way out. Basically, when things are tough, when things are going against you, when quitting is the easiest option, keep chopping! On a more personal level, I faced lots of adversity last year on and off the field, not nearly to the degree of Harry and Eric, but
world at times. But everything we stare at on our tiny screens blinds us from the truth. To state the obvious, most people spend far too much time on their smart phones. We subconsciously spend hours on our screens every day. We pick up our phones to check the time and get pulled into a text conversation or we go to watch one video and then get dragged into the YouTube rabbit hole. Recent studies have shown that an American adult will spend on average 3.5 hours on their phones daily. A 2019 analysis of how much time teens spend on their phones by Common Sense Media showed that a third of American teenagers spend eight or more hours a day on screen media, excluding schoolwork and homework. A little less than a third spend four to eight hours, and the remaining percentage spends under four hours a day. Needless to say, we spend a lot of time on phones. The fact that we spend this much time on our screens every day and that we most likely cannot remember what we were even doing is shocking. It’s amazing how teens spend so much time on screens a day when Steve Jobs, the creator of the iPhone, didn’t even have the intention of making the iPhone for what we use it for today. When Jobs was
making this revolutionary device, he only wanted to make daily experiences like calling, navigation, and music more accessible and better for people. His vision for a phone’s purpose was entirely different than what we are doing with our phones today. Most people focus on the negative when it comes to spending too much time on phones. They focus on how distracting it is from primarily school and homework.
I found out how devastating it feels to have your hopes taken from you, and how it feels to have someone tell you you aren’t good enough. But I also discovered the incredibly rewarding feeling of working so hard for something and eventually earning it on my own. the lessons I learned from their stories helped me greatly. Last winter, I was coming off a solid sophomore baseball season and thought my college sports process was over. I couldn’t wait for my junior season to show how hard I had worked and how much my game had improved, but all of this was side-tracked when I was diagnosed with a stress reaction in
my spine just before the season started. This injury prevented me from engaging in any physical activity for three months, which kept me out of all but the final three games of the baseball season. On top of this injury, I also learned that the college I thought I would be playing for no longer wanted me and cut off all communication. At first, this news was incredibly hard for me to deal with. I had everything going for me, seemingly, but it all disappeared in the blink of an eye. Since this happened very late in the process, I now had to scramble to reach out to college coaches, and I had to regain the strength I lost from my back injury. Rather than feeling bad for myself and taking the easy way out, I thought back to the lessons I had learned from sports throughout my whole life, and most importantly, the lessons Eric and Harry taught me. While a college baseball coach told me they no longer wanted me, Eric was told he would never be able to walk again, and Harry was told he wouldn’t even survive. I really didn’t have it bad at all. Eric and Harry’s determination to prove their doubters wrong lit a fire in me to do the same thing. I never lost an ounce of confidence in my abilities, I worked harder than ever, and
eventually, after a grind of a recruiting process, I was offered a roster spot just under a month ago to play baseball in the city of my dreams, for the school of my dreams. I found out how devastating it feels to have your hopes taken from you, and how it feels to have someone tell you you aren’t good enough. But I also discovered the incredibly rewarding feeling of working so hard for something and eventually earning it on my own. Eric and Harry put into perspective how lucky I am to be able to play and practice my favorite sport every day. Being a part of a team, whether it is in high school or college, is a privilege and something that should never be taken for granted. Anyone who has ever accomplished anything great in their lives has had to battle through adversity and some form of selfdoubt, but it is crucial to believe in yourself no matter what others are saying, because if you don’t believe in yourself, then who will? So, as Coach Schiano instilled in his players years ago: when things are tough, when things are going against you, when quitting is the easiest option, just like Harry and Eric continue to do today, keep chopping!
would be different if we put our phones away more regularly. Many would be quick to defend that nothing comes out of looking away from the screen. Most likely, we wouldn’t appreciate anything right away because we wouldn’t have our phones in our hands. But we would soon come to realize how much better we would be if we did not spend every spare second we have staring at our screens. Our phones isolate us from the people and the world around us. By not being on them, we can form connections and spend time with the important people in our lives. Think of all the fun things we did with our friends before phones became present in our lives. In addition, we often neglect our family to spend time staring at our phones. Family members are the people who are always there for us and spending time with them really shows that you care too. We won’t have the opportunity to see our close family and friends every day forever so we might as well take the opportunity while we still can. Being off our phones also gives us the chance to do what we like to do. We are constantly busy with our workload, and having the time to pursue one’s hobbies like reading, music, fitness, shopping, art, sports, or baking - will
greatly benefit us emotionally and mentally. Finally, we can just be ourselves. With our phones, we are constantly pressured into being someone we aren’t because of what we see on social media and the internet. We are always worried and concerned about how we appear to others in the world, forcing us to make people believe we are someone else entirely. Putting our phones away will allow us to focus on who we are as individuals and who we want to become without the influence of others. This issue is no exception to the Rivers community. Students (and sometimes parents and teachers) can be found constantly on their phones. Teachers walk into their classes to see every student on their phone. During lunch, kids will be making TikToks in empty classrooms. We are surrounded by amazing friends and teachers, yet we spend our time on screens. Spending time with our friends makes us happier people and it allows us to form better relationships. Teachers are great resources for help with work or if we just need somebody to talk to. It bears repeating: these people won’t be in our everyday lives forever, so we should seize the opportunity while we still can. So the next time you have a bit of free time, put down your phone. The time you spend hanging out with friends on the turf will be much more meaningful and memorable than answering a Snap.
Do yourself and humanity a favor: put down your phone BY NATALIE KLOMAN ’23 STAFF WRITER
In 1973, the first mobile phone was invented. Back then, its only function was receiving and making calls. Now, almost 50 years later, everything about cell phones has changed drastically. We carry a thin, nearly weightless piece of technology everywhere we go, instead of holding what was basically a clunky box. Ironically, making calls is very low on the endless list of what we do on our phones. Nowadays, we use our phones for texting, YouTube, the many forms of social media, news, games, work, and streaming services, just to name a few. At a glance, what we have seems like the best thing ever. The world is at our fingertips just by swiping up. Our “phones” are so much more than what people had half a century ago. And more is better, right? In the gist of things, yes, more is better. Almost everything we do can be done on our phones. We use social media to connect with those who we see on a day-to-day basis and to keep in touch with those we don’t. With the internet and the many news apps steaming in, we are more informed than ever before on everything going on in the busy world we live in. Streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+ are accessible ways to relax and enjoy our favorite shows whenever the moment suits us. So, yes, all of these perks make our phones seem like the most amazing thing in the
They say that we obsess over what we and others post on Instagram and TikTok. That we spend too much timing texting and FaceTiming friends even though we see them every day. What they’re saying is that we are wasting our time. Instead of drilling the Rivers community on why we shouldn’t spend as much time as we do on our phones, we can focus on the positive benefits of how our lives
Page 6
The Rivers Edge
March 6, 2020
Features
Community honors Mr. McCartney’s indelible legacy
Continued from page 1 Mr. McCartney grew up in Medford, MA, and attended Tufts University after which he went on to a successful business career. As President of BBG New Media, a firm he started with his classmate and friend Joe Nicholson, he saw great success. The pair sold the company, allowing McCartney to pursue his dream of teaching. With his leadership skills, personable business background, and dynamic personality, it was a perfect fit, even a calling. As an educator, he helped students conquer what some consider to be an intimidating subject, especially calculus. While a student elsewhere might feel he or she was battling against his or her teacher for a good grade, Mr. McCartney insisted he and the student were a team battling against the challenging math. “Every time I walked into the math office, he would ask how I was doing and showed a genuine interest in the things I cared about,” said Will Churchill, one of his students. “If I told him about something I was struggling with, he would constantly check in to see where I was in the process of getting through it and offer his time to help.” Just as importantly, in the rigorous Rivers curriculum, the constant grind can make some students feel as if what they were learning lacked meaning and utility. McCartney was incredible at disproving this phenomenon and inspiring passion in his students. He reasoned that through problem-solving in math, students trained their minds to be more adept at solving world problems as well as their own. In addition, he connected complex and abstract concepts to the real world, making math at any level relevant and interesting. “He radiated positive energy,”
Whether in the classroom explaining the intricacies of calculus or on the sidelines cheering on his students, Mr. McCartney was a fixture at Rivers for more than 16 years. Left photo by Chip Riegel, right photo by Marc Stroum ’98. said Jeff “Doc” Merepol, chair of the science department and one of Mr. McCartney’s closest friends. “He did it all with making certain it was fun. He worked for hours and days and years to make the math curriculum fun for every student.” Perhaps what made his undying passion for his role as teacher stand out was that he also had an interesting backstory in the world of business that intrigued many of his students. He taught because he simply loved what he was doing. With his previous success, he could have been spending his time with his family in Winchester and Medford or at his Cape house in Truro, but he chose to invest his time in educating and connecting with young people at Rivers, which meant a lot to his students. “Dan understood kids, loved them, and respected them,” said Assistant Head of School Jim Long. “As a result, students intuitively sensed that he had their best interests at heart and students responded with genuine affection and respect for him.”
“Mr. McCartney made every student feel seen, appreciated, and cared for, and I have no doubt that his thoughtful attention fueled the self-esteem and emotional wellbeing o f hundreds of teenagers,” commented Jennie Jacoby, who has taught English at Rivers for 25 years. He was a talented and engaging teacher in the classroom, but, according to scores of current faculty and staff members, he was also an incredible friend and mentor. “Mr. McCartney was welcomed and appreciated in every niche on campus,” said science teacher Stewart Pierson. “He was a friend to artists and athletes, actors and musicians. And while he was at the epicenter of the math department, he was a friend to all of his colleagues, regardless of what subject we taught.” Not only did he mentor and connect with students, but also with teachers. “He was the main guy who brought me to Rivers,” said boys’ basketball coach and fellow math teacher Keith Zalaski. “He set
the framework for me and was the person who made me love the school and love my job. That will never go away for me.” “Perhaps most important was his constant reminders—made evident in his approach to life, or made clear by his encouragement to me and others—to remember that this work is fun and that it’s supposed to be that way,” said Head of School Ned Parsons. “He wasn’t afraid to show his funny side, to lip-sync for the whole school, to laugh loudly and often throughout his day. And he never stopped telling me that the day we all forget to have fun at this is the day we stop doing our jobs.” McCartney’s reach was not only widespread, but it was also deep and meaningful. He was always there to help students and teachers alike to share their triumphs or work through their struggles. Blessed with the rare gift of connecting with anyone, McCartney was a large presence around campus. He arrived early to school each morning and often went right
to the cafeteria to share coffee with the kitchen crew. “Dan was a super sweet, caring, confident, funny man,” wrote chef Jeff Stevens. “The Rivers School has lost a great man and a huge presence in the community.” Mr. McCartney was a mentor to new teachers who came to Rivers, and he took pride in his hiring process. He talked about not only hiring the smartest candidates but also bringing in those with personality and who could connect with students, which is what he valued and was one of the many things he excelled at. While a sense of normalcy has returned to campus since those trying days in early January, Mr. McCartney’s presence and impact will not be forgotten. “He touched every part of Rivers,” noted Meropol. “Not a day goes by when I don’t think about and miss him. Although those thoughts are filled with sadness, they are also filled with joy knowing that I had his friendship for sixteen years.”
she needed. My dad loved spending time with his father. Sometimes they would just sit and watch a game, listen to the Red Sox on the radio, or discuss world politics. My Papa was a rock, but there were times he needed help. It might be with the computer, shoveling the walk, or getting to an appointment. After many years of hosting Superbowl parties, there came a time when my papa could not continue to host. My father came to his rescue and continued the Superbowl tradition for over 15 years. When Papa could no longer come to the house, dad and our family brought the party to him. As Papa aged, he longed to attend his WWII Navy reunions, but couldn’t negotiate his way to make it happen. This is when my dad stepped in to accompany him. My dad celebrated that Papa was a hero and let him know how proud he was of Papa’s service. My Aunt Jeanne remembers how honored Papa was to be at the reunions with his son, so touched
that my dad would make the time to share the experience with him. My dad provided a much-needed sounding board for Papa to recount his years in the war. As much as my dad helped and supported his parents, there were times when he needed them. If he had a bad day, there was no better place for him then to return home to Grandma’s kitchen. A recent memory of mine is from my dad’s 60th birthday party. My mom had put together a game of “Danny trivia” to uncover the secrets of Dan. What started as a relaxed 21-question quiz quickly escalated into a series of playful shouting matches my dad taking center stage, reading questions, officiating answers, and pausing dramatically to give everyone time to shout, heckle, and razz one another - and then proclaim with a laugh exactly which character he had played in West Side Story or reveal his favorite summer cocktail - it’s an Appletini for the record. My dad laughed hardest when family and
friends questioned whether he had the right answer to questions about his own life. This scene so perfectly captures my dad: laughing as he recounted stories and surrounded by family and friends who had known him for over forty years. As the game went on, everyone in the room drew closer to my dad. His energy literally pulled people toward him. Our dad was an incredible father, who shared many of his own hard-earned life lessons, especially that “anything is possible.” When we were little, my dad created a game called “walking on the ceiling.” He would scoop us up in his big loving arms, flip us upside down, and let us experience the world from a view unimaginable to a young child. It filled us with joy and wonder. I remember my dad coming home from long days at work, and we would scramble to the front hall to hug his legs and beg to walk on the ceiling. If he was ever tired, he never let on. I don’t think he ever said no.
In the past few years, he began playing this game with the next generation, his grand-niece Tessa, and we were all able to relive the magic. It’s hard to say who loved it more – Tessa or my father. My dad had a knack for turning any bad situation into a good one. When we were growing up on Coolidge Road, we used to run and bicycle down the hill at the end of our street while my dad waited for us at the bottom. There was a gnarled root from a large tree that jutted out of the sidewalk at the base of the hill, and the last challenge of the sprint was to leap over it. One day, the root caught my foot as I ran, and I soared through the air, landing face down in the dirt. I looked up, lip trembling, as my dad ran to me exclaiming “Steph! That was awesome! You flew!” My fear turned to pride. For months, I proudly told anyone who would listen about my maiden flight. It takes a special father to make each of his children feel so Continued on page 7
S. McCartney: ‘How do I summarize 60 years of awesome?’ Continued from page 1
friend, and I can’t imagine life without him.” How do I summarize 60 years of awesome? It would take 60 years to do justice to his life; so today, rather than try, I will share moments that portray the incredible person that he was. My dad was so many things to so many people. He was a devoted and loving son, often saying that he had won the “parent lottery.” After his grandmother passed away, he began the tradition of the palms. Every Easter, he would take his mom to the cemetery to distribute palms on the graves of loved ones. After she passed, Dad continued this tradition with his father, and after he passed, Dad continued the tradition himself. If Grandma had a bad day, my dad would drop everything, head over to her home, and cheer her up. He might bring over lobsters for dinner or sit and watch her favorite game show Jeopardy, whatever
March 6, 2020
The Rivers Edge
Features
Page 7
‘We know that we were blessed to have had him in our lives’
Continued from page 6 loved. Growing up, Joe and my dad used to play a card game called Memory. The goal was to flip over cards and find the pairs that matched. It didn’t take long for Joe to start looking for “matches” outside of the game. “Dad,” he realized one day, “you have blonde hair and blue eyes, I have blonde hair and blue eyes. We are a match!” This became a favorite routine. Joe would point out the match and the two of them would high five or put their hands up and cheer. Joe would then look to my mom and say, “We are not a match.” My dad would smile. He loved being Joe’s match. As a preschooler, Joe was also my dad’s go-to good luck charm. Whenever my dad would play a game of backgammon on the beach, he’d call Joe over to roll the dice. Joe called himself the “roll dicer,” an endearment we all now use. Joe took this job very seriously, always managing to roll double sixes when it mattered. Even after Joe was old enough to play on his own, he would sit by my dad’s side as roll dicer. They loved being on the same team. My dad would often tell me how proud he was of Joe and the wonderful young man he had become. My dad was also our biggest cheerleader. When Jackie was younger, she was a competitive Irish Step dancer. My dad had the summers off, allowing him to accompany Jackie to the national Irish Step competitions in Nashville and Orlando, which took place over the Fourth of July week - one of my father’s favorite times on the Cape. He chose Jackie over Cape Cod not just once, but four years in a row. Some fathers may have dreaded a week watching young girls dance to Irish reel and slip jig music, but our dad loved watching Jackie compete in these “feises.” He wore the “feis dad” t-shirt that she made him with pride. Over the years, my dad came to know as much about the world of Irish Step he did about college football. He had become a dance mom. More recently, Jackie and my dad grew to share a love of yoga. Whenever Jackie was home for the holidays or a visit, she and my dad would go to the Prana studio together and return home sweaty and smiling. My dad loved this special time with Jackie, as much as she did with him. Often, they’d sneak off to class without even letting the rest of the family know. What started as a shared hobby grew into a passion for Jackie, so much so that she studied and trained to become a yoga instructor. My dad was so proud of Jackie – like my dad, she has a natural gift for teaching. Some of my favorite times spent with my father were our daily car rides to Rivers when I was a student and he was a teacher. I cherished this time together.
Mr. McCartney’s family gathered last spring to celebrate his children’s graduations: Jay Petricone (fiancé), Steph, Joe, Jackie, Angela and Dan McCartney. My dad would ask me about my to many other teachers. ferry, hearing my dad proclaim, friends, help me memorize the My dad loved his summers in “SHE’S HERE”, and melting into unit circle, and teach me the most Truro, both for the town’s beauty an embrace from those big loving important life lessons – to always but also because summers gave arms. “find the good” in others and him a chance to spend time with We didn’t see as much of my to always embrace friends and the people he loved. He would mother’s family because they opportunities to spend time with take long walks down Longnook lived farther away, but they were them. Even after I got my driver’s beach with his sister Kathy, ride no less important to my dad. He license, we would manipulate our bikes with his sister Susan, and looked forward to the times we schedules so that we could drive camp out for hours at the Coffee saw them and made it clear that together; he would stay late to Pot with his sister Jeanne. My they were special and always correct tests when I had soccer dad cherished the days when our welcome both in Winchester and practice, and I would study in the entire family would congregate at Whispering Pines, my parents’ MacDowell Center if he had a at the beach, form a semi-circle home in Truro. meeting. Often, when we arrived of beach chairs twenty wide, and Truro was a place where my at Rivers, we’d sit in the parked spend the day “chair surfing” by parents loved spending time car for another fifteen minutes the water’s edge, boogie boarding with family and friends; I think because we weren’t yet ready to at low tide, or playing cards on Longnook Beach may have been go our separate ways. our watermelon beach blanket. one of my dad’s favorite places in As many of you know, my My dad was always in high the world. Even after 20 years of dad found a new passion, teachdemand on these beach days, yet visiting Longnook, my dad was ing, after his successful business he found time to connect with awed by its beauty. He would end career. It had been a lifelong everyone - his sisters, brothersmost summer days looking up at dream to follow in the steps of in-law, nieces and nephews and the dunes and asking if anyone Mr. Nelson, his favorite math their children. Everyone wanted had ever seen a more beautiful teacher at Medford High School. to spend time with my dad, and place. He never wanted to leave. Dad loved teaching at The Riveveryone felt special in his comSo many people have told ers School because of its people pany. As his niece Kaitlin put it, us that my dad was one of their and its values, namely that our “He made everyone feel cool just favorite people. I think that is actions have a profound effect on by being with him.” It wasn’t a because each of you was truly ourselves, on others, and on the day at Longnook without him. one of his favorite people. community as a whole. During He had hundreds of favorite his time at Rivers, he touched so Another favorite tradition of students. many lives. my dad’s was the annual March He had scores of best friends. As a former student put it, golf trip with his brothers-in-law He had 29 favorite nieces and “He was one of the most caring, Bill, Eric, and John. Some like to nephews. brilliant, and amazing people I golf in Florida during March, but He had 3 favorite sisters. know and he had the most posimy dad preferred the Highland He had 3 favorite children. tive influence on my experience Links in Truro. Bill remembers But he only had one soulmate at Rivers.” how once they played the High– my mother. His friend and colleague Jeff lands during a rainy, cold, notThe love that my parents Meropol told my family: “We sat quite-spring day, when the course shared over the past 36 years together every day at lunch and was closed. They played anyway. is clear to all who knew them. often said there was no better Dad joked: “The best golf is free They were best friends - they place to spend our days. He was golf.” were dance partners, business everything in a person we hope to Whe my dad was around, partners, and incredible parents. mold our students into.” laughter was sure to follow. Years There are so many things that my One parent and board member, ago, my dad began a tradition dad loved and admired about my Bob Davis said: “The impact he of greeting those who arrived mom - how she made a house a had at Rivers is beyond descripin Provincetown by ferry with a home, how she cared for us, and tion. Student, after student, after beach horn and welcome comher toughness. No one messed student talk about ‘McCartney’ mittee. He and my family would with our mom or the family that being the best teacher they ever stand watch at the edge of the she and my dad created. My dad had, the greatest influence in pier, waiting to cheer the minute often told me that he couldn’t their high school experience, the you walked out of the ferry door. have picked a better person to be most amazing mentor or the best Many had the pleasure of expea mother to his children. I think coach.” riencing this welcome – Jeanne, that it was one of the things that After several years of teachJill, Matt, Jessie, Nick, Jay, he admired most about her. ing, my dad accepted the position Jackie, Joe, Camille and Paul, and My dad’s ability to make my of Chair of the Math Department, many others, including me. There mother laugh was unparalleled. where he was a friend and mentor was nothing like walking off the I loved watching her laugh with
him. Often, she laughed so hard that her laughs turned silent, and she’d need to wipe the wetness from her eyes. A few years ago, my mother and father traveled to Florida to see one of my mother’s favorite singers, Andrea Bocceli. The concert, I’m told, was wonderful, but there was something about Bocceli’s rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “New York New York” that tickled my dad. It seemed so out of character for Bocceli to sing this iconic New York song. My dad came home with my mom and sang the song for us the way that Bocelli had. He stood up from the kitchen table, puffed out his chest, and sang with abandon, while tears of laughter streamed down my mother’s cheeks. Another of my mother’s favorite acts was when my dad pretended to be the Sorting Hat from Harry Potter. He would wrinkle up his face like the folds of the hat’s fabric and transform his voice into a playful grumble. “Very brave...nice...” he would muse, “You are a Gryffindor!” My dad had so many other great qualities. He cared deeply about making other people happy, and he would do anything for a laugh. I remember one night in Truro when my sister Jackie mentioned that she wanted some ice cream. It was quarter to ten, and the Stop & Shop in Provincetown was closing in fifteen minutes, so my dad told Jackie he wasn’t sure we’d make it. When his sister Jeanne challenged him by saying “I remember when you used to be fun,” a look of horror came over him, and he leapt off the couch. Without missing a beat, he packed us into the car in time to stock our freezer for the week. My dad was also incredibly generous, he was never jealous, and he took joy in other’s successes. His nephew Nick put it perfectly when he said, “There’s not that many people who you’d want to call with your best news ever, and your worst news ever, but Uncle Danny just cared.” Dad’s confidence in himself allowed him to always be happy for other people. My dad was taken from us far too soon, yet in his absence we must try to remember one of his signature pieces of advice: to “find the good.” Dad, we are trying. The loss of my father is impossible to understand, but we know that we were blessed to have had him in our lives. We won the parent lottery, too. There is a grief that can’t be spoken, there’s a pain goes on and on. We have our memories to make us laugh, cry, and keep him with us always. I like to think that my dad is now on his journey to heaven, and we’ll hear from him soon. We’re waiting for a sign, but we know in our hearts that he will arrive in heaven to the sweet embrace of his mother and father.
Page 8
The Rivers Edge
March 6, 2020
Arts
Entertaining “Legally Blonde” showcases amazing talent BY AMANDA GARY ’22 STAFF WRITER
As the cast stepped onto the intricately decorated stage of the Eleanor Welch Casey Theater at Regis College and broke out into their first song, “Omigod You Guys”. The energy and enthusiasm of the entire group radiated off the stage, shining with the pure talent that each actor and actress brought to this year’s winter production of the hit musical Legally Blonde. After their long rehearsals throughout the winter, the two performances on Thursday and Friday, February 20th and 21st, entertained, delighted and riveted the packed theater, making the whole Rivers community abuzz about the show’s spectacular performances. And for good reason. “The show had everything - show-stopping dance numbers, catchy music, and, most importantly, heart,” said director Zoë Kassay. Directing her first musical for Rivers, Kassay got the most out of every actor and, along with a team of talented faculty backstage, created a masterful production. Based on the 2001 film, Legally Blonde tells the story of a southern California girl, Elle Woods, who attends Harvard Law School in an attempt to win back her ex-boyfriend. The film was adapted into a musical and opened on Broadway on April 29, 2007. Among the dazzling and accomplished cast, Rinny Leeming ’23, in the lead role of Elle Woods, shined as she barely ever left the center stage, perfectly harmonizing with others in each song while also soloing through multiple scenes. Leeming’s talent - and beautiful voice - and eagerness to play such a large role in the play led to her success on and off stage, and some of the quickest costume changes the audience has ever seen. Leeming got to work with her sister, Maggie Leeming ’21, surprisingly enough playing her rival and first enemy at Harvard Law School, Vivienne Kensington. Not to be outdone, fellow freshman Alex Massarotti showed his versatile and extensive acting and singing talents in the lead male role of Emmett Forest. Despite his age, Massarotti, a veteran of many summer theater programs, wowed the audience throughout as he effortlessly played the role to perfection. The two leads supported each other throughout the musical and were able to come together to duet, dance, and have fun while taking their roles very seriously. While the entire cast was amazing, Hannah Long ‘21 may have stolen the show. Long took on the hardest task of all with her character, Paulette Buonofuonte, by gracefully singing solos about Ireland in Act 1, Scene
One of the most entertaining and well received musicals at Rivers in years, Legally Blonde featured a huge cast of talented singers, actors and dancers. Photo by John Hurley.
Oliver Boisvert ’22 (center) was excellent as the intimidating law professor; Elle (Rinnie Leeming ’23) gets support from her “Greek Chorus” of UCLA sorority sisters. Photos by John Hurley.
Hannah Long ’21 made the most of every scene as Elle’s friend, Paulette Buonofuonte; Elle and Emmett (Alex Massarotti ’23) perform at the trial. The two freshmen were sensational in the leads. J. Hurley. 7, and Act 2, Scene 3 and 8, all with a perfect Boston accent and covered in animal print clothing from head to toe. Long’s comedic timing and delivery - not to mention her strong vocals - was perfection and an easy crowd favorite. It’s not easy being the foil, however, as Josh Rocha ‘21 can attest. Rocha took on the part of Warner Huntington III, Elle’s arrogant ex whom she follows from the sunny sorority house at UCLA all the way to Harvard Law School. “Although [Warner Huntington III] has been one of the more difficult parts I’ve played,” Rocha said, “I enjoyed the challenge and look forward to any future parts I might have.” Rocha, along with the rest of the cast, credits the incredible community of actors in the show; spending time with his friends and getting to sing and
act, two of his favorite parts of Rivers. Legally Blonde, albeit one of the more challenging shows that Rivers has put on, featured some of the most caring and supportive people yet. The actresses portraying the girls of Delta Nu, Elle’s sorority at UCLA, brought energy and excitement to the show, making all of their singing and especially dancing absolutely engaging. Their glamorous costumes, designed by Cathy Favreau and Lucy TonThat ’22, fit perfectly into the glitzy show and personas, as the three leaders of Delta Nu, Maddie Wambach ’21, Cecily Bua ’21, and Saige Pereira ’21, took the audience’s breath away with their acting skills and ability to lead their whole group of Delta Nu extremely well. “It blows my mind how talented members of our cast are, and it has been cool to see
the show come together the way it has with these people,” said Meredith Shah ’21, a member of Delta Nu, a hairdresser, and dance captain. Shah, acting in her first musical at Rivers, enjoyed cheering her fellow actors on in all numbers, especially the dance numbers, and meeting so many talented people. Meredith’s favorite number? “The Bend and Snap” and her favorite scene to watch? “There, Right There!” she said. “Because it is absolutely hilarious.” Proving there are no small parts, many actors in lesser roles made the most of their time on stage. The insanely talented Henry Lewis, acting in his first show, showed off his beautiful ballet moves, while Calvin Smith ’21 may have garnered the most laughs with his turn as the murder defendant’s pool boy. The energetic cast and their
encouragement for others led to a tight bond that they have created from supporting each other. Senior Apsi Balamurugan ’20, the stage manager and lightboard operator, said the show’s incredible success was the result of “the positive energy, enthusiasm, talent, and hugs that they brought every day to rehearsals.” Behind the scenes, the production team was just as vital a part in the musical as the cast, dedicatedly operating and directing each part of the musical. While a mix of Rivers students and teachers participated in the crew, the team was able to work together to successfully and flawlessly pull off two shows with complex components of choreography, music, tech, costume, stage managing, set, lights, and sound. Balamurrugan, completing a lot of multitasking by running the light board, cueing the set changes over a headset, and guiding the backstage crew, loved her experience, even though all of the moving parts were stressful while the musical was live. “I loved watching my favorite cast members crush it on stage as I did my job,” Balamurrugan said. “They really are the best group of kids and I’m so lucky to have been part of this experience.” No matter if the participants were cast or crew, the entire ensemble in the musical were honored to be part of Legally Blonde and thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it, whether that be long rehearsals or spotless, cohesive performances. The seniors - Balamurugan, Lauren Barich, Sophie Gourinovitch, Henry Lewis, Yasmin Myers, and Olivia Xu - all played a very vital part of the Legally Blonde production and the Rivers musical and play community as a whole, and will be very missed. Whether the seniors were participating in their first, second, or third show at Rivers, their involvement, leadership, and encouragement helped to fully bring the show together, while also inspiring them to try theater again in the future. Legally Blonde proved to be one the school’s most popular and highly acclaimed musical productions in many years, a clear tribute to the show itself and the talented cast and crew. Much praise also goes to the director, Zoë Kassay, who worked with the cast and crew to really make Legally Blonde come to life. Everyone involved in the musical was able to have fun, support each other, and bond with new people while working hard to develop an incredible show. Bravo, cast and crew! So how will the Nonesuch Players top this show next year? Well, with a bevy of young talent returning and the dedicated folks behind the scenes, there’s a good chance they will.
The Rivers Edge
March 6, 2020
Page 9
Arts
New visual arts teacher believes in making art that matters BY HANNAH LAPIDES ’22 STAFF WRITER
“Ever since I can remember, I’ve been interested in creating things,” says Nicole Winters about her decision to become an artist. In the 1950s, Ms. Winters’s grandfather left his home and family behind in Budapest to pursue his dreams of becoming an artist. The communist state of Budapest at the time prohibited him from expressing himself artistically, so he emigrated to New York City to pursue his career. Her grandfather’s sacrifice inspired Ms. Winters, who joined the Rivers arts faculty this fall, to become an artist, as well, because it made her realize that “a career in the arts was not only something attainable, but something worthwhile.” Ms. Winters is primarily a printmaker. “Printmaking,” Ms. Winters explains, “is an artistic process based off of transferring images from a matrix onto another surface. Traditional printmaking techniques include woodcut, etching, lithography, and screenprinting, but there are countless methods and practices that one can use.” She discovered this style of art at Massachusetts College of Art & Design where she was awed by their 9,000-square-foot printmaking facility. She recalls her first discovery of printmaking as something she didn’t know anything about but seemed intriguing:
Winters is very fond of her department, and she describes her experience with her students as “a joy.” She says that “[her] art department feels like a close-knit family, which makes coming to work each day great.” Her students are thrilled by her work as well. Senior Aidan Davock describes Ms. Winters as “enthusiastic” and overall “a fantastic teacher.” At Rivers, Ms. Winters teaches a variety of art classes, including painting, drawing, printmaking, and ceramics. In 2015, she got a Master’s in Arts in Teaching from Tufts University where she also learned ceramics techniques. She says that she enjoys ceramics, but it is harder for her to work in 3D. Just a few months after she started teaching at Rivers, the Upper School arts department transitioned into the new Revers Center. Ms. Winters says that she’s “grateful that [she] had the opportunity to teach in both buildings.” Teaching in Haynes gave her a glimpse of where art at Rivers began, and being in the Revers Center now, she can see how the Rivers art program “can grow and evolve to become the best it can be.” Well into her first year at Rivers, Ms. Winters is already looking forward to next year when she will be offering an IDS course that she is particularly excited about. This course, named “Art As a Tool for Social Change,” will give stu-
dents the opportunity “to address issues they feel passionate about through creative expression.” Art “is a universal language we all speak,” says Ms. Winters. She explains that art can be even more powerful than words, especially in expressing current issues. She hopes that students who take this IDS course will be able to “build community, share stories, and start conversations on difficult topics, all through creative expression.” Ms. Winters strongly believes in using art to make a statement about things she and others care about. When asked about her greatest achievements as an artist so far, Ms. Winters tells about the time when one of her mixed media pieces was discovered by Estrellita Karsh, the wife of the late famous portrait photographer Yousuf Karsh. Estrellita Karsh’s husband passed away at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, and she wanted to fill the halls of the hospital’s buildings with art. Karsch worked with the Museum of Fine Arts to gather pieces to fill the hospital with light and hope, and Ms. Winters’s piece was one of the works chosen. “It feels great that my art is helping to [bring joy to hospital patients and families],” Ms. Winters says. Making an impact on the world is what art is all about. “I’ve always focused on making art that matters to me,” she says, “and finding my way from there.”
Senior Daniel Weitz, one of the leaders of the Coffee House, performs at the winter event last month. The night featured great performances from veterans to novices, students to facutly. Photo by S. Greer ’20.
Coffee House Crew performed Sour Candy by Melt, with Weitz on guitar, fellow crewmates Sydney Greer on vocals, Apsi Balamurugan on electric keyboard, and Joel Manasseh on drums. The performance can only be described as unbelievable and stunning. The winter Coffee House 2020 was a huge success. I truly believe it is one of the greatest extra-curricular experiences at Rivers, and has been growing in popularity over the past few years. The Coffee House is not just a tight-knit community of performers, but rather a warm and welcoming community experience. The next Coffee House will take place sometime in late spring, and I can assure you, it is a must see event. For those who might be considering performing, Mr. Bagley has some advice. “If you think you would like to perform, but are afraid to, you should go ahead and take the plunge,” Mr. Bagley said. “You won’t find a more supportive audience. The students appreciate each act’s willingness to take a chance more than they value how polished a performance is, and that’s a wonderful environment in which to take a risk.” Weitz also offers words of encouragement. “Start thinking about acts you all want to do in the spring,” he said. “There’s only one left this year, so let’s make it amazing.”
illusion and perceptual experience for the viewer.” In her art, she “breaks down familiar objects into simple shapes and forms.” Space is a more complex and layered idea. Ms. Winters explains that people’s perspectives of places around us shape who we are and the world we live in. Her “goal is to prompt a viewer to not only uncover their own personal ‘places’ but to consider the multitude and complexity of placMs. Winters helps Aidan Davock with a es making up individupainting. Photo by Tommy Kantaros ’20. als all around them.” “I just thought it looked cool, and Ms. Winters’s first although I didn’t know what it experience with teaching was was, I signed up for every print- through a volunteer opportunity making course I could.” at the Eliot School of Fine and Along with printmaking, Ms. Applied Arts in Jamaica Plain. Winters also specializes in paint- She taught students in Boston ing. She works mostly with oils, public and charter schools that and she describes painting as “a offered little to no art programreal passion” of hers. Nowadays, ming to their students. She ended Ms. Winters finds inspiration up enjoying the experience so from just about anything, “wheth- much that she decided to continer it’s traveling, reading, or going ue teaching. She taught at a few to museums and galleries.” In par- public schools as well as at the ticular, in the past few years, she Museum of Fine Arts before she has been trying to find “a balance came to Rivers. between abstraction and represenAnd it’s been a very positive tation, particularly around themes experience at Rivers so far. of place and space.” “It’s great to be a part of this The concept of space, says Ms. community that is so collaboraWinters, is all about “creating an tive and innovative,” she says.
Students, faculty share their talents at winter Coffee House BY CHARLEY FOLEY ’22 STAFF WRITER
The Rivers Coffee House, an open mic night for the school community, is a splendid evening of performances that takes place in the Black Box three times a year. This experience is greatly enabled by the culture at Rivers, particularly the people who provide unwavering support for each performer. Without question, the Coffee House perfectly embodies Rivers, people supporting people; students and faculty with different interests and backgrounds coming together to enjoy some coffee and performances. This latest Coffee House occurred on Jan. 31 and began promptly at 7 p.m. and lasted until 9 p.m. It featured some 22 performances by a variety of soloists, duets, and groups. A rough estimate of about 100 people made an appearance in the black box that enriching night, many had to stand and the door was kept open for people from the gym to watch. The Coffee House this time around featured students and faculty, along with the much heralded crew performance to top it all off. “The winter Coffee House was a special night at Rivers, a night where many of the diverse talents in our community were showcased to a loving audience,”
said the incomparable and multitalented musician Daniel Weitz ’20, member of The Coffee House Crew. “The coffee house was a night of excitement, crowded seats, applause, laughs, and appreciation. I really think that we got it this time; there was never a dull moment or act.” Talented performers abound at Rivers, some known, some not so well known, but all find a friendly room to showcase their talents. “The atmosphere is very welcoming and supportive,” said history and AP Gov teacher Arturo Bagley, who performed in his third Coffee House. “The students genuinely want to hear the performances that are being presented, and there is no sense of competitiveness. Every act is embraced by the crowd. It’s a wonderful experience. That is also my favorite part of the Coffee House.” Weitz echoes that sentiment. “My favorite part is how apparent the closeness of our community becomes,” said Weitz. “Through exploration of the arts and appreciation of each other, we always leave the Coffee House feeling more connected than ever before.” One of the highlights of the first act was the faculty group. Mr. Bagley and his fellow faculty Kit Cunningham, Laura Brewer, Cathy Favreau, and Tanya Holton,
performed Sister Sufferage from Mary Poppins in honor of the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women’s suffrage throughout the United States. “The idea for performing and for the song came from Mrs. Holton, who wanted to do it in honor of Caroline Grape, the alumna who passed away in the fall,” Bagley said. “Mrs. Holton’s daughter had performed in the Coffee House and was a friend of Caroline’s, who also performed in it, and Mrs. Holton thought it would be a good way to honor Caroline’s memory.” Despite this heartfelt and
somber reasoning, the song was the most upbeat out of all the performances with a delightfully cheerful note which engaged the crowd. With some clapping to the beat and cheering all around (including some “Python” murmurs) the stage was set for an electrifying Coffee House. Starting off after the intermission, Weitz performed Omelets by The Sea by Wax. The mixture of voice and guitar filled the room with magnificent sound. The congregation laughed at every “You smelled like peach, (aside) the ocean.” At the end of the night, the full
Page 10
The Rivers Edge
March 6, 2020
Sports
Skilled, spirited girls’ hockey look to repeat as champs BY KENDALL DIAMOND ’21 AND ELLIE MCCARRON ’21 STAFF WRITERS
The girls’ varsity ice hockey team is most definitely a team to follow this winter. Coming off their 2018-2019 NEPSAC Championship season, the girls had quite the drive to play at the highest level with an eye to repeating as New England champs. These girls have been lucky enough to be mentored by two of Boston College women’s hockey’s finest alumna: Dana Trivigno and Megan Keller. “Some of the best, most engaging coaching I’ve ever experienced as an athlete,” said junior forward and a Boston College lacrosse commit, Mallory Hasselbeck ‘21. These two professional hockey players bring a deeper level of love to the game than any of the girls have ever seen before. The talented players bring forth their best energy every game as they will be saying goodbye to head coach Trivigno at the end of the season. No doubt they want to prove to her that her dedication to the team over the last three years has inspired them to perform at their very best. As of press time, the Red Wings were seeded #1 in their quest for their third straight trip to the NEPSAC finals and second straight banner. Student athletes from grades
8 to 12 each contribute to the team’s dynamic in their own unique way. Captain Rylee Glennon ’20, who will play hockey next year at Amherst College, said this team is “the hardest working group of girls I know.” She explained how each and every member shows up to practice eager to get to work. It is clear the hard work these girls put into their craft pays off. “The talent on this team is shocking,” said Glennon. “All of us have our own unique attributes, and at the end of the day that is what makes us a family.” Over winter break, the girls snatched a first place trophy after winning the annual Dexter Southfield tournament. After crushing Proctor Academy, Millbrook Academy, Thayer and then Dexter Southfield with a 2-0 win, the girls brought some hardware back to the Nest. This is the third year in a row that the girls were on top at the Dexter Southfield tournament since Trivigno became the head coach back in 2017. The team played in many impactful games this season setting themselves up for another potential championship. In a nail-biting championship rematch versus Brooks, Lauren Glaser ‘24 sealed the win with an outstanding goal with just seconds left in the third period. In the pipes, Eve Stone ‘22 has been impenetrable. She has
secured 8 shutout wins this season, anchoring the D and helping spur the team to an impressive 14-5-2 record. The sophomore came into this season with plenty of confidence and it shows. Stone certainly knows her way around stopping a puck. Defending Eve this season is a stud new Red Wing Jenna MacDonald ‘21. After her transfer from Nobles, MacDonald had a lot of hype to live up to but the Harvard-commit has more than done it. She is a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line, and with each game continues to prove her immense value to the team. “Jenna has been the best addition to this team we could have ever imagined,” senior Kate Eselius said. “She brings the goofiest energy to our locker room, and makes us enjoy this sport more and more each day.” Throughout the season, all eyes have also been on eighth grader Glaser. Glaser was a dominant force in the team’s championship season last year, as well as a major contributor to the undefeated field hockey team. She has stunned the crowd with her incredible skillset for the second year in a row. Having been a successful varsity athlete in the seventh grade, she only continues to improve. There is no way to know where her talent will take her. Glennon, Maggie Barrow
Ryley Glennon ’20, All-ISL last year, has been a major contributor for the girls’ hockey program since arriving here three years ago. Photo by J. Ciummei. ’20, and Lily Branka ’20 are this year’s senior captains and they have gracefully accepted the role as leaders of the squad. Hasselbeck described these three as “the best hype kids in the ISL,” which definitely gives a glimpse of the atmosphere of the team. Each of the three captains bring their own value to the team. Glennon is described as making sure the team works hard and stays focused each and every day. She also is known for her incredibly positive attitude and spirit. She keeps the girls smiling
during games, practices, and even off the ice. Barrow is a key member of RGVH on and off the ice. The school co-president is a great role model to the younger players, as well as a great teammate for the rest of the girls. Meanwhile, Branka plays a huge role in getting the girls ready for every game. She gets everyone riled up and ready to give their best fight. Lily “keeps us going,” getting the girls through the toughest parts of each match with her relentless excitement and Continued on page 12
sides of the court. After a freshman year of being limited to the corner three on offense, Poulton has blossomed into a real defensive threat, often guarding the opposing team’s best player. In the absence of the key but injured Jack Staiti (ACL), firstyear junior Jack Richard and fellow junior Brian Gonsalves have also been big contributors. But this does not discount the efforts of teammates Jonah Berg ’20, Colin Corrigan ’20, Dre Espaillat ’23, Ryan Johnsen ’20, Elijah Kinney ’23, Jack Morgan ’20, Trevor Noble ’20, and Timmy Tourigny ’22, who have all produced when their number has been called. “I love our group,” said Coach Zalaski. “We have a group of kids who want to do the right thing and work hard at it. I believe in our guys and they have weathered the storm and now it’s just time to finish by playing our best basketball at the best time of the year.” The beloved math teacher makes his philosophy simple: “We want to maximize practices in a season.” And that means winning games. Which means things are looking good. His players, like Gonsalves, echo Coach Z’s praise: “I think we get along really well as a unit. Off the court we’re making each other laugh but on the court
we’re making each other better. Everyday we push ourselves to meet our common goal to be the best team we possibly can.” The three-sport varsity star’s comments will hopefully come to fruition as the playoffs start. A Class B loaded with talent awaits the boys, but they will be ready. (As of press time March 2nd, the boys were seeded #6 and will face St. George’s in the first round March 4th). As hard as it is to look past what is likely to continue being a great season, next year is already on the horizon. And though losing the talent of Dieterle and company on the court, the greater challenge will be replacing the energy of, quite frankly, the most electric bench in the ISL. When asked about that energy, Coach Z was simple and to the point: “Some people think it’s over the top,” Z said. “I think it’s awesome.” Seven seniors will graduate next year and that selfless and enthusiastic energy must be continued. But Poulton is hopeful. “Our overall goals stay the same,” he said. “And with everyone buying in, we have a good shot at being in the same position this time next year.” So look for that energy today, tomorrow, in a week, and in a year. Because this team is here to stay.
Resilient boys’ hoop team hope to make tournament run BY SAM LYONS ’22 STAFF WRITER
Wednesday, February 19th. Final Score: Roxbury Latin: 51, The Rivers School: 47. A tough loss for the boys of winter, who did everything right and came up four points short. But while a team of lesser character would back down after a key loss threatening playoff contention, our Red Wings battled back. After a great practice on Thursday, they proceeded to take huge back-to-back wins against Nobles (56-38) and Pomfret (67-57), crescendoing their playoff bid. These performances - and a strong 17-6 overall record - exemplify a resilience that seems to define this team. Coach Z’s squad, each in their own way, have shown said resilience, starting with captains Jay Dieterle, Cam Tongue, and Nicky Jonhson. Each have had to adapt to various challenges this year. Dieterle, plagued by a knee injury, has fought through the pain and managed to maintain his playmaking status. The undisputed leader of the team has not been “Dieter’ed.” Cam, the big man, has had to deal with the fact that teams simply don’t want the ball in his hands. After a successful sopho-
Point guard Nicky Johnson ’21 has done a stellar job this winter leading the offense for Rivers. Photo by A. Richins. more campaign, the opposition has been doing everything from fouling to double teaming to keep the rock away from the dynamic scorer. They haven’t been doing their job. Nicky, has been the team’s rock at point guard, bringing an element of intan-
gible consistency that elevates everyone around him. From his ball skills to his decision making, he makes everyone’s life easier. Aside from the captains, sophomore Max Poulton has also grown into a leader on both
March 6, 2020
Page 11
Sports
Girls’ basketball seeded #6 in elite Class AA tournament BY JULIA LARKIN ’20 CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF
After a slower start than usual, the varsity girls’ basketball team has relied on the comradery of the team and strong individual talent to rise up and finish strong with an overall record of 14-10, with a league record of 9-2. The girls are part of the NEPSAC Class AA, a recently added division that includes the top eight teams in New England (Nobles, Tabor, Worcester Academy, Bradford Christian, Northfield Mount Hermon, New Hampton, St. Andrews, and Rivers). As RVGB head into the first round of the tournament Wednesday, they have their work cut out for them; but, as always, it should be a very exciting run to watch. Having graduated a couple star players last year, the Rivers faithful eagerly anticipated the girls’ season, excited to see what this perennially strong program can do against some of the best high school basketball teams around. While December wasn’t as strong as past year, their season started to improve right at the time when all eyes were on them - the annual Rivers Holiday Tournament. Going into the December tradition, the team and commu-
nity alike were unsure what would come of the three-day intensive; however, the Rivers Fanzone relished watching the girls demolish Northfield Mount Hermon in the opening game by a score of 5828. Captains Mallory Folliard, Sam Sousa, and Tori Varsamis all agreed this was a pivotal point in their season, and was greatly needed to lift the spirits of the team as a whole. “Something about playing in front of the entire school brings an added competitiveness out of everyone, and it did for us,” Sousa said, who committed to play at Tufts next year. And the team did indeed start to click. In the second half of January, the girls won five straight, including a 59-54 win over AA foe New Hampton. The Red Wings continued on the up and up as the winter wore on. In early February, Rivers took on the St. Andrew’s School, which was ranked #1 at the time, and pulled off an exciting win with a final of 60-45, avenging an 18-point loss handed to them in December. “We got off to somewhat of a slow start, but have started to pick it up after our big win over St. Andrews,” said Sousa. “This team
Senior Tori Varsamis capped off her four-year career by notching her 1000 career point this month. Photo by Richins. is one of the closest I’ve been on The team put up another five in which is part of the reason why a row (over Thayer, Milton, Tabor, we made it out of our funk at the Middlesex and Brooks) before beginning. No matter what, we’re losing a tough one to Nobles. Still, always having fun.” the team had found its footing. Also a Tuft commit, Mallory “I’m so proud of the progress Folliard added: “From the fresh- that we’ve made as a team over man to the seniors, I feel like our the course of the season and I’ve entire team has become so close. had so much fun playing with Younger kids have stepped up as these girls - they’re like family there have been injuries and we to me,” said captain and Trinityall really worked together to suc- commit, Tori Varsamis. “I honestceed.” ly think we’re one of the strongest
teams in the league this year and I’m confident in ourselves going into playoffs.” That’s right. Playoffs! Seeded 6th in the first round of the NEPSAC Class AA, the team looks forward to what will likely be a challenging fight against Worcester (March 4). Possibly more exciting news for Varsamis was her incredible achievement of notching her 1000th career point only a few weeks ago. Unknown to Varsamis, a four-year varsity player, friends and family had come from all over and waited once the game had begun for her to score just two points. “I’m happy about my 1000th point - it’s such a great accomplishment and I’m so glad I was able to achieve this with the support of my whole team, family, and coaches,” Varsamis said. While no one is looking past the week ahead of exciting postseason tournament basketball, the tight-knit team does recognize the squad will look differently next year. There is no doubt that they will feel the loss of the three captains, both on and off the court; however, the team has always been in good hands under the guidance of head coach Bob Pipe.
Boys’ hockey strong down stretch Ski teams’ solid season BY LEXIE RAVECH’ ’21 CONTRIBUTING WRITER
BY MICHAEL PASKO ’22 CONTRIBUTING WRITER
For the vaunted boys’ varsity hockey team - winners of the ISL Eberhart Div. four of the last five years - this season has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride. While the Red Wings suffered some uncharacteristic losses this season, the team found its stride down the stretch when it mattered, finishing 5-1 in their final six games to earn them the #7 seed in the Piatelli/Simmons Tournament. After dropping games to St. Sebastian’s and Thayer to start the season, the team buckled down. From then on, team captains Pat Lawn, a Bentley hockey commit, and captain Ryan Rahbany, an Amherst College lacrosse commit, spoke to the team to try to fire up the boys. Over the next week, the boys locked in and continued to work hard each practice. The team beat St. George’s (4-0) and then downed Groton (3-1). The turning point for the season was a big game versus Belmont Hill. Rivers fell behind 0-4, but the scrappy squad battled back to tie it. Every player on the team will tell you that this was the most important game for the hockey team. “We’ve really turned the season around after our tie vs Belmont Hill,” said Will Conway ’21. Calvin May ’22 also noted the significant impact of the Belmont Hill game: “After coming back down 0-4 against Belmont Hill, we have finally hit our stride and look like a true Rivers hockey
Freshman Ollie Chessler has played well for the Red Wings this winter. The team is seeded #7 in the NEPSAC tournament. J. Ciummei. team from the past.” The Red Wings were energized and it showed in the next few weeks. Conway remarked, “We also had a huge win against St. Mark’s and Exeter, and a senior night win versus Middlesex.” These big-time wins, 2-1 against Exeter and a 6-1 final against Middlesex, inspired confidence and boosted the morale. There have also been many strong individual performances throughout the season that have contributed to the hockey team’s success. Matt Cormier is the leading scorer, and has been a very tough match-up for opponents throughout the season. Additionally, Phil Tresca, a Yale commit, has also played stellar throughout the season with some great goals in the Belmont Hill comeback and the last game in the regular season against Brooks.
Moreover, senior goalie Casen Janko “has been really solid in the pipes lately,” according to captain Pat Lawn. “He has played stellar throughout the season and we have relied on him in some of our bigger games.” Currently the boys sit a 14-11 and have their eyes on a tournament run. “I think we feel confident in our ability to make a deep run with the way we’ve been playing as of late,” said Conway. The team is clicking now and they will be exciting to watch in the coming week. The six seniors, along with the entire team, have been working hard all season for the playoffs. Moreover, another title would be a fitting way to end the Coach McEachern era, a tenyear run that featured six ISL Eberhartd Div. crowns and multiple postseason victories.
downtime; however, they have also found success on the slopes. Rivers swept up some well-deserved recognition during the NEPSAC finals race. The races were hosted in Waterville this year, which is where some skiers train on the weekends. Filoon placed 3rd in both the slalom and giant slalom races, while junior Nico Stuart and freshman Charlie Stuart placed 8th and 9th, respectively. Plenty more team members raced in the NEPSAC’s and making the most of a great opportunity. As for the Nordic team, this year’s season has allowed for growth in size and stature. The skiers have been training at Leo J. Martin Golf Course with Coach John Adams and junior captains Noah Naddaf-Slocum and Margo Lewis leading the team. “We’ve had three races this season and the freshman have been improving lots,” said Lewis. “It’s been a fun season Continued on page 12
The alpine ski team has had a successful year full of excitement, races, and memorable times. Going into the season with a full team of 19, all of the racers were eager to begin training at Nashoba Valley and get back into their flow. The team has their dry land practices on Monday and their night practices every Tuesday and Thursday. The commitment may be big, but showing up pays off. The team has found success in more ways than one with captains Sydney Greer and David Gomez leading, alongside Coach Ross Gormley and Coach Charly; all of their work and leadership has made this year’s season one to remember for racers. “We’ve improved a lot this year and the team has been really fun to race with,” said junior Izzy Guiliano. Nine freshmen joining the group this year have only helped enhance the exceptional team dynamic. “This season was successful in training and race day team spirit,” said junior Lindsey Filoon. “The team has had so much fun on and off the mountain and certainly a lot of laughs.” Members of this close-knit group have clearly made some of their best memories Top racer Nico Stuart. Photo by M. Risley during all of their
Page 12
The Rivers Edge
March 6, 2020
Sports
Junior Cam Tongue proving to be dominant force in ISL BY TOMMY KANTAROS ’20 CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
He’s a 6’7”, University of Santa Clara commit and a junior captain. What else is there to know about Cam Tongue - one of the best players Rivers has had in recent years? Tongue entered Rivers in eighth grade and has been widely respected and recognized for his basketball talents since then. He used to play during breaks throughout the day in our very own Haff gym, and amaze all of the middle schoolers watching. Soon after enrolling, however, the middle schoolers were not the only ones who Cam amazed. Unsurprisingly, Tongue had been selected in November of 2016 to play for Coach Zalaski on the varsity basketball team as an eighth grader. No doubt matching up in practice every day against 6’6” Jermaine Samuels ’17, now a star at Villanova, helped him improve immensely. Since his early start, Tongue has been one of the toughest players to stop in the entire ISL. He has had countless dunks, blocks, and shots made. In January, he
Santa Clara-commit Cam Tongue ’21 has become a force to be reckoned with by other ISL programs. Photo by J. Ciummei. surpassed the 1000 career point mark. Tongue has been a huge asset for the team, and was selected captain this year as a Junior - another huge accomplishment. At Rivers, it is highly unlikely to be considered for this position until one’s senior year. Tongue’s teammate, Colin Corrigan ’20, is one to sing his
praises. “Cam is a player that can really turn it on.” Corrigan said. “While he is unstoppable down low in the paint, he is also one of the most dynamic and explosive players attacking the rim from the perimeter.” Corrigan also recalled an experience with Tongue earlier this fall.
The team held many captain’s practices and fall pick-up games to prepare for this year’s season. In one of those games, when attacking the basket from the outside, Tongue dunked the ball so hard that the rim broke. Utterly awed and shocked, everyone stood in silence for a second. Corrigan remembered thinking of that as “the moment I knew that no one in the league would be able to stop Cam inside the paint this year.” The leadership and steady and strong performance from Tongue has definitely contributed to the team’s solid year. Consistently able to score big buckets when the team needs them and able to lift up the team’s spirits after a tough loss, Tongue truly has had a remarkable impact on the team’s performance. “His competitiveness is a large component of his leadership,” said senior Ryan Johnson, a teammate. “Tongue leads by example in wanting to win as much as anyone else, which makes practice really fun and gives us a huge edge in games.” Senior captain and Tufts basketball commit Jay Dieterle added to the constant theme of Cam’s
abilities. “Cam has had a great year and will continue to be a dominant force inside the paint for the next couple years,” Dieterle said. When asked about Cam, Coach Zalsaski also had only good things to say about him as well. “It’s been a great year for Cam and he is only going to continue to get better,” Zelaski said. Zalsaski also added good things regarding his character: “He’s an amazing person, and I know that he will keep growing day by day. This fall, Tongue officially announced his commitment to play basketball at Santa Clara. A part of the Division 1 NCAA West Coast Conference, the Broncos are definitely getting a good player for their squad come the fall of 2021. With that being said, Cam only has one more year playing for Rivers. All in the Rivers community that have not seen Tongue play should definitely try to before he goes off to the west coast. Rivers students and faculty should recognize the outstanding play that Tongue has shown these past few years and go support him any time that they can.
JV boys’ basketball team had a strong winter. The boys started off the season with a hard fought 3329 win over Worcester Academy, before hitting a tough stretch, going 1-5 over the next six games, with a 58-43 win over Middlesex. Down the stretch there were some high and lows, with wins over Governors (53-47), Lawrence (55-50), and Brooks (65-30) being the highs.
victory, the team faced their first challenge of the season losing 2-4 to Brooks. However, the girls bounced back with a dominating 11-6 effort against Middlesex, a team which the Red Wings had previously tied 6-6. They followed up with another strong performance, a 5-2 win over Dana Hall.
Anctil named coach of Winter sports: JV squads compete the year for state, region BY ELLIS MANDELL ’22 CONTRIBUTING WRITER
BY JULIA LARKIN ’20 C0-EDITOR IN CHIEF
Rivers’ Field Hockey coach and associate athletics director Janna Anctil was sitting at lunch when the news dropped, via Twitter. Her colleague and friend - soccer coach Susanna Donahue - was the first to offer a well deserved congratulations and to share the exciting announcement: Anctil had just been named New England Region Coach of the Year and Massachusetts State Coach of the Year by Max Field Hockey. In naming her for the award, the organization, which ranks the nation’s high school and college teams, players, and tracks college commitments, said that Anctil “led Rivers to the program’s first-ever ISL title and NEPSAC Class B Conference title since moving up from the Class C Conference (they won C titles in 2014 and 2015). The Red Wings finished the 2019 season undefeated at 18-0-1, never trailing a game, and with a final ranking of number two in the New England region. In the Class B tournament, they knocked off the 2018 champions Brooks School 3-2 in overtime in the semifinal and then Governor’s 3-0 in the final to claim the title.” For the Rivers community, as well as others, this was an extremely exciting time to be watching field hockey. Despite the title given, the “Coach of the Year” designations are not awarded solely based on that year’s record.
Anctil, not surprisingly, has had consistent success over her six years at the helm of the program, and that’s at least part of what led to her receiving this year’s honors. This came as no shock to captains Annabelle Hasselback, Brooke Nelson, and Callie Lefebvre. “Janna fully deserves this award and I know everyone is so proud of her,” said Hasselback, a Boston College lacrosse commit. “Her strategic coaching points, drills, and game plan taught us the skills we needed to go undefeated.” Nelson, a Wesleyan lacrosse commit, agreed. “Janna was able to take a team of athletes and lead us to an outstanding undefeated season,” she said. “Her drive and passion for the sport is contagious and no one is more deserving of this award than her.” Anctil is grateful for the recognition and especially pleased by the fact that the news has inspired former players and others to reach out with their congratulations. “It’s nice to hear from a lot of alumni and parents and others in the community,” said Anctil. “It really reinforces all you do and all the hard work you put in during the season.” Although Anctil was surprised to learn of the awards, Athletic Director Bob Pipe was pleased to see Anctil receive the recognition. It came as no shock to him: “Janna deserves a lot of credit,” he said. “She’s a fantastic coach and a fantastic leader of young women.”
JV Girls’ Basketball The JV Girls Basketball had a stellar season, finishing 12-1. Their impressive season started when the girls won seven in a row, including a 33-point win over St. George’s. Their one loss this season came from Thayer Academy, in which both teams put up a valiant effort, but Thayer came out on top. Scoring an average of 33 points a game, the girls have had a reputable season moving into their final game. JV Boys’ Basketball Led by Coach Troy Flutie, the
JV Girls’ Hockey After a tough season last year, the JV girls’ hockey team finished this year’s campaign at 3-41. No question a highlight was the season opener, a dominating 9-3 win over Tabor. Following that
JV Boys’ Hockey Despite their record, the JV boys’ hockey squad developed as both a team and players. The boys started the season with a tough 1-6 loss to Thayer. However the team captured a 3-2 victory over Pomfret and an exciting 3-2 win over the Walpole Express.
Continued from page 10 love of the sport. Together, with the balance of the three captains, the team has a great set of peers to look up to and to respect. Barrow, a “forward sniper”, has had herself an outstanding season on the scoreboard. With the first goal in arguably the most important game of the regular season, against the Red Wings’ biggest rival, Nobles, Maggie put
one in the back of the net. The girls were ready for this game with a strong mentality after tying Nobles 2-2 in last year’s season. Other games such as Phillips Exeter Academy, Governor’s Academy, and Groton have given the girls a challenge, but nonetheless, they prevailed. With Trivigno’s departure, no matter how the season ends it will be bittersweet for all. “This
team is really special,” Trivigno said. “The girls show up everyday ready to get to work and it is clear in the outcome of our games. I have learned so much from coaching these girls and I will forever remember my time here on Winter Street”. Determined, talented, and fired up, the team is ready for a very successful postseason with the dream of yet another banner.
Continued from page 11 and we look forward to everyone returning next year.” Coach Adams has helped this team grow more each year and he does not plan on stopping anytime soon. The team, even after losing four seniors, has expanded from nine to fourteen people since last year and will hopefully continue to increase.
The five new freshmen joining this year are proof of a promising future. While the team may not hold ideal statistics, they make up for their lack of wins with team spirit and pride. When they are not on the mountain, racers are training indoors or enjoying their downtime with teammates. Whether you have seen them
roller skiing by in the hockey rink or working out on the ski ergs in the gym, Nordic members worked tirelessly to stay in shape despite the lack of snow. Junior Romy Arie spoke a bit about the team’s energy when saying, “Every time we have a race, we will stay and wax our skis. It’s quality bonding for the team and is part of the reason I love Nordic.”
Strong girls’ hockey team looking to repeat
Nordic ski team enjoying rebuilding season