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After decades of disarmament, Trump’s call to resume nuclear weapons testing could push the world to the brink of an unprecedented nuclear arms race. Shortly before a meeting with President Xi Jinping on Oct. 29, President Trump posted an announcement on his social media account, Truth Social ordering the renewal of nuclear testing. Trump’s order seems to revive the dark visions and pervasive fear that once haunted diplomatic peace during the Cold War, an uneasy era when the United States, Russia, and China regularly detonated new weapons both into space and underground.  The mid-to-late 20th century, an era of mutual destruction marked by ominous threats and counter-threats, supposedly concluded with the adoption of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty of 1996. The treaty aimed to halt the arms race by prohibiting new nuclear tests, yet it ultimately failed to take full effect due to insufficient ratification by its signatories.  Mr. Trump’s recent directive has now reignited debate inside the national security community over whether to defy the treaty, which some of his former aides argue restricts the country’s capacity to consolidate “peace by strength.” Mr. Trump stated that “Because of other countries’ testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately.” Only North Korea has launched nuclear tests, with the last test occurring in 2017. Mr. Trump’s statement has alarmed analysts who warn it could sabotage worldwide endeavors to contain the existential threat of nuclear weapons. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered top officials on Nov. 5th to submit plans for potential resumption of nuclear testing for the first time in more than 30 years. Putin asserted that he had warned the U.S. and other nations that if they “conduct such tests, Russia would also be required to take appropriate retaliatory measures.” Iran, on the other hand, swiftly rebuked Trump’s order, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denouncing Trump’s move as both "aggressive" and “irresponsible.”  Japanese survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings also rebuked Trump’s announcement. “The act vehemently opposes all countries that are endeavoring to achieve a nuclear-free and peaceful world and absolutely cannot be tolerated,” remarked Jiro Hamasumi, secretary general of Nihon Hidankyo, a survivors organization that won the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. Analysts warn that the United States’ resumption on nuclear testing would directly trigger a broader wave of global insecurity, essentially giving permission to other nations to do the same move, setting off a domino effect. Indeed, experts note that both Russia and China are “prepared to conduct nuclear detonations at their underground test sites fairly rapidly.” The Council on Foreign Relations has indicated that China would stand to gain the most from any global restart of nuclear testing as it expands and modernizes its arsenal.  Beyond the geo-political consequences, renewed testing would also bring severe environmental risks. According to a 2014 study by Remus Prǎvǎlie, a doctoral candidate at the University of Bucharest, nuclear testing in the second part of the 20th century caused “serious ecological and social consequences.” The study found evidence of long-lasting radioactive contamination of the land, air, and water across the planet, with hotspots of contamination at major test sites. Mr. Trump’s remarks may well foreshadow the beginning of a new and potentially catastrophic nuclear arms race. Lucy Wu ‘28 image by: NBC News

Studying the ancient world uncovers truths about our modern world. The Classics program, led by Dr. Barber, Ms. Rizzo, and Mr. Miller, teaches a branch of foreign languages in our curriculum that is often overlooked. Some may consider Latin and Greek outdated, uninteresting, or far less applicable to our lives than other modern languages. However, students and teachers of the Classics alike share an entirely different sentiment.  Dr. Barber credits his lasting enthusiasm for the Classics to the “nice community where everyone was sharing the challenge and the curiosity” that came with transcribing the literary aspects of Latin and Greek.  Ellie McCalmon ‘26, who is currently studying AP Latin and Greek 40, remarks that her classes are always “fun, engaging, and enriching.” Her fascination with the languages has even inspired her interest in pursuing “a career in classics and in academia.”  Sofie Raytchev ‘28, who joined Latin 10 this year, shares that she greatly enjoys reading and translating with her classmates. For many, the appeal of the Classics also lies in its mythology and stories. Ms.Rizz recalls that her own love of the subject began when she read the Latin poem Carmen 64 . “When my teacher showed us how intricate and layered every line of the poem was, all in meter, it blew my mind,” she exclaimed.  Milani Clover ‘27 credits Ms.Rizz for bring her “into the amazing world of classics.” She finds her Latin and Greek classes to be “the most fun,” adding that the content always teaches her “so much about life.”  Both Dr. Barber and Ms.Rizz conclude that studying ancient literature assists in the development of a person’s education farther than any modern language can. Ms.Rizz lauds both Latin and Greek for being able to provide students the ability to “analyze any text in detail with an appreciation for language and a healthy skepticism for authorial bias.”  This analytical rigor fosters critical thinking skills far beyond the classroom. Dr. Barber adds that “sustained attention and care is something we are losing as a society when it comes to reading.” As such, he strongly believes that building the skillset to have the “careful, patient way in working through a sentence” in Greek and Latin is an invaluable skill. Understanding the distinct syntax of Latin and Greek is just as important as understanding grammar rules.  In his Greek 30 class, Dr. Barber introduces themes that resonate deeply with contemporary issues. His students are currently reading Plato’s Phaedrus, which explores Plato’s opinions on “the new educational technology and whether it’s beneficial and harmful to students, and the uses of it in society as a whole.” Dr. Barber compares Plato’s thinking with the current rise of artificial intelligence. Plato’s works transcend many millenia. “It is valuable,” he says, “for individuals to learn about our world through the lens of antiquity.”  The Classics Department at Middlesex offers students not only a welcoming and intellectually vibrant community but also an opportunity to develop their linguistic abilities through the study of Latin and Greek — languages that, far beyond dead, continue to deepen our understanding of the modern world. Olivia Zhang ‘28 image by: Wordpress

Influential Female Athletes On November 8th, Middlesex welcomed back several of our alumnae, celebrating 50 years of coeducation, and with it, women’s sports. This milestone is a moment to honor not only how far the school has come, but also the people who helped shape its history: the incredible women who built the foundation of girls’ athletics at Middlesex.   In 1974, when the first girls arrived on the Middlesex campus, field hockey was the only sport available to them. Back then, the athletes had very limited resources to work with and became front runners of the successful programs we have today. Their skills and determination laid down the foundation for future generations of athletes. Middlesex has expanded from one team to the 31 girls’ and co-ed teams that exist today. Numerous ISL and New England championships have been earned by our teams, and the alumnae athletes’ legacies continue to inspire new generations, who incorporate the same spirit and teamwork that established the program’s beginnings.  We’re especially lucky to have several of those pioneering alumni still deeply connected to the community. This includes Laura Darby McNally ‘80, Sarah Cohane ‘95, Erika Mills ‘99, Aura Rizzo ‘07, Kathy Swain ‘08, and Maggie Kelly ‘13 who now live, teach, and coach on campus. On a global level, women’s sports are experiencing extreme growth in viewership, investments, and advertisement. Ilona Maher particularly stands out as a revolutionary figure many girls can look up to.  Ilona is a 29 year old rugby player from Burlington, Vermont. She won a bronze medal with Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her powerful physique and boldness allow her to be a dominating presence on the field, leading her team with strength.  Ilona’s presence is also extremely prominent off the field, as the most followed rugby player on social media. Ilona uses her platform for good, to advocate for women in sports, body positivity, and breakthrough of gender norms in society.  She explains how she challenges the double standard of being a female athlete and not feeling feminine enough when playing a sport, "I feel that I can be a beast and can play this very physical, aggressive sport while also keeping my femininity while I do it."  Ilona shares struggles she overcame both as a woman and an athlete on her platforms, in hopes of inspiring and encouraging other young girls that may be in a similar situation, “ I want them to be able to see themselves in me, and to show that there is a light and there is a way to go. I was also somebody who didn’t always just love my body, but I’ve gr own to love my body " Ilona Maher is praised and recognized not only for her prowess on the field, but also her ability to exceed boundaries, traditional values, and be an authentic role model girls could relate to and be inspired by.  As we celebrate 50 years of coeducation, we also celebrate the countless stories and memories that have made Middlesex what it is today. Every student who steps onto a field, into a gym, or onto the ice is being a part of something bigger than themselves. This is proof that determination changed a school and drives every Middlesex athlete.  Andy Ko ‘29 & Monica Liu ‘29 image by: Middlesex Instagram

What happens inside one of the world’s finest news organizations? Anvil editors got the rare chance to find out. Earlier this fall, a group of Anvil editors traveled to The New York Times headquarters in Manhattan for an exclusive look inside one of the world’s leading news organizations. The visit, made possible by Joe Kahn ‘83, the Executive Editor of The New York Times, offered them the remarkable opportunity to witness professional journalism in action and learn from those shaping the global news landscape.  During their visit, the editors sat in on newsroom meetings, toured the workplace, and finally had a Q&A session with Mr. Khan. According to Editor-in-chief Gina Zhao ‘26 and Layout editor Linda Wang ‘27,  one of the most striking impressions was the sheer efficiency of the newsroom. Every editor, writer, and reporter seemed to know exactly what they were doing during meetings and online conferences. One highlight of the day was observing the Page One Meeting, where top editors decide which stories will appear on the front page. “It happens twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon,” Gina explained, “so that editors can adjust to breaking news.” Topics ranged from the New York City elections and President Trump’s trip to Asia to coverage in the food and business columns.  The editors were also impressed by the layers of collaboration that go into producing each issue. “Articles have to pass through multiple layers of review before publication,” Gina said, noting the rigorous fact-checking process that ensures the accuracy of every detail that appears. The group also toured the newspaper’s printing facility, where they learned that the same presses used for The New York Times  also print other publications such as the New York Daily News . “You don’t realize how much effort it takes to produce a single issue of a newspaper,” Gina reflected. “It’s not just journalists — hundreds of people work together behind the scenes.” For Linda Wang, the visit underscored the importance of communication in the newsroom. “Even though some people work from home on certain work days, everyone still communicates constantly,” she remarks. “They have virtual meetings, Slack channels, and emails — it never stops.” Journalists are required to come to the office 3 days a week.  Inspired by the experience, the editors discussed how lessons from The Times could strengthen The Anvil. Gina noted that more consistent communications between departments of writers, editors, and photographers could really produce more cohesive and engaging stories. She also suggested expanding The Anvil’s multimedia storytelling, using photos, videos and digital content to make stories more dynamic. Linda agreed, adding that The Times’ creative use of visual and interactive media showed how powerful design can make stories come alive and reach more people.  The visit to The New York Times left Anvil editors with a renewed vision for our school newspaper. Seeing a world-class news organization operation reminded them of journalism’s essential mission: to inform, connect, and inspire. As they return to campus, the editors hope to apply what they’ve learned to bring to the Middlesex community stories that matter.  Sunny Qian ‘27 image by: Lucy Wang '28

Guidelines on how to survive the dining hall If you’ve ever come to the servery and groaned at breakfast for dinner, the shredded chicken, or “coffee bourbon steak tips,” you are not alone. Middlesex students have long mastered the art of improvisation in the dining hall. Here are 5 tried-and-true hacks to upgrade your next meal. The “Bussin” Bagel Sandwich — First up is the most delicious sandwich. To make it, toast an asiago bagel and then go to the sandwich station and add in pepper jack cheese, red pepper mayo, lettuce, tomato, and turkey. Freshman Olivia Oates swears by this combo, calling it a “bussin sandwich.” DIY Affogato — A simple and easy dessert: all you need to do is fill a cup with ice cream and then add the dining hall coffee in order to make an easy affogato. If you want to add more to it, you can also top it with cereal. The Cookie Sandwich Classic — You are most definitely missing out if you don’t know this one. Heat up two chocolate chip cookies in the microwave until the chips just start to melt, then put ice cream from the soft serve in between. Voila! Soup, Upgraded — Number four involves the underrated soup station. If the dining hall is serving a simple chicken broth soup or any soup in general, you can easily elevate it by adding in pasta and the chicken from the salad station into it for a warm, delicious meal. The Ultimate Plan — Number five, the final dining hall hack, is only a last resort when all else fails: leaving the dining hall and going to Starbucks or Chipotle. Of course, there are so many other ways you can experiment with your food. Half the fun is discovering what works. And also what really, really doesn’t work. Allison Luo ‘27 image by: Moran Liu '26

Inspired by The New York Times Opinion’s “The Conversation.” Abby Tribush: Hi George—happy free day! I woke up this morning to see that eight Democratic senators just sided with Republicans to reopen the government. This ends the longest shutdown in American history—forty-two days. Plus, with the most recent elections—in New York City, Virginia, and New Jersey—we are seeing a shift in the Democratic party. What do you think these recent events suggest about the future of the party? George Thornton: Happy free day, Abby—I think the most important takeaway from the elections is that while progressives may win in New York City, they won’t win in competitive areas that reflect the nation’s broader political diversity. Hopefully more Democrats realize those eight defectors were right to reopen the government they’re responsible for funding. And hopefully this act of political courage sends a message that the Party is interested in working for the American people. Abby: Yeah. In the three big wins for Democrats, affordability seems to have taken precedence over the divisive culture-war stances that defined Harris’s presidential campaign. In New Jersey and Virginia, both candidates’ emphasis on affordability drew back Latino voters that President Trump decisively won over, both holding a 30% lead with Latino voters. Will these Democratic victories in Virginia and New Jersey push the party away from cultural-war politics? Or does Mamdani’s win suggest that social issues are still at the forefront of Democrats' minds? George: It’s crucial that influential Democrats don’t conflate the will of New York City voters with the general sentiment of the country. Could a Mamdani-type candidate win California, Massachusetts, and other deep-blue states in a presidential election? Probably. But Democrats need to win swing states, and the 2024 election suggested that Harris's culture war stances alienated persuadable voters. Like you said, refocusing on simple policies and problems—like affordability—seems promising. Democrats need to develop a better alternative rather than just denouncing Trump and his supporters. Abby: While I agree that affordability is a winning position, I think that Democrats must still stand up to Trump without getting lost in the Epstein files and Trump’s daily offensive comments on Truth social. The democratic party’s main bargaining chip is the fact that they do not stoop to the level of Trump and his cronies. George: Since Trump’s election, Democrats’ efforts to push back against MAGA have flopped. Take the shutdown: the Democrats held the government hostage, putting hundreds of thousands of government employees and the military on furlough while refusing to perform their basic legislative duty. They did this in order to retain Covid-era healthcare subsidies, passed by Democrats, that they themselves set to expire in 2025. The story of this shutdown reads, to me, as another failure of liberal optics. In an attempt to combat Trump, they’ve jeopardized American workers. Abby: But no one party is to blame for the shutdown. Both parties need to compromise in order to approve the funding for each fiscal year; thus, it is the job of both parties to pass the bill in order to keep the government running. While this unpaid work is devastating for American federal workers, it would also be devastating if funding for the Affordable Care Act was not protected. This shutdown is not solely about Democrats refusing to take the high ground; it is about Democrats using their minority powers to protect their constituents. Looking long-term, the left needs a moderate leader that can compromise more effectively with Republicans. George: I think a proven governor of a politically competitive state is the best bet—Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Andy Beshear of Kentucky in particular. Gavin Newsom of California has been making headlines, but the Party needs to break away from the “coastal elite” image it has cultivated in recent years. Shapiro has an approval rating of 60% in a critical swing state that Trump won in 2024. His M.O. is proving that the government can work for the people—one of his signature feats as governor is the rebuilding of a collapsed highway in only 12 days. Abby: Look, I love Shapiro. He’s likeable and well-spoken, but he is Jewish. As a Jew myself, I am skeptical that Shapiro can win the nomination, given the increase in antisemitism from the left. Beshear or, more realistically Newsom—as polarizing as he can be—have a greater chance. George: The three recent elections, with the exception of New York City, offer some hope for Democrats interested in winning a national election again. While the Democratic party is at a crossroads, Trump’s approval ratings have hit all-time lows. I’m cautiously optimistic that Democratic leaders can condemn the anti-Semitism rampant on the far-left and choose a more politically moderate path forward. George Thornton ’26 & Abby Tribush ‘26

How the infamous Louvre heist reflects the detachment of a new generation. At 9:30 local Parisian time on the seemingly irrelevant and ordinary day of October 19th, the world sat in shock upon hearing the news of something that seemed to only happen in movies: a jewel heist. Unlike Ocean’s Eleven, however, the Louvre was not fortified like the Las Vegas casinos, nor were the thieves a group of highly specialized criminals. The heist was carried out by a group of four suspects who used a monte-meubles , a moving staircase, commonly used in Paris for construction, to break through a window to enter the Apollo Gallery in the Louvre. They shattered cases and set off alarms as they ran away with nine bejeweled items. During their escape, the robbers dropped a crown belonging to Empress Eugénie, which has now been recovered by the museum. The heist spanned less than eight minutes total, and the robbers stole nearly $102 million worth of jewels. Many criticize the Louvre's poor security for not quickly protecting nor responding to the heist. Researchers notice that the administration has spent more money on "visible and attractive operations" instead of safety and security systems over the past few years. 61% of all galleries do not contain CCTV footage, and the password for the server managing the CCTV network was the simple password of “LOUVRE.” In response to the recent incident, Culture Minister Rachida Dati said the Louvre will install streetside anti-ramming and anti-intrusion devices in the next two months to fortify the vulnerable museum. Additionally, authorities admitted that the robbers were not experienced nor professional caper crew, but were instead a group of amateurs who decided to pull off the jewel heist of the century. Much social media content even endorses the amateurs by creating memes to joke about the heist, impersonating the robbers in videos, and romanticizing the heist as “very chic.” One person jokingly commented on X, “hang this in the louvre (there's room now).” Today, social media completely desensitizes serious current events through mockery, jokes, and ridicule. The Louvre is expected and valued to be an extremely prestigious and treasured art exhibit, but despite the entire heist serving as an utter embarrassment to the Louvre and the French cultural administration, the public’s humorous reactions emphasize a peculiar light-heartedness and optimism that younger generations have acquired through social media content amid obvious hardships, controversy, and struggle. But as society increasingly turns to jokes as a coping mechanism to tragedy, the line between celebration and criticism ultimately gets more and more ambiguous. Michelle Cai ‘27 image by: ABC News

Adversity, leadership, and standout performances from its senior core defined the campaign.  The Middlesex varsity football team closed out its 2025 season with a 5–3 record — a year defined by injuries, resilience, and strong leadership from its veteran players. Despite a rough preseason and constant lineup adjustments, the Zebras battled through and found their identity late in the year. Senior captain Frankie ’26, a two-sport athlete committed to Union College for football and lacrosse, was central to that turnaround. “We faced a lot of adversity starting in the preseason with injuries,” Frankie said. “But we were able to overcome a lot of the obstacles we faced and have a great season.” This year’s group leaned heavily on adaptability. When players went down, underclassmen filled critical spots. It wasn’t always smooth, but the effort paid off by midseason as Middlesex began to find rhythm on both sides of the ball. “Staying consistent was definitely the biggest challenge,” Frankie said. “We had a lot of guys who had to fill in at different positions. Keeping a level head through the ups and downs took time, but by the end we figured it out and finished strong.” The highlight came in the win over Brooks — a complete performance that showed how far the team had come. Middlesex dominated in all phases, with the sideline energy matching the crowd’s. Despite the fact it was an away game, students came to show their support, creating what Frankie called “the best game of the year.” Frankie has been part of the football program for the entirety of his Middlesex career, and his final season carried a mix of pride and reflection. Beyond the competition, it was the day-to-day moments that stood out. “I’ll miss the stuff that doesn’t show up in the box score — the locker room jokes, Friday night Chipotle runs - the little things,” he said. “Playing with all my friends one last time was special.” He also emphasized the support that sets Middlesex apart. “Being at MX where football is such a valued sport is an honor,” Frankie said. “When faculty and friends take time to congratulate you after a win, it reminds you why you put in the work.” As Frankie and the rest of the senior class graduate, they leave behind a tight-knit group of underclassmen ready to continue the program’s upward trajectory. Frankie’s message to them was simple: “Enjoy it while you have it. Be in the moment.” For the Middlesex community, the 2025 football season will be remembered not just for its winning record, but for how the team handled everything thrown its way. Emerson Gardner ‘28 image by: Middlesex Football Instagram

From boots to belts and everything in between, three Middlesex students share the ins and outs of fall fashion. As the days become shorter and the air turns crisper, one question sits on many students’ minds: how do you effortlessly stay chic as the temperature drops? Are uggs still in? Flares or straight-leg jeans? Is beige the  fall color, or is it kind of boring? We interviewed three Middlesex students who we think perfectly encapsulate the season’s vibes, all of whom kindly shared their expertise on the latest campus trends. We had the pleasure of speaking with Stella May Curwin-Amfitheatrof ‘26, known for her trendsetting style and superb outfits. When discussing the “ins” of fall fashion, Stella C. emphasizes the importance of boots in any form. Tall boots, she suggests, pair perfectly with suede shorts and a matching jacket duo, while smaller “heel boots and flares” can never go wrong.  Other fall staples in her closet include T-shirt sweaters, cool belts, and, in her words, “a good pair of blue jeans.” For Stella C., confidence is the key to a great style. She believes that trying unique clothing combos is essential to heightening one's fashion sense — simply embracing a “wear it” mentality. Her best advice? “Wear what makes you feel good and find pieces that fit your body, not just because they are trendy.”  Next, we turned to Clara Szeman ‘27, a Vogue Fashion School  alum and one of Middlesex’s unofficial style icons, to get the inside scoop on fall fashion. Like Stella, Clara feels that this season is all about belts and boots (specifically brown Steve Madden ones) — simple accessories that can elevate any outfit.  She also recognizes the recent popularity in polka dots, adding a playful element to everyone’s wardrobes. While bright colors dominated the summer, Clara states that a more sophisticated and cozier trend of browns and beiges are in this fall. Finally, Clara shares her firm belief in the “look good, feel good” philosophy. Wearing an outfit she feels most confident in allows her to stay motivated and ready to take on the day – a motto everyone should live by. Last but not least, we interviewed Stella Pham ‘28, known not only for her cute outfits but for her thrifting skills as well. Although she admits she’s a summer girl at heart, Stella knows that the fall essentials include puffer vests, and, of course, boots. After reviewing several trends on campus, Stella P. notes that Adidas Sambas might be a little  overused and fun alternatives include Puma Suedes or Nike 90 Totals.  Most of Stella’s wardrobe comes from thrift stores, and she offers practical advice for beginners: “Don't go to the vintage curated thrift shops — hit up the Goodwill and hit up the Salvation Army,” she says. “And go in with the mindset that you’re going to find nothing.” For her, fashion is not just about style but also self expression and positivity. “Good outfit day — good day,” she declares.   If you're trying to curate your wardrobe for this season, look to these three fashionistas and take their advice — and definitely invest in a good pair of boots ASAP!  Minna Felago ‘28 & Annabelle Tantillo ‘28 image by: Pintrest

Female students still face judgement and internalized misogyny, but spaces like FemMX bring the key to true empowerment of girls. There's a certain shift that happens when a group of girls laughs too loudly in public: the moment when the laughter softens, glances are exchanged, and everyone becomes aware of the eyes on them. It’s a quiet kind of surveillance that changes how we act, how we talk, and even how we relate to each other. Being a girl among other girls can be joyful—until someone decides to comment.  Here at Middlesex, despite the strong female presence, we are not immune to the pull of internalized misogyny. It shapes how we see ourselves and each other, surfacing in comparisons we make, the competition we feel, and the ways we diminish ourselves under a gaze that insists we are always being perceived. Even in spaces designed to empower us, this gaze persists as a constant reminder that sisterhood in fact doesn’t come easy, as we have to keep actively choosing it or else we risk losing it.  This becomes painfully clear in how it warps our friendships. When we are together, there is always a third presence: the male perspective we have internalized so deeply. It changes what we talk about and how we talk about it.  But lately, the rise of FemX brought a change. In FemX, we practice a different way of being together. For instance, recently, FemX organized an all-girls pajama party, a simple idea that created something unexpectedly powerful. For one night, girls across all grades gathered together without the weight of external male judgment. The difference to me was immediate, but striking. Freshman and seniors sprawled across the same floor, swapping funny stories. Girls stayed until the very end not because we were trying to prove we could, but because we did not want the conversation to end. There was loud, unrestrained laughter, and no one softened it. Just the pure joy of being among other girls. Furthermore, FemX’s mentorship program has further accelerated the sense of community within the female population. The program pairs upperclassmen with underclassmen, a structure that has transformed the daily campus experience. Now, when a nervous freshman walks into the dining hall, a senior’s familiar face waves at her, making sure that she feels seen. These are not formal scheduled check-ins, but rather organic connections. The mentorship program has woven a safety net across grades, creating care that makes Middlesex feel less like a place where you have to prove yourself to others, but more like a place where you are accepted for who you already are. It is harder to see other girls as competition when you have sat with them in your vulnerability, when you know their fears and dreams and the specific ways they are trying to assert their space in a world that keeps telling them to shrink. As I write this on the fiftieth anniversary of co-education at Middlesex, I reflect on how far we have come as a community to empower girls within this space. However, empowerment on paper does not translate to empowerment in practice. We have girls in leadership positions and girls excelling academically, but there are still many who feel like they do not belong in certain spaces, who measure their worth to impossible standards, and who carry the load of navigating a world that views them differently. Fifty years should mean we are past the point of proving we belong here. And yet, this constant fight to prove ourselves, prove that we belong here. The anniversary asks us all to consider: what does true empowerment look like? So yes, MX has had co-education for fifty years; however, it seems like we haven’t quite learned to co-exist. The structures may have changed, but the culture is still catching up. Marina Sabater ‘26 image by: Kat Stephens '27 image by: Middlesex Instagram

Mr. Lake, National Security Advisor under Clinton, reflects on his Middlesex experience. When Anthony Lake ‘57 first arrived at Middlesex in the early 50s, both the world and the school looked very different. The campus was all boys, all white, and as he recalls with wry understatement, “rather uniform in its views.” In a community where most students and teachers leaned Republican, Mr. Lake recalls that he “somehow” became one of only a handful of self-proclaimed Democrats — a choice, he admits, that owed something to his rebellious nature. “I spent a good bit of time arguing,” he says, “and that certainly helped kindle my interest in politics and public service.” Those early debates would follow him through a lifetime of public service that led him from the Foreign Service to the White House as the 17th United States National Security Advisor, and later to the Executive Director of UNICEF.  As a student, Mr. Lake once was chased by his teacher out of the classroom after one too many provocations. Outside, the young Mr. Lake found himself face-to-face with a pair of prospective parents and the headmaster, Lawrence Terry. “He was not pleased,” Mr. Lake recalls, smiling. As punishment, he dug out dandelions on the Circle for two long days on his hands and knees.  Though thoroughly humiliated and annoyed, Mr. Lake admits that he took some of that time to reflect on better ways to dissent or make trouble. “And later, even in the Nixon White House, that experience came back to me. If you are rebelling, rebel with respect — try to convince people rather than simply act up.” That eventually became a principle that would guide his leadership throughout his career. In a profession that demands navigating different ideologies and international crises, he came to believe that true leadership depends on not obedience to superiors but the courage and grace to question authority.  “When people speak up, it’s not an act of insubordination,” he explains. “It’s an act of loyalty.” The best leaders, he adds, are who encourage dissent, because in the end, important decisions boil down to informed guesses. If one makes an unwise choice, others will have to pay the price.  At Middlesex, dissent was not always easy. “It was a sheltered world,” Mr. Lake remembers. Still, he speaks with affection of the wonderful teachers and of the appreciation for music, art, and literature they instilled in him.  He credits those subjects with shaping a sensibility that later proved crucial in his diplomatic work: the awareness that persuasion is inseparable from empathy. “When you disagree with someone, the first thing you should do is try to figure out who that person is — what makes them respond. Then convince them by getting into their head, not just expressing what’s in your own.” Mr. Lake’s advice to current students is simple: “Don’t chase titles,” he says. “Take the job that makes you want to go to work every day. If you do it because you love it, you’ll do better — and then the title will come.” He advises us to first and foremost figure out what our principles are, then pursue them pragmatically. And always stay skeptical, especially of ourselves.  “If you have only principles, you may go to heaven,” Mr. Lake said, “but you won’t be very useful here on earth. If you have only pragmatism, you’ll be an opportunist. And if you have only skepticism, you’ll be a cynic. And you’ll burn in hell.” Perhaps what moved me most deeply, as our conversation concluded, was Mr. Lake’s commitment to doing what he believes is just and right. Mr. Lake is one of those rare people whose sense of personal conviction comes from humility and wit. Qualities first planted, as it happens, among the dandelions of our Circle.  Jessica Wu ‘27 image by: World Economic Forum

Is it time for Middlesex to rethink its rules and routines? Bea Gareau ‘26 Middlesex should change their extension policy, especially given the discrepancies between different teacher’s allowances for extensions. The handbook states that one may be allotted an extension should there be three assessments scheduled for the same day. However, teacher’s application of this rule is utterly inconsistent, as many teachers allow for extensions under a variety of other circumstances. The issue arises in the fact that not all teachers possess the same leniency as others, leading to significant frustration when a student is denied extensions due to not meeting the requirements for MX’s firmly written, yet not so firmly applied, policy. In my opinion, there is no absolute qualifier for stress. Three tests in one day is undoubtedly a legitimate cause, but so are multiple essays, projects, quizzes, and extracurricular activities. It is unreasonable to allow teachers to reject an extension request simply because the student does not have three tests on the same day because, at MX, tests are only a fraction of the causes for students’ stress. My proposed change would be updating the policy to simply “reasonable cause” to merit for an extension. I believe this adjustment would encourage students to ask more frequently for an extension, as many newer students are not aware how lenient teachers can be with their extension policy. Additionally, it would allow students to justify their reasoning without being strictly shut down, leading to more open and productive conversations with teachers. I believe this new policy would improve the current protocol that encourages all-nighters and discourages self-advocacy. Stella Mourtzinos ‘26 Middlesex school needs to get rid of the Monday break block. The 15 minute block offers nothing to the students. It is not enough time to get any homework done or meet with a teacher. Instead, students just procrastinate for their next class. The block only serves to get students out of class 15 minutes later, taking away time that could be more useful after practice. There is no need to replace the 15 minute break block with something else like an announcement or meeting block. It would be easiest to either get rid of it or take 15 minutes from the end of day Senate block and combine it with the break block, thus moving senate to Monday morning, allowing students to then have more time after class to go to the trainers or grab a quick snack at the dining hall. This change would eliminate anxiety from students’ lives and give them an extra moment to wind down.  Avery Green ‘26 The beloved Middlesex tradition of Senior Chapel Talks provides the school community with valuable wisdom and insight, serving as an important milestone for seniors. However, only certain lucky seniors have the privilege of sharing their message with the school. In certain years, seniors are reluctant to apply for chapels and thus, most seniors who wish for a chapel get one. However, in other years (like this one), numerous seniors are left disappointed and without the opportunity to share their story. Given that the Chapel lottery is entirely random, it is unfortunate and potentially even unfair when certain seniors with particularly unique and resonant messages are left off the lineup. Middlesex is a school that encourages students to share their voices and grow into confident leaders, so what message are we sending by rejecting heartfelt Chapel applications from seniors trying to do just this? With the tight Middlesex schedule, there is not a clear solution to this problem. However, Monday Break Block has become an awkward fifteen minute time period during which no one actually gets any work done. Rather, people simply stall waiting for their next commitment. This would be the perfect time for a gathering in the Chapel during which we hear from those seniors who otherwise would not have that chance. Ms. Smedley would continue to speak on Wednesdays, and Monday would be a time exclusively for senior addresses. A potential objection to this proposal is that students enjoy the fifteen minutes of free time. However, students genuinely look forward to hearing weekly from their senior peers, and the school community would benefit greatly from making space for everyone’s story.  image by: Moran Liu '26