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Take an inside look into Nick Teller’s stellar basketball career thus far, and what his plans are for the future of the program. Photo by Napshot Media Junior Nick Teller from Middleton, Massachusetts is this issue’s Middlesex Athlete of the Week. Scoring over 25 goals, some may know Nick for his outstanding thirds soccer career. However, Nick is most known around campus for his contributions to the varsity basketball team. Currently, Nick has received awards such as All ISL (first team all ISL), Boston Globe All Scholastic, and All NEPSAC Honorable Mention. Coming off an equally impressive junior season, Nick talks about his career thus far and his plans for the future. Being the son of a tremendously successful Babson Basketball player, Nick has been dribbling since he was a baby. However, Nick only started playing competitively in third grade. Nick believes his drive and love for basketball comes from the inspiration he draws from his Dad. Nick’s father has taught him everything he knows: “he’s always been a great role model to me. He’s always around to rebound for me at workouts.” One of Nick’s favorite basketball memories stems from going to the NCAA Division III final four in Virginia with his Dad. The pair were able to witness Babson College win a national championship against Augustana University. Storming the court as confetti rained down, Nick and his Dad will forever enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime memory. The memory is so sacred that Nick still has the tickets and confetti in his room seven years later. Despite going 7-17 this season, the basketball team has shown tremendous growth, doubling their number of wins from last year. With the season wrapped up, Nick says that he is “looking forward to even more wins next year.” One of Nick’s most memorable moments on the team came from his freshman season in a game against the notorious CATS Academy. Nick hit the game-tying three-pointer with only five seconds left to send the game to overtime. Naturally, the crowd erupted chanting, “he’s a freshman, he’s a freshman.” Nothing less than a surreal moment, this memory has stuck with Nick after what seemed like only a dream. Additionally, this was Nick’s first game in a Middlesex uniform, and he noted this moment is nothing less than “very special.” Nick’s favorite part of basketball comes from the adrenaline rush that follows scoring a difficult three in front of an erupting Middlesex student section. Additionally, Nick believes that the connections and friendships he has made on the court with his teammates are the best part. Notably, this year was “special because everyone on the team was extremely close.” Besides Coach Tabb, Nick’s favorite coach is Colin Haplin, one of Nick’s old coaches from his previous school, Masco. Nick trains with Coach Haplin during the summers as well as playing on his AAU team: “he always brings the best out of me and works me to my limit during workouts.” Looking to the future, Nick hopes to continue to compete against the top teams in New England and continue to build lifelong friendships with his teammates. One of Nick’s goals, ever since freshman year, is to reach 1000 points by the end of his senior season. So far Nick is well on his way to completing his goal with only 142 points left. Another goal he has in mind is to finish his career 5-0 against Groton since the team is currently 4-0 against them. After high school, Nick’s goal is to play NCAA Division III basketball. If he wasn’t playing basketball his dream schools would be Duke, Vanderbilt, and Georgetown. The future's looking bright for Middlesex basketball and Nick knows, “we are building something special at Middlesex.” Jack Francini

Photo by Middlesex School A staple of the Middlesex experience, Writing Workshop, has been around for decades to torture all sophomores and new juniors. As all who have endured it know well, Writing Workshop consists of two parts, the objective test and the paragraph test, both of which attempt to measure a student’s writing prowess. The objective test mainly focuses on grammar and “clear and effective” sentences, while the infamous paragraph test gauges one’s ability to write effective assertions and create theses that sufficiently climb the notorious “ladder of abstraction.” While the program is intended to mold Middlesex students into world-class writers, for many, it merely increases the stress they feel in an already hectic Middlesex life. So does Writing Workshop really have the benefits it is claimed to possess? For esteemed Middlesex faculty member, revered member of the social sciences department, and proud Middlesex alumnus, Mr. Hoar, the answer is decidedly yes. On the first day of my American History class, while explaining to my class the process of writing history papers, Mr. Hoar reminded us of the importance of what we had learned in Writing Workshop, and he advised us to heed the wise advice our teachers had given us during the course as it would vastly improve our history writing. He then proceeded to pull out his nearly 20-year-old Writing Workshop binder and told us how he kept this binder on his desk all the way through college when writing essays. If a man as smart as Mr. Hoar sees value in and still uses the lessons learned from the program, surely we should listen to what we learned in the course and appreciate its value. Mr. Hoar feels that Writing Workshop is not only beneficial to one's development in the English classroom, but that it is important to one’s academic progression as a whole. He contends that it “teaches you a set of techniques adaptable to different disciplines.” He feels that many of the lessons learned from Mr. Hirsch and Jecca can be applied to history writing, or really any writing. This support for the program is shared by many of its alumni. Will Frank ‘25 regards the program as “integral to his development as a writer.” For Felix Motta ‘25, Writing Workshop helped to “transform [his] ideas from the simple and shallow thoughts about books to ideas of great sophistication and complexity.” Clearly many students view Writing Workshop as a transformative experience that was crucial to developing their writing skills. However, for some students, Writing Workshop is viewed as an unnecessary burden. For Jeffery Hernandez ’25, the program has added unnecessary stress to his life as he has yet to pass the paragraph test, yet he remains hopeful that his luck will change this Friday when he retakes it. He feels that he “didn’t learn that much [in the class] that [he] hadn’t already learned in [his] English class.” Thus for some, the benefits of Writing Workshop appear small especially in comparison to the anguish it causes. While there are certainly many opinions about the benefits of Writing Workshop, all with their own merit, I believe that Writing Workshop at large is beneficial to students. It forces them to actually improve their writing and not merely coast along with subpar grades on essays, and it helps to develop the crucial skill of effective writing, something which they will surely value later in their life. I certainly benefited from my experience with Mr. Hirsch, and I believe that Writing Workshop is a tenet of Middlesex that should go nowhere. Davis Hale

Shutter Success: A Snapshot of Senior AP Art Courses featuring Kat Garabedian Photo by Bryan Dong With over a semester of intensive work and dedicated studio time under their belts, the senior AP Art students are nearing the end of their creative processes, heralding the exciting prospect of complete AP Art portfolios. Amidst a diverse array of advanced art classes, AP Art courses stand out as arguably the most demanding creative classes, requiring not only meticulous classwork but also a comprehensive portfolio submission for the AP exam. Among the creative minds taking on such a challenge, Kat Garabedian, senior AP Photography student, and star ice hockey player, walks us through her experiences in building her senior portfolio. Kat generously shares not only the creative essence of her portfolio but also her personal perspectives that breathe life into her artistic expressions. Get ready for an insider view into the artistry and craftsmanship that make Kat’s portfolio truly exceptional. Kat Garabedian decided to center her portfolio around the theme of expression. Although having produced a myriad of pieces throughout the semester, Kat alludes to her favorite submission in her AP portfolio: an image displaying the contrasting nature of our inner and outer worlds. Her image features several senior classmates, many of whom are in her AP Art: Studio 2-D class, in a spectrum of lighting and tone. Kat highlights the identity of senior student Luca Raffa by presenting part of his charismatic charm and character in warm, yellow tones while reflecting his internal conflicts in a mirror image, demonstrating the duality of the human mental state. Kat, enlivened by her desire to support others in self-expression, goes on to feature other peers with a variety of creative techniques. Kat’s image not only served as a spectacular visual appeal but also as a means of “getting people to think about themselves and others on a deeper level.” Moreover, Kat gives us an exclusive glimpse into her creative process and the techniques she employs in capturing her compelling images. Kat first drew inspiration for her portfolio when researching lighting-focused artists but surprisingly gained most insight from John Mold, a private wedding photographer from the UK. Having identified the creative style she would go on to emulate, she considered her own values in coming up with her central theme. Kat wanted to “make commentary on normal occurrences that can be seen in daily life, something everyone can relate to.” With this, Kat set out to explore the evident vulnerability and openness many of our inner selves fall victim to. Kat made use of the high-end lighting facilities in the BAP art studios along with professional Canon cameras provided by the course to not only express her senior creative skills but also tap into the aspirations of her younger self. Kat, despite being renowned for her creative works, is recognized by most as a student-athlete: a star ice hockey player who most would not expect to be engaged with photography. Kat reveals that her passion for photography was ignited at a young age. Having grown up near Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, Kat spent much of her childhood taking pictures of the lake sunset with her mobile phone. Coming to Middlesex, however, she never envisioned this passionate pursuit of photography: “If you told my freshman self I would go on to take AP Photography, she would have been star-struck.” Kat denotes that she first found interest in AP Photography when she met Roan Callahan, Middlesex’s charismatic and multi-talented photography teacher, in her dorm. She highlights that despite AP Art courses being quite intimidating on the surface, she has gained some of the most invaluable experiences and relationships in working with photography. Looking forward, Kat plans to pursue a possible minor in photography and continues to build indelible memories with peers bonded through art. Kat leaves those considering taking an AP Art course with a word of note: “Art for many is an incredible means of expression, a means of finding parts of yourself you would never have expected––of forging and strengthening some of the greatest connections you’ll ever have.” Bryan Dong

Delving deep into the themes of individualism, community, and empowerment present in the event Photo by Middlesex School The stage is set, the lights dim, and the silent audience brims with anticipation as they eagerly await the commencement of the Middlesex 2024 Winter Dance Concert. As the spotlight shines and the music turns on, a world of movement, rhythm, and emotion unfolds before our eyes. Led by the dedicated captains, Audrey Tang and Iliana Tassev, the amazing dance team poured their hearts and souls into crafting a breathtaking performance. From hyped-up hip-hop dances like “Que Calor” to subtle, evocative pieces like “Two Thousand Years,” the concert showcases a vibrant array of dance styles, each with its own distinctive flavor and emotional depth. “Barbie,” a captivating piece choreographed by Paetyn Naidoo ‘25 to the dynamic beats of “Dance the Night” by Dua Lipa dazzles with its celebration of identity. Drawing inspiration from the lively disco party scene depicted in the 2023 movie Barbie, the dancers each embody a unique persona, sashaying across the stage and exuding an unmistakable aura of confidence. Perhaps the most striking element of this dance is the costumes: the emphasis on pink embraces and celebrates the femininity of girls, highlighting the inherent strength girls possess. The kaleidoscope of outfits symbolizes the boundless possibilities women are capable of reaching. From the spirited athleticism of a basketball player to the dauntless and carefree spirit of a cowgirl to the infectious energy of a cheerleader, the message of female empowerment resounds loud and clear: girls have the freedom to pursue whichever path they choose. Pirouetting onto a slightly different tone, the group dance “Two Thousand Years” beautifully encapsulates the complexity of emotions we all carry within us and the transformative power of community. The piece begins with trios and quartets of dancers, their somber appearances and heavy steps connoting that they are weighed down and estranged from one another by the burdens of life. Yet, the interludes of Audrey and Iliana’s solos introduce a glimmer of hope as they frolic gracefully to lighthearted country music, acting as beacons of light that illuminate the world, showing the capacity for joy even in the face of adversity. The piece reaches its climax as, under the leadership of the two captains, all the dancers come onstage and embrace each other in a big circle with newfound hope and happiness. Indeed, one can connect this scene of harmony to our Middlesex Circle, which serves as an integral element of our community in bringing people together and forming emotional bonds. Just as dancers find hope and happiness through unity, we members of the Middlesex community can also seek solace and support in shared experiences and connections around the Circle. The night culminated with an empowering piece co-choreographed by the incredible dance team captains entitled “God is a Woman.” The choreography, infused with elements of zestful hip-hop and graceful contemporary, creates a dynamic visual spectacle. Through the powerful movements of the performers, an undeniable sense of liberation permeates the piece, as if each of the dancers shed layers of inhibition and embraced their true selves. I particularly enjoyed the freestyle scene to Nicki Minaj’s rap portion of the song “Bang Bang,” as the dancers’ raw energy transcends linguistic barriers, proving that life is meant to be lived boldly, unapologetically, and without reservation. In essence, the Middlesex 2024 Winter Dance Concert not only served as pre-St. George’s Day entertainment, but also stirred emotions and ignited a sense of empowerment. As the curtains close and the audience’s applause fades, the echoes of liberation and community remain. May we also live boldly and authentically to the rhythm of life. Jessica Wu

Evaluating the deeper meaning behind the artwork of Middlesex faculty members Painting by Ken Whitlock This past week, the Ishibashi Gallery opened once again, this time displaying artwork from the Middlesex faculty. For example, Roan Callahan created a series with a friend in which a conflict sparked their collaboration. When Mr. Callahan was in high school, he and a friend were the two leading artists competing for a spot in a competition. The school's art teacher, understanding both artists were equally capable, proposed a collaborative piece. They accepted the idea, and their work ended up succeeding in the competition, prompting years of friendship, and continuing to impact Mr. Callahan today, as he displayed one of their collaborative pieces in the Ishibashi Gallery. This group of four pieces has environmental implications, as Mr. Callahan utilizes the beauty of nature in all four of the paintings, titling them "Bridge," "Atlas Hands," "River Stucks," and "Born in Water." Mr. Callahan took his series of photographs at night; however, they appear bright due to exposure, denoting the theory of a “shadow self” that alludes to the parts of ourselves we choose not to express or the hidden intricacies of nature. Roan Callahan's exploration of the shadow self invites viewers to reflect on their hidden complexities and serves as a reminder of the connection between humanity and the environment. Through his art, he prompts us to consider the intricate relationship between self-expression, collaboration, and the natural world, inspiring appreciation for the beauty surrounding us. Stacey McCarthy, The Head of the Art Department and another participating art teacher, also has a portfolio of her own, crafted with communicative intent and personal flare. One of her two pieces shown in this gallery, "Other People's Gardens," mixes colors to create a floral appearance, and the blank space in her work gives the viewer the freedom to interpret the painting themselves, giving the onlooker an active role in her art through the charging of blank space. She also used her profound conversations with her advisees to craft her artwork, using color to convey her emotions. The name of those works, "So Much Depends," likely highlights the importance of educating the impressionable youth of Middlesex; through these pieces, she recognizes her own guidance in helping her advisees and students thrive in life. Through her artwork, Stacey McCarthy demonstrates devotion with deliberation, attention to detail, and awareness, choosing pieces that cater to her intended audience: children who need guidance. Her art conveys the transformative power of mentorship and the importance of fostering creativity within the educational environment. The exhibit's participants are not only art teachers but also non-artist faculty members. For example, Dean of Students Jason Sport contributed to the exhibit’s theme of nature with his Dwarf Spotted Rasboras. This fluorescent redfish brings a certain liveliness to the artwork. Despite his lack of artistic experience compared to other participants, Mr. Sport brought a cup he made in high school pottery class, finding a meaningful connection to the exhibit by reinforcing the theme of life and his passion for aquatic life. Middlesex shines when the beauty of the natural world ties with human expression, offering a space for reflection on the connection of all living things; Ishibashi exhibit serves as a gathering place for the Middlesex community to celebrate a shared appreciation for art, nature, creativity, and life. Nik Rizvi

The PWHL, a female hockey league in its inaugural season, is off to a promising start and gives hope for a consistent female hockey league that will inspire young female hockey players in years to come. With its first season still going on, The PWHL or the Professional Women’s Hockey League states on its website, “we are here to show what is possible. We are here to spark new dreams. We are here for all of us. ICE TIME. EARNED” (The PWHL). The PWHL arose out of an unsteady string of professional women’s hockey leagues in North America that all consequently folded due to financial instability. This string of hockey leagues started with the National Women’s Hockey League in 1999, replaced in 2007 with the Canadian Women’s Hockey League for 12 seasons, until a new National Women’s Hockey League was established in 2015, so that players could receive salaries rather than the stipends and bonuses the CWHL offered. After the dissolution of the CWHL, at the same time as the new NWHL, hundreds of prominent female hockey players founded the Professional Women’s Hockey Players’ Association which was founded to create a unified, financially stable professional league. The PWHPA attracted sponsors and the support of NHL teams, and in 2022, the association entered a partnership with Mark Walter Group and BJK Enterprises with the intent to found a new professional league which became what is now the PWHL. The league currently consists of 6 teams in each of the following locations: Boston, Minnesota, Montreal, New York, Ottawa, and Toronto. In order to create their rosters, the league first hosted a ten-day free agency period to sign three players, the first three players signed being Emily Clark, Brianne Jenner, and Emerance Maschmeyer, who signed with Ottawa. The league then, on September 18, 2023, broadcasted on the Canadian Broadcasting Centre, a 15-round draft that resulted in the construction of six rosters and the signing of 156 players. The players drafted include highly talented former Olympians, NCAA college hockey players, and although the majority of the league consists of players from the United States and Canada, there are also players from Austria, Czechia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Sweden, and Switzerland. In its inaugural season, the PWHL has attracted considerable support on Instagram with its 186,000 followers. In addition, at the PWHL Minnesota home opener, 13,316 people attended the game, a record-breaking attendance for any professional women’s hockey game. Already, the league is having a positive effect on expanding the reach of women’s sports demonstrated by the increased attendance at games. A large share of the higher attendance at these hockey games is a result of the young girls who attend the games. In the PWHL Instagram’s tagged section, there are a considerable amount of posts with young girls holding signs to cheer on their hockey team. A mother of a youth female Minnesota hockey team also commented that her daughter’s team goes to the games and she believes it is beneficial for her child to have the ability to “be inspired by females” (CBS) playing her sport. Although, in the past, female hockey leagues have folded, league organizers think this league will break that trend. The PWHL is trying to learn from other successful women’s sports leagues like the WNBA and NWSL by analyzing what has worked for them and what has not. Additionally, they value not just hockey but also equality and equal opportunity. Unlike the previous leagues, they are in a much more financially stable position and a position that supports their players because they are in a collective bargaining agreement, meaning the athletes have certainty surrounding working conditions, safety, housing, and meals. The league seems to be having a strong start to a hopefully long-lasting women’s professional hockey league. At the same time, despite its strong start, it is also important to note that it still has to make a lot of progress to match the benefits the men’s equivalent, the NHL, gives its players. While the minimum player salary for an NHL player is $750,000, PWHL players’ salaries are between $35,000 and $80,000. A good amount of this disparity is definitely due to the fact that the NHL has a strong fanbase built over the years, whereas the PWHL’s fanbase is small and growing. Already off to a strong, consistent start, the hope is that the PWHL will continue to grow its league and fanbase and be strong and inspiring for young girls for many years to come. Ella Coffin

Is Taylor Swift’s new presence in the stadiums benefiting or harming the NFL? When hoards of love-enthusiast, music-addicted Swifties meet masses of alcohol-loving, competitive, NFL fans, a disagreement is bound to take place. September 2023, Taylor Swift attended her first Kansas City Chiefs game and confirmed the suspicions of her alleged relationship with tight end, Travis Kelce. This new development sparked interest among fans nationwide, causing the NFL to ride the new publicity wave. But with the rising popularity of Swift in the NFL, hardcore football fans argue that she is taking over the “supposed-to-be” football-centered league. Although controversial, the benefits that Taylor has brought to the NFL are undeniable. The NFL is notoriously known to be a male-dominated league as their desperate attempts to increase their female viewership have been in vain. However, Taylor Swift’s new relationship with Travis Kelce not only turned the eminent pop star into a frequent viewer, but also dragged along the flock of fervent Swifties, eager to watch a love story play out. Taylor’s mere presence at NFL games has already led to a 53% increase in female viewers aged 12 to 17 and a new viewership peak (Forbes). She is single-handedly converting a hyper-masculine environment to incorporate femininity, a feat that the NFL could not seem to achieve on its own. Kevin Van Valkenburg, a football-loving dad, tweeted the thoughts of many fathers, writing, “I actually feel bad for the Brads, Chads, and Angry Dads who spent the year complaining about Taylor Swift interrupting their football because I spent the season trading Swift/Kelce memes with my 14-year-old daughter…and now it’s like a fun thing we share? Which is freaking awesome?” (USA Today). Although viewership and publicity have reached a new high, people think that Taylor is becoming the center of attention, deprioritizing the actual football game and hard-working athletes. Stadiums show the pop star frequently on the screen, causing anger among hardcore NFL fans, ensuing a chorus of enraged boos. Some watchers even purposely root for the Chief’s opposing team out of frustration towards Swift. However, some people believe that the NFL does this to keep the devoted Swifties entertained and feeling “at home” so the fans return to watch even more games, yearning for Swift to finally reach her happy ending. Additionally, on Superbowl Sunday, the NFL gained 9.8 million dollars through earned media coverage due to Taylor Swift (USA Today). Watching the superbowl on TV myself, there was not a single advertisement break in which there wasn’t a reference to the singer. Ultimately, the NFL’s reliance on the pop star has deterred the attention of fans from the athletes to the singer who is only there to support her boyfriend, not to be on the big screens. Even though her presence has benefitted the NFL in many different ways, they need to remain focused on the original purpose of the league. Quoting directly from the NFL, “No matter how much we accomplish, no matter how successful we are, no one is bigger than the game.” Michelle Cai

Last season Caitlin Clark took the world by storm and amassed a fan base willing to travel hundreds of miles and spend thousands of dollars to see her play, bringing unprecedented attention to women’s basketball. Thursday, in front of 14,998 people, Caitlin Clark etched her name in history as the greatest women’s college basketball player of this generation. As her 35-foot 3-pointer hit the bottom of the net, Clark moved past Kelsey Plum’s previous record of 3,527 to become the NCAA women’s scoring leader. Clark pulled ahead of Plum in 13 fewer games while taking fewer shots (NPR). In the same game, Clark recorded 49 points, setting Iowa’s single-game scoring record in a victory against the Michigan Wolverines 106-89 (ESPN). Clark played exceptionally, hitting 16 of 31 from the field, including 9 of 18 from beyond the arch, and capturing her 12th career 40-point game (ESPN). Clark’s current success has manifested itself throughout her outstanding four-year career at Iowa. She hit the ground running in her freshman season, averaging 26.6 points per game while shooting over 40% from 3-point range (NPR). She didn’t falter, and her sophomore season she averaged 27 ppg, which remained relatively the same through her junior year (NPR). Clark’s senior season has been off the charts, as she is currently averaging over 32 points and almost eight assists per game (NPR). While Clark’s 3-point career average is over 38%, her average distance during the 2022-2023 season was 25 feet, 11 inches, which is unheard of, about 4 feet farther out than the men's and women's 3-point line (NPR). In addition to her limitless range, Clark is a selfless guard who averages seven assists per game. Clark’s game is a joy to watch and excites even non-knowledgeable fans. Clark has the earned confidence to pull up from the logo without hesitation and consistently hits threes from the logo. Her unprecedented range, coupled with her ball handling and assisting capabilities forces teams to double, even triple team her from tipoff. Clark’s stardom peaked during Iowa’s run to the 2023 NCAA championship which drew almost 10 million viewers. Clark garnered attention for her exchange with Angel Reese sparking an internet debate that further brought more attention to women’s basketball. Clark captured national player of the year and cemented herself as the best player in the league. Her sudden fame last year sparked a domino effect this season including dozens of sellout games, home and away, long lines outside arenas, and drastic increases in revenue for both the Hawkeyes and opponents. While Clark’s play and multitude of records are extraordinary, what truly sets her apart is how she has monumentally transformed the game of women’s basketball. Clark’s popularity is symbolic of the recent, sharp rise in attention towards women’s basketball. While women’s basketball has seen more fans and viewership in recent years, Clark has increased this rise exponentially. Clark’s impact has reached Iowa and beyond. Iowa Athletics revenue in 2023 was almost $16 million more than 2022 due to men’s football and women’s basketball ticket sales (NPR). Women's basketball almost doubled their ticket revenue this season following their championship run last season and the birth of the Clark phenomenon (NPR). This season, every Iowa road game has been a sellout, and even opponents are benefitting from the Clark effect. Northwestern had their first sellout game, and set attendance records just from hosting Clark and the Hawkeyes (AP). The last time Clark played Northwestern, January 28, 2022, the crowd was just 1,578 (ESPN). That same year Iowa averaged 5,019 fans for road games, just half of their current average (ESPN). Purdue made $106,257 in ticket sales for their game against the Hawkeyes, almost five times more than its average of $21,920 (ESPN). Universities that have hosted the Hawkeyes have seen an increase of over 150% in home-game attendance. People show up just to see Clark play. The top five most sought-after NCAA women’s games have included Iowa (Vivid Seats). The average ticket price since Clark joined the team has increased 224%, including floor seats of over a thousand dollars (ESPN). Clark’s fans' dedication is especially honorable as the average distance traveled by a fan to watch her play is up 34% from last season (AP). The average ticket price for Iowa's away games is $107.75, and fans have traveled an average of 137.7 miles to see Iowa on the road (AP). Iowa has drawn on average 10,953 fans to their away games (AP).  Fans are willing to go to lengths to see Clark play whether it's driving hundreds of miles or paying a thousand dollars for a ticket. Clark’s fame is aided by the digital age as fans are now able to watch highlights on social media and stream games on an array of platforms. Her online popularity has enabled her to benefit from her stardom. Her celebrity and the new Name, Image and Likeness laws have allowed Clark to cash in on her stardom. Clark is worth millions, securing sponsorships from State Farm, H&R Block, Goldman Sachs, Nike, and Gatorade (AP). Clark has done unprecedented wonders for women’s college basketball and created a new host of fans for the sport. Women’s college hoops fans should consider themselves lucky to be watching in the Clark era. Who knows when we’ll be fortunate enough to see a player that elevates the game and generates fans like Clark? Grace Bishop

Boarding students are like lions: they proudly roam the savannah, their fur blending with the dry plains, whereas day students are like tigers: they are solitary predators that hunt in the mysterious jungle, their bright orange fur contrasting with its green hues. The differences between day students and boarding students are glaring, though they do share many similarities of course. As tigers and lions are both cats, day students and boarders are both students who thrive in their environment. At Middlesex, all students are exceptionally well versed in their academics, arts, athletics, and other aspects of school life, some of the most brilliant minds and individuals. Nevertheless, there exists a gap between the majority of day students’ and boarding students’ social experiences. Dorms dominate boarding students’ social lives, as boarders live on campus and immediately become a part of a rich, fun micro-community. Furthermore, because boarders live on campus, campus is a home where they are able to fulfill themselves with the constant buzz of friends. The relationships that boarding students make are much stronger because they have the privilege of time and private space to build these connections after the academic day. Most day students, on the other hand, are often deprived of experiencing this blooming, robust social life. Indeed, while day students have friends and maintain a social life, they don’t have the opportunity to live in a dorm, have a roommate, or have multiple opportunities to stay on campus late into the evening and truly expand their circles to make rich, lasting relationships. Day students are bound to their families and maintain a close-knit pride of their own, but a teen’s connection to their family is not equivalent to the exciting and youthful social circles that boarding students have the privilege of taking part in. Still, day students have the privilege of having independence and being liberated from such a small campus. Day students can be more adventurous, wandering in their cars and maintaining friendships outside of Middlesex--their social life is much more fluid. Additionally, they are able to be more themselves, for better or for worse, because they do not need to adhere to the rules or codes of conduct they must follow at school. Day students also have the choice to be by themselves or be more alone and intimate with certain friends or significant others off campus. Do boarding students have FOMO? Yes. Do day students have FOMO? Also, yes. Ultimately, both types of students lack what the other has: students desire both community and strong bonds as well as independence and intimate bonds. However, there is a more profound divide between day students and borders that results because of these different social spheres and experiences that has to do with their development as people. It should not be a surprise that the majority of students who graduate and go on to attend the most elite universities are usually day students. Because friends do not constantly surround them or are distracted by fun late-night school events, day students have the ability to focus more on their academic studies during their time at Middlesex. Thus, throughout their tenure at Middlesex, they lead academically as some of the most diligent, hardworking, and gifted students. On the other hand, boarding students have constant distractions and indulge most in the sweet years at Middlesex. In being a boarding student, however, students must mature much more quickly and adapt to a residential life at Middlesex, so they learn how to be much more independent and become in charge of themselves. Thus, they possess a certain astuteness and wisdom that not all day students have. Boarding students are ultimately best prepared for their futures while day students are able to accomplish more. In short, day students and boarding students will have different social experiences that will likely lead to two different paths, both of which are welcomed, exciting, and meaningful. The tiger and the lion are each the king of their own jungles and have great things awaiting them. Luca Raffa

Imagining a $40 million Wishlist for Campus and Curriculum Boasting an estimated $240 million, Middlesex is recognized as having one of the largest endowments among top US boarding schools – securing its position as the 13th “Richest Boarding School in America'' by Business Insider. Yet many student concerns persist, ranging from the aging conditions of dorm rooms to the occasionally frugal funding for student activities and the pressing need for upgraded sporting facilities– all despite the school’s financial prowess. Acknowledging the significant impact financial success has on our Middlesex experience, the question becomes: how much more hefty funding do we need, and, when supplied, where do we splash the cash? In response, this article delves into the facets of Middlesex that could improve given $40 million in funding. It is important to note, however, that Middlesex has recently been active in working on campus advancement – particularly in the prospect of the much-promoted new field house. While the field house will serve as a transformational campus project, Middlesex’s long-awaited splurge on athletic facilities raises questions about what other athletic buildings could be implemented with the proper funding. The idea of Middlesex expanding its selection of athletic sports has gained prominence, especially within a conversation with former competitive swimmer Dylan Fu ’27. Dylan, along with many former swimmers and water polo players on campus, advocates for a full-size pool– opening Middlesex to not only a more diverse range of applicants but also a new social outlet for swimming distinct from the less inviting waters of Batemand’s pond. Beyond aquatic improvements, many students have expressed their collective desire for more high-end sporting facilities such as full-glass squash courts, renovated basketball courts, a larger gym space, and more coaches in hopes of reducing cuts from teams limited by facilities. In particular, players and faculty alike have addressed the desire for more exterior coaches over the demanding commitment of faculty to coaching. While the Field House is expected to address some athletic concerns, Middlesex seemingly has no plans for new non-athletic facilities. Most prominently, this points to many more years to come of cramped chapel spaces. With evident over-enrollment this year, providing adequate seating during Chapel has become increasingly difficult. The dire need for communal space underscores the necessity for a pretty hefty investment in either an expansion of our existing chapel or a new chapel in its entirety. In any case, the current Chapel proves insufficient for accommodating the entire student body and faculty for more formal events – seen in the recent cram-packing of students during the Holiday Concert. Along with the Chapel, a number of dormitories including Clay and Atkins have had numerous suggestions for renovations – particularly to the conditions of the bathrooms. Middlesex’s rapidly growing community calls not only for an expansion of existing facilities but also for resources actively available to students outside of Middlesex. Many students, despite being offered the experience to go on international school trips this upcoming spring break, have expressed interest in studying abroad on exchange programs. As an international student myself, it is easy to recognize the mass significance such a program could have on our school community – allowing for an immersive experience for those on exchange, while also welcoming a diversity of international students to the Middlesex student body. Beyond exchange programs, Middlesex could also implement a greater selection of electives and courses for those with passions they wish to pursue on campus. Examples of unique and engaging electives can be seen at Andover where “Baseball and Philosophy” or “Fashion in History” are offered within their academic programs. Middlesex, although a comparatively smaller school, can most definitely benefit from a more diverse curriculum. Although splurging on material needs would reap much satisfaction among the student body, Middlesex should also invest in further means of sustainability. Our campus, surrounded by hundreds of acres of school-owned forest, could work towards environmental sustainability through the expansion of the solar-energy program and perhaps even the founding of an agricultural program. Lawrenceville, a private boarding school in New Jersey, similarly implements its “Big Red Farm” where students can learn about agriculture and provide their dining halls with self-grown crops. Invariably progressing and expanding, Middlesex remains a community with ample opportunity for growth across various aspects. While $40 million would do wonders for the school, the true measure of Middlesex’s excellence lies in our collective effort toward holistic progress. Steps as such can already be seen in the building of our new Field House – but most significantly in the community we build and the unique needs we embrace. Bryan Dong

Best spots around town Everybody knows about the big stores in town like Dunkin’ and Starbucks, but what else is there in town, and why do people go? Many students go downtown in order to switch up the scenery. Students like Audrey Tang enjoy going to town because she finds it peaceful and “a good break from the stressful environment at school.” “I like exploring places with my friends and going on adventures,” says sophomore Katie Tantillo. Personally, my favorite spot in town is Karma, an Asian-fusion restaurant located at the second stop. Whenever I feel like I need a break from the dining hall food, I go to Karma with my friends. (Hands down, they have the best gyoza and the best basil fried rice). I love going around town to try different food places and find new study locations. My favorite study spot is Caffè Nero because the environment is really cozy and, in addition to Caffè Nero having my go-to drink, an iced mocha, it helps me concentrate. According to Amrita Tromge, Main Street Bistro has the best açaí–her “guilty pleasure because they're overpriced but worth it.” Main Streets Market & Cafe is another restaurant Annika McNulty recommends for tea. Hudson Altschuler, a town regular, approves of Haute Coffee and states they have great food. Valerie, a local, says the “avocado toast is good for a Sunday brunch.” History teacher Mr. Hitzrot loves the Concord Market. He enthusiastically declares his love for the guacamoles and announces that “Concord Market has really yummy fruit juice beverages.” And in case you’re wondering, according to Mr. Hitzrot, “They’re mostly juice, NOT corn syrup!” For any miscellaneous items, freshman Scout Onley enjoys going to Walgreens with her friends; when asked about what she and her friends do with the items they normally buy from Walgreens, she proclaims, “We make slime.” Cynthia Ngugi, a freshman, advocates for CVS, saying, “Everything I need is there; Food, supplies, water.” Her favorite items to buy at CVS are the frozen meals. For all pizza lovers, Concord definitely has some of the best pizza shops. Matthew Yoon loves Sorentos, naming it “the best pizza place.” Sam Foster enjoys Comella's, where he always gets pepperoni pizza. Fiorella's Cucina is another option that Katie Tantillo recommends for going to when you are craving some pizza. Overall, leaving campus and being able to visit other places is a nice way to include a little sense of adventure into our daily lives. Next time you go to town, try to branch out and visit a new store or restaurant! Allison Luo

How Middlesex faculty navigates a new frontier in education When it comes to the role of Artificial Intelligence in education, there is no clarity. AI is succinct, well-organized, and conclusive; a classroom discussion is rarely any of those things. With the introduction of AI to modern education, students at Middlesex and around the globe have gained new access to immediate information. AI is like a modern jukebox, you feed it a coin, and out comes what you sought. The jukebox doesn’t really make what you requested, it simply stores and distributes someone else’s work. The difference between the jukebox and AI is that the consumer doesn’t know whose work they’re receiving nor do they often think to ask. For Middlesex students doing research, this lack of information sourcing can be an issue. “You can get to an answer; it might be the wrong answer, but you can get to information,” says Jeffrey Smith from the Warburg Library. The library has been heavily impacted by the introduction of AI, yet Mr. Smith notes the information sources are not always comparable. “When you use AI and internet resources in general, what you are getting is broad and superficial answers… books are much more in-depth than your average AI response,” adds Mr. Smith. The selection process of AI is what makes it both appealing and concerning. Artificial intelligence decides what information is of use to the reader before they even get exposed to the broader content. With a book, you are independently choosing what matters, but with AI, you are closed off from a lot of relevant information that you could find useful. Although Mr. Smith acknowledges these drawbacks of AI, he also believes that computer-generated content can be used for good. “AI could be helpful for students to get ideas or find a starting place,” he added. The Warburg Library has established an AI Introductions page on its website that helps teach students how to use AI platforms and educates them on the biases of the technology. Of course, there are pros and cons to all of this. “AI in relation to automation of everything means that fewer people can get the same job done,” added Mr. Smith. He then went on to explain that the library used to have four librarians but he is now the only one. “Artificial intelligence makes the day-to-day running of the library much easier,” he elaborates. Across Eliot Hall, in the English wing, teachers discuss the recent rise in AI on campus. “We’ve thought a lot about our core values as a department. What’s really important about the work that we ask you to do… what parts of that work are appropriate to outsource to AI, and which are inappropriate to outsource to AI,” says English teacher, Ceci Mancuso. Middlesex, after all, is a school that prides itself on writing. “It’s tricky, given the way we assess things currently, I don’t see AI having a huge role from idea generation to the composition of sentences and ideas because all of those tasks are really worthy and important tasks for people to do independently,” added Mancuso. “It’s something all departments are thinking about how they are going to incorporate in the coming year,” they elaborated. “You will see more engagement with AI on the level of thinking about what this can do as opposed to what it shouldn’t do,” Mancuso said. Certain departments are already implementing changes. “Visual arts and Computer Science are doing some really interesting things with AI,” says Mancuso. All indications show artificial intelligence is here to stay. Schools around the world are wrestling with policies to manage the technology.  How will Middlesex ultimately use AI going forward? Here’s a hint: your computer can’t answer that. Diana Davidson