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Middlesex can do more to emphasize its founding principles. At every opening of the school Chapel, we are reminded that Middlesex was built on a foundation of non-sectarian and democratic principles. These very principles have guided our school. This year, a task force composed of trustees, faculty members, and students worked to update and distill our mission statement to articulate exactly what Middlesex stands for.  In this reimagined version of the mission, Middlesex encourages students to “find their promise” through their  engagement “ in service of our community and the wider world.” With these core ideas in mind, Middlesex still tends to lean apolitical when it comes to addressing these political issues that rise up outside the MX bubble. However, in the last 10 years, Middlesex has witnessed an insurrection, 3 Trump elections, mass deportations, the harsh legislature of female autonomy, and more.  As a school supposedly committed to upholding democratic ideals, Middlesex finds itself at a watershed moment: do we remain passive in our political standings, or do we recognize that this democratic crisis isn’t even a political issue, it’s an American one? Despite its often political portrayal in the media and by politicians, democratic principles are the foundation of the American identity. Indeed, democratic principles are not a partisan issue, and given that democracy is one of Middlesex’s foundational values, we need not tip-toe around what is at stake.  In my AP Government class, Mr. Hoar prefaced our first class by saying that he felt obligated to shed light on the Trump administration’s abuses of our democratic system. However, in many of my classes people have been hesitant to critique any event that could be construed as “overly-political.”  Middlesex’s 2024 election task force attempted to encourage respectful political discourse, yet the programming neglected to include general civics education and discussion of democratic norms—especially within classes. While staying educated and up to date on an election is pivotal, it’s not enough. If you want to understand civics, you need to understand democracy. Taskforces and politics clubs are not enough. We need real civics education embedded into our curriculum. While required to take four years of English and Math, Middlesex students are only required to take two years of history, in which you learn how democracy affected civilizations across millenia. Did that empire flourish or fail? This same historical question can be asked now. Is America in decline as our democratic systems weather these attacks? Middlesex has a responsibility to answer this question through teaching its students.  Today, I sat in chapel listening to the names read of the young men who died serving our country and who died protecting democracy. As we sang Hymn 26 this line resonated more than ever: “What they dreamed be ours to do.” Middlesex’s responsibility is not just to educate its students, it's to make sure that every Middlesex student graduates having learned the value of one’s political voice.  Abby Tribush '26

Analyzing the reasons behind the success of the Korean Musical Animation image by: google images K-pop Demon Hunters  is a Sony Pictures Animation film taking place in an imagined South Korea, where demons and humans coexist. Demon-hunters protect their fans from an ever-present supernatural threat. The story revolves around Rumi, the lead vocalist of the K-pop group HUNTR/X, who is secretly a half-demon while being a demon hunter.  The film performed outstandingly in Korea and internationally, thanks to its complex understanding of Korean culture and its heart-warming theme. Showcasing the energy of K-pop, the soundtrack contains songs such as Soda Pop and Golden, which have gone viral on social media.  K-pop Demon Hunters  also presents ancient Korean folk tales and artworks. The Saja Boys, the main villains of the story, are based on Joseung Saja, who is a Korean Grim Reaper known for his dark outfits and pale appearance. Additionally, the famous icons of the movie, Sussie and Derpy, were also based on an ancient Korean folk painting.  The magpie and tiger dynamic inspired the characters’ design. Traditionally displayed every New Year, the pairing was believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune, just as Sussie and Derpy were the ones who brought good news to Rumi. The characters modernized the old-fashioned culture into a modern icon, helping to introduce Korean culture to the world.  Moreover, the film resonated deeply with the teenage audience through its themes. The main character, Rumi, constantly fears that her group will reject her due to her bloodline, and she desires to belong on the human side of the world. The messages the film sends help teenagers embrace their own identities and find the confidence in seeking true friendship and belonging.  The film is a masterpiece, but my personal cinematic perspective on the film is quite different. While I was watching the film, I felt like I was watching a set of YouTube shorts. One of the biggest problems of today is children’s attention span, and the movie was built around the problem. It is filled with constant dopamine stimuli to capture the audience’ interests. There were no breaks to let the audience connect to the movie deeply.  However, this design isn’t necessarily a flaw. The movie is made for kids, and it is perfect for kids. The movie is for entertainment and entertainment only, and if you are looking for a good time with friends and family, K-pop Demon Hunters  is a great choice. Sungjune Park ‘29

Season 7 was less about love and more about survival: Fiji-style. Season 7 of Love Island USA came in hot when it dropped on June 3, 2025, and it never let up. With Ariana hosting in Fiji, this season gave us 32 days of pure chaos, shocking twists, and a finale that nobody saw coming. From the very first week, the villa was messy. Ace strutted in with that bad-boy energy, Chelley stirred the pot without hesitation, and Jeremiah wasted no time putting himself in the middle of drama. But the tone shifted quickly when Yulissa was suddenly removed, a proof that this season wasn’t going to play it safe. How was Casa Amor? Absolutely insane. The new arrivals, like Andreina and Nic, didn’t just shake the villa—they flipped it upside down. Couples broke down overnight, and fans were left refreshing TikTok just to keep up with the fallout. But the biggest glow-up of the season belonged to Amaya. She showed up on Day 5, started quietly, and then totally stole the spotlight. Her connection with Bryan turned into one of the only real love stories of the summer. By the end, they weren’t just surviving the villa; they were winning it all, becoming the first Latino couple to take home the $100k prize. Nic and Olandria, whom fans called “Nicolandria,” had their own rollercoaster but made it to second place with chemistry that actually felt genuine. Huda and Chris landed in third, showing just enough spark to keep viewers rooting for them, while Iris and Pepe rounded out the final four. The numbers didn’t lie. Season 7 dominated streaming, pulling in over a billion minutes watched and trending on every platform. Every recoupling had people screaming on Instagram, and Casa Amor clips basically took over TikTok. By the finale on August 25, one thing was obvious: this season wasn’t about perfect fairy-tale couples. It was about who could handle the fire, survive the twists, and still walk out of Fiji holding hands. Overall, Season 7 didn’t just break records. Rather, it set the tone for what Love Island USA has become. More drama, more chaos, and a lot less “love.” And honestly? That might be why it was the best season yet. Emerson Gardner ‘28

The director of Top Gun: Maverick presents another masterpiece to the world, this time starring Brad Pitt. image by: google images With its first appearance in the cinemas on June 27th, F1: The Movie has made an incredible impact on both the Formula One and film industries. Within its first opening weekend, the movie has earned up to an estimated $140 million globally. Many came to see how the director, Joseph Kosinski, would present the exciting F1 races, while others were excited to see Brad Pitt on the screen again.  Set in the world of Formula One, Pitt plays a skilled veteran driver, Sonny Hayes, who could have been a world-class contender, but left Formula One due to a severe injury. After being recruited by his old friend, Ruben (played by Javier Bardem) to save his team, Hayes gets an opportunity to race in F1 again and to prove himself alongside promising rookie Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris). The two characters, the veteran and the rookie, form the central conflict of the movie. On one hand, Hayes has raced in Formula One before, and he expects Josh to cooperate with him, but Joshua is eager to become famous and the team’s first driver. The plot may seem generic, but it is a realistic problem for the teams, as the rookie and the veteran often create tension between themselves.  While the story follows a familiar rookie-versus-veteran arc, Kosinski manages to intensify the experience for the audience when it comes to the race scenes. By positioning cameras both inside and outside the cars, he immerses the audience with action, as he cuts from Hayes’ perspective to sweeping shots of competitors behind. The movie is definitely successful in displaying the thrill and competitiveness of Formula One to the audience. While the movie provides an epic portrayal of the race, it also manages to hold an outstanding authenticity of Formula One.  Though just in a few cut scenes, the F1 fans were thrilled to see their favorite drivers in the movie, like George Russell, Fernando Alonso, and Charles Leclerc. With the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton being the producer, the movie proves to be revolutionary in taking authenticity to a whole new level, with real F1 drivers participating in the production. The movie also reveals the crucial roles of the crew, like the engineers who are responsible for designing the car. The F1 crew is paid relatively less attention compared to the drivers of the team, but they are just as important as the drivers themselves. The crew is responsible for almost everything apart from the driving itself: every pitstop, aerodynamic adjustment, car repair… The movie certainly succeeded in bringing up their point of view.  Despite its many successes, the movie draws criticism from Hayes’ racing strategy. Sonny Hayes’ tactics are simply absurd, involving nothing more than crashing into other drivers to slow them down. Though supposedly effective in the movie, Hayes and his team would face penalty points and grid penalties in reality, which would heavily affect the team’s future performance.  Despite facing criticisms on the plot and Hayes’ tactics, the movie ultimately accomplished to present a thrilling experience for the audience while holding onto Formula One’s authenticity. Overall, F1: The Movie certainly succeeded in showing F1’s competitiveness and introducing it to a wider audience, with Kosinski’s epic cinematography and Lewis Hamilton’s dedication to the movie’s production. Ethan Gu ‘28 & Lawrence Chen ‘28

Sabrina Carpenter’s new album, Man’s Best Friend, was an instant hit for new and longtime fans, but is the controversy surrounding the album cover accurate or a misinterpretation? image by: Getty Images Man’s Best Friend , Sabrina Carpenter’s brand new studio album debuted on August 29, instantly topped the UK Official Albums and the Billboard 200 charts. Her single “Tears” jumped to No.1 on Spotify Daily Top   Songs, surpassing 43 million streams on Spotify after just a week and a half of its release. As a fan since Sabrina’s 2016 album Evolution, I believe that Man’s Best Friend  is arguably her best album yet. Each song is jam-packed with double meanings and metaphors that reveal her struggles in a toxic relationship and her fleeting faith in genuine love.  She sings that there’s “nobody’s son, not anyone, left for [her] to believe in,” revealing her deep desire to love and trust someone without being eventually let down. Although many of her songs speak to toxic exes and failed relationships, they remain upbeat, catchy, and relatable. Sabrina calls the album a “real party for heartbreak, a celebration of disappointment” because she keeps her songs sarcastically cheerful despite the bitterness of the lyrics.  The album contains undertones of ABBA, Ariana Grande, and Taylor Swift, making it a unique, relatable experience for listeners. My favorite songs on the album are Nobody’s Son and Sugar Talking , mellow songs with captivating vocals and melodies. Overall, every song on the album showcases Sabrina’s authenticity and musical talent.  Despite the album’s undeniable success, Man’s Best Friend faced intense backlash for its controversial album cover, which depicts Sabrina posing as a dog before a faceless man. The cover became a hot topic overnight, with users on every social media platform calling it demeaning, misogynistic, and sexist while accusing Sabrina of using the male gaze to promote her music. Many believed it fed into unfair stereotypes, even saying it set the women’s rights movement back several years. However, these criticisms are misinterpretations of the messages she’s conveying through her sexuality.  The cover symbolizes the fact that Sabrina and many other female pop stars must cater to those stereotypes to remain relevant to the public, especially in a time when women’s bodies face increasing objectification. Through her songs, Sabrina brings awareness to these issues and proves that she isn’t whom society and the media portray her to be. In fact, many of her lyrics judge and belittle men, telling them to “let an innocent woman be.” Sabrina uses her sexuality to empower  other women in a fun and lighthearted way, something many influential female figures have failed to do. Man’s Best Friend  is easily one of the best albums of 2025, and there is no doubt it will be nominated for many Grammys this year as Sabrina’s most fun and complex album yet. The hidden meanings, symbolism, and heartbreak make the album fun, relatable, and genuine like nothing you’ve ever heard before.  Emma McMullin ‘28

“Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” an advertisement featuring Sweeney promoting a line of denim, sparked controversies far beyond style chatter. On July 23, 2025, American Eagle, a popular American clothing and accessories retailer, launched the soon-to-be infamous advertisement featuring Sydney Sweeney. Sweeney, an actress known for her roles in numerous movies and television shows, along with her attractive features and bubbly personality, starred in this playful showcase of AE’s new line of denim released in partnership with her.  Celebrity endorsements of women’s clothing have historically driven success, so why would this campaign be any different? Yet, backlash towards AE, Sweeney, and American society as a whole proved that both the public and the political response were highly negative. Critics accused the campaign of reinforcing the idea of eugenics, a term most commonly associated with Nazism, where selective breeding methods are used to improve the human race. The pun they used, “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans,” meant also to imply that she has great genes. With her blonde hair, blue eyes, and all-American look, this was seen as an allusion to genetic purity. Similarly, the advertisement was accused of promoting the white beauty standard and even echoing some forms of white supremacist propaganda. Several advocacy groups quickly weighed in, calling for the campaign’s removal and stating that a major corporation such as AE has a responsibility to avoid racially charged undertones.  Even more outrageous to the general public, however, was the campaign’s claim to support domestic violence awareness through donations to the Crisis Text Line. The juxtaposition of a sexually suggestive denim advertisement with such a sensitive cause was extremely inappropriate, coming off as completely tone-deaf and the opposite of true advocacy. Furthermore, according to industry analysts, the advertisement represents a turning point away from “wokeism” and towards more traditional forms of advertisement that highly sexualizes women. Historical parallels were drawn between the ad and Brooke Shields’ infamous Calvin Klein jeans ad. Filmed when she was just 15 years old, the ad featured extremely suggestive movements in the jeans to garner attention. Critics saw AE’s attempt as a continuation of the fashion industry’s long history of objectifying women, noting that Sweeney’s tone and the camera's lingering focus made the comparison hard to ignore.  Even President Trump said on his own social media app, Truth Social, that she had the “hottest ad out there.” This statement from the president of the United States is a definite indication that American society is moving away from the bits of progress that have been made in the past decades. The cultural criticism spilled into wider social media, but in a more humorous manner. On popular platform TikTok, impressions of Sweeney’s delivery of the line “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring” with her flat expression, exaggerated rasp, and strained vocal fry quickly became a meme, with clips going viral. Upon closer examination, however, this campaign seems almost like a calculated stunt. Regardless of whether people like it or hate it, the attention it generated, with over 40 billion social media impressions, has only boosted sales—her “Syd’s Picks” jeans sold out in just a week.  Additionally, AE’s stock jumped over 38 percent in a single day, after the company reported a major surge in Q2 revenue due to the advertisement. Chief Marketing Officer Craig Brammers described the collaboration as not only a “product push,” but also a “brand and business reset” meant to propel American Eagle back into cultural relevance.  As someone interested in the world of marketing, I find the overall success of this campaign extremely impressive and fascinating. On one hand, American Eagle undeniably achieved its goal of driving record sales, but on the other, the controversy revealed just how easily marketing tactics can revive harmful stereotypes and trivialize serious causes. Although the midguided themes presented may not have been intentional on AE’s part, the discussions sparked throughout America about beauty standards, representation, feminism, and politics are conversations that just might prove to be more valuable than the jeans themselves. Holly Hong ‘29

A guide for new students  image from: Linda Wang '27 Each fall, curious, eager, and excited students join the Middlesex community. Between the required athletic duties, difficult classes, and overall boarding school atmosphere, the adjustment can feel overwhelming. To help make this transition smoother, we reached out to multiple returning students and faculty for their best advice to settle in and find your promise. Academics:  Do not procrastinate. It is best to stay on top of things — Blake Hardy ’27  Use your teachers and go to extra help. The math center is a great resource, and your teachers genuinely want to help you — Elliot Koopersmith ‘27  Create a system to battle procrastination by not using phones during breaks and instead doing things like reorganizing your room, reading, or watching movies — Kente Besiimire ‘28  TIP: Plan ahead and use your planner - it's a lifesaver.  Athletics and Afternoon Activities:   procrastination can impact afternoon activities such as sports, theatre, or chorus as you continue to worry about the workload — Ellie Sheehan ‘28 Athletics is a great way to get active, make friends, feel better, and do better in other aspects of your life. So I recommend that everyone put their best foot forward with athletics whether varsity, JV, or thirds because it really is fulfilling — Nadia Abdinoor ‘27 TIP: You don’t need to be a star athlete to stay active. Even with required sports for freshmen and sophomores, the gym is always an option.  Social Life:  M eeting new people outside of your dorm by going to stu-fac and socializing, joining many clubs that suit your interests, and going to school dances — Emma McMullin ‘28 Faculty, dorm parents, and teachers are excited to get to know you, so don’t hesitate to get to know them even now. Have conversations in the dorm, chat with your teachers after class, and ask your coaches questions — Emily Teevens  TIP: Most importantly, be yourself. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Prop open your door, invite a friend to study, talk to someone new.  Mental Health:  Middlesex is a lot different than whatever middle school you came from. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and remember that if something doesn’t go the way you were hoping or expecting, you can’t let that define who you are as a student or athlete, because no one ever actually knows what they’re doing. Some people are just good at pretending they do — Maisie Wands ’28 Being honest with yourself is the most important thing. Prioritizing your own wellbeing starts with knowing when you're genuinely overwhelmed. Spend time off of your phone, recharge mentally by talking to family, friends, or simply being by yourself. You have worth outside of your achievements or pitfalls at school —— Kente Besiimire ‘28  TIP: It’s okay to not be okay. Teachers are understanding, and you should prioritize you . So if you need that extension, ask for that extension.  Quick List: Five Fast Tips   Say “Hi” first. Don’t be afraid.  Eat with someone new everyday. Reach out of your comfort zone.  Get 7+ hours of sleep. You really do need it.  Go to office hours. It will help, promise.  Give it time. Don't worry, everyone here had a first day too.  You’ve got this. Mia Koopersmith ‘28

With her passion for literature and coaching, Ms. O’Connor joins Middlesex eager to build strong relationships. Image by: Lucy Wang '27 Over the years, Middlesex has welcomed new faculty and students who continued to enrich its community and culture. With multiple new faculty members for the 2025 to 2026 school year, I had the opportunity to sit down with Ms. O’Connor, a new English teacher, to learn more about her journey and what brought her to Middlesex.  Ms. O’Connor is from New Canaan Conneticutt, and attended boarding school at Deerfield Academy. She went on to Williams College, where she majored in American Studies and received her degree in Education. With the combination of Deerfield's high academic challenges and Williams’ close-knit community, Ms. O'Connor found a love for English and teaching. She explored her love for writing throughout her time at Williams while engaging in thoughtful and intellectual conversations at any chance she could. Ms. Connor previously taught at Lawrenceville School in New Jersey, another prestigious boarding school in our area. This will be her third year teaching.  Why Middlesex? As someone who grew up around boarding schools, Ms. O’Connor wanted to continue her career influencing young boys and girls who were just like her. Boarding schools had everything she was looking for. Ms. O’Connor was the captain of cross country and track while at Williams College, later continuing her passion as a coach at Lawrenceville. Now at Middlesex, she is excited to combine her love for both teaching and coaching. In addition, Ms. O’Connor was drawn to Middlesex’s English department. “The English Department has a really great mission of making every student into a really strong writer,” she explains. Middlesex’s Writing Workshop, required for all students, aligns perfectly with her educational philosophy. Ms. O’Connor believes that “[Middlesex] really believe[s] that everyone can be a great writer.” She is excited to sit into various workshops and understand the basic fundamentals of writing that Middlesex teaches their students. Primarily teaching upperclassmen, she is thrilled to engage in interesting and complex conversations with her students.  While she was working on her education degree at Lawrenceville, Ms. O’Connor focused on creating a supportive classroom environment where kids learn to build off each other and help each other through discussion. She wanted to make sure everyone felt comfortable with participating and speaking directly to her. “I come to teaching with a relationship focus, caring about the dynamics between the students and the class and also between me and the students,” she states. Middlesex is excited to see what Ms. O’Connor has to offer in the classroom. As a new faculty member, Ms. O’Connor has been amazed by the tight-knit community at Middlesex. In her first couple weeks, she enjoyed the opportunity of being a dorm parent. She says, “I’m doing duty in BP and I've been really loving getting to know the other adults who live there and also the students.” And with the addition of the campus being beautiful to the eye, Ms. O’Connor expresses her gratitude for the welcoming environment and “how warm people seem.”  Ms. O’Connor is excited to see what this journey ahead of her holds. She plans on learning from the returning faculty and creating a home here. “I hope I'm here for a long time. I think it's a really sweet community and Concord seems like a good town.”  With all of her ambition and open-mindedness, we welcome Ms. O’Connor with open arms to the community. Middlesex cannot wait to see how her story unfolds! Sayde Brown ‘27

Investigating the impact of poor air quality on student health and the need for improved air ventilation systems in dorms. image by: Linda Wang '27 When students return to their dorm rooms after a long day of classes, the last thing on their minds is the invisible environment around them: the air. Air quality in dorms can be just as critical to student health and wellbeing as sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Older buildings that lack modern HVAC systems are especially vulnerable to poor air circulation. Mold, dust, along with other indoor pollutants accumulate in these spaces, creating musty odors and fostering the growth of germs. Beyond being unpleasant, these pollutants can disrupt sleep, impair respiratory health, and, in the long run, compromise the overall wellbeing of young people. Poor indoor air quality can lead to long-term physical and mental damage. According to the National Library of Medicine, levels of fine particulate matter (PM) in poorly-ventilated homes can reach 100 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limits. This disparity can be attributed to hidden culprits like asbestos-containing insulation in building materials, harmful volatile organic compounds from newly installed carpeting, and formaldehyde from certain wood pressed products. Inhaling these pollutants can weaken the immune system of youth against pathogens in the respiratory tract. Exposure to bacteria and chemicals from construction materials leaves the respiratory tract more vulnerable to developing infections. Thus, places with high occupancy but poor air ventilation are often associated with an increased risk of asthma exacerbations and respiratory tract infections.  Boarding students and teachers give insight into the dorm air quality and the potential consequences on respiratory health. “With multiple people in a room, it can get really cramped and a little suffocating.” commented Haewon Kim, a sophomore living in Kravis, “ The only ventilation currently possible is the window, but bugs can fly in during fall and the heating in winter makes the air too dry. Also you wouldn’t want to open your door all the time. ” Others have also noticed mold creeping in during the spring when humidity strikes. Environmental factors vary across dorms as well. Steve Ma, a sophomore who has lived in both Landry and Kravis, noted that “Kravis faces the field, but Landry, perched on a hill, has a much better wind flow generally.” Indeed, location mediates air ventilation. Hygiene and daily habits, he added, can also influence how one perceives air quality. Lauren Chan reflected on her years across multiple dorms: “air quality has more to do with space. Some of the boys' dorms could be good examples. I feel like Landry may have great air quality due to its spaciousness; meanwhile, Clay…I doubt it.”  Faculty perspectives are more varied. Dr. Laws, a dorm parent in Kravis, observed, “Some of the dorms, especially at the start and end of the year, can be a little bit warm, but generally the air quality to me seems pretty good on nights where the windows are open and there is a cool breeze coming in.” Still, many students feel that the solution lies in structural improvement. “If we had air vents that would be super helpful,” Haewon remarked.  Investing in better dorm ventilation systems seems worthy of consideration. Increased air flow maintains respiratory health, prevents the growth of mold, and ensures better quality of life in a home away from home. As suggested by students, air vents are effective in controlling moisture and removing indoor pollutants. Moreover, choosing wooden floor or tiles over carpet eliminates the spread of volatile organic compounds. Finally, the installation of air purifiers in corridors can maximize clean air circulation while minimizing the cost of installation in rooms. Alongside understanding the science behind air quality, improvements in dorm room air quality not only reduces the spread of illness, but also promotes higher productivity and uplifting moods. Dorms, after all, are a second home. Investing in the air students breathe is ultimately an investment in their health, happiness, and capacity to thrive.  Lucy Wu ‘28

With new couches, refurbishings, and a ping-pong table, the renovated Stu-Fac has quickly become the hub of freshman life. image by: Celine Ding '27 The much needed Stu-Fac renovation is finally complete, and the results are striking. Once a dim, worn-out space with couches covered in stains, Stu-Fac now looks modern and lively. Fresh, gray couches line the room curving in and out. The design encourages freshmen to engage with each other and meet new friends. The lighter color reflects the sunlight, brightening the space and making it look more spacious. Also, a brand new ping pong table with paddles and ping-pong balls has replaced the battered old one, as it had long been subject to misuse.  Many of the freshmen have commented on how much time they have been spending in the new space. With the grill right next door, the space becomes a busy social hub, as students are able to buy mozzarella sticks or another snack of their choosing, then chill on the comfortable couches to enjoy their snack before athletics. The new students love going there during a free block, after classes, or before athletics to work on homework, relax, and play games with their classmates. Several freshmen noted that they were pleasantly surprised coming to orientation and seeing the updated and welcoming space.  Returning students, meanwhile, can’t help but feel a twinge of envy. A senior commented on how it looks like “a hotel lobby,” reflecting that the space feels a lot cleaner than before. Returners have also made remarks on how the space looks more welcoming. Many recall the old, dirty couches in need of replacement, and now wish they could have enjoyed the same comfortable hangout spot as freshmen. Still, most upperclassmen are happy to see underclassmen benefit from this vibrant space to meet new people and share memories in. Looking ahead, the freshmen will undoubtedly continue to spend their free time in Stu-Fac, and will likely be reluctant to give it up to next year's incoming class. The school’s investment in improving this area will hopefully inspire the freshman to keep it in good condition. That said, if the space is not respected and is treated poorly, as it has unfortunately been in the past, the school will be less likely to invest in new furniture, pool tables, or ping-pong tables in the future. It is important that both new and returning students take responsibility. If you see trash around the area, make sure to clean it up and keep the new space fresh and welcoming.  As a school, we are lucky to have this space. Everyone needs to treat Stu-Fac with the same care they would give their bedroom or dorm room, so we can ensure that future Middlesex students will enjoy it just as much as we do now.  Stella Mourtzinos ‘26

A dorm isn’t just a place to sleep, but a reflection of who you are. Recently, I had the privilege of visiting the rooms of several students living in Landry. Each stood out for their creativity, comfort, or personal flair. Collectively, these rooms proved that even the smallest spaces can reflect a great deal of each individual’s personalities. Let’s take a closer look at what made each room distinct. Lach Mccaghren ‘26, senior varsity tennis captain from Newton, Massachusetts, was the first to show me around. Stepping into his room felt like entering a cozy sports lounge. “I would definitely say it’s sporty, colorful, and a place people can hang out,” Lach said. Here, he feels at home surrounded by his collections of basketball jerseys, including superstars like Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, and Nick Anderson—his dad’s favorite player growing up. Despite Lach’s enthusiasm for sports, his most cherished item of his room is a vintage record player, a recognition of his lifelong love for music.  The room of Kai Raczkowski ‘27 stood out for its compact size. Despite the challenge of fitting everything in, Kai has made the space work. As we began the interview, he spoke with delight about his favorite feature, the keyboard. “I love playing piano with friends,” he said. “The keyboard also brings out the musical side of me.”  To make the space feel more like home, Kai decorated the walls with photos of his parents, sister, and his favorite red sox player, Masataka Yoshida. Though the room’s limited size made organizing difficult at first, he explained that “moving everything around and trying to fit everything in produced successful results in the end.” “Comfortable” was the word Ian King ‘27 used to describe his room. A beanbag chair that lay in the corner of his room immediately drew my attention. “It’s perfect for relaxing or even hosting day students for sleepovers,” Ian claimed. In fact, Owen Beauvis ‘27, a good friend of Ian’s, had slept over the night before Square Dance. The décor also highlights Ian’s family legacy and his passion for hockey, with a dual Canadian and American Flag hanging on the walls alongside a special Bruins jersey honoring his favorite Bruins player, David Pastrnik. As a newcomer to Middlesex, Will Alexander ‘28 keeps his space clean and carefully arranged with posters and lighting. His favorite decoration is a Pink Floyd (English Rock Band formed in 1965) poster. “I just really like the music. It looks great on the wall, too,” he said. The part that reflects his personality the most, though, is his closet full of carefully chosen clothes.  In his final year at Middlesex, Caelen Meade ‘26’s room appears minimalistic yet thoughtfully organized. A Caribbean flag hangs proudly on his wall. “It’s part of my background and really meaningful to me,” Caelen explained. Other keepsakes, baseballs from a Dodgers game, a photo from his first Middlesex football win, contribute to personal touches in his room. Unlike other rooms I visited before, Caelen’s room was impressive for its size. Yet, the spaciousness brought different challenges. “Managing the space to make it look good to the eye,” Caelen said. The mission seems well-accomplished so far.  A room is never just four walls and a bed, but rather speaks directly to people’s identity. Whether it’s through sports jerseys, family photos, musical instruments, or flags representing heritage, each student has found a way to turn a small space into something uniquely their own. For incoming students or seasoned upperclassmen alike, let these rooms be a reminder that your dorm is a place for personal expression and comfort.   Sunny Qian ‘27

An expert in Lacrosse, Soccer, and English  Photo by Max Linton Brian Powers is the new head coach of the Boys' Varsity Lacrosse Team, taking up the role after Doug Worthen's retirement. Before becoming the coach, Powers played here at Middlesex School, continuing the tradition of alumni coaching the program for the past four decades under Ned Herter, Doug Worthen, and now Brian Powers.  During his athletic career at Middlesex, Powers played on the varsity soccer and hockey teams as a freshman and lacrosse as a sophomore, where he played as a defensive midfielder. Later, he transitioned to long stick defense. The lacrosse team was strong during his time here. During his freshman year when he wasn't on the team, they won the league; however, after that year, they did not win again, but the team was always in the top four in the ISL. Then, after a strong junior year, he committed to play at Tufts, one of six players to commit to college lacrosse that year.  While at Tufts, he worked hard and started on the team in his junior and senior years. In addition, Powers majored in History and minored in English. He then went to graduate school, earning a Master's in teaching again from Tufts while sticking with the mens’ lacrosse program as a graduate assistant coach.  After his time at Tufts ended, he became an assistant lacrosse coach at Moses Brown School during COVID, and then quickly went to Catholic Memorial, where he became the head coach. At Catholic Memorial, he "loved the people, but it was very different from Middlesex," so when the opportunity arose with Doug Worthen stepping down, he returned to his alma mater since "Middlesex has always been the dream." Now at Middlesex, he is working to meet the team members and follow up last year's strong season with another great season. Brian Powers is not just the new lacrosse coach, but he is also an English teacher who teaches ninth and tenth grade students. When Brian Powers came to Middlesex, English class was not one of his strengths, but after going through the Writing Workshop program and the English curriculum, English became his strongest class, in addition to History. Now, he has returned to school to continue to make English a strength for every student. In addition to teaching English, he is also an assistant coach for girls' varsity soccer since it helps him get to know more students he might not otherwise meet, and as a student, he played soccer here. Powers graduated in 2015 and was a day student from Winchester. Middlesex taught him many other things besides lacrosse, like how to manage time well, analyze any given book, and respond to prompts persuasively and with structure. It is a dream come true for Mr. Powers to return to the beautiful campus of Middlesex, where he had so many memories of students, like the amazing environment and comradery on the teams he played for, graduation, and all the other fun times he had.  Timmy Hale