The Suffield BellVolume LXXVIII, NO. 2 Established 1835 December 2012

www.suffieldacademy.org EsseQuamVideri

Suffield Spirit Bolstered by Annual Spirit WeekAmidst dreary weather,

endless school days, and upcoming fall term exams, October 22-27 presented a diamond in the rough: Spirit Week. The point of Spirit Week is, in the words of faculty member Demetrius Toutounas, to “avoid ghosts at all costs.” Although this statement is accurate, beliefs about the purpose of Spirit Week vary.

Spirit Week presents six days without blazers, ties, and pocket-less pants. Instead, students can choose to deck out in embarrassingly hilarious outfits. The pressure to create the most unique, theme-fitting outfit of all produces not only a week of no dress code but also a week of heavy competition. Who will the headwaiters announce as the day’s winner? You may find yourself second best in competition, but, no matter the outcome, the week is filled with universal school spirit. Students can’t help but feel pride in Suffield’s exciting tradition, and this year was no exception.

According to custom, Monday of Spirit Week was Twin Day. With a best friend, sibling, or look-a-like, students attempted to

create an eye-catching outfit bound to confuse a passer-by. Harrison Moore ’14 and Gustaf Lidfeldt ’14 were victorious in their matching suits, ties, and blue hair dye. A student clap-off, an example of the strong sense of student democracy and participation at Suffield Academy, determined the winner.

Due to unfortunate timing, students were prevented from enjoying the enthusiastic events of Spirit Week on Tuesday, as all were required to be in full dress code for the all-school photo. The festivities resumed, however, on Wacky-Tacky Wednesday. From morph suits to pig tails to flamboyantly colored wigs, the campus was decked out in mind-boggling outfits. Remarking on the amount of student participation, Emily Ferguson ’14 had this to say: “[Wacky-Tacky Wednesday] was really cool. It seemed like everyone took part this year.” Most students find it difficult not to participate in an experience as jovial as these festivities prove to be.

Throwback Thursday brought a time-machine effect to Suffield. Outfits

imitating the fashion of the 60’s hippies, the 50’s greasers, the 20’s flappers, and even earlier eras gave the Suffield community the essence of wrinkles in time. Teachers and staff laughed at the reminiscent looks that they had once worn and

looks that they remembered their parents wearing.

The week ended with two spirit-filled days: Breast Cancer Awareness Day and Suffield Spirit Day. Brewster Dining Hall was an ocean of pink on Friday morning. On this spirit day students

donated $5 to support a search for the cure, demonstrating a strong sense of concern for others that brings pride to the school. Then, on Saturday students dressed in an infinite body of black and orange to perfectly end another, terrific, annual week of spirit.

Student Council Works to Enhance Suffield ExperienceLindsay Hayden ’15

Livy Poulin ’13

Student Council President Paul Metscher ’13 and Vice President Cole Hills ’13 have been working with the Student Council to enact their plans to enhance the Suffield Academy experience. Their primary focus has been finding a new fundraising project to replace Dance-a-thon. In addition, Metscher is making it his duty to give the students of Suffield

Academy a voice. He feels that the school works best when everybody’s ideas are heard, and he has acted on his belief with the establishment of Food Committee, SWAT, and Environmental Committee.

Each of these newly established committees provides opportunities for student input of ideas. Food Committee has been having

meetings with the kitchen staff to discuss adding more options, especially for vegetarians, and replacing less popular meals in the dining hall. SWAT, or Suffield Weekend Activities Team, has been coming up with new ideas for weekend activities to improve the overall weekend experience. Environmental Committee is still in the process of being

developed; its main goal will be to create ways for the school to be greener and reduce its carbon footprint. As Metscher says, “The best thing about these committees is that anyone can join them.” The committees function in ways that enable any student to express his/her opinion.

Likewise, the Student Council is making sure that each student’s voice can be heard as it works on selecting a new fundraising event. Any student who is upset about the cancellation of Dance-a-thon and wants to make sure that the replacement is awesome is invited to attend Student Council meetings to express his/her ideas.

Another goal of this year’s Student Council is to improve and strengthen the tour guide system. Council members have been actively working with Associate Director of

Admissions Sean Atkins to ensure that tour guides are properly trained to present our school in the best possible way. Ideas for improving the system include having tour guides-in-training shadow veteran tour guides and give mock tours. Making the tour guide process a more selective one would help the school put its best foot forward when trying to attract prospective students.

According to Metscher, this year’s Student Council is not just for each class’s elected officials: it is for all students. He believes Student Council meetings are the perfect place for students to express opinions, voice concerns, and initiate change. With new, inclusive ways to participate, Student Council has made it clear that the best way to successfully enrich the Suffield Academy experience is to speak up!

Winning twins Gustaf Lidfeldt ’14 (left) and Harrison Moore ’14 (right)

Photo by Noel N

akamura ’13

Vice President Cole Hills ’13 (left) and President Paul Metscher ’13 (right)

Phot

o by

Pet

er B

yrun

’13

The Suffield Bell

2 The Bell December 2012 Editorials News December 2012 The Bell 3

contributors

writersAna Carafotes ’15Jay Fields ’13Mary Franco ’13Lindsay Hayden ’15Livy Poulin ’13Elizabeth Ryder ’15Amanda Silverstein ’15

PhotograPhersHillary Cahn ’88 Soyun Chang ’14Billy Cordes ’16Natalie DeLiso ’13Alex Fabricant ’14 Sarah Hong ’13Noel Nakamura ’13Jun Park ’14

cartoonistSarah Hong ’13

layout designersKiley Caravella ’13Julie Doten ’14Sarah Hong ’13

editors

editors-in-chieFKiley Caravella ’13Angelina Massoia ’13

newsAnna Strzempko ’13

FeaturesJordan Stanley ’13

artsBozhou Luo ’13

PhotograPhyPeter Byun ’13Dennis Kim ’13

layoutJulie Doten ’14

Faculty adVisorJoan Brodie

HOPE FOR WOMEN in Senate Races

The Long Road to Election DayLivy Poulin ’13

She’s the First Makes a Difference through Cupcakes

Suffield Tackles Issue of Food Waste

TREE Club Asks SA to Meet theGreen Cup Challenge

Around this time each year, TREE (Teaching Responsible Environmental Ethics), a school-based organization, starts up the Green Cup Challenge, a nation-wide activity in which over 120 independent boarding schools participate.

The Green Cup Challenge, which will begin on Jan. 16 and last until Feb. 13, gives the school community approximately one month to demonstrate changes in its environmental habits. The Challenge asks students and faculty to be mindful of energy consumption and develop strong energy conservation habits, including recycling as much as possible, taking shorter showers,

turning lights off when leaving rooms, unplugging cell phones once they are fully charged, and much more.

This year will be SA’s third year of participation in the contest. Each year of involvement has produced better results, and this year’s objective is to accomplish similar or even superior results to last year’s. To accomplish its goal TREE is planning several activities for the GCC, including, amongst others, a dorm vs. dorm contest and a candlelight dinner. Also, after its success earning “GCC’s Coordinator Pick” honors for its 2012 video, TREE is planning to create another great video.

The challenge was established in 2006 by three boarding schools in the Northeast region: Northfield Mount Hermon, Philips Exeter, and Lawrenceville. Making a worldwide impact, the 116 schools that participated in last year’s Green Cup Challenge saved approximately one million kWh and prevented over one million pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere in a time frame of just four weeks. From raising awareness to recycling to water and energy conservation, the Green Cup Challenge is an effective way to make an evident difference.

Disrespecting Campus

Halloween as a GirlAnna Strzempko ’13

That time of year has once again come and gone: Halloween. That means that if you are a high school/college-aged girl it was the inevitable time for “slutty” costumes. We can pretend it does not happen, we can act like it is just a Mean Girls phenomenon, but the truth is that the promiscuous Halloween costume has become an American tradition. A rite of passage, if you will. We love to talk about it: whose costume is the most, ahem, risqué. We have all heard about how this is affecting the moral fiber of our young people; however, no one seems to notice the incredible paradox it creates: girls get typecast.

For some reason, all girls inevitably get lumped into two categories: ditzy, slutty, and hot OR snobby, intellectual, and boring. Hmmm … that sounds a lot like societal views of young women. Guys are not pigeonholed into any role on Halloween, yet we love to judge girls for wearing a token bunny costume and love to make fun

of those dressed as the latest, relevant politician as being too prudish or self-aggrandizing. Girls who choose to dress satirically or in some way as to portray social commentary are criticized for coming off as self-important. Why is it that they cannot just be people who choose to dress in a way that they feel is funny or scary or whatever they want it to be? We perceive those who choose to dress in a revealing manner as desperate for attention if we are girls or as desperate for attention and alluring if we are guys. Why is it that girls cannot just be people who want to show off their bodies on a night when it is appropriate to do so? If they are comfortable, who are we to comment on whether their costumes are too promiscuous or not revealing enough?

At the end of the day, Halloween is a night to be anybody but yourself and wear anything that makes you feel comfortable and fun. Let it be this way for everyone.

In our sheltered community, it is easy to forget that there are serious global environmental problems, especially involving food waste.

Shocking U.S. Food Waste Facts: * The average American wastes 209 to 254 pounds of edible food each year. * U.S. household disposal of food waste has tripled over the last two decades. * Globally, 33% of food is lost to consumer waste, processing waste, and post-harvest losses.

However, there ARE ways to help:

What SA Is Doing to Reduce Food Waste:* Not using trays in the dining hall to prevent diners from taking more food than they are likely to eat* Using a food trough garbage disposal system to dispose of food through the sewage system, which prevents food waste from taking up precious space in landfills

What SA Diners Can Do to Further Reduce Food Waste:* Be conscious of how much food they take. Take less first. Go up for more later if still hungry.* Find out how many people at a lunch table want more food before refilling the tray.* Follow the following steps to use the garbage disposal trough properly: 1. Put bones, pasta, lettuce, napkins, and other paper into the trashcan. 2. Hand your plate with the remaining food on it to the dish-crew member. 3. Allow the dish-crew member to scrape the remaining food into the trough.

By making these few simple changes,Suffield can do its part in taking better care of the environment.

Elizabeth Ryder ’15

Angelina Massoia ’13

Ana Carafotes ’15

Students enjoyed a sweet break from studying on Monday, November 12th, when they purchased tie-dye cupcakes at the bake sale sponsored by Suffield’s campus chapter of She’s the First. The fundraiser was run as a segment of the She’s the First signature event, the National Tie-Dye Cupcake Bake-Off. Suffield, one of three high schools in the nation with a chapter of the organization, joined dozens of colleges across the country in this effort.

Promoting the education of women, which is globally underfunded and overlooked, She’s the First is a national organization that grants young women in impoverished countries the opportunity to attend school through sponsorships. UNICEF estimates that “there are over 115 million 6-to-12 year olds not in school, and three-fifths of them are girls.” Women who are uneducated are more likely to be married with children at a young age, to lead a life of poverty, and to be less politically and socially active.

Suffield’s campus chapter was born last spring and is already sponsoring a third grader named Kalkidan from Ethiopia. The club is able to communicate

with Kalkidan through letters and photographs. Through this year’s tie-dye cupcake bake-off, club members hope to sponsor one or two more girls.

Publicity for the event began with lunch announcements, emails, and posters. The busywork of planning and coordinating was all worth it when it came time to bake and sell. With the extraordinary help of Mr. Hennessey and the food service staff, the members of the club baked and frosted over 300 vibrant and delicious treats. They balanced studying with charity on Sunday into Monday, as there was baking and frosting that needed to be done.

When it came time to sell, the girls took turns manning the table from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. When purchasing cupcakes, many Suffield students and faculty went the extra mile and donated extra to the cause. According to Ms. Balaban-Garber, faculty advisor to the club, “The girls put in so much work to make this effort a reality and a success for such a great cause.”

Thanks to the cooperation of the Academy community, Suffield can now add more young women to its expanding list of lives changed.

Americans have spoken, and they have chosen Barack Obama. They have also chosen to further the representation of women in Congress. The seat turnover in the Senate, which went decidedly to women, has been a hot topic of discussion since the polls closed. With a record twenty female senators in Congress, feminists have something to celebrate. What we need to realize, however, is that ALL women have something to celebrate with this victory for female politicians.

Women make up fifty percent of the population, but not all women identify as feminists. All women, however, share some common concerns: reproductive rights, pay equality, etc. Why then, is this being celebrated as a feminist victory rather than a female victory?

Regardless of where we stand on reproductive rights, I think all women can agree that

it is time for equal pay. Men are statistically less likely to vote for equal pay legislature. Women want equal pay. These are the facts. It is not only feminists who want to be compensated adequately for their work. In fact, I might even venture to say that there are some men who believe

Suffield, this is a call to action. Our school has fallen into a state of complacency in regard to the treatment of and respect for our campus. In two areas, especially, we as students have slacked off in our responsibilities: the dining hall and the union. It now has come to the point where

such disregard can no longer be accepted.

All students benefit from the union being a place to congregate between classes and lounge after school. Normally a location of comfort and enjoyment, the union has taken a turn for the worse. It is abused by the same

people it was intended to cater to. Upon entering, our eyes meet fallen bottles on the ground and spilled milkshakes saturating the carpet. We see leftover muffin and bagel wrappers greasing the tabletops with butter. Not only is this unsanitary, but it also makes the union unpleasant to spend time in. Furthermore, it is a poor reflection on the student body. The current condition of the union reflects laziness, negligence, and presumption. As it is a communal place, it is the duty of the community to take charge of its maintenance, which is something a few of us may have forgotten. We must make it a priority to preserve this place we care about.

A similar change must be executed in the dining hall. Students are given the privilege of grabbing a bowl of cereal or enjoying a mug of tea throughout the day. However, there doesn’t seem to be any

show of appreciation as students consistently leave behind glasses, utensils, and crumbs on the tables. This is unfair to the students who want to sit at a clean table and to the kitchen staff members who ultimately end up taking on a task that should not be a part of their job. Taking the few steps to the kitchen will neither make you late nor take any great effort.

Both the union and the dining hall are entirely taken for granted by our community. Each facility is a privilege, not a right, and can be taken away. The only way to prevent the loss of the places we love is to show that we are responsible. Let’s take care of our campus and make it a more accurate reflection of who we truly are as a school.

women deserve fair pay. Gasp. With strong women like Elizabeth Warren, Tammy Baldwin, and Claire McCaskill in the Senate, this issue is likely to get pushed.

After a tumultuous year for women, from the redefinition of rape to the backtracking of rights, even the reddest of us can breathe a little easier knowing we will be represented at least a little better by our government. That is exactly what these female senators are: a representation of us. They are not just a representation of radical feminists, but of all women, everywhere. Our country was founded upon the idea of representation in government; therefore, it should make sense to more than just the feminists that women should be visible in Congress. All this leaves me wondering: Why aren’t all women feminists?

Photo by Sarah Hong ’13

In the closing weeks of the presidential race, Barack Obama and Mitt Romney transformed their strides from a long distance jog to a final sprint, attempting to gain approval from the undecided voters who kept them neck and neck for the entirety of the race. The race began early and was full of turning points, media exploits, and candidate mishaps.

In May of 2011, Barack Obama made a colossal move in foreign policy: the conquest and killing of Osama bin Laden. Folks who had previously been weary of Obama’s foreign policy strength became confident in his abilities, giving him a significant push during the beginning of campaign season.

A significant turning point

for Republican candidate Mitt Romney was his momentous speech in February of 2012 at the Florida primary. Opponent Newt Gingrich in an earlier Republican

primary had deafeningly conquered Romney; thus, Romney’s victory in Florida provided him with the swing state vote needed to give him his

party’s nomination. In June of 2012 in the

heat of the campaign, the Supreme Court ruled President Obama’s Affordable Care Act constitutional. Obama’s healthcare bill had been met with much controversy, especially among Republicans; however, with the Supreme Court’s verdict the attentions of many undecided voters were diverted to the positive aspects of the bill, rather than just the media’s outtakes.

A significant mishap of Republican candidate Mitt Romney was the exposure of the “47% video.” This secretly taped video quotes Romney claiming that 47% of Americans are dependent on the government, a claim proven to be untrue in several

facets. The controversial content of the video grasped the attention of Americans nationwide, causing a variety of media interpretations and creating an effective talking point for Democrats.

The final stretch of the campaign included the presidential debates. The first debate caused anxiety among Democrats as Romney’s debate tactics crushed those of Obama. The second and third debates, however, caused a stir with Republicans, as it was determined that Obama powerfully triumphed over Romney.

After extensive and arduous races both candidates had to catch their breath as they crossed the finish line and made Campaign 2012 one for the history books. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, and Rep. Ann Kuster

Anna Strzempko ’13

Jordan Stanley ’13

4 The Bell December 2012 Art Art December 2012 The Bell 5

Bozhou Luo ’13

Sarah Hong ’13

Allen Chen ’14

OPENING NIGHT TONIGHT!Amanda Silverstein ’15

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, starring Jay O’Brien ’13, Iza Ugarte ’14, Logan Barer ’13, Clare Guerreiro ’14, Harrison Moore ’14, Alexis Sarris ’14, Cole Hills ’13, and Briana Matthews ’14 and directed by Mr. Dugan opens tonight, Dec. 13, and runs through Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Jeanice Seaverns Performing Arts Center. The thirty-five actors and ten members of the stage crew have prepared for their audience what Mr. Dugan believes “will be one of the most entertaining productions Suffield Academy has seen yet.”

The show features many dance numbers, two of which are performed solely by the male characters—something new and exciting on the Suffield stage. Cast members are anticipating that the tap number will “keep the audience on the edge of their seats.”

The “Broadway jazz,” as

Mr. Dugan calls it, is bound to satisfy a wide range of audience members. Younger people will enjoy the high energy level throughout the show while older people will appreciate the many references to the 50s and 60s. Overall, Mr. Dugan finds this musical to be “a lighthearted show with a good message and an interesting story.”

When Mr. Dugan saw the 50th anniversary Broadway revival of the award-winning musical, he immediately knew it would be perfect to bring to Suffield. With its large male cast it could accommodate the sizeable participation of male students in Suffield’s theater arts program.

Already, students all over campus are buzzing about wrapping things up before holiday break by watching their classmates in this year’s school musical.

Harrison Moore ’14, Clare Guerreiro ’14, Jay O’Brien ’13, Izzara Ugarte ’14, Logan Barer ’13, Alexis Sarris ’14

Photo by Billy C

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By Sarah Hong ’13

Cheryl Kuo ’13

Sarah Hong ’13

Didi Ezeamama ’13 Ben Mayne ’13

Save The Dates!2012-2013 PERFORMING ARTS SEASON

Thursday-Saturday, December 13-15, at 7:30 p.m.The musical comedy

How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying

Saturday, January 198:00 p.m.

Winter Guitar Show

Thursday-Friday, February 21-227:30 p.m.

Winter Dance Show

Thursday-Saturday, April 18-207:30 p.m.The play

August: Osage County by Tracy Letts

Saturday, May 48:00 p.m.

Spring Guitar Show

Tuesday, May 147:00 p.m.

Spring Instrumental Concert

Friday, May 177:00 p.m.

Spring Vocal Concert

“THE TRIPS”A dark comedy by Dustin Robert Blakeman

SA Students Selected

Connecticut Music Educators’ Association

Northern Region FestivalIn November a group of 19 Suffield students auditioned with nearly 1,000 others. The following were selected

after receiving scores in several technical areas:

BANDSeung Ho Hyun ’15

CHORUSLogan Barer ’13

Clare Guerreiro ’14Harrison Moore ’14

Jun Park ’14Denny Smythe ’14

Joe Islam ’16 (left), Jess Phillips ’15 (center), and Jay Hutzler ’16 (right), members of the Acting Ensemble, perform in a one-act play on Nov. 9th.

the Dining Hall

6 The Bell December 2012 Features Features December 2012 The Bell 7

If there is one thing college visits this fall have taught me, it’s that, believe it or not, Suffield spoils us with its dining hall food. Though the meals at SA are usually very good, sometimes you’re just in the mood for something different. Lucky for us, there are enough available ingredients so that, if you’re crafty, you will never get bored.

Here are a few tips to try out at your next meal. First, while navigating the dining hall, the microwave can be your best friend. Almost anything, including croissants, muffins, cookies, sandwiches, and brownies, tastes just a little bit better when heated

up. Also, don’t shy away from the toaster. The strangeness of it may seem intimidating, but as long as you use it right, it is easy to avoid the embarrassing “smoking toaster.” Second, it may sound odd, but bowls are extremely useful. The smaller size of bowls helps you eat more reasonable portions while providing a clean and efficient method for mixing. For instance, two bowls together make the perfect salad shaker. In seconds, you can make a delicious tossed salad without having to clean up lettuce leaves from the table. Finally, don’t be afraid to use the kitchen staff as a resource. If there’s something you need,

just ask! They are always willing to help.

Over the years, innovative Brewster diners have used their imaginations to create combinations that you can use in your daily dining hall adventures. Students have learned from experience how to satisfy their cravings—from the healthy to the indulgent and everywhere in between. Here are some of those ways:

DESSERTSuffield Rice Krispies

Ingredients:1 scoop of Rice Krispies cereal1 packet of butter3 scoops of Fluff

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Microwave for 20 seconds. Stir with spoon until well mixed. If desired, add more Fluff or Rice Krispies to suit taste.

SNACK Cinnamon Apples

Ingredients:1 apple (any kind)1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar (found in kitchen)

Cut up apple into slices and place in a bowl. Add cinnamon sugar. Place another bowl over the bowl filled with cinnamon apples.Shake.

The Endless Possibilities of

HEALTHY Pre-Game Wrap

Ingredients:1 whole grain wheat tortilla1 slice of deli turkeyAssorted vegetables: lettuce spinach peppers olives1 scoop of blue cheese2 tablespoons red wine vinaigrette1 scoop of craisins

Place tortilla in microwave for 10 seconds to make it more pliable. Pile all ingredients on top of tortilla according to taste. Wrap by folding the two sides toward the middle; then roll up from the end until it is fully wrapped.

Angelina Massoia ’13

As we return home for holiday break, each of us prepares to celebrate the season in our own unique way. Some of us will gather around a lit-up Christmas tree while others will celebrate the eight days of Hanukkah, and many will ring in the New Year. All around the world, hundreds of cultures will rejoice with one-of-a-kind festivities.

Some traditions that others perceive as normal seem quite quirky to us. For instance, in Great Britain, making a Christmas wish while mixing pudding is the only way to have it granted—that is, if you stir in a clockwise direction. Sometimes, coins are even added to the pudding. Christmas, while celebrated all over the world, has many different versions, especially when it comes to the figure of Santa Claus. Children in Italy believe that a kindly, old witch, La Befana, brings them Christ-mas gifts. Children in Austria, on the other hand, have a darker

Holiday Traditions Around

Mary Franco ’13

holiday figure: Krampus. He is Santa’s evil twin who beats and punishes all the children who have misbehaved. On Krampus Night in December, men dress up in scary, devil-like costumes and run around town hitting people with sticks and switches. In the Ukraine frightful decor- ations are popular. An artificial spider and spider web often adorn Ukrainian Christmas trees, and finding a spider web in the house on Christmas morning is believed to be good luck! On Christmas Eve in Norway, Norwegians hide all the brooms in their houses so that ancient witches and mischievous spirits don’t steal them and ride the skies.

Though these practices may be new to us, they are long-standing holiday traditions to others. Everyone has his or her own special celebration to look forward to, whether it is as simple as spending time with family or as eccentric as dressing up like Santa’s evil twin.

the World

TRADITIONALNaan Pizzas

Ingredients:1 piece of naan1 scoop of marinara sauce½ cup shredded mozzarella (found on salad bar)Additional toppings: black olives banana peppers onions etc.

Spread the marinara sauce and sprinkle the mozzarella on top of the naan. As availabile on the salad and deli bars, add toppings according to your taste. Microwave for 30 seconds.

Spirit WeekWorld Series

School CancellationsHalloween

Clean Student UnionVoting

Thanksgiving BreakFirst Snow

HOT or NOTLindsay Hayden ’15

School PictureNHL LockoutHurricane SandyNo Trick or TreatingTrashing CampusElectoral CollegeExams60 Degree Weather

The Teacher Hunger Games

Mrs. Pentz:

Nickname: The Svalbard Bard

District: English

Mentor: Mr. Vianney, of course, the Obi-Wan Kenobi of the dept.!

Potential Allies: Mr. Pentz (court-ordered ally, and he might not kill me on day one), Mrs. Bailey (need early morning reinforcements), Mrs. Yeager (for competitive toughness), Mr. Riegel (help with sponsorships and can throw a victory party)

Weapon of Choice: Biting wit and a finely honed sense of irony. If those fail, we will use a javelin-like weapon called a “shaking spear.” We have been using the “shakes spear” as a weapon against our enemies for centuries—it weakens them quite effectively.

Best Known For (Signature Move or Catch Phrase): “Shake and bake” (said with signature high kick roundhouse move).

Battle/Survival Strategy: I plan to run screaming like a little girl until the others have killed each other off; then I will attack with the force of ten thousand spider monkeys.

Special Skills: Word processing

Weaknesses: I could tell you, but I would have to kill you.

Characterization (underdog, fan favorite, etc.): I thought underdog was a fan favorite. English teachers know all about characterization.

Potential Sponsors (clubs in the school that would send you gifts to help you): Pop Culture Club; Academic Quiz Team owes me some solids.

Inspiration to Win: I win for the children. That, and some sweet endorsement deals which stipulate that I mention Powerade at every appearance.

The following scenario and survey was sent to five Suffield Academy teachers in order to simulate a Hunger Games with teachers as tributes:

Welcome. You have been selected as part of a very special group of individuals. You will test your wit, strength, determination, and mental ability as you fight for your life in a battle to the death against your colleagues. Beforehand, we would like to know more about you and what your strategy will be going into this survival match. To help you better prepare your tactics, we give you the following information:

Setting: Svalbard: an island owned by Norway. It is very cold during the winter, very isolated, and home to wild animals such as polar bears.

Time of Year: Winter (during the polar night)

Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor.

Message to other competitors: I proofread your comments; I already know your weaknesses.

Quotations: “Where the hell is the lady’s room?!” That there is trademarked.

If a polar bear attacks, what do you do? Wet my pants. Or is that for jellyfish? I never can remember. Anyway, same diff.

You are almost out of food and very weak, but enemies are nearby. Do you wait it out and risk starvation or take the chance of being killed? I leave, order take out, and watch the rest on pay-per-view. Not an option? Then I hang on (I have built up a reserve to sustain me in times of famine) and wait for my thinner colleagues to weaken. Then I go all Lord of the Flies on them with a healthy combination of Heart of Darkness. I’ve been studying.

If you could have your sponsors send you one item during the battle, what would it be? All evil runs on Dunkin.

Mrs. Henle:

Nickname: Allison Miller

District: Mathematics

Mentors: Mrs. Vasilenko would teach me sword-fighting, and Mr. Thomsen would know everybody in Capitol City and be able to get me cool gifts.

Potential Allies: Ms. Pouy, Mr. & Mrs. Caginalp, Mrs. Sych, and Mr. & Mrs. Hernick

Weapon of Choice: Catapult

Best Known For: Dropping math/science facts when nervous

Strategy: Escape and run away/

Julie Doten ’14

live to fight another day.

Special Skill: Disappearing

Weaknesses: Complete lack of coordination and physical stamina

Characterization:Underdog nerd

Sponsors: Math Club, Rocket Club, Pop Culture Club, GSA

Inspiration to Win: Survival

Message to other competitors: Brains win out.

Quotations: “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”

If a polar bear attacks, what do you do? Throw food as far as I can; when he turns to investigate food, run.

If you could have one item sent to you, what would it be? A map

Mr. Toutounas:

Nickname: Tata efendi

District: Languages

Mentors: I would leave them out of this.

Potential Ally: Joe Hernick

Weapon of Choice: Dynamite

Strategy: Setting off a controlled dynamite explosion that would wipe out multiple faculty members simultaneously

Special Skill: I can survive on a half gram (1/50th of an ounce) of

water daily.

Weakness: I have a straight nose.

Characterization: I’m a winner. I Rock and Roll!

Sponsor: All my dead ancestors

Inspiration to Win: An all-expenses paid cruise around the world lasting 5 years

Quotations: “Without the cruise, not worth the pain.”

If you were attacked by polar bears, what would you do? Bark and howl like a Siberian Huskie

Mrs. Fuller:

Nickname: Georgia O’Beefe

District: Visual Arts

Mentor: William Butcher, after all, he is a descendent of Richard the Lionhearted!

Ally: Andy McKenzie, that is, unless he kills me with his humor!

Weapon of Choice: A paintbrush, of course!

Catch Phrase: “Ya Gotta Have Art!”

Strategy: I would paint camouflage scenery to disappear into!

Special Skill: I’ll throw others in harm’s way!

Weakness: I don’t have enough friends to throw in harm’s way!

Characterization: The timid southern belle who is secretly Wonderwoman!!!

Sponsor: Philosophy Club ... just because. Inspiration to Win: I live to go out to dinner!

Message to other competitors: The sciences are the means of survival, but the arts are what make survival worthwhile!!!!

Quotations: “She who runs lives to paint another day!”

If a polar bear attacks, what do you do? Paint myself white. She’ll think I am another polar bear!

Do you wait it out and risk starvation or take the chance of being killed? Tara! I’ll go home. As God is my witness, I’ll never be hungry again! If you can have one item sent to you, what will it be? Lipstick!

Mr. Eckhardt:

Nickname: Eck the Red

District: History

Mentors:

Mr. Lowe: The sage. He is the original SA Viking.

Mr. Brissette: His experience in the Secret Service has been invaluable in my training.

Mrs. Krasemann: She can run forever!

Weapon of Choice: Mjolnir—the Hammer of Thor! It always returns. Or a double-bladed battle axe if Thor won’t loan me his hammer.

Best Known For (Catch Phrase): “There is no such thing

as bad weather—only bad gear.” (Signature Move): Kangaroo Flip.

Battle/Survival Strategy: For battle: Fly like a butterfly & sting like a bee! For survival: Cold does not faze me!

Special Skill: Aside from my cat-like reflexes, I am pretty good on skis, and I am a kazoo player extraordinaire!

Weaknesses: Swimming or anything in the water, even water-skiing

Characterization: Dark horse

Potential Sponsors: TREE, Chinese Club, Monday Night Dinner Dish Crew, Ski team, Viking Clubb, & the lads of Hornick dorm!

Inspiration to Win: To raise awareness about the Viking Clubb

Message to other competitors: Lykke til min laererkolleger!

Quotations: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to lies within

us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Never walk away from home ahead of your axe and sword. You can’t feel a battle in your bones or foresee a fight.” – from the Havamal (or Viking Book of Wisdom)

You hear footsteps behind you, but they are too heavy to be one of your competitors. You turn around to see one of the polar bears native to the island has found your camp. What do you do? This is a trick question—it is in the middle of the polar winter—bears hibernate!

You are almost out of food and very weak, but enemies are nearby. You have two options: Do you wait it out and risk starvation or fight and take the chance of being killed? Me – starve, really? Of course, I’d fight.

If you could have your sponsors send you one item during the battle, what would it be? Beef jerky or lutefisk—dried cod treated with lye—a yummy Norwegian snack!

Jillian Haywood ’14 enjoying a Pre-Game Wrap

Val Schwein ’13 eating Suffield Rice Krispies with a friend

Phot

o by

Ang

elin

a M

asso

ia ’1

3

Photo by Angelina M

assoia ’13

Please Recycle! Please Recycle! Please Recycle! Please Recycle!

TEAM RECORDSVarsity Football 9-0

Varsity Field Hockey 2-12Boys’ Varsity Cross Country 8-3Girls’ Varsity Cross Country 8-2

Boys’ Varsity Soccer 8-7-2Girls’ Varsity Soccer 3-9-3

Girls’ Varsity Volleyball 7-8Boys’ Varsity Water Polo 7-6

CHECK OUTSA’s

ATHLETICSWEBPAGEfor individual

game highlights!

8 The Bell December 2012 Sports

Fall Sports ReviewJay Fields ’13

Photo: Hillary C

ahn ’88

Photo: Hillary C

ahn ’88Photo: H

illary Cahn ’88

Photo: Hillary C

ahn ’88

Photo: Natalie D

eLiso ’13Photo: N

atalie DeLiso ’13

Photo: Soyun Chang ’14

Photo: Hillary C

ahn ’88

Varsity Football brought home the Super Bowl title once again. When the team received news that it would play Proctor Academy in the Norm Walker Bowl, senior phenom kicker Alton Sioussat ’13 commented, “Gosh, we’ve been working hard all season, and I like our chances.” His hunch was on the money. Suffield won its fourth New England championship in five years with a 34–16 victory. The 9–0 Tigers used a stout defensive effort and an explosive offense to capture the title. The highlight reel this season was covered with junior running back Brice McAllister’s accolades; he averaged over 200 yards a game. However, a running back is nothing without his line—in Suffield’s case a line so physical that a local newspaper account proclaimed it “like a small college line.”

Boys’ Varsity Water Polo worked hard to etch out a season just over .500 with a respectable record of 7 and 6. Although the team just missed the cut for post-season play, senior Jay O’Brien remained positive, saying, “It was a fun season with ups and downs, and I’ll never forget my time cheering on my teammates.” Highlights of the season include a sizable win over Williston and securing the Kinne-Francis Cup for Suffield.

Boys’ Varsity Soccer kept its early season momentum while playing its always much anticipated annual night game. Viewed by over a hundred Suffield students, the Tigers chalked up a “W” against a tough Westminster team. Over the course of the season, leading goal scorer and senior captain Jordan Glassman scored 11 goals; both he and senior Jack Patterson accounted for two thirds of the Tigers’ 30 goals. Even though the Tigers just missed the post-season tournament, Glassman said, “It was a good season with a young team, and the experience will serve them well for next year.”`

Girls’ Varsity Field Hockey, a young team filled with future promise, ended its season on a high note when it beat Kingswood-Oxford School in the last game of the season. Despite a challenging win-loss record, Coaches Molly Vianney and Alison Vigneau feel that it was a privilege to work with such incredible women who played with heart and determination, showed grit, and were resilient. Junior captain Stephanie Eagan remarked, “We’ve played a lot of tough teams this year, but I’m excited to come back next year with the same great group of gals.” Suffield is looking forward to having a very strong season next year, returning all of its starters and all three junior captains.

Girls’ Varsity Volleyball had an up and down season with many tight games. This scrappy team fought its way to a 7-8 record with many exciting wins. On Williston Weekend the Tigers battled through hard sets to a 3-2 victory to clinch the cup for the Tigers.

Girls’ Cross Country, with a deep roster and an extremely tightknit group, took the second place finish in the New England Girls’ Cross Country Championships after dominating much of its competition over the course of the season. For the third year in a row, the team placed in the top three in New England. With an 8-2 record, the girls sent their senior captains, Filippa Brandolini, Hailey Burke, and Anna Strzempko, off with a great season. Strzempko commented, “We had a lot of great times and put in a lot of hard work, and I’m exuberant that it all paid off.”

Boys’ Cross Country had a turn-a-round season for the ages. Coming off last year’s tough season of 3-8, the Tigers came back and went 8-3. With gifted longtime runners like Gustaf Lidfeldt ’14, Kaison Ifill ’15, and Aidan Clark-Long ’15 and hardworking newcomers like Max Axelrod ’13 and Josh Hillman ’14, the Tigers worked their way to a very successful season. With a deep roster, the team, despite losing some key runners, looks to be competitive again next year.

Girls’ Varsity Soccer, after an injury-plagued fall, battled through yet another tough season. Having improved on last year’s record, the Tigers with a still young team are optimistic about future seasons to come. Coleen Flynn ’14 commented that “Senior captains Val Schwein and Mary Franco will be sorely missed.” But, the tightknit team that remains will be able to use the added experience gained from a long season to produce a strong team next year.