The Beaver Reader on Paper
Sammy White '14
In the upcoming months, the Beaver Reader will be using a different way of displaying the newspaper. Usually, every article in the Beaver Reader is posted online through the website, but soon the annual print issue will be distributed. The print issues will act as a physical reminder to read the Beaver Reader. Only a specific selection of articles will be printed in this issue, which makes this one of the best issues in the history of the Beaver Reader.
Coach Levin Wins Gold Medal in Brazil
Riley Nelson '14
Imagine representing your country at an international sports competition. Beaver’s Athletic Director, Sherry Levin, had that opportunity when she coached the Women’s American Basketball Team at the Pan American Maccabiah Games in the thriving metropolis of Sao Paulo, Brazil. She had ten high school students, college students, and a few college graduates. There was also one player from Canada. In all, 1,700 athletes from all over the Pan American countries, as well as Australia, Canada, Mexico, and Israel, competed in sporting events such as water polo, soccer, softball, and tennis.
Studio Selections: Student Art Show
Alexandra Bernard ‘14
On Friday, January 6th, the Nancy Lincoln Art gallery at Beaver opened its display of student artwork. In this exhibit, 29 pieces are displayed by students from ninth to twelfth grade. These pieces include drawings, sculptures, paintings and pictures.
When walking into the exhibit, the first piece is called “Sam.” It is a pencil-drawn portrait by Sara Radin ‘12 of her brother. “I just went up to him with my camera and that’s how I got a genuine expression.” Sara decided to use pencil because there weren’t many pencil drawings in her portfolio. This drawing took her a total of 10 hours. I think this piece is really amazing because it has very good shading and looks very realistic.
Beaver Basketball: New and Improved
Richard Han ‘14
Many players, including myself love the game of basketball more than love itself. To me, it has been a pivotal part in my life because it was the foundation of my childhood. While this passion for the game may not always be apparent in the day to day happenings of our school, it is always shown on the court and even more the improvement of Beaver’s basketball program. Year after year hard work does pay off. In the Fall many players hit the weight room on a daily basis to improve their speed and quickness on and off the court. Whether on Varsity of JV there is always a drive to get better.
Top Nuvu Projects of Fall 2011
Sam Polk '13
If you go to school at Beaver, chances are you have heard of Nuvu, which is a program at MIT. I recently got back into daily Beaver life after a full term of Nuvu. Of the many impressive projects based on this fall term’s theme, food, there were some that stood out for the hard work put into creating them.
One of the coolest projects was built in the final two weeks of the term, which Nuvu gives its students to do independent work. Kenzie Mills ‘13, worked alongside Zachary Steinberg (home-schooled), and Emma Magidson (Nobles ‘13) to create an installation titled “The Chandelier.” This is not the type of chandelier you would find in a Victorian home, however, but one in a massive rave. The arms move up and down around the center console which has a projector programmed to give a multicolored light show. This project will stay in Nuvu showing newcomers what kind of cool things this program can lead to.
Chandler Shapiro: All-Star On and Off the Ice
Mandy Gordon '14
Chandler Shapiro, an eleventh grader, is a new student to the Beaver community. Even though it is scary to switch to a new school not knowing anyone, Chandler has had no trouble with the adjustment. In the fall, Chandler played field hockey and won an end of the season award. She was a leader and always put all her effort into the game. Now, Chandler is one of the girls ice hockey captains. Being captain as a new student is an honor, and she sets a great example on and off the ice.
Glow in the Dark Cats
Nick Laycox '12
Three months ago a scientific miracle occurred: researchers made glow in the dark kittens. Now before writing this off as the next trending Internet hoax, consider the fact the study was done by a world renowned medical clinic, the Mayo Clinic. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) causes AIDS in cats as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) does in humans; by depleting the body’s infection fighting T cells. T cells are a particular kind of blood cell necessary to life. As FIV or HIV runs its course T cells become infected and useless. These aren’t any ordinary glow in the dark cats. These glow in the dark cats have a gene that produces proteins that fight off the FIV infection. The proteins can be referred to as restriction factors. The natural restriction factors found in cats and humans aren’t powerful enough to fight the FIV or HIV infection. By introducing the new powerful restriction factors the cats are able to fight off a FIV infection.
Stand Up: Taking Action Against Bullying
Madeleine Cary '14
On December 13th, approximately one hundred and fifty Beaver students went to Northeastern University to attend or volunteer in the Stand Up 2011. This event was created “to educate, motivate and empower young people to actively promote positive social change in their schools and communities”-or in other words, take a formal stand against the epidemic of bullying in this country. For those of us who had been victims, this cause truly hit home. For more information, I went to Ms. Marsh, director of the Hiatt Center and Upper School math teacher.
New Students Adapting to Beaver Life
Sydney Gad '14 and Julia Rudyak '14
This new year has brought us many new students, and we have decided to interview one in particular. Noel Hoyt, a new sophomore this year at Beaver, moved here from Illinois this summer. We are interested in hearing about her experience at Beaver so far.
Ben Logan: Student, Street Artist, Visionary
Kate Ablon '14
Last year at Beaver, current senior Ben Logan received the news that he had won the Alex Cohn Grant. After a challenging but fun and engaging summer, Logan has come back as a senior at Beaver with exciting stories from his adventure. Logan spent the entire summer working with the $5,000 provided to him to pursue his passion: street art.
Julia Fein Interview: "Big"
Lily Brooks '12
From singing to acting to dancing, Julia Fein has all the great attributes of becoming a big star. She recently participated in an outside theatre group’s production of “Big” and had quite a memorable experience. I got the chance to talk with her about “Big” and her love for acting.
The Boal Original: What Is It Exactly?
Sammy White '14
This winter, students involved with the Beaver Play tested a new concept of script writing. The actors were faced with the responsibility of writing and preforming their own play. As challenging as that is, the cast of the new play “The Boal Original” did an amazing job. Although the play is not finished, The Beaver Reader was able to interview actress Carli Jaff about her experiences writing the play.
Mr. Rilla: a Poem and an Interview
Lily Brooks'12
Patience My Dear
‘Patience my dear, let the flour settle.’
as she plucked at onions like flower petals.
High enough, barely, to reach the stove
I heeded her word, swirling a slurred
mix of powder and water until my hand
felt stiff as a wooden spoon.
The kettle sat black on the spiral stove.
In her dinner haste, she would often touch her nose
gathering thought, and smear a white dot
From the stirring pot that lingered long after dinner,
Causing my brother to grin and wail.
One evening the kettle-whistle startled her so,
she tipped a stream from the scalding spout
That whistled and steamed down my stirring arm.
She sat at the doctor’s side
peeling dead skin from my prickling burn,
her apron still tied and her nose still white.
Odd the worth of a single touch—
A smooth fingertip down a smoldered arm.
Skin that never wrinkled like mine.
Josh Rilla
His skills on the tennis court combined with his love for teaching and his divine interest in poet Slyvia Plath make Mr. Rilla a well-rounded Upper School English teacher. I recently sat with him and he shared with me his own creative definition of poetry, several poems from his most admired poet, Sylvia Plath, and one of his own pieces based a touching childhood memory.
Pedro Alonzo: Urban Art
Julia Poorvu '15
On Wednesday September 14th, our guest speaker, Pedro Alonso, came to talk to Beaver. Pedro Alonso is a curator of many art exhibits which include street art, and even a lot of Shepard Fairey’s work. Some of his exhibits include the ICA in Boston and Viva la Revolution at the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego. Some of his exhibits include the ICA in Boston and Viva la Revolucion at the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego. He showed us different images of street art and explained to us how people react to it differently.
James Turner: Beaver's New In-House Rocket Scientist
Sammy White '14 and Mandy Gordon '14
James Turner, a sixth grade student at Beaver, began making and creating rockets at a very young age. Rocket building requires a lot of time and effort which James has willingly put in. He has figured out a way for creating a system that allows him to work efficiently. In an interview with James Turner, he shared his rocket building experience.
Advisory Time
Kate Ablon '14
This year at Beaver Country Day a second block of time for Advisory has been added to the schedule. The time provided on Monday and Wednesday has been very useful for many students. It is used for advisers and their advises to catch up. Although each group does this differently, the basic principle is the same.
Marcia's Fashion Blog: Leather
Marcia Zimmerman '15
Leather is not just for jackets anymore. It is popping up everywhere from accessories, belts, boots, pants, and even shirts! On most days at Beaver, one cannot walk down the hall without seeing someone in the unofficial winter uniform of a sweater, black leggings, and knee high boots.
Skating Into Beaver: Girl's Ice Hockey
Riley Nelson '14
This year’s winter athletics has a sport never seen before in the history of Beaver: Girls’ Ice Hockey. As its first season gets under way both the coaches and players are eager for what is to come. “This season is pretty exciting because whatever we do is the foundation for the years to come,” says assistant coach Ryan Suga. He adds, “It’s the first year, so support at any games would be a huge impact to the team as a whole.” Though only just beginning, the girls are devoted and excited to play.
What We've All Been Wondering About NuVu
Sammy White '14 and Mandy Gordon '14
Recently Beaver has invested in a new program for students called NuVu. It is only NuVu’s second year at Beaver and already kids are raving about it. NuVu is a program where sophomores, juniors and seniors can work with professors from MIT for an entire term. Sophomore Andrew Simpson was interviewed about his experiences at NuVu this fall.
Winter Term Overview
Charlee Manigat '15
As the term draws to an end, things are as hectic as ever. Everyone is trying to end the term on a strong and positive note. Sports wrap up the season with team parties, games and/or EIL and LCA tournaments. Theatre produces their plays and clears the stage. Teachers give out last minute projects and tests to determe our final grade for the term. But most importantly, we get ready to start off the second term of the year.