 By Rhys Marschke ’24
For years, it has been a running tradition here at Westminster to have a select handful of Sixth Formers live in the Third Form dorms. These handpicked students are chosen because of their exemplary leadership, and the trust dorm faculty have in them to deal with the young, inexperienced Third Formers. I, as one of the freshmen, have only positive things to say about these young men. I speak for all of my first-year peers in Alumni when I say that these seniors have had an enormously positive impact on our first few months here. Whether it be giving us bits of insights into social life at school or helping us with our academics, the Sixth Formers continue to push us to be our best selves.  By Hudson Stedman ’21
Before I get started, let me make a full disclaimer: I am not proposing to axe Baxter Lawn (purely a ‘clickbait’ title). BUT, the Quad nonetheless poses a serious inhibition towards movement around the central campus. The recent (almost daily as it seemed) February snowstorms have truly brought light to this issue. If there was no shot in absolutely soaking my white canvas Vans and socks to achieve seconds faster arrival time on the journey from Alumni House to the SHAC, then why was I so deeply frustrated that I had to walk around on the road rather than through the Quad?  By Annie Brewer ’21
(Image Credit: ymun.org) This past January, 16 martlets took to Zoom to participate in the 47th session of the Yale Model United Nations Conference. These students ranged in form and previous Model UN experience. Representing various countries, individuals, and interest groups, Martlets took part in committees ranging from 15 to about 100 delegations. Sixth Former Sydney Schuster, whose first-ever YMUN was this year’s virtual conference, thought it was “a great way to engage in model UN considering the circumstances,” as she referenced challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. By Margot Douglass ’22
As COVID-19 continues to spread globally at an alarming rate, issues of mental illnesses – such as depression or anxiety – rise substantially. Ever since the pandemic, many people have lost their family members and friends, jobs, and privileges that compose an important part of our daily life. These losses result in an increasing amount of stress and pain, which can develop into more severe mental illness issues. By Sydney Schuster ’21
(Image Credits: David B. Newman) After a very long interim period, the Westy Swimming and Diving team is back in the water, and some would even say better than ever! Following four busy weeks of practice, the Martlets kicked off the 2020-2021 season this past Saturday, February 13, with their first-ever virtual swim meet. Though the team has only been in the water for a short time, the swimmers were spitting out their best times, as well as setting new school records, left and right. Lucy Benoit ’23, a frequenter of the record board, claimed two more records this weekend, in both the 100Y breast and 100Y free. Max Larock ’22 also broke a longstanding 100Y free record, set in 2006 by Steve Cosme ’06. Additionally, Larock got a new personal best in the 200Y Free. The best times didn't stop here: Madison Khuu ’24 brought two best times in the 100Y breast and 50Y free in her first-ever meet as a Martlet. Moreover, Catie McGuigan ’23 earned two best times of her own in the 50Y and 100Y freestyle. Congratulations to all Martlets who swam their best times this weekend.  By Ral Reyes ’21
(Image Credit: People.com) On Feb. 7, we witnessed Tom Brady win his 7th Super Bowl title, which officially establishes him as the most dominant player in NFL history. He alone surpasses both the Steelers and Patriots organizations who are tied for the most rings by an organization at six rings each. Tom Brady has proved to everyone that no one can stop him, not even his father’s time. Before this season, people thought that he was crazy for going to the Buccaneers, considering that he was a member of the Patriots franchise since the day he was drafted. Everyone thought that it was impossible for Brady to win another ring with the Buccaneers because he was a system quarterback. A system quarterback is a player who can only play well when under the guidance of a specific coach. The Brady doubters believed that Brady without Belichick would never be successful; however, Brady proved his naysayers wrong and took the Buccaneers, a team that has not been in the playoffs since 2007, to its second-ever Super Bowl appearance in team history. By Lucy Jones ’21
On Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 7, Abel Tesfaye, otherwise known as “The Weeknd” performed during the halftime show. The performance gained more attention than usual due to its criticism by a lot of viewers. Although there was no political commentary included in the show, many took to social media to look for a general opinion. Using Instagram story polls, TikTok videos, and Twitter, many social media users saw that no one could come up with a collective consensus of how the performance was. Many (like myself), however, really enjoyed the show and found that it was not only entertaining and creative but a good distraction from the world’s issues that surround us every day.  By Ryan Jainchill ’23
(Image Credit: Howlin_ Hockey of Coyotes Forward Conor Garland) Since the end of last year's National Hockey League (NHL) season, a lot has changed league-wide. Sponsored logos have been placed on the sides of the player helmets, divisions have been realigned, the glass has been removed from behind the benches for more air space, and most importantly, the removal of fans in many of the arenas. All three of these changes have been in response to COVID-19, and more off-ice precautions have been implemented for the safety of the players, executives, and others. Even with all of these precautions, many teams have been ravaged by the virus. An abundance of cases have caused postponements of games and the league commissioner, Gary Bettman, to move games around to make sure each club plays a fair and equal amount. By James Beit ’22
The air of change has arrived, and with it, a new president and cabinet. Yet President Joe Biden’s cabinet can be considered more the same than different. While the cabinet is truly revolutionary, being the most diverse one in the history of the United States, its policies will be as hawkish and warmongering as we have seen under previous administrations.  By Keegan Bankoff '22
(Image Credit: The New York Times) The date is Jan. 22, 2021, the third week of the new year. In the previous three weeks, the United States has witnessed an attack on the Capitol building, the impeachment of President Trump, and the inauguration of President Biden. It seemed as if things couldn’t get crazier -- but then the stock market spiraled into a frenzy. It all started as a joke when members of a Reddit forum decided to mass-invest in the stocks of crumbling companies, specifically Gamestop. |
