Category Archives: Current Events

Trip To Africa

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By Ronan Newell ’26

This summer, during the first two weeks of August, I spent my time volunteering at an animal sanctuary and reservation outside of Windhoek, Namibia. For background context: Namibia, a vast country that was once a part of South Africa, gained its independence in March, 1990. The country is situated to the northwest of South Africa, with a wide variety of landscapes and biomes that differ in both climate and animal life. In the west of the country, there is a large desert that meets directly with the ocean, which is known as the Skeleton Coast, named after the many famous shipwrecks that fill the coast with “ghost ships”. The rest of the country, roughly the size of Texas, is a flat, dry savannah biome teeming with wildlife. In the north, Namibia is home to one of Africa’s largest national parks, Etosha National Park. Over the last 12 months, Etosha is experiencing its worst drought in the past 100 years. Plants have stopped growing, watering holes have dried up, and animals are dying in droves. The purpose of my trip was to help rehabilitate animals that were not deemed able to live in the wild with the intention to release them from captivity eventually. 

To do this I spent a week sleeping in a tent in the Namibian savannah, on a project called Na’ankuse Wildlife Reservation and Animal Sanctuary. Once I was there, I did various activities alongside roughly 40 other volunteers. Some were there to complete PhDs, others to conduct research, and some were simply seeking to take a break from day-to-day life. The activities that I did include working alongside the anti-poaching unit, feeding and rehabilitating small animals as well as large carnivores, building a trap to catch an injured cheetah, observing elephants who have been injured, working and teaching at a non-profit school, and many other opportunities that presented themselves day-to-day. Overall, my biggest takeaway from my trip was just how different life truly is on other sides of the world. From the people to the animals, to the way of life and people’s values, truly nothing was the same as the life I grew up living, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have experienced something so out of the ordinary. 

First Game of Boy’s Varsity Soccer

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By Oscar Diffin ’27

Last weekend, the Hebron boy’s Varsity soccer team had their first game of the season. With this being our home opener and the kickoff to Hebron fall sports, the pressure was put on our shoulders not to lose. It was such a physically difficult game that our subs had to switch out every few minutes. By the time our game rolled around, the Hebron team had only practiced together in full for about a week. The Berwick team had been together for three weeks and had already played scrimmages against other teams, which meant they would be much more in sync. Though Berwick was a very physical team, we held our ground and didn’t let any goals in. Midway through the game, a Berwick player dropped to the ground and couldn’t breath. Being right next to him, I was shocked the Hebron community was about to watch this kid be revived after not being able to breath during our very first game. The Hebron team also suffered a serious injury with our team captain, Krum Tsvetkov, who, after being hit in the knee multiple times, was carted off the field. His injury is preventing him from being able to play any soccer until further notice. 

Though the game ended on a semi – boring note, with the final score being 0 – 0, it was well fought and there was good playing between both teams. Berwick definitely had the jump on the Hebron team, having had two weeks of training on us. However, the Hebron team got a rhythm going between the defense and midfield quickly, with connections and passes happening constantly. Overall, the outcome of the game kept a clean slate for the Hebron boys varsity soccer team and let us have more time to improve and become a more connected team before our next home game. The temporary loss of Krum is a setback, but the team will work through it and continue to strive for excellence on the field.

Hebron Hockey Update (As of 2/14/23)

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By: Ryan Johnston ’24

The 6-19-2 Lumberjacks Varsity Boys Hockey Team has been through their fair share of great triumphs and heart-wrenching losses. The Jacks came into the season with hope and energy with some wins early on and even proving they can hang with the big dogs only losing 2-1 to Holderness and 6-3 to Kent. The team started to shape up with catching a few wins before going into winter break with the team eager to hit the ice in January. With a solid return to play the team started to get back into the swing of things, we saw vital players to the team starting to take injuries. In a matter of a week the Jacks lost seven of their players including their starting goalie. This hit the team harder than expected, with Hebron going on an eight game losing streak. While most teams would roll over and take what happens Hebron has worked hard and started to show signs of promise once again. With players starting to join the lineup once again we have seen a spark among this team. Most recently with a 4-3 loss against Bridgton Academy they have proved they have not lost hope and will continue to battle. This next week will be big for them, going into playoffs the Hebron Lumberjacks will be the underdog. Can they shatter the expectations the league has set?

All Photo Credits to Blake Tripp ’24

Earth, Anxiety, You, and Me

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By Greta Prause ’23

I grew up being afraid of drowning in my own bedroom. I noticed how it snowed less and less every year in my hometown. Thousands of people in my country lost their houses last year because of flooding. I see how my planet is suffering. “The earth is not dying, it is being killed, and those who are killing it have names and addresses.” This sentence is stuck in my head, and I still panic every time I hear it. Countless times I have been told that there will be no future for me—and because of me.

Global warming and its effects have become an incredibly important topic in our society during the last few years. “Fridays For Future,” “Greenpeace,” and Greta Thunberg: I have been hearing these names more often than my own. Our society is facing a terrifying crisis: the changing of our climate. We all know that our climate is changing and affecting our world, and we all know that it is our own fault. I started worrying about it a lot, but worrying about my carbon footprint is unproductive and just stresses me out. That is why I started to change little things in my daily life. For example, I rode my bike more often, I became vegan, and I stopped using plastic bottles. Did this help? No, the planet is still getting hotter. Individual actions are statistically meaningless. Feeling like I am not helping is discouraging. I came to the conclusion that my actions on a consumer level are more of an ego boost than a way to stop climate change. While I knew that I was doing the right thing, I also knew that I do not help the world at all. I was only helping myself by boosting my ego. I lost all of my hope for my future. Whenever I heard or saw anything about global warming, there was an anxiety reaching my body, I got goosebumps, and my face turned pale. I was suffering from eco-anxiety, which is defined as a constant worry about our planet, the state of earth, and the concern for all living inhabitants present and future. Society told me that this anxiety is an irrational fear that needs to be overcome, one that meditation and healthy coping mechanisms will fix. I thought that the only way to be hopeful again is action from everyone. Now I know that engaging with my community through what I’m passionate about can help. None of my individual actions are saving the planet, but they can pave a path to a better planet and future. That is why it is so important to let people know what they can do. Here is what you can do:

Use a recyclable bottle,

Reduce your waste,

Walk little distances,

Stop using those stupid plasic plates,

Pick up trash when you see it,

Reduce flying on an airplane,

Only buy local and seasonal food.

I now believe—and tell my anxiety—that we can cause change if we all work together. With a lot of help and a positive attitude, we can help our planet recover. 

BLM

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Allison Wernick ’21

‘Black Lives Matter’ – a statement that many of us see plastered throughout social media. We see the post, like it, share it, and then feel like we’ve done everything we can. I felt that way too for a little bit. But after a while, I began feeling like that wasn’t enough. I knew that there had to be more I could do to help than simply sharing a post online. I began researching my options. I saw that I could sign petitions, email police departments, or even donate money to help protests. Yet, even after doing all of those things, I still felt like my voice had yet to be heard. Instead of donating money to protests, I wanted to actually participate in one. I wanted the entire world to hear my voice and the voice of thousands of other people uniting against racism. 

One night, as I was looking at Snapchat, I saw that one of my friends posted a PSA about a protest that would be happening in my area. Many emotions floated throughout my mind. I instantly became excited, knowing that I would actually get the chance to show how infuriated I am with the world. However, I also felt scared. I had seen so many videos of the police throwing tear gas and shooting rubber bullets at peaceful protesters. But there was no way I would let those fears stop me. I knew that the racism in our country and in many parts of the world is so disgustingly unacceptable and I had to do something. I had to fight for what I truly believe in; equality for all and the end of prejudice towards black people. 

An action shot from the protest in New York

A few days after I saw the PSA, I arrived at the Monroe Ponds – the place where the protest would happen. I became nervous after seeing multiple police cars, but I stood my ground. My mom had accompanied me to the protest, and after seeing thousands of people there, we both became teary-eyed. We knew we had made the right decision in protesting. We had to stand up for people that had been oppressed for so many years. Everyone gathered at one end of the pond and my eyes couldn’t stop scanning the crowd. It was so diverse and there were so many amazing signs. One of the most powerful signs read “If you think your mask makes it hard to breathe, imagine being black in America.” This statement really tells it like it is, black people are so oppressed that they can barely breathe. The entire group started walking around the pond and chanting things like “I can’t breathe!” or “No justice, no peace!” After circling the entire pond, we all gathered in one area and listened to people make inspiring speeches about the unacceptable racism in America. 

Going to this protest was such an eye-opening experience. It showed me thousands of people who also believe that racism in this country is unacceptable and change is needed. It was amazing to feel unified with so many other people all fighting for such an amazing cause. If you’re unsure about whether you should protest, I say, definitely do it! Use your voice to make a change!

The Importance of Staying Informed

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By Nola Goodwin ’23

In this time, with technology growing and evolving at an almost constant rate, it has become easier than ever for people around the world to access details about current events. And not only is this information right at the tips of our fingertips, but it can be found in many different forms; from online articles and videos to social media. Staying informed becomes even more important as we get older and as voting age gets closer and closer. When exercising your right to vote, does it not make sense to know what, exactly, you are voting for? The only way to prepare for this is to stay informed about politics and current events, both locally and at a national level. But staying up to date is important even before you reach eighteen. By reading about global events you teach yourself important skills, such as empathy, that will be valuable throughout your life. 

However, as students, we often have very little free time on our hands, making staying well informed more challenging than it seems. With homework, studying, and athletics taking up a great deal of time, reading or watching the news isn’t generally our first priority. Though, with technology at our sides almost 24/7 now, there are simple and easy ways to stay up to speed with the world without taking up too much time. Here are a few suggestions:

#1: Stay Connected Through Social Media

A majority of news platforms have some form of social media, making it extremely easy to stay 

updated about world events. By following one, or multiple, you can stay caught up without any extra effort.

#2: Download a News App

Although news apps release many different articles every day, trying to read just one or two every few days can still keep you informed. However, before trying this, it’s important to find a source you trust to supply you with accurate and unbiased information.

#3: Subscribe to a Newsletter

Many companies release a news recap daily or weekly, which can be a good way to stay informed without having to read multiple articles a day. This will enable you to get the rundown without taking too much time out of your day.

Hebron Ski Team

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By Emmett Grover ’21

The Hebron Academy Ski Team had a strong performance at the New England Class C Championships last Wednesday, with the Varsity Girls finishing second and the Varsity Boys finishing third. Hopes were high leading up to the race, as the boys team looked to win back to back championships and the girls team aimed to improve on their hard earned second place performance from last year. Led by strong runs from Maja Mulley ‘24, Sophie Simard ‘25, and Thekla Jubinville ‘20, the girls were in the lead after the giant slalom portion of the race. Unfortunately, the boys team had a hard time finishing, but consistent runs by Brody Hathorne ‘21, Wesley Gilpin ‘21, and Calvin Grover ‘22 kept them in the race. 

On the slalom course, Simard and Mulley once again recorded top times, finishing fourth and fifth respectively, setting up the girls in a prime position to take the championship. Just as the trophy seemed in reach, disaster struck, with Jubinville disqualifying on a potentially blistering run and Megan Siepp ‘22 crashing right after. Cova Galindo ‘22 came through with a consistent run, securing the back to back second place finish for the girls team. Fortunately for the boys, slalom provided an opportunity to make up for lost time, and Joe Godomsky ‘20 took full advantage, finishing in first place individually on the slalom course. Philip Ernst ‘22 also came through with a clutch pair of runs that put him at sixth overall, followed by a fluke mistake that placed Hathorne at ninth in the slalom competition. Backed by these top finishes, the boys took third, once again placing on the podium. Both teams plan on continuing their success at the upcoming MAISAD championships on February 24th.   

Ice Climbing

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By Calvin Grover ’22

To me, ice climbing has always been an “extreme” sport. Relegated to bucket lists, pipe dreams and watching youtube videos, it always seemed like something I would enjoy, but not something I would be able to do for awhile, without extensive research and preparation. This assumption was turned on its head when Mr. Tholen announced in a school meeting that there would be an ice climbing trip coming up on a weekend. I immediately turned to my friend Jacob and told him; “Oh yeah. We’re gonna do that.” Luckily, he was just as enthusiastic as I was, because we both share a passion for trying new things, and especially filming ourselves trying those new things. His face lit up, and his response was immediate; “It’s going to be an epic video.” 

A week and a half later, we stood in deep snow, with crampons strapped to our feet and sharp ice tools in our hands, in front of a looming ice slab. Jacob and I looked foolish, two buffoons with GoPro cameras gorilla taped to our helmets. We felt cool as we repeatedly completed the beginner climb, only stopping for lunch or to let someone else have a turn. Ice chips flew as we dug into the slanted face with sharpened steel, as our hands and toes went numb. Over the course of the day, we improved significantly, each climb making us more precise when we swung the ice tools, or kicked in our crampon front points. Our group was of a large range of climbing backgrounds, from experienced mountaineers to beginners who didn’t wear snowpants. We all had fun climbing, even though we were not able to progress onto any of the vertical challenging faces that surrounded us, because it was a crowded spot. I think we all went home tired, pushing ourselves in a sport that most of us, myself included, have never had the opportunity to try. For those of us who wanted to try more difficult stuff, there has been discussions of another, more advanced trip, likely next year!

Feminism in Today’s Media

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“More feminist brainwashing.”

“Women just want to feel victimized because it makes them feel better.”

“Absolute garbage.”

“Enough is enough with this feminist nonsense.”

“I find this video repulsive.”

“You’ve lost my business.”

If you scroll through the comment sections of Gillette’s “We Believe: The Best Men Can Be” and Nike’s “Dream Crazier” advertisements, these are only a tiny fraction of the hate manifesting there, hate towards four minutes’ worth of ideas proposing equality and responsibility and humanity. And above all, hate towards feminism.

What is feminism exactly? If you ask any random person if they consider themselves a feminist, chances are they’d say no because in our society the word “feminist” comes with such a negative, hated connotation. However, you’d probably be more hard pressed to find someone who truly disagrees with what the feminist movement actually stands for. Oxford Dictionary defines feminism as “the advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes”. There are many misconceptions that feminism means that women are better than men and they want to take over the world and oppress men (or something along those lines…). In reality the feminist movement is only asking for equality for all, regardless of your sexual orientation.

Gillette attempted to address the concept of feminism through the lense of toxic masculinity in their ad “We Believe: The Best Men Can Be”. An article in Independent Magazine describes toxic masculinity in this way: “harmful behaviour and attitudes commonly associated with some men, such as the need to repress emotions during stressful situations, and to act in an aggressively dominant way.” Gillette’s ad focused on the idea that has been ingrained into our society, giving boys a pardon for acting out in inappropriate ways, the idea that “boys will be boys.” It shared images of bullying, sexual harassment, catcalling, physical aggression, talking over women in a professional environment- things that women may do as well, but are typically attributed to men and are far too normalized in our culture. It addressed the #MeToo movement that has been taking the country by storm and asked men to hold other men accountable.

One of the main protests I have heard and seen in the comments is that “not all men” do the things in the video. And I, as a feminist, 100% acknowledge that as a fact. However, while the men in my life may not be sexual predators or misogynists, that doesn’t change the fact that there are men that are able to get away with these problematic actions because our society allows them to. If guys make sexist comments about girls, it’s brushed off as “locker room talk.” Too many white boys charged with rape have been let off more easily because a felony could “ruin their future,” with no regard to the fact that being raped has already changed that girl’s future.

No, not all men are the problem. But the issue is allowed to continue when boys are not held accountable. The whole point of the advertisement is when the narrator says “some is not enough.” Some men are good people and are not a direct part of toxic masculinity; however, if we want to change society and truly reach equality for all genders, men need to hold other men accountable. The ad shows the young children watching, and says that “the boys of today will be the men of tomorrow.” Men and women alike need to set good, healthy examples for the next generation if change is going to happen.

Nike tried to set these good examples with their ad campaign, “Dream Crazier.” The video series focuses on a variety of famous female athletes who have achieved their dreams through hard work and commitment. The video starts by addressing double standards in women’s athletics, saying that women who stand for something are called “unhinged” and women who get angry are called “hysterical and irrational”, words rarely used when discussing male athletes in similar positions. It goes on to focus on the word “crazy” and how it is used in a negative, derogatory way. However, as it progresses the message is to take control of your own narrative, describing amazing athletic accomplishments by female athletes who were all called “crazy”. The ad ends in a similar way that the Gillette ad did: with close ups of young female athletes, and the line, “So if they want to call you crazy, fine. Show them what crazy can do.”

When I first saw the video, I knew there would be backlash, but I was (and am) not quite sure why. What I see in that minute and a half is a video empowering women to dream their craziest dreams and do what it takes to get there. Nowhere in it does it specifically call out men or involve men at all, in fact. So my question is why has it made so many men defensive and angry? One comment called it “feminist brainwashing;” another said that all they got out of it was that “women are crazy.” If that was how the interpreted it, then they clearly didn’t get the message. There should not be any controversy over women supporting other women in their dreams; in fact, it should be celebrated rather than criticised and ridiculed. The young girls watching this ad should take away that they can do what they put their mind to and that their dreams are not crazy or irrational- really, all women should be told that. Because just as in the Gillette ad, the children of today are the adults of tomorrow, and if we lift them up, then we’re securing them and the generations to come a better future.

Check the ads out in the links below! Let us know your opinions on these ads in the comments. How can we relate these topics to Hebron’s community and campus, whether in athletics, classes, or everyday life?

Gillette advertisement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koPmuEyP3a0

Nike advertisement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whpJ19RJ4JY

 

Citations:

Gillette. “We Believe: The Best Men Can Be.” YouTube, Gillette, January 13, 2019, 1:48.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koPmuEyP3a0

Nike. “Dream Crazier.” YouTube, Nike, February 24, 2019, 1:30.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whpJ19RJ4JY