The student news site of Brimmer and May School | Chestnut Hill, MA

The Gator
Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Middle Schoolers Spread Environmental Awareness
May 11, 2023
Location of where students board for this years prom, Rowes Wharf.
Q&A: Prom-goers to Seas the Night
May 9, 2023
Jared Smith teaches Owen Williams 23 during chemistry.
The Legacy of Science Teacher Jared Smith
May 3, 2023
Maddie Pogoda ’25 and Math Lab Tutor Stanley Szwartz discuss a problem.
Stanley Szwartz: The Man Behind the Math Lab
April 26, 2023
Police personnel stand outside the entrance to the New York Criminal Court during the arraignment of Former President Donald Trump. Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Community Reacts to Trump’s Indictment
April 26, 2023
Community Reflects on Lasting Pandemic Changes
Community Reflects on Lasting Pandemic Changes
January 5, 2023
Zak Adler 23, who recently recovered from COVID-19, returns to school with a mask on. Masks are more a common sight in the hallways this week.
‘Alive and Well in the Community’: COVID-19 Cases Continue
September 22, 2022
Prices have fluctuated on online shopping sites like Amazon. Photo purchased at BigStock.com
Op-Ed: The Supply Chain Crisis is Not Over
June 3, 2022
School Nurse Beth Escobar takes care of students and adults alike here. She hands a COVID-19 test to second grade teacher Angela Park.
School Sees Uptick in COVID-19 Cases
May 2, 2022
Zak Adler 23 and Alison Rimas 23 walk down a one-way hallway last year, one of many health restrictions we have moved past since the start of the pandemic.
March 12: A Day to Define Our Generation
March 12, 2022
Teachers and administrators recently announced the closure of the solarium, after repeated warnings to students to keep the space neat and clean during Upper School lunch.  
Closed: Solarium Left a Mess
May 15, 2023
A display of past yearbooks supplied by the School.
What Happened to Desktop Publishing?
May 11, 2023
The Summer Reading bracket outside the library.
Students to Choose Summer Reading
April 12, 2023
A model of the set for the US Musical. Photo by Evan Michaeli
Get Tickets for Upper School Musical
February 22, 2023
Gamble 23, Nielsen 23 to Join Division I Athletic Teams
Gamble ’23, Nielsen ’23 to Join Division I Athletic Teams
January 25, 2023
Summer in Newport attracts several boaters in the waters of Brenton Cove. Photo Courtesy of Evan Michaeli.
Op-Ed: Top Uncommon U.S. Summer Vacations
June 1, 2023
Former President Donald Trump meets with Governor DeSantis in the White House.
Op-Ed: Republican Hypocrisy at All-Time High
May 31, 2023
Isar II power plant at work. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Op-Ed: Germany, a Pioneer in the Nuclear-Free Era
May 9, 2023
Taking an exam. Photo purchased from BigStock.com.
Op-Ed: As Finals Rapidly Approach, Self-Care is Key
May 3, 2023
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Op-Ed: Florida’s Bills are Unacceptable
April 21, 2023
Lower School students created a pride flag collage for Pride Month this year.
Editorial: In Support of Northwest High School’s Newspaper
September 23, 2022
Zak Adler 23 and Alison Rimas 23 walk down a one-way hallway last year, one of many health restrictions we have moved past since the start of the pandemic.
March 12: A Day to Define Our Generation
March 12, 2022
Editorial: School Deserves Praise for Community Uplift
Editorial: School Deserves Praise for Community Uplift
December 14, 2021
The Editorial Board strongly encourages all members of the School community who are eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as they can.
Editorial: Students, Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine
April 20, 2021
Gator Announces Next Years Leadership
Gator Announces Next Year’s Leadership
March 31, 2021
Temperatures dipped below 10 °F on campus today. Faculty and staff are encouraged to keep windows open to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Comic: It’s Cold Inside
January 11, 2022
Comic: Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas
Comic: Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas
December 17, 2021
The U.S. Justice Department recently filed a lawsuit against Texas over curbing voting by mail.
Comic: Justice Dept. Sues Texas Over Voting Restrictions
November 5, 2021
Comic: Wanna Be My Friend?
Comic: Wanna Be My Friend?
November 3, 2021
Comic: Get Your Booster Shot
Comic: Get Your Booster Shot
October 26, 2021
IMOCA Boats lined up at the dock in Newport, Rhode Island during the stopover for The Ocean Race. Photo Courtesy of Evan Michaeli.
The Ocean Race: Sailing Toward a Greener Future
May 30, 2023
People ride in the underground in Boston, commonly refereed to as the T. The metro Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operates heavy-rail, light-rail and bus transit services in the Boston metropolitan area.
Tackling Public Transit in Massachusetts
May 25, 2023
History teacher Ted Barker-Hook engaging with his students. Photo by David Barron.
World History II Explores the Purpose of Education
May 24, 2023
Fans unfurl a Boston Strong banner during the 2013 Red Sox World Series Parade. Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Ten Years Later, We Remain Boston Strong
April 19, 2023
A rotating globe shows the carbon monoxide output around the world. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Pollution: Undermining Our Planet’s Health
February 8, 2023
Live: Commencement 2023
Live: Commencement 2023
June 2, 2023
Photos: Week of May 25
May 31, 2023
Class of 1973 Embarks on Nostalgic Campus Tour
Class of 1973 Embarks on Nostalgic Campus Tour
May 24, 2023
Education of Our Educators: Peter Slaski
Education of Our Educators: Peter Slaski
May 23, 2023
Madeleine Pogoda, 25, works on her Journalism article.
Photos: Week of May 4
May 18, 2023
Live: Commencement 2023
Live: Commencement 2023
June 2, 2023
Class of 1973 Embarks on Nostalgic Campus Tour
Class of 1973 Embarks on Nostalgic Campus Tour
May 24, 2023
Education of Our Educators: Peter Slaski
Education of Our Educators: Peter Slaski
May 23, 2023
Artificial Intelligence: Beyond the Buzzword
Artificial Intelligence: Beyond the Buzzword
May 16, 2023
GNN: Devorah Heitner, Students and Screens
GNN: Devorah Heitner, Students and Screens
May 5, 2023
Photos: Week of May 25
May 31, 2023
Madeleine Pogoda, 25, works on her Journalism article.
Photos: Week of May 4
May 18, 2023
Sophia Bruno 23 discusses her schedule with Mr. Szwartz.
Photos: Week of Apr. 3
April 19, 2023
Audrey Pontiff 24 working on her Science homework.
Photos: Week of Mar. 27
April 4, 2023
Photos: Backstage Memories at Something Rotten
Photos: Backstage Memories at ‘Something Rotten’
March 11, 2023
In the woods, first-place finisher and league MVP Brian Gamble 23 takes a commanding lead at the 2022 league championships.
Podcast: XC Star Brian Gamble ’23 on Running, School, Life
November 17, 2022
“The middle school gardening club and these awesome radishes we grew.” — Jared Smith
Podcast: (Almost) Anything Goes with Jared Smith
April 11, 2022
Photo courtesy of Greg Lewis.
Podcast: Former NBC Olympic Broadcaster, Greg Lewis
February 16, 2022
Digital illustration by Edan Zinn 23.
Podcast: Mahlet Woldemariam ’95 on Vaccine Development
April 7, 2021
Digital illustration by Edan Zinn 23.
Podcast: Fighting the Pandemic with Dr. Kathy Taylor
March 31, 2021
Athletic Director Brett Kelly leads the fall commitment ceremony for students.
Q&A: Brett Kelly Reflects on First Year as Athletic Director
May 23, 2023
GNN: Spring Sports Update
GNN: Spring Sports Update
May 1, 2023
V. Boys Lax Gears Up for Season Opener
V. Boys Lax Gears Up for Season Opener
April 21, 2023
Ultimate Frisbee Reinstated as Physical Education Activity
Ultimate Frisbee Reinstated as Physical Education Activity
April 13, 2023
Coach Dan Hurley speaks out before team departs for the Final Four - Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Op-Ed: UConn Conquers Men’s March Madness
April 12, 2023
Aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Netflix Docuseries Captures Boston Marathon Manhunt
May 23, 2023
Evil Dead Rise: is Horror on the Brink of Artistic Standstill?
Evil Dead Rise: is Horror on the Brink of Artistic Standstill?
May 18, 2023
Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
The New Winnie-the-Pooh Horror Movie is Horrendous
May 2, 2023
A poster for thee Super Mario Bros. Movie. Photo provided by Wikimedia Commons.
Super Mario Movie Smashes Expectations
April 19, 2023
Infographic: The Powerful Psychology of Arts Education
Infographic: The Powerful Psychology of Arts Education
April 13, 2023
Aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Netflix Docuseries Captures Boston Marathon Manhunt
May 23, 2023
A poster for thee Super Mario Bros. Movie. Photo provided by Wikimedia Commons.
Super Mario Movie Smashes Expectations
April 19, 2023
Album cover courtesy of Apple Records.
Album Review: The Beatles’ ‘Let It Be’
February 23, 2023
Album cover courtesy of Columbia Records.
Album Review: Billy Joel’s ‘The Stranger’
February 23, 2023
Rihanna performs live in Paris in 2011.
Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” Honors Chadwick Boseman’s Life
February 16, 2023
Karl Lagerfields designs on display by the windows of a Berlin shop. Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Op-Ed: Outfits Are the Cat’s Meow at the Met Gala
May 31, 2023
Photos Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Poll: Which Cat Outfit at the Met Gala was Better?
May 3, 2023
Screen with ChatGPT chat with AI or artificial intelligence. Man search for information using artificial intelligence chatbot.
No, AI Shouldn’t be Banned in School
April 21, 2023
Baden Howard 24 enjoys some free time in the Innovation Space.
Q&A: Incoming Senate President Baden Howard
April 13, 2023
National World Parkinsons Day Raises Awareness
National World Parkinson’s Day Raises Awareness
April 11, 2023
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The student news site of Brimmer and May School | Chestnut Hill, MA

The Gator
The student news site of Brimmer and May School | Chestnut Hill, MA

The Gator
Charles McLaughlin

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist

CJ has been at Brimmer since her freshman year and has been a member of the newsroom since the beginning of the 2019-20 school year. Outside of writing for The Gator, she is a huge film buff and a member of the Robotics Team as a designer and builder.

All content by Charles McLaughlin
Promotional photo courtesy of Marvel Studios.

TV Review: Is ‘Moon Knight’ Marvel-Appropriate?

Charles McLaughlin and Nicholas Kozhemiakin
May 23, 2022
Marvel’s latest show has been unlike any series before. Compare two perspectives on 'Moon Knight."

‘Moon Knight’ Attempts at Marvel Subversion

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
May 23, 2022

It is extremely tired at this point to describe any new piece of superhero media as “great if you are sick of the genre,” and Moon Knight is certainly of a piece with that late genre attempts at subversion.  To...

Poster Credit: Warner Bros. Studios

Movie Review: ‘The Batman’

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
April 1, 2022
Earlier this month, DC Films put out the best Batman story to grace the big screen in recent memory.
Poster courtesy of Adult Swim.

TV Review: ‘Smiling Friends’ on Adult Swim

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
March 3, 2022
'Smiling Friends' is a much-needed return to form for a lost era of Adult Swim shows.
Promotional poster courtesy of Netflix Studios.

Movie Review: ‘Don’t Look Up’ Is Understandable but Unbearable

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
February 2, 2022
While I support the making of 'Don't Look Up,' the newest sci-fi movie out of Hollywood, I wholeheartedly dislike the final product.
Poster courtesy of Sony Pictures.

Movie Review: ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
January 18, 2022
'Spider-Man: No Way Home' has the most entertaining cast the series has seen in years.
Poster courtesy of Netflix Studios.

TV Review: ‘Cowboy Bebop (2021),’ All Jazz, No Soul

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
December 3, 2021
In trying so hard to imitate the original 'Cowboy Bebop,' the newest version ironically loses the relaxed soul of the series.
Poster courtesy of Netflix Animations

TV Review: ‘Inside Job,’ Netflix’s Latest Missed Opportunity

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
November 16, 2021
While this series feels like it's precision-engineered just for me, I'm disappointed by its shallowness.
Theatrical release poster courtesy of Columbia Pictures.

Movie Review: Venom, Let There Be Carnage

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
October 27, 2021
Unless you are curious to see how low Tom Hardy can go, give this one a pass.
For anyone born within the last 2 decades, we were not there for 9/11, and we do not share in that same national and personal trauma.

Op-Ed: Why Are Young People Desensitized to 9/11?

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
October 11, 2021
For anyone born within the last two decades, we were not there for 9/11, and we don't share in that same national and personal trauma.
One of the few promotional posters for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, courtesy of Marvel Studios.

Op-Ed: Why Didn’t Marvel Promote ‘Shang-Chi?’

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
September 24, 2021
The film is a big step for Asian representation at Disney. Is the company still refusing to promote POC characters, even in 2021? 
The group of eight students pose on the gator bench they constructed.

Q&A: Students Collaborate with Artists for Humanity

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
June 4, 2021
Throughout May, a group of 11th and 12th-grade students collaborated with the Boston-based nonprofit Artists for Humanity.
Photo illustration purchased from BigStock.com

‘Invincible’ Superhero Series Exceeds Expectations

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
May 19, 2021
I will admit that I was very hesitant to watch Invincible when it was first announced, yet its excellent production surprised me.
Photo illustration purchased from BigStock.com.

Movie Review: ‘Mortal Kombat’ Bores Audiences

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
May 6, 2021
Once again, another director steps up to the plate to make a video game-inspired movie that ends up being boring and bland.
Upper School Greenline Director Max Holman plays the piano during rehearsal.

Faculty Profile: Music Teacher Max Holman

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
April 23, 2021
Middle and Upper School Music Teacher Max Holman joins the School this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo illustration purchased from BigStock.com.

Movie Review: Zack Snyder’s ‘Justice League’

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
April 8, 2021
Despite all this criticism, there is something that still draws me in about this special cut, which fans made possible.
Tired female student at workplace in room taking nap on pile of textbooks. Sleepy brunette woman resting during education after sleepless night. Student in despair caused by exam deadline concept. Photo illustration purchased from BigStock.com.

COVID-19 Impacts Sleep Schedules

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
March 9, 2021
The pandemic has impacted many people's sleep schedules.
A GameStop Strip Mall Location.

Op-Ed: What Happened with GameStop?

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
February 18, 2021
The stock price has seen a meteoric rise and fall over the last few weeks.
Photo illustration purchased from BigStock.com.

TV Review: ‘WandaVision’ Offers Creepy, Delightful Vibe

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
February 8, 2021
Wandavision is a wonderful return to form for the superhero giant.
Photo illustration purchased from BigStock.com.

Movie Review: ‘Wonder Woman 1984’

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
January 14, 2021
Three years after the first Wonder Woman film, the sequel is a major letdown.
Gator file photo.

Art Classes Adapt to Hybrid Learning Model

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
December 14, 2020
Classes have faced many changes due to the new learning model.
Video Game Review: Among Us

Video Game Review: ‘Among Us’

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
November 9, 2020
The online game has become a hit.
Photo illustration by Edan Zinn 23.

Writer’s Picks: Halloween Movies

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
October 31, 2020
These three spooky movie picks are perfect for Halloween night.
Photo illustration purchased from BigStock.com.

Movie Review: ‘Enola Holmes’

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
October 16, 2020
The movie is well worth a watch.
Photo Illustration by Edan Zinn 23.

Zoom Raises Questions of Online Privacy, Security

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
May 8, 2020
The video conferencing service is under fire for their misleading Privacy Policy.
The team huddles during a timeout. Photo by David Barron.

V. Girls Defeats Rival Montrose

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
February 19, 2020
The Gators win by four, earning some sweet revenge.
(L-R) Stephanie Cranmore 21, Sade Latinwo 20, Ella Meranus 20, Zachary Ginsberg 22, and Claire Masterson 20 enjoy the sights in Seattle after the Student Diversity Leadership Conference. Photo courtesy of Jessica Christian.

Students Attend National Diversity Conference

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
January 29, 2020
Students learned how to define and promote diversity.
Students pose for a photo after their workout at the JCC. Photo courtesy of Tom Nelson.

Spin Class Offered as New Activity

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
January 7, 2020
Classes are held at the nearby JCC.
For Make Me a Maker, students can now create their own leather wallets. Photo courtesy of Kathryn Lee.

Make Me a Maker: Create a Leather Wallet

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
November 20, 2019
Artists of all skill levels are encouraged to try.
Three Musketeers to Deliver Swashbuckling Fights

‘Three Musketeers’ to Deliver Swashbuckling Fights

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
November 6, 2019
The play promises to be the most action-packed in School history.
Over the summer, the School installed Bi-Directional Amplifiers, which extend two-way radio coverage into difficult-to-reach areas such as stairwells, underground hallways, and other challenging zones. Photo by David Cutler.

School Updates Fire Alarm System

Charles McLaughlin, Senior Journalist
September 26, 2019
At no point was the School in violation of any code or safety concern.
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The Gator

The student news site of Brimmer and May School | Chestnut Hill, MA
69 Middlesex Road
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The student news site of Brimmer and May School | Chestnut Hill, MA
Charles McLaughlin