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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

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

The Gator

Edan Zinn '23 runs on carrots or grapes.

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief

Edan celebrated four years on The Gator's staff. In addition to editing stories, he also took photos for The Gator and was a member of the Creative Arts Diploma Program for Visual Arts. Edan finds photojournalism to be a fun method of artistic storytelling.

All content by Edan Zinn
MIles Best '19 participates in a Harkness in Kenley Smith's English class.

Photo | Spotlight: Kenley Smith, English Teacher

Mckinlee DePaola, Journalist
April 2, 2024

MIles Best '19 participates in a Harkness in Kenley Smith's English class.

The cast poses before its final show.

Photos: Backstage Memories at ‘Something Rotten’

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
March 11, 2023

The cast poses before its final show.

Outdoor Ed Takes On Franconia Notch

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
March 3, 2023
Students hiked the 2,557-foot Mount Pemigewasset in New Hampshire.

Video | A Wintertime Hike With Outdoor Ed

Edward Flint, Managing Editor
January 13, 2023
Watch students climb a 4,051 foot mountain in the New Hampshire snow.
Last year, students enjoyed the Stuff-A-Plush station.

Photo | Rehm-Robles Creates ‘Student Life Calendar’

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
December 1, 2022

Last year, students enjoyed the Stuff-A-Plush station.

Priya Mallidi '23 as Molly and Ugo Adiele '23 as Boy/Peter.

Photos: ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ Shines

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
November 14, 2022
Last week, Upper School students performed in 'Peter and the Starcatcher' to packed seats and energetic audiences.
Spectators anticipate a close game.

Photo | Despite Tied Games, Homecoming a Success

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
October 21, 2022

Spectators anticipate a close game.

Outdoor Ed Hikes ‘Three States in One Day’

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
October 14, 2022
On October 8 and 9, eight Upper School students backpacked the corner mountains of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.
Members of the Class of 2023 pose at Larz Anderson Park.

Photo | Class of 2023 Enjoys "Senior Sunrise"

October 18, 2022

Members of the Class of 2023 pose at Larz Anderson Park.

Edrick Quezada '23 raps a song at the Talent Show.

Upper School Camp Returns

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
September 12, 2022

Edrick Quezada '23 raps a song at the Talent Show.

Leni Hicks-Dutt '23 starts a new 12th-grade tradition at the School.

Leni Hicks-Dutt ’23 Leads Community Mural Painting

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
September 21, 2022
Over several months, Leni Hicks-Dutt '23 planned and painted the inaugural 12th-grade mural.
Students created ribbon pins during break.

Photos: Tejada ’23 Starts Gun Violence Awareness Initiative

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
June 7, 2022
Following the recent mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas, the Community Service Club leader wanted to spread awareness in the community.
Collage by Martin Maynard '22.

Alumni Basketball Players Bring in the Heat

On Saturday, the School invited alumni Basketball players back to campus to play in the first-ever Alumni Game.
Spectators applaud the Band's performance.

Photos: Band Performs at The Street

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
May 5, 2022

Spectators applaud the Band's performance.

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.

Photo | March 12: A Day to Define Our Generation

Gator Editorial Board
March 12, 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.

Daniel Murray '23 as Joseph.

Backstage at ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
March 7, 2022
View the cast making memories at this year's Upper School Musical, which opened last weekend to rave reviews.
Madeleine Pogoda ’25, Giulia Laurenza ’25, and Ady Jaeckel ’25 sell handmade items at last year's Valentines Day Bake Sale.

GSA Club Hosts Valentine’s Day Market

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
February 14, 2022
The Gender and Sexuality for All Club held a fundraiser in support of local LGBTQ+ artists and Boston-area nonprofits.
Haleigh Jacobs '23 and Grace Papas '23 pose at the Temple Fair.

Lunar New Year: Community Celebrates Year of the Tiger

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
February 2, 2022
Today, Middle and Upper School Mandarin classes hosted their annual Temple Fair and a special assembly.
Latinx Affinity Group Founder Emma Guevara '23 poses.

Photo | #LatinxAtBrimmer: Guevara ’23 Starts Affinity Group

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
February 1, 2022

Latinx Affinity Group Founder Emma Guevara '23 poses.

Upper School students are required to take rapid tests twice each week.
Photo illustration by Edan Zinn

Photo | Quarantined Students Face Make-Up Work

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
January 20, 2022

Upper School students are required to take rapid tests twice each week. Photo illustration by Edan Zinn

Ted Barker-Hook, Donald Reese, and Bill Jacob perform "Slip Slidin' Away" by Paul Simon.

Photos: A Virtual Coffee House 2022

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
January 10, 2022
Circles 18: A Coffee House attracted over 120 virtual audience members on its livestream.
Photo courtesy of Nicole DeCesare.

Rapid Tests, New Masks: Winter Reopening Updates

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
January 3, 2022
With the Omicron variant of COVID-19 causing a surge in Massachusetts cases, the School's COVID Response Team has updated several health and safety policies.
Greenline performs an a cappella arrangement of "White Winter Hymnal."

Photos: Holiday Concert 2021

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
December 10, 2021
The School's choral and instrumental ensembles performed together in person for the first time in two years.
Jaffer poses with Fantasy Football Club leader Phillip Lull '23 and club advisor Pete Slaski.

Photo | Op-Ed: The Thrills of Fantasy Football

Nico Jaffer, Outgoing Sports Editor
November 18, 2021

Jaffer poses with Fantasy Football Club leader Phillip Lull '23 and club advisor Pete Slaski.

Students from all divisions compete in the pumpkin roll.

Photos: Harvestfest 2021

Toni Golston and Edan Zinn
November 8, 2021
Students of all grades enjoyed pumpkin rolling, lawn games, and music.
The vaccine was found to be 90.7% effective in preventing Covid-19 for the tested group of children. Photo illustration by Edan Zinn ’23.

Photo | Vaccine Approval for Ages 5-11 Sparks Hope

Talia Hammer, Journalist
November 8, 2021

The vaccine was found to be 90.7% effective in preventing Covid-19 for the tested group of children. Photo illustration by Edan Zinn ’23.

AAPI Club Presidents Hebe Qiang '23 and Madeline Hsiao '23 pose.

Photo | Hebe Qiang ’23, Madeline Hsiao ’23 Pioneer AAPI Club

Amelia Bowman, Editor-in-Chief
October 28, 2021

AAPI Club Presidents Hebe Qiang '23 and Madeline Hsiao '23 pose.

Kaylee Little '23 challenges a Bradford Christian Academy player in the 2019 Varsity Girls Homecoming game.

Photo | Athletes Look Forward to Homecoming Games

Amelia Bowman, Editor-in-Chief
October 15, 2021

Kaylee Little '23 challenges a Bradford Christian Academy player in the 2019 Varsity Girls Homecoming game.

Sous Chef Taran Gavrin serves an Upper School student at lunch.

Photo | Students, Faculty Appreciate Cafeteria Reopening

Cathy Wu, Outgoing Executive Editor
October 7, 2021

Sous Chef Taran Gavrin serves an Upper School student at lunch.

Athletic Trainer Larry Stahley stretches runner Zakkai Mares-van Praag, who suffered brief shin splints.

Photo | Hidden Hero of the Game: Trainer Larry Stahley

Nico Jaffer, Outgoing Sports Editor
January 18, 2023

Athletic Trainer Larry Stahley stretches runner Zakkai Mares-van Praag, who suffered brief shin splints.

During remote learning, students based in China Zoomed in on a 12-hour time difference.
Photo illustration by Edan Zinn '23.

Photo | International Students Adjust To Life On Campus After Remote Learning

Brian Gamble, Outgoing Managing Editor
September 21, 2021

During remote learning, students based in China Zoomed in on a 12-hour time difference. Photo illustration by Edan Zinn '23.

Elijah Kinney '23 knocks the frisbee away from Jackson Ostrowski '22 during Ultimate Frisbee Day of Cross Country.

‘Almost Back To Normal’: Varsity Teams Get to Work

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
September 17, 2021
After four days of preseason practices and an abbreviated first week of school, varsity sports teams here are getting back to their normal season routines.
Madeline Hsiao '23, Hebe Qiang '23, and Libby Barker-Hook '23 sit outside on the first day of school.

Photo | Campus Reopens With Modified COVID-19 Protocols

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
September 8, 2021

Madeline Hsiao '23, Hebe Qiang '23, and Libby Barker-Hook '23 sit outside on the first day of school.

Leni Hicks-Dutt '23 and Sophia Bruno '23 pose before lacrosse practice.

Photo | After Two Long Years, Lacrosse Returns to the Playing Field

Brian Gamble, Outgoing Managing Editor
June 11, 2021

Leni Hicks-Dutt '23 and Sophia Bruno '23 pose before lacrosse practice.

Head of School Judith Guild greets a student on the first day of school last September.

Administration Plans Around COVID-19 for 2021-2022 School Year

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
June 4, 2021
The School is optimistic that next school year will have fewer health and safety restrictions due to COVID-19 vaccination progress.
Zakkai Mares-Van Praag '22 and Haleigh Jacobs '23 bump elbows on the field.

Photo | With State Reopening, Students Feel Normalcy Near

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
May 28, 2021

Zakkai Mares-Van Praag '22 and Haleigh Jacobs '23 bump elbows on the field.

Kieran Cross '23 (front) and Jack Nathanson '23 play the guitar during a rehearsal. "You can tell that everyone put in the effort this year to be able to play during COVID times, and I am grateful for having it at all this year," Cross said.

Photo Essay: Band Improvises During COVID-19

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
May 27, 2021
The Upper School Ensemble took on the challenge of making music despite restrictions due to the pandemic.
Last May, the School attended a WorldBoston virtual discussion on Zoom.

Photo | Students Attend WorldBoston Discussion of Armenian Genocide

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
May 11, 2021

Last May, the School attended a WorldBoston virtual discussion on Zoom.

Ugo Adiele '23 and Kieran Cross '23 sort clothes for community service.

Photos: Week of Apr. 26

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
May 3, 2021
Students participated in community service and Spirit Week last week.
Students hold pins showing where they received their COVID-19 vaccine.

Student COVID-19 Vaccinations Begin

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
April 30, 2021
More community members here have received a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, including students in the Upper School.
Upper School History Teacher Ted Barker-Hook gives a lesson on The New York Times.

Photo | Curriculum Modified During COVID-19

Nico Jaffer, Outgoing Sports Editor
April 27, 2021

Upper School History Teacher Ted Barker-Hook gives a lesson on The New York Times.

Brian Gamble '23 reads the 2019-2020 yearbook.

Photo | School to Gift Yearbooks To All Students

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
April 15, 2021

Brian Gamble '23 reads the 2019-2020 yearbook.

Photo illustration by Edan Zinn '23.

Q&A: Get To Know Upper School Senate Candidates

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
April 12, 2021
Elections will occur later this month for Upper School Senate positions for the 2021-2022 academic year.
 My natural ability to accomplish things means nothing without the willingness to use it. Photo illustration by Edan Zinn '23.

Photo | Op-Ed: With Academics, Talent Isn’t Everything

Brian Gamble, Outgoing Managing Editor
April 13, 2021

 My natural ability to accomplish things means nothing without the willingness to use it. Photo illustration by Edan Zinn '23.

Brian Barrera '22, Owen Williams '23, and Leni Hicks-Dutt '23 play soccer at lunch.

Photos: Week of Apr. 5

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
April 12, 2021
Students are settling into the fully in-person schedule.
Students use Sora to access eBooks from their devices. Photo illustration by Edan Zinn '23.

Photo | Library Moves Online During COVID-19

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
April 7, 2021

Students use Sora to access eBooks from their devices. Photo illustration by Edan Zinn '23.

Digital illustration by Edan Zinn '23.

Podcast: Mahlet Woldemariam ’95 on Vaccine Development

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
April 7, 2021
Mahlet Woldemariam '95 talks about the science behind vaccines, how they are developed and tested, and why they are a helpful means of prevention.
In Upper School classrooms, students sit at desks six feet apart.

Photo | School Moves To Full-Time In-Person Learning

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
April 5, 2021

In Upper School classrooms, students sit at desks six feet apart.

Terry E. Carter recites poetry while Jonathan Fagan plays the piano.

Photos: Ensemble Performs With Musicians in Residence

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
March 12, 2021
On Thursday, the Upper School Ensemble invited two of its artists in residence to perform with Terry E. Carter and Jonathan Fagan.
Senior citizens and teachers line up to receive a vaccine. Digital illustration by Karly Hamilton '21.

Teachers Respond To COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
March 11, 2021
Faculty and staff are beginning to search for open appointments to get the shot, but many have expressed frustration with the the vaccine’s rollout.
School Hosts Equity In Women's Sports Panel

School Hosts Equity In Women’s Sports Panel

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
March 5, 2021
In the final installment of the 16th Annual Bissel Grogan Humanities Symposium, the School hosted a panel discussion, “Equity and Women's’ Sports.”
Students can decide on turning cameras on or off during remote learning. Photo illustration by Edan Zinn '23.

Photo | Students, Teachers Debate Camera Requirements on Zoom

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
February 24, 2021

Students can decide on turning cameras on or off during remote learning. Photo illustration by Edan Zinn '23.

Photo courtesy of Vote.org.

CEO of Vote.org Talks 2020 Election, Voter Suppression

Edan Zinn, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
February 19, 2021
In the latest speech for the Bissell Grogan Humanities Symposium, Andrea Hailey spoke about the yearlong school-wide theme of Building an Equitable Community.
The pandemic has made academic planning more difficult for students and faculty. Photo illustration by Edan Zinn '23.

Photo | COVID-19 Impacts Students’ Future Decisions

Brian Gamble, Outgoing Managing Editor
February 16, 2021

The pandemic has made academic planning more difficult for students and faculty. Photo illustration by Edan Zinn '23.

Young uses Tropical Tidbits and AccuWeather for weather information. Photo illustration by Edan Zinn '23.

Photo | Op-Ed: The Best Sources for Weather Information

Michael Young, Journalist
February 12, 2021

Young uses Tropical Tidbits and AccuWeather for weather information. Photo illustration by Edan Zinn '23.

Photo illustration by Edan Zinn '23.

Photo | Op-Ed: Minority Representation Requires Accurate Portrayal

Grace Papas, Outgoing Executive Editor
February 9, 2021

Photo illustration by Edan Zinn '23.

Priya Mallidi '23 and Alison Rimas '23 talk outside after school.

Photo | Statewide Mask Guidelines Spark Debate

April 29, 2021

Priya Mallidi '23 and Alison Rimas '23 talk outside after school.

Natalie Kozhemiakin '23 washes her hands before entering the Chase Building.

Photo | Community Reflects on Safety Protocols

Nico Jaffer, Outgoing Sports Editor
February 2, 2021

Natalie Kozhemiakin '23 washes her hands before entering the Chase Building.

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Edan Zinn