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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

Kate Hirschen

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor

Kate has been a member of The Gator since freshman year and enjoys writing news stories and reviews. Outside of the newsroom, she enjoys spending time with friends and playing tennis.

All content by Kate Hirschen
Baden Howard '24 enjoys some free time in the Innovation Space.

Q&A: Incoming Senate President Baden Howard

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
April 13, 2023
The new Senate President wants to increase the frequency of food trucks for students to enjoy.
Daniel Murray '23 competes in his final Bonspiel.

Varsity Curling Sweeps Bonspiel Championship

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
February 28, 2023
On Monday, the Varsity Curling Team competed in its annual bonspiel competition, sweeping each match in their league.
Meet the next Editorial Board, a group of all-new student editors. Gator file photos.

Newsroom Announces 2023-2024 Editorial Board

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
February 3, 2023
Introducing Amelia Bowman '25 as Editor-in-Chief, Cathy Wu '24 and Evan Michaeli '24 as Executive Editors, and Madeleine Pogoda '24 as Arts & Culture Editor.
Gamble '23, Nielsen '23 to Join Division I Athletic Teams

Gamble ’23, Nielsen ’23 to Join Division I Athletic Teams

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
January 25, 2023
Brian Gamble '23 and Quinn Nielson '23 were recognized for their commitment to NCAA Division I teams.
Co-Editor-in-Chief Edan Zinn '23 leads the Wordle activity.

Newsroom Bonds Over Wordle Activity

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
January 12, 2023
As a fun activity for the first semester of the school year, the newsroom decided to partake in its own Wordle challenge.
Upper School Head Joshua Neudel photographed a bracket made by the Spanish Department before the Knockout stage. Photo courtesy of Neudel.

Community Bonds Over Watching the World Cup

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
December 9, 2022
Although the U.S. lost to the Netherlands, student spectators agree that the once-in-four-year event has brought the community together.
A screenshot of the Student Life Calendar last month.

Rehm-Robles Creates ‘Student Life Calendar’

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
December 1, 2022
The new Director of Student Life has spearheaded several 'Brimmer Social Hour' events this fall.
Photo courtesy of Jared Smith.

Fashion Flash: Jared Smith, Science Teacher

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
November 16, 2022
Recently, we sat down with Science Teacher Jared Smith to hear about his funky style.
Shyla Fernandes '25 rushes past a defender.

Despite Tied Games, Homecoming a Success

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
October 21, 2022
Spectators, coaches, and athletes agree that despite the close games, Homecoming 2022 was one to remember.
Photo courtesy of Libby Barker-Hook '23.

Fashion Flash: Libby Barker-Hook ’23

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
October 21, 2022
Recently, The Gator sat down with Libby Barker-Hook '23 to discuss the best way to style an outfit.
Gator file photo.

New Faculty Profile: Christie DeNizio, Art Teacher

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
September 28, 2022
Recently, The Gator sat down with Christie DeNizio, a new Upper and Middle School Art Teacher.
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

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
September 22, 2022
Although the uptick has kept some students and teachers at home, School Nurse Beth Escobar stresses that "this does not mean it's rampant."
Alison Rimas '23 begins her shift at the Swan Boats. Photo courtesy of Rimas.

Q&A: Alison Rimas ’23, Swan Boat Driver

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
June 3, 2022
Do you ever wonder what is it like to have a job at one of the most famous attractions in Boston?
Photos courtesy of Brimmer and May School.

Kassim ’24, Williams ’23, Altschul ’25 Elected to Senate E-Board

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
May 23, 2022
The new Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer discuss their plans for next year.
Zoe Hicks-Dutt '24 and Lei Hicks-Dutt '23 study outside.

What’s New in the Course Catalog for 2022-2023?

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
May 3, 2022
Learn about Social Justice Through Photography, Digital Photography, Piano and Guitar, Pop Culture and Jewish Immigration, Short Stories, and Asking the Big Questions.
Image courtesy of Brimmer and May School.

Q&A: Brett Kelly, Incoming Athletic Director

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
April 6, 2022
Meet Brett Kelly, who will begin work at the School on July 1.
Culture: Shoes of the Newsroom

Culture: Shoes of the Newsroom

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
March 30, 2022
Do the Gator staffers have shoe game?
Photo illustration courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

School to Begin Mask-Optional Policy Monday

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
February 25, 2022
“It’s not a ‘rip the mask off,’ but a dial-up, dial down,” Head of School Judith Guild said at a Middle and Upper School meeting earlier this week.
Leni Hicks Dutt '23 works on a painting of her great-great-grandmother.

New AP Studio Art Students Enjoying Class

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
February 18, 2022
Meet the new 11th-grade students in AP Studio Art, a rigorous three-semester class.
Latinx Affinity Group Founder Emma Guevara '23 poses.

#LatinxAtBrimmer: Guevara ’23 Starts Affinity Group

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
February 1, 2022
Students, faculty, and staff who identify as Latinx or Hispanic can attend to share their various cultures and discuss diversity-related topics.
Head of School Judith Guild supervises a science class.

With Omicron Surge, ‘All-Hands-On-Deck’ For Teacher Absences

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
January 21, 2022
After testing positive for COVID-19, several teachers are back to Zoom. Uncommon substitute teachers are stepping in to supervise classrooms.
Upper School students are required to take rapid tests twice each week.
Photo illustration by Edan Zinn

Quarantined Students Face Make-Up Work

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
January 20, 2022
Without concurrent learning, some students here report worrying that a positive COVID-19 test could affect their academics. 
Students attend the 2020 Yale Model United Nations conference, which was held in person before the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Model United Nations Club Prepares For Virtual Conference

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
January 6, 2022
From January 20-23, the Model United Nations club will attend a virtual conference held by Yale University.
Fashion Flash: Leni Hicks-Dutt '23

Fashion Flash: Leni Hicks-Dutt ’23

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
November 30, 2021
Hicks-Dutt has always had a love for clothes and shoes. Learn about how she expresses herself through fashion.
Tatte's Avacado Tartine, which features "avocado, baby arugula, dill, and radish topped with poached eggs on housemade sourdough," according to the cafe's menu.

Food Review: Tatte Bakery & Cafe Opens In Newton

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
November 30, 2021
My experience at Newton's new Tatte location was amazing, thanks to its friendly atmosphere and delicious food.
The Gator-Aides with Associate Director of College Counseling Dona Rehm, a founder of the program.

Gator-Aide Program Welcomes New Students

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
November 19, 2021
Since the program's launch, new students report a welcome introduction to the School by the 12th-grade mentors.
All-School Harvestfest To Return

All-School Harvestfest To Return

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
October 27, 2021
On November 2 at 9:10 a.m., the School community will come together over crafts, music, and food at Harvestfest.
You may have heard of the cookie brand on social media. Photo courtesy of Crumbl Cookies.

Food Review: Crumbl Cookies, The Latest TikTok Trend

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
October 21, 2021
Crumbl Cookies is the viral TikTok trend that is sweeping the nation. With new flavors every week, a journey to Crumbl is always interesting.
Zakkai Mares-Van Praag '22 and Haleigh Jacobs '23 bump elbows on the field.

With State Reopening, Students Feel Normalcy Near

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
May 28, 2021
Students report that the atmosphere on campus is changing as COVID-19 restrictions lessen at School and in the state.
Sister campers pose in masks on campus.

Camp Returns Amid Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
May 19, 2021
Between sports, academics, and games, camps at Brimmer Summer promise an experience that everyone can enjoy.
Rachel Sobel '23 catches a lacrosse ball.

Spring Sports Lifts Students’ Sprits

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
May 6, 2021
In a year with few interscholastic sports, the start of the spring athletics season has cheered many up on campus.
Gator file photo.

School to Host Virtual Green and White Auction

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
April 22, 2021
In the virtual event, members of the community have the opportunity to bid and offer items to raise money for the School.
Brian Gamble '23 reads the 2019-2020 yearbook.

School to Gift Yearbooks To All Students

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
April 15, 2021
With this year heavily defined by changes due to COVID-19, a special edition of the yearbook will be offered for free to all students.
Students use Sora to access eBooks from their devices. Photo illustration by Edan Zinn '23.

Library Moves Online During COVID-19

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
April 7, 2021
Since books cannot be physically borrowed, the School's website now includes links to new online resources.
Gator photo illustration.

Music Review: Lady Gaga’s ‘Chromatica’

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
March 9, 2021
Though Chromatica never hit the top charts, it still featured some iconic songs. 
Music Review: Ariana Grande's 'Positions'

Music Review: Ariana Grande’s ‘Positions’

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
February 22, 2021
I don’t think Ariana Grande's new album is terrible, but it’s not amazing either.
Students socialize outside while waiting for lunch.

Students Find Safe Ways to Socialize

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
February 9, 2021
Students here are doing their best to stay connected.
A view of Loon Mountain. Photo by Karly Hamilton '21.

Op-Ed: Skiing During COVID-19

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
January 13, 2021
Skiers and snowboarders often wear face coverings for warmth, so the implementation of masks does not hugely impact the experience.
Illustration by Edan Zinn '23.

Q&A: Teachers Write Original Upper School Musical

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
December 17, 2020
This year's musical is written by Creative Arts Department Chair Bill Jacob and music teacher Max Holman, as well as other community members.
Karly Hamilton '21 has spent time taking her cat outside while quarantined.

Pet Adoption During COVID-19

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
December 8, 2020
Adoption rates have increased since the pandemic began.
A blizzard from 2016 hammers campus. Gator file photo.

Winter Prompts Questions About Lunch, Snow Days

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
November 17, 2020
As colder months approach, new questions are being raised.
Prom will be held on the field to accommodate social distancing guidelines.

Op-Ed: To Fight COVID-19, Teens Must Act Responsibly

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
October 14, 2020
Safety precautions are being followed to various degrees, especially by teenagers.
Teacher hosting online class using video conference. Purchased from BigStock.com.

Concurrent Learning Continues

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
October 1, 2020
Students continue to learn on-campus and remotely.
Lower School students show off their craft hearts.

Community Supports #BrimmerCares Initiative

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
June 6, 2020
The initiative celebrates community members who are helping others during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Music Review: Dua Lipa's 'Future Nostalgia'

Music Review: Dua Lipa’s ‘Future Nostalgia’

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
June 3, 2020
Dua Lipa has been rising to the top of the charts recently.
'Urinetown: The Musical' a Hit

‘Urinetown: The Musical’ a Hit

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
March 13, 2020
The stunning performance made audiences leave laughing.
Kass Advances to MA Shakespeare Competition

Kass Advances to MA Shakespeare Competition

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
February 18, 2020
Marlie's achievement will go down in Brimmer History.
Breanna Durand, Manzana, Photography, Gold Key

Students Win Eight Scholastic Art Awards

Kate Hirschen, Outgoing Culture Editor
February 5, 2020
See the award-winning art.
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Kate Hirschen