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

The Gator
Photos courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Students, Faculty Gear Up for Winterim Trips
March 3, 2023
Actors rehearse a scene for the musical. Photo by Bill Jacob.
‘Nothing’s as Amazing as a Musical’: Come See ‘Something Rotten!’
March 1, 2023
A former all-gender student bathroom is now locked and only open to faculty due to substance use concerns.
Faculty, Administrators Address Vaping at School
February 23, 2023
Meet the next Editorial Board, a group of all-new student editors. Gator file photos.
Newsroom Announces 2023-2024 Editorial Board
February 3, 2023
History and Journalism Teacher David Cutler demonstrates how AI can write essays. Photo illustration by Edan Zinn.
Teachers Debate AI in Education 
January 30, 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
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
Maya Lownie 24 and Haripriya Mallidi 23 perform a traditional Indian dance.
Circles 19: A Coffee House Returns in the Dining Commons
January 19, 2023
Gator Wins Third Crown Award
Gator Wins Third Crown Award
January 10, 2023
Photo courtesy of David Barron.
New Faculty Profile: Alex Ostergard
January 9, 2023
Aerial view of the train derailment in East Palestine that took place on February 3. Photo taken by the National Transportation Safety Board, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Op-Ed: Ohio Train Derailment Highlights Distrust for Authorities
March 3, 2023
A Polar Bear Mother and her cub. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Op-Ed: Acknowledging International Polar Bear Day
February 27, 2023
U.S. President Joe Biden delivers a speech at COP27 in Egypt. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Op-Ed: Global Collaboration is Key to Fight Climate Change
February 24, 2023
Wolfstich ‘26 performs a scene with the cast of “Peter and the Starcatcher.” Photo by Edan Zinn ‘23.
Op-Ed: Theatre is Worth the Commitment
February 15, 2023
The aftermath of the earthquakes destruction in Adıyaman, a city in southeastern Turkey.
Op-Ed: Humanity in the Face of Natural Disasters
February 15, 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
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
Students gather together at the Delegate Dance, a tradition at YMUN.
Op-Ed: What YMUN Taught Me About Speaking Up
February 1, 2023
Stahley poses with the Gator during a pep rally. Photo courtesy of Grace Papas 23
Hidden Hero of the Game: Trainer Larry Stahley
January 18, 2023
Demonstrators protest in Melbourne for a safer climate. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Summer 2022 Showcases Climate Crisis On Full Display
September 23, 2022
Leni Hicks-Dutt 23 starts a new 12th-grade tradition at the School.
Leni Hicks-Dutt ’23 Leads Community Mural Painting
September 21, 2022
Outdoor Ed Takes On Franconia Notch.
Outdoor Ed Takes On Franconia Notch
March 3, 2023
Penelope Zimmerman 25’ works on her English project.
Photos: Week of Feb. 27
March 2, 2023
Education of Our Educators: Parker Curtis
Education of Our Educators: Parker Curtis
March 2, 2023
Souper Delicious: Cajun-Style Chicken and Rice
Souper Delicious: Cajun-Style Chicken and Rice
March 1, 2023
Varsity I Boys Basketball Brings the House Down at Senior Night
Varsity I Boys Basketball Brings the House Down at Senior Night
February 23, 2023
Outdoor Ed Takes On Franconia Notch.
Outdoor Ed Takes On Franconia Notch
March 3, 2023
Education of Our Educators: Parker Curtis
Education of Our Educators: Parker Curtis
March 2, 2023
Souper Delicious: Cajun-Style Chicken and Rice
Souper Delicious: Cajun-Style Chicken and Rice
March 1, 2023
Behind the Stage with Bill Jacob
Behind the Stage with Bill Jacob
February 22, 2023
Nolan Suraci 26 anchors Souper Delicious, a new Soup review series.
Souper Delicious: Cream of Chicken Rice
February 21, 2023
Penelope Zimmerman 25’ works on her English project.
Photos: Week of Feb. 27
March 2, 2023
Nicholas Kozhemiakin 25 works with English Teacher Bradley Starr on English homework.
Photos: Week of Feb. 6
February 15, 2023
Abigail Jacobs 25 and Mae Gordon 25 work in the library.
Photos: Week of Jan. 30
February 2, 2023
Ady Jaeckel 25 writes on a water mat during the Temple Fair.
Photos: Week of Jan. 23
January 28, 2023
The festival.
Photos: Community Celebrates Year of the Rabbit with Temple Fair
January 26, 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
Daniel Murray 23 competes in his final Bonspiel.
Varsity Curling Sweeps Bonspiel Championship
February 28, 2023
Varsity I Boys Basketball Brings the House Down at Senior Night
Varsity I Boys Basketball Brings the House Down at Senior Night
February 23, 2023
Head Coach Jamie Lin, surrounded by her players after the win, holds the trophy.
Varsity II Boys Basketball Triumphs Over CCA in Championship
February 17, 2023
Bryce Ruglass Dortch 24 drives to the hoop.
Varsity Boys Basketball Team Shines on the Court
February 2, 2023
Gamble 23, Nielsen 23 to Join Division I Athletic Teams
Gamble ’23, Nielsen ’23 to Join Division I Athletic Teams
January 25, 2023
Actors rehearse a scene for the musical. Photo by Bill Jacob.
‘Nothing’s as Amazing as a Musical’: Come See ‘Something Rotten!’
March 1, 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
Behind the Stage with Bill Jacob
Behind the Stage with Bill Jacob
February 22, 2023
Wolfstich ‘26 performs a scene with the cast of “Peter and the Starcatcher.” Photo by Edan Zinn ‘23.
Op-Ed: Theatre is Worth the Commitment
February 15, 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
My Sister, the Serial Killer: Who is Innocent?
My Sister, the Serial Killer: Who is Innocent?
February 16, 2023
The poster for My Policeman, courtesy of Prime Video.
Review: ‘My Policeman’ Surprises and Delights Audiences
February 9, 2023
Photo courtesy of wikimediacommons.org
Poll: Apple Juice or Orange Juice
February 16, 2023
Rihanna performs live in Paris in 2011.
Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” Honors Chadwick Boseman’s Life
February 16, 2023
My Sister, the Serial Killer: Who is Innocent?
My Sister, the Serial Killer: Who is Innocent?
February 16, 2023
A screenshot of the Chess.com homepage.
Students Flock to Online Chess
February 15, 2023
Alternative to pork buns: mixed green salad
Our Veggie-Friendly School: Why I Never Leave Hungry
February 9, 2023
Newsroom Closed
  • Enjoy Spring Break! Regular publishing will resume on March 27.
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
Zakkai Mares-Van-Praag 22 runs on dry seaweed.

Zakkai Mares-Van Praag, Journalist

Zakkai has been at Brimmer since 2016 and is a senior this year. Last summer, he worked on housing assistance at Revere City Hall. He is currently a cross country captain and enjoys acting and singing.

All content by Zakkai Mares-Van Praag

Gator Jeopardy: Librarians and Academic Support

Zakkai Mares-Van Praag, Journalist
June 3, 2022
See who wins our third and final round.
The Freestyle Love Supreme group standing on stage during a curtain call on their Broadway 2021 run. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

Review: ‘Freestyle Love Supreme’ Exhibits Improv Talent

Zakkai Mares-Van Praag, Journalist
April 27, 2022
'Freestyle Love Supreme' is a show like no other, featuring fast-thinking improv and hilarity.
Upper School Head Joshua Neudel and Class of 2022 homeroom teachers decided to shutdown the senior lounge Thursday, after students routinely leave behind a mess.

With Mess, Senior Lounge Loses Furniture

Zakkai Mares-Van Praag, Journalist
April 22, 2022
After months of sustained uncleanliness, Upper School Head Joshua Neudel and homeroom teachers ordered the removal of the Senior Lounge's furniture.
Photo purchased from BigStock

Op-Ed: Bracketology, My March Madness Obsession

Zakkai Mares-Van Praag, Journalist
April 7, 2022
I love to expect the unexpected, and when something happens that even I didn’t expect, it excites me even more.
AJ Naddaff 15

Gator Founder Lauds 1,500 Posts

Zakkai Mares-Van Praag, Journalist
March 9, 2022
AJ Naddaff '15 addresses the newsroom's success since its 2014 launch.
Librarian Elyse Seltzers Black History Month posters.

Photo | Students, Teachers Honor Black History Month

February 28, 2022

Librarian Elyse Seltzer's Black History Month posters.

Gator Jeopardy: Science and Math with Humanities Teachers

Gator Jeopardy: Science and Math with Humanities Teachers

Zakkai Mares-Van Praag, Journalist
February 24, 2022
Find out what humanities teacher knows the most about subjects outside of their expertise.
17th Annual Humanities Symposium Kicks Off

17th Annual Humanities Symposium Kicks Off

Zakkai Mares-Van Praag, Journalist
January 21, 2022
Carolyn Chou, the Executive Director of the Asian American Resource Workshop in Boston, tackled the "model minority" stereotype.
COVID-19 cases are surging in schools across Massachusetts, causing staffing issues and emptying classrooms.

Op-Ed: I’m Nervous About Being Back on Campus

Zakkai Mares-Van Praag, Journalist
January 11, 2022
With the Omicron variant of COVID-19 surging in Massachusetts, I can't help but wonder if in-person schooling is the right call.

Gator Jeopardy: History with Math and Science Teachers

Zakkai Mares-Van Praag, Journalist
December 15, 2021
How much history trivia do math and science teachers know? Take a break from studying and find out.
The stage is set before the 2019-2020 Ring Ceremony.

Ring Ceremony to Feature Major Changes

Zakkai Mares-Van Praag, Journalist
December 15, 2021
Past ceremony speeches were deemed hurtful and inappropriate, leading the event to change its format.
Ending Quarter One on a Positive Note

Ending Quarter One on a Positive Note

Zakkai Mares-Van Praag, Journalist
November 10, 2021
Students and faculty recall their proudest moments as the first quarter of the school year comes to an end.
Lil Nas Xs MONTERO Lives Up to the Hype

Lil Nas X’s ‘MONTERO’ Lives Up to the Hype

Zakkai Mares-Van Praag, Journalist
November 3, 2021
The long-awaited album dropped in September, featuring many hit titles.
Upper School tour guides pose at Open House. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May School.

Open House Returns In Person

Zakkai Mares-Van Praag, Journalist
October 25, 2021
Tour Guides took many families through the campus in the first in-person Open House since the beginning of the pandemic.
CAP students at American Repertory Theater. Photo courtesy of Bill Jacob.

CAP Field Trips Return With ‘Ayodele Casel: Chasing Magic’

Zakkai Mares-Van Praag, Journalist
October 8, 2021
The CAP program kicked off their first field trip since the start of the pandemic with tap dancing and music.
Head Librarian Elyse Seltzer. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May School.

Faculty Profile: Librarian Elyse Seltzer

Zakkai Mares-Van Praag, Journalist
October 1, 2021
The librarian is passionate about singing and fantasy books.
The lynching memorial at the Civil Rights Memorial Park.

Op-Ed: Reflections on Learning About the Civil Rights Movement

Zakkai Mares-Van Praag, Journalist
June 4, 2020
My trip to Alabama taught me more about the history that has disappeared beneath the surface today.
Photo illustration purchased from BigStock.com.

Faculty, Staff Provide Health and Wellness Resources

Zakkai Mares-Van Praag, Journalist
May 6, 2020
Instructional yoga videos, meditation resources, and more can be found on students' Canvas pages.
Brimmer the Panda.

Photos: Brimmer the Panda

Zakkai Mares-Van Praag, Journalist
March 11, 2020
Catch new glimpses of the cute creature.
Kitchen Prioritizes Dietary Needs, Sustainability

Kitchen Prioritizes Dietary Needs, Sustainability

Zakkai Mares-Van Praag, Journalist
February 19, 2020
The kitchen's effort to make healthy food is often unacknowledged.
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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
Zakkai Mares-Van Praag