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

The Gator
History Department Chair Kelly Neelys Womens Studies Class wrote an Upper School Declaration of Community Support, adorning the outside of the girls bathroom where the racist message was found.
Community Unites Against Hate: A Call for Education, Empathy, and Advocacy
October 2, 2023
A screenshot of the teacher login page to Veracross, which is Web-based, unlike the previous student information system.
Q&A: New Information System for New School Year
September 27, 2023
Middle School English and Drama teacher Caitlin Johnson demonstrates how to use Apple Classroom (photo illustration).
Middle School’s New iPad Monitoring Policy Sparks Controversy
September 27, 2023
Stephanie Altschul 25, Eli Lewis 25, and Abigail Jacobs 25 gather at a designated peer tutoring table to review material.
Juniors Revive Peer Tutoring Program
September 26, 2023
New Science Teacher Nia Gipson teaches AP Biology.
New Faculty Profile: Nia Gipson, Science Teacher
September 19, 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
Xavier Claiborne 24 attempts to intercept a pass at Homecoming last year against Landmark. Photo courtesy of David Barron.
Optimism for A Fresh Boys’ Soccer Team
September 26, 2023
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
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrants enjoy mooncake.
Op-Ed: The Mid-Autumn Festival’s Ties of Love and Longing
September 29, 2023
Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant Unit 3 after the explosion. Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Op-Ed: Tackling Japan’s Radioactive Water Release Disaster
September 21, 2023
Rubble from the earthquake in Morocco on September 8, 2023. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Op-Ed: Aid Over Disagreements
September 20, 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
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
The Statue of Liberty represents the melting pot of America through immigration. Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Immigration Stories at School
September 14, 2023
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
GNN: From Classroom to Campfire
GNN: From Classroom to Campfire
September 19, 2023
Live: Opening Convocation
Live: Opening Convocation
September 11, 2023
Live: Honors Convocation
Live: Honors Convocation
June 9, 2023
Live: Commencement 2023
Live: Commencement 2023
June 2, 2023
Photos: Week of May 25
May 31, 2023
GNN: From Classroom to Campfire
GNN: From Classroom to Campfire
September 19, 2023
Live: Opening Convocation
Live: Opening Convocation
September 11, 2023
Live: Honors Convocation
Live: Honors Convocation
June 9, 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
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
The team gears up for one of its first games last season.
Varsity Volleyball Starts Off Strong
September 26, 2023
Xavier Claiborne 24 attempts to intercept a pass at Homecoming last year against Landmark. Photo courtesy of David Barron.
Optimism for A Fresh Boys’ Soccer Team
September 26, 2023
Tom Brady points during a preseason game versus Washington. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
End of an Era: Tom Brady Hangs up His Helmet
September 21, 2023
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson poses for a promotional video after being drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft with the Texas Longhorns logo superposed in the background. Design by Evan Michaeli. Photos Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Fantasy Football’s Best Running Back Hasn’t Played a Snap Yet
September 6, 2023
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
Mary Wang 26 performs a scene with the cast and dancers of The Night of Dunhuang.
Op-Ed: My Journey with Theater
September 21, 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
Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
“A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara: A Profound Exploration of Human Existence and Friendship
September 28, 2023
Movie Review: Red, White, and Royal Blue
Movie Review: Red, White, and Royal Blue
September 28, 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
Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
“A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara: A Profound Exploration of Human Existence and Friendship
September 28, 2023
Movie Review: Red, White, and Royal Blue
Movie Review: Red, White, and Royal Blue
September 28, 2023
GNN: Fantasy Football Frenzies
GNN: Fantasy Football Frenzies
September 26, 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
Share your voice
  • We love student guest contributions! Contact Editor-in-Chief Amelia Bowman for more information and how to begin.
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
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The student news site of Brimmer and May School | Chestnut Hill, MA
Zakkai Mares-Van Praag