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

Natalie Kozhemiakin 23 runs on Trader Joe’s chilli-rolled chips.

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief

In addition to writing for The Gator, Natalie is part of a pre-professional ballet program and has trained with Integrarte, Miami City Ballet, Boston Ballet, and the Bolshoi Ballet of Moscow. She is also the Founder and President of Tutus Para Todas, a non-profit organization whose mission is to fund dance programs and provide dancewear to underserved children in Puerto Rico. Outside of the newsroom, she enjoys leading tours around campus, attending Model UN conferences, and is a member of the Global Studies Diploma Program. She cherishes the opportunity that writing for The Gator has given her to amplify her own voice.

All content by Natalie Kozhemiakin
Students work in groups during Chemistry without a teacher overseeing them.

Substitutes No Longer Required for Grades 11 and 12

Brian Gamble and Natalie Kozhemiakin
December 5, 2022
In early October, the School made new modifications to covering sub blocks.
Members of the Class of 2023 pose at Camp in 2019. This year will mark the classs first time back at Camp since COVID-19 hit.

Upper School Camp to Kick Off 2022-2023 Year

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
September 7, 2022
As the school year begins, the Upper School prepares to head off to camp Wingate*Kirkland.
A residential building in Ukraines capital city, Kyiv, suffered a missile attack by Russian forces. Photo courtesy of BigStock.

As a Russian-American, I Stand With Ukraine

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
February 26, 2022
Over 30 years after Ukraine’s declaration of its sovereignty, there is no question of whether or not the nation should have authority over its territory.
The Boys Cross Country team starts the championship off strong.

Boys XC Wins Repeat Championships

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
November 9, 2021
After last season was cancelled due to COVID-19, the Boys team took home its second consecutive MBIL trophy on Wednesday.
While October 15 marks the end of Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, the national celebration of culture extends far beyond 30 days.

Life and Zeal: Reflections on National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
October 15, 2021

While October 15 marks the end of Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, the national celebration of culture extends far beyond 30 days.

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

Campus Reopens With Modified COVID-19 Protocols

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
September 8, 2021
The School aims to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment while ensuring a greater sense of normalcy.
Residents of the Purba Bardhaman District in West Bengal, India after the first COVID-19 positive case was detected in their area.

Teens Grieve For India Amid COVID-19 Crisis

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
June 11, 2021
As India faces a brutal second wave of COVID-19, students are grieving for the country's losses and reaching out to help through fundraising efforts.
Christa Katsenes (from left) sits alongside her mother and older siblings.

To Foster Perseverance, Look To The Past

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
May 12, 2021
Christa Katsenes' life struggles are full of lessons for young people today, and she demonstrates the importance of perseverance, courage, and kindness.
Prom will be held on the field to accommodate social distancing guidelines.

School to Modify Prom for Safety

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
April 30, 2021
The School has implemented several changes, including holding the event outside, to protect attendees.
Photo illustration courtesy of BigStock.com

Christian, Neudel Reflect on Chauvin Guilty Verdict

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
April 21, 2021
"Don’t confuse this with justice, but accountability is a step forward," says the Director of Equity and Inclusion.
Though playful at its core, fashion largely serves as an empowering tool. How you dress is a powerful communication tool, and a simple change in clothing might end up transforming your life.

Op-Ed: Empowerment Through Attire

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
April 7, 2021
Though playful at its core, fashion largely serves as an empowering tool. How you dress is a powerful communication tool to transform your life.
Jordan Minor 19 interned with Athletic Director Jeff Gates for his Senior Project, helping in a Lower School gym class.

Students Prepare for Modified 12th Grade Project

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
March 11, 2021
COVID-19 has forced the School to rethink the project.
Students can decide on turning cameras on or off during remote learning. Photo illustration by Edan Zinn 23.

Students, Teachers Debate Camera Requirements on Zoom

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
February 24, 2021
The School has adjusted its expectations as the pandemic continues.
Chief Financial Officer Julian Hickman.

Staff Profile: Julian Hickman

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
February 22, 2021
Find out more about new Chief Financial Officer Julian Hickman, including his work budgeting amidst a pandemic.
Throughout the ages, Americans have loved to hate Russian villains on the silver screen.

Op-Ed: Hollywood, Stop Demonizing and Stereotyping Russians

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
February 4, 2021
I continue to feel frustrated by popular culture, which demonizes anything Russian.
Kozhemiakin has been dancing since age four. Photo courtesy of Michal Kathleen.

Op-Ed: Breaking The Ballet Body Taboo

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
January 13, 2021
The notorious ideals of the ballet world are everywhere you go, and there is an unhealthy standard of a skeletal figure that encapsulates its culture.
Ayanna Jefferson 22 reads outside of the learning commons.

Students Reflect on Use of Summer Reading Books

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
January 8, 2021
Some students wonder how summer reading has been incorporated into larger curriculum this fall.
Photo illustration purchased from Bigstock.com.

Rise in National COVID-19 Cases Prompts School Response

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
November 20, 2020
The increase in cases has made the health and safety conditions of schools come into question.
Illustration by Edan Zinn 23.

Q&A: Coping with the Pandemic

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
November 4, 2020
Grace Kandiah ‘23 shares her experience on coping with the ongoing pandemic.
Upper School Play to Be Held on Zoom

Upper School Play to Be Held on Zoom

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
October 27, 2020
Don't miss "The Election," the first virtual fall play in School history.
Photo illustration purchased from Bigstock.com.

Humanities Dept. Hosts Civics Education Series

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
October 27, 2020
The two-week event includes workshops on voter education and civil discussion.
Kozhemiakin looks in the mirror. Photo Illustration by Edan Zinn 23.

Op-Ed: Reflecting on My Cultural Identity

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
October 9, 2020
My Russian and Puerto Rican heritage overlap to form my cultural identity.
Students Remark on First Day of School

Students Remark on First Day of School

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
September 17, 2020
After months of learning remotely, many students returned to campus for their first day of school.
Photo of a dance studio purchased from BigStock.com.

Op-Ed: How COVID-19 Has Changed the World of Ballet

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
June 4, 2020
The global pandemic has had a significant impact on dance.
A 2019 camper practices her archery. For the first time since the summer program lunched, nearly 30 years ago, it will remain closed this summer.

Brimmer Summer Programs Canceled

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
May 28, 2020
The School felt that cancellation of the programs was a necessary safety precaution.
Katarina Klacko 21 will serve as the 2020-21 Senate President.

Klacko ’21 Elected Senate President

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
May 11, 2020
The new student officer hopes to start a basketball tournament and discuss lunch options, among other goals.
Sita Alomran 19 hugs math teacher Rupa Houndelga before last years graduation ceremony. These final embraces will be missed this spring.

School Modifies Major Spring Events

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
April 26, 2020
Alternative plans are being made to ensure community members' safety.
Photo illustration purchased from BigStock.com.

Op-Ed: TikTok’s Popularity Continues to Grow

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
April 21, 2020
The social media platform is surrounded by a great deal of controversy.
Photo illustration purchased from BigStock.com.

Op-Ed: Balancing School and Ballet

Natalie Kozhemiakin, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
March 4, 2020
Learn how this student balances her sport with academics.
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The student news site of Brimmer and May School | Chestnut Hill, MA
Natalie Kozhemiakin