Zebra Tales Main Groton Site 2021-22 2020-21 2019-20 2018-19 Maddie '23 Hometown: Concord, Massachusetts Groton activities: Varsity soccer, varsity basketball, Lit Club Most surprising when you first arrived at Groton: Coming from public school, I was shocked at how ready, not to mention excited, my teachers were to meet with me outside of class, discuss extra material, and even help with other subjects. I came to Groton as a student who had never truly been challenged in the classroom. Needless to say, I have now been challenged and continue to be—in schoolwork, sports, and in most other facets of life at Groton. This is the kind of place where you grow—you are pushed, hard. Groton is able to combine rigorous academics with brilliant teachers who make teaching their first priority. The connections I have made with my teachers are extraordinary. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to experience what it is like to enjoy learning, to enjoy being challenged, and even to enjoy failure. Favorite class: I am torn between Third Form biology with Mr. Belsky and honors chemistry with LV (Dr. Lamarre-Vincent). Both classes were amazing for me (obviously a science person), and I was absolutely captivated by the discussions we had in LV's class as well as the labs with Mr. Belsky, most notably the pig practical, in which we dissected fetal pigs. If this sounds absolutely terrifying and disgusting, have no fear—you are definitely not alone. But I promise that once you get in there and really start exploring it will be one of the best experiences of your (school) life! Most memorable Groton moment: It may sound cliché, but beating St. Mark's in our last soccer game of my Third Form fall is a memory that I don't think I will ever forget. Almost two years later, I can still clearly recall the anxious anticipation of the long bus ride, the pre-game nerves, the exhilaration when we scored at the end of the second half, and the shouts and laughter when the final whistle was blown. I remember the joy of running to hug my teammates as a horde of fans rushed onto the field screaming their congratulations. I also remember the sadness that hit me. Standing there with my teammates, many of whom would never set foot on this pitch again, I wondered what the team would look like without them. I think that the reason these moments have been etched so deeply into my memory is that they elicit emotions on many different levels. I was overjoyed to have beaten our rivals on their home turf with a hundred or so fans cheering us on, but there are also elements of grief associated with this day: the seniors crying all the way back to campus, the speeches and posters. It was their last hurrah, and lasts always seem to stick with a person. Favorite Dining Hall food: Chicken tikka masala or tacos Favorite place to study: Room 244, Mr. Martinez’s classroom List of 3 news stories. LETTERS FOR ROSE 9/1/2021 The community service organization that I joined almost a year ago, Letters for Rose, was founded by two girls in high school whose goal was to connect with senior citizens in a fun and COVID-friendly way. Since its establishment, Letters for Rose has started chapters in almost every state and even in other countries. Volunteers like me write letters and create artwork that we send out every two weeks. One week this summer I received an email thanking me for my contributions and telling me that I had been selected as volunteer of the month! READ MORE STARTING SOMETHING NEW 9/1/2021 In the last month of school I sprained my ankle pretty badly. It is a long and gruesome story that involves multiple bears, a couple tigers, and a bloodthirsty landshark. However, that tale is (sadly) not the focus of today’s post. Due to my ankle injury, I have been slow in my return to club basketball. As I transition into my Fifth Form (junior) year, the beginnings of the recruiting process have been set in motion. This is generally a stressful time even without injuries that are preventing me from playing and getting in front of coaches. READ MORE TRUE GENIUS? 9/1/2021 I have recently received the title of genius (albeit a four- out of five-star genius)… READ MORE