By Molly Willis ’22 NEWS Reporter
After the quarantine for on-campus students, the Student Activities Committee hosted a series of events, including a campfire and two movie nights. Underclass students headed to Tippetts Beach on Friday night and enjoyed Happy Gilmore while safely maintaining their six feet of physical distance. Younger students were also given the opportunity to attend a campfire on Saturday night to roast marshmallows and socialize with returning and new students in their grades. On Friday upperclass students saw their campfire cancelled for improper physical distancing , but were able to enjoy a movie night situated on the hill behind Main Hall, watching The Way Back directed by Gavin O’Connor.
According to one student, “The friends and the movie was worth it.” Another student commented, “In general, they were just a great time and an easy way to meet people new and old.” The chance to be able to connect with friends on a fun night out felt like a lifesaver after quarantine. These new and challenging times are especially difficult for students unable to see their friends.
For students who enjoy a more active opportunity, SAC sponsored a pickleball tournament on Sunday afternoon.
But even while students were quarantined in dorms across campus, SAC offered a series of video call instructional sessions led by both teachers and students. These events were set up to allow the participation of both on-campus and remote students to maintain a connection within the community. Music teacher Bryan Morgan hosted a cooking class, with two lucky students winning the food at the end—Riley Schermerhorn ’22 and Kaitlyn Dowling ’23. Arts teacher Kelly Dowling and Molly Willis ’22 hosted an origami session in which students were taught how to make paper flying cranes and paper stars, along with a bow tie made from a one-dollar bill—or, if you are lucky enough to have one, a twenty. History teacher Allison Stephens and math teacher Kristi “Mags” Magalhaes hosted a “Learn to Knit” class.
In totality, the events this week brought a little bit of joy to everyones’ lives during this pandemic, which has reduced connection and social interaction so much. The chance to be together and enjoy a simple activity with someone from across the world or even just six feet away helped to bring the campus community together and remind all that none of us are alone during this time.