Dear Reader,

With its rising temperatures and longer days, Spring Term at Deerfield marks a return to colorful class dress rather than the gray sweats deemed smart-casual enough for the winter and the blooming of pastel pink flowers outside of the Dining Hall. In their free time, students flock to the Lower Fields by the dozen, spending afternoons playing Spike Ball or lounging by the River. 

For many, spring is a period of reinvigoration, following the deep hibernation of work and dorm time many bury themselves in during the wintertime. However, when we push past the sunny veneer of springtime bliss, one may realize that spring is, in fact, the busiest time of the year. With teachers trying to make up for random tangents (maybe those five-minute breaks weren’t so sneaky) and finish the course curriculum, they pile homework in high stacks. If that was not enough, our leisurely reading takes the form of thick AP review books. And, of course, there is a buzz of anxiety followed by seniors rejoicing as they plan for their next steps. 

Of course, with the end of the school year looming on the horizon and the gradual end to school work, as each last assignment gets turned in one by one, one may find more free time on their hands. During this time, one could take a quick swim in the River or even make the daring venture to cliff jump at Stillwater. There are seemingly endless things to do now that the never-ending checklist has ended, but with only a few days before the end of the term to accomplish all. 

Some pastime reading could also help to fill that space, and if that’s the case, one can browse the newest issue of the Scroll. Featuring articles ranging from discussions revolving around political literacy and inclusion, Eric Li ’24’s “anonymous” confession regarding nefarious Gotcha ongoings, and remarks from departing faculty and seniors who have left deep imprints on the arts and sports communities at Deerfield, this issue encapsulates the many campus events and perspectives that makeup life at Deerfield. Perhaps more importantly, its articles allow the seniors one last chance to share their thoughts. Having shaped the Scroll’s conversations for so long, they can rest assured knowing their presence will be missed. 

In nature, spring is a time of change and growth. The snow, albeit slightly less present this past winter, melts, and Deerfield’s uncannily green grass will grow in its place. Following this natural progression, human nature is similar. While academic growth will no doubt take place, except for in cases of severe senioritis…, we also met the individuals who will soon join our community and shape the place we call home and will say goodbye to our friends, teammates, and mentors as they graduate. As we prepare for such rapid change, we must remember that in the face of growth, Deerfield bonds will persist, like the dependable nature of a new edition of the Scroll each month. 

All my best,

Kaitlyn Xia