Deerfield is a school well known for its history and generational familial connections. Although cultural and societal changes are inherently inevitable, there are certain aspects of Deerfield that haven’t changed at all since 1797. Traditions and stories have been passed on through generations of students, many of whom have been influenced by family members who attended the Academy before them.
My father Michael Sotirhos is a member of Deerfield’s class of 1987 and began our family’s history with the school. My older sister Sabrina ’18, our brother Alexander ’24, and I have since followed in his footsteps. While we all have shared interest in some of our favorite Deerfield customs, each of us have had different experiences unique and particular to ourselves.
Those who know my family constantly mention Alexander’s growing resemblance to our father. Aside from their indistinguishable physical features, their personalities share many similar traits and their lives have followed a comparable trajectory. Considering these parallel facets, I decided to craft a list of questions to ask both my father and my brother comparing their experiences being a senior at Deerfield in 1987 and 2024.
What are three words you would use to describe your Deerfield experience?
AS: Special, Memorable, Electric.
MS: Friendship, Independence, Fun.
What is one of your most memorable Deerfield memories?
AS: Freshman year they can-celed classes because of snow so my friends and I went sledding.
MS: My first Choate Day was so special.
What is/was your favorite thing to do on weekends?
AS: Play hoops in the gym during the winter and during the spring chilling outside in the hammocks.
MS: Sleep in and go to Greenfield for pizza and the movie theater after.
Favorite athletic memory?
AS: Beating Taft on Jim Smith at home freshman year in lacrosse.
MS: Scoring my first varsity football touchdown.
Funniest dorm memory?
AS: When we took James Fealy’s door off its hinges and put it outside the MSB onto senior grass so he couldn’t get it.
MS: The hot water went out in Scaife in the winter and we had to walk to Mather every morning to take a shower for a week in the snow.
What accomplishments from DA are you most proud of today?
AS: The friends that I have made.
MS: Pushing myself to try different and challenging classes.
What changes did/have you noticed in yourself from freshman to senior year?
AS: I am a lot more driven, dedicated, and passionate about my craft.
MS: A lot more maturity, focus, and responsibility.
What year was most memorable?
AS: I am not done with senior year yet, but it will probably be this. But junior year was a lot of adversity so I learned a lot about myself and what I’m capable of doing.
MS: Freshman year. I got to experience everything for the first time.
What was your favorite class at Deerfield?
AS: Sophomore year English with Mr. Romick and Terrorism with Ms. Munkitrick.
MS: Science class with Chet Corkum. He made it super fun.
What teacher/coach/mentor was most impactful to you?
AS: My lacrosse coach and advisor Mr. Davis has been a huge role model for me during my time at Deerfield.
MS: Claudia Lyons was a terrific teacher and dorm head. She kept us in line.
What is something you tried for the first time at Deerfield that you will never do again?
AS: I did dance class. I’ll never take another dance class.
MS: DA Radio Station DJ.
How about something you tried for the first time at Deerfield that you now love?
AS: Guacamole.
MS: Intramural ice hockey (IHL)—the best!
How has being a Deerfield student impacted your life today?
AS: The people I surround myself with and the schedule I live on has instilled new values and kind of made me a better person.
MS: I have taken the experiences I’ve had, friendships I made and the discipline and the academic rigor required and applied it to college, grad school, and my current work life.
If you could go back and do something differently, what would it be?
AS: I wish I had gotten to know more of the older kids when I was an underclassman.
MS: I would have taken more advantage of the unique offerings Deerfield had available and tried more things outside my comfort zone.
How did/do you feel about graduating?
AS: Sad to leave but ready to go
MS: Excited, relieved, grateful, and sad that the journey had ended.
What will/do you miss the most about Deerfield?
AS: I am going to miss the experience of living with all of my best friends.
MS: The freedom, innocence, and camaraderie I shared with all my friends, so many of whom are among my best still today.
What message would you give to your past/future self?
AS: Make sure you are passionate about whatever you are doing.
MS: Enjoy every minute of Deerfield because it goes by so fast and you will miss it when it’s done!