Gray Colloquium

by Abby Stone‘26 and Catherine Zhang‘26

Most people watch sports for the scoreboard. Lyndsey Armacost ’14 and Ryan Sullivan watch for everything else. When the two media professionals visited St. Mark’s for January’s Gray Colloquium, their panel focused on journalism and its impact on the college network, the sports industry, and social injustices. 

Armacost said that instinct began at St. Mark’s, where she wrote for the St. Marker and eventually created her own sports blog. Those early experiments taught her that reporting was less about sounding polished and more about chasing the questions that mattered.

“I had a passion for finding answers,” she said. “There is a difference between writing well and learning to write in your own voice.”

Sullivan’s path looked nothing like hers. He entered college planning on business, shifted to marketing, and only stumbled into media through early work in operations and equipment management. His first full time role at the Big Ten Network was in communications, where he learned how to write with clarity and purpose.

“That role taught me how to write concisely and professionally,” he said. “It has helped me in every job since.”

Despite their different beginnings, both now work in roles that require them to translate the human side of sports into stories audiences can feel. Armacost discovered video storytelling at Northwestern and realized how much power lived in pacing, sound, and emotion. At ESPN she produces long form investigative pieces that often involve people at their most vulnerable. She recalled being sent to Uvalde after the 2022 school shooting and meeting families who had lost children.

“You cannot go in with a script for conversations like that,” she said. “You listen. You build trust. No two situations are the same.”

Sullivan works on the opposite end of the spectrum, overseeing digital content across Big Ten schools. His team films everything from sensitive personal features to lighthearted moments like golfing with Caitlin Clark or mic’d up practices. Much of the work focuses on Olympic sports that rarely receive national attention, which he sees as an opportunity rather than a limitation.

“We want to amplify athletes who do not always get the spotlight,” he said. “Sometimes that means a sensitive story about loss. Sometimes it is golfing with Caitlin Clark. Sometimes it is a mic’d up practice. It is all storytelling.”

Both emphasized that sports never exist in isolation. Armacost spoke about sportswashing and the importance of questioning narratives that feel too simple or too convenient.

“If you see a headline you do not understand, read about it,” she said. “Ask why. Give everything a Google.”

Sullivan reminded students that collegiate athletes, despite the spotlight, are still young adults balancing school, training, and public scrutiny.

“They look like pros on TV, but they are still learning and still growing,” he said. “Our job is to support them and tell their stories responsibly.”

When asked what advice they would give to students interested in media, both pointed to the value of practice and discomfort. Armacost encouraged experimentation.

“Try things,” she said. “Write badly, write better, build something, fail, figure it out.”

Sullivan urged students to develop communication skills and push themselves socially, noting that he was a quiet high schooler who never imagined speaking publicly.

“You grow by getting reps,” he said. “Written communication, verbal communication, putting yourself out there. It all matters.”

Overall, St. Mark’s was grateful to have both Armacost and Sullivan share their experiences with the community. Their visit offered students a clear look at how thoughtful, responsible sports storytelling is built, and the school was fortunate to learn from two professionals who continue to shape the field with care and intention.

Casino Night

by Jaewon Lee ‘29

“All in!” A student shouts as he bluffs his way to a 7-2 offsuit win. That burst of excitement was just one example of the thrill at St. Mark’s 50th Casino Night on January 10th. The room echoing with nerves and students praying the roulette ball lands on red are all a part of why Casino Night is a cherished tradition at St. Mark’s. It is an opportunity for students to unwind from academic and athletic stress and spend time with friends, and potentially win prizes through casino games. Despite the winter breezes blowing outside, the atmosphere inside the Patterson Sculley lobby almost felt like Las Vegas, packed with students eager to win some money.

The lobby was filled with blackjack tables, roulette wheels, poker tables, and numerous other games. Students were able to play a variety of games, with blackjack and the roulette wheel on the first floor and poker tables on the second floor. Students looking to catch a break from the competitiveness at the tables were able to grab snacks and drinks from the kitchen in the lobby. The clatter of poker chips and the riffle of cards being shuffled, along with students choosing to dress up in suits and dresses, added to the immersive experience and atmosphere.

A key part of Casino Night’s success was contributed by parents and faculty who volunteered as dealers. They helped the games run smoothly, as well as adding a sense of community to the event. Seeing familiar faces running the tables made the event much more enjoyable and welcoming. The dealers also made the event accessible by explaining the rules and guiding students who were not familiar with casino games. Without them, Casino Night would not have been such a successful event. 

Each student had $40K to start with, and through a mix of strategy and luck, could have won as much money as their hearts' desire. After playing, students redeemed raffle tickets by trading in their money. Each ticket was $25K, and each student was limited to trading in for 13 tickets. Then, students chose which of the different prizes they wanted to put their tickets into. Some notable prizes included two seat tickets to a Boston Celtics game, an off-campus dinner for 4, and various gift cards for Starbucks, Raising Cane’s, DoorDash, etc. The winners were chosen and announced during the school assembly.

With the support of parents, faculty, and Mr. Giegucz, who organized this event, the 50th Casino Night became one of the most successful events of the year.

From Pouvwa to Umoja: A Week of Culture at St. Mark’s

by Lily Oh ‘27

The week of January 19th, 2026, was a week full of cultural exchange at St. Mark’s, starting with the MLK Day performance on Monday and wrapping up with UMOJA on Friday.

The week kicked off on MLK Day with Pouvwa, a dance performance by Jean Appolon Expressions. Pouvwa means strength and resilience in Haitian Creole, and those themes came through clearly in the performance, which was powerful, emotional, and grounding. The dance represented Haiti’s history of struggle and perseverance, using movement to communicate ideas of justice across communities.

On Friday, UMOJA—a cultural celebration where students share performances connected to their backgrounds—brought the community together for an afternoon full of music, movement, and reflection. The ceremony opened with a Chilean duet by exchange students Agustina Nieto and Alex Thiermann, followed by a Bollywood dance by Divot Vallandas ‘28. Members of S.O.C.A (Sisters of Color Affinity) shared poetry by Maya Angelou, and Sherry Mi ‘26 performed a traditional Chinese dance, Ode to the Lotus. The program continued with a salsa by Los Leones, a Latinx affinity group, and a K-pop dance to NewJeans’s “Hype Boy” by ASEA (Association of Southeast & East Asian).

Later, B.L.U. (Black Lives Union) led a fun “cookout music” segment, teaching dances rooted in Black culture like the Cupid Shuffle, Cha Cha Slide, Wobble, Teach Me How to Dougie, and the Scubaaa Dance. SMSARA, our most newly formed Buddhist affinity group, featured Harry Shin ‘27, who reflected on his Buddhist mindset and cut his long hair on the stage as a symbolic act of letting go.

M.O.C.A. (Men of Color Affinity) shared an original drum performance, and the ceremony closed with a traditional lion dance celebrating the upcoming Lunar New Year, leaving the audience amazed.

What makes UMOJA meaningful every year is seeing community members step into the spotlight and share parts of who they are. The event created a moment to relax, laugh, cheer, and support one another.

Overall, the week offered a chance to slow down amid busy schedules and winter routines, encouraging the community to experience diversity as something more than an abstract idea through shared moments and artistic expression.

A huge thanks to everyone who performed and helped make UMOJA 2026 happen!

Snow Day

by Serena Lin ‘28

The weekend of January 18th, my roommate and I were hoping for a snow day the next day. Unfortunately, the sun rose as normal and the snow day alert email that my roommate and I were looking forward to did not arrive.

On the Friday of the same week, one of my teachers asked us to do whatever snow day rituals we could think of, from sleeping with pajamas worn backwards to taking a cold shower and putting a spoon under your pillow. Thankfully, the weather forecasts were predicting a large snowstorm ranging from Sunday to Monday.

The next day, January 24, the snow-day email arrived to announce both a snow day and a cold weather alert. Perhaps someone did wear their pajamas backwards, or perhaps my attempt at putting a giant soup spoon under my pillow (which is not very comfortable to sleep on) worked.

The storm was large flakes of snow blown up and down, left and right like a fiercely shaken snow globe. Snow piled up layer after layer on the ground, covering everything in dazzling white. While the snow was falling, St. Mark’s also posted announcements on adjusted schedules: dinner on Sunday and Monday ending early at 6 pm to allow Flik staff to drive home safely, food ordering and delivery temporarily banned because of unsafe driving conditions, and being mindful of facility staff working all day to clean off the snow piling up on walkways. Additionally, Orah passes could be extended to return on Monday, and Sunday check-in was pushed back to 9 pm. Being snowed in on Sunday night led to more weekend activities open: watching the NFC Championship games with Dr. Barnes, open gym, movie night, open kitchen, and the snow sculpture contest held by Ms. Caron and Mr. Giegucz with the winner being awarded a prize. 

Monday afternoon, an email was sent announcing a late start of 8:45 am due to Evening Chapel. That same night, school on Tuesday was pushed back to 10 am, cancelling the free afternoon block, to account for bad road conditions. 

23.2 inches of snow was recorded, ranking it one of the top ten snowstorms that Boston has had. Due to the extent of the snow, it is a true effort to clean all of it up to provide a safe environment for students. Regardless of these challenging conditions, many staff members went above and beyond to ensure the campus remained safe and comfortable.

A special thanks to the Flik staff who traveled to campus under the snow to provide food, facility crews who worked late into the night to clean up walkways, and all the staff members on campus who facilitated a warm and relaxed snow day!

Family Weekend: Parents Back to School

by Joanna Cheng’29

From October 9–11, our campus buzzed with the excitement of Family Weekend, a tradition that brought together students, families, and faculty to celebrate the spirit of our school. We are all deeply grateful to our devoted teachers, staff, students, especially our exceptional Advancement Ambassadors, whose volunteer efforts were indispensable (from bringing our school spirit to life as lion mascots to ensuring every behind-the-scenes detail was set up). Whether you joined us in person or followed along from afar, here’s a recap of the memorable events that weekend.

Thursday

Family Weekend kicked off with the International Family Luncheon in the Faculty Room. Over lively conversation, our international families connected with one another and with faculty members, celebrating the diversity that strengthens our community. It was a warm reminder of how St. Mark’s brings the world together under one roof.

Friday

The day began with registration in the Parent Lounge, where families enjoyed coffee and pastries. The schedule was packed with opportunities to engage with every aspect of school life:

The Family Assembly in the Putnam Family Arts Center showcased the talents of our students, from speeches by student leaders to a performance by the Jazz Band.

Families then attended sessions with the Deans of Faculty, Students, and Academics, exploring topics like academic support, global opportunities, and student well-being. Parents were invited not only to understand but to contribute to the future of St. Mark’s.

Conferences with advisors and athletic practices followed. Families that met with advisors discussed their students’ progress, while athletes headed to practices in preparation for Saturday’s games.

Near the end, the Family Chapel service at Belmont Chapel offered a peaceful moment for prayer and reflection, allowing families to experience the traditions that connect our community.

The evening concluded with form-specific receptions and remarks from Head of School Dr. Hills and Parents’ Association Co-Chairs.

These activities highlighted our community, connection, and celebration.

Saturday

Saturday, one of the most anticipated days, offered a window into the academic life of St. Mark’s. Parents attended mini class sessions, stepping into their children’s shoes and experiencing firsthand the dynamic teaching and learning in our classrooms. These sessions not only allowed parents to understand St. Mark’s but also highlighted the dedication of our faculty and the curiosity of our students.

The weekend’s athletic achievements were nothing short of spectacular. Our teams delivered outstanding performances, skill, teamwork, and Lion pride:

JV volleyball (3–0 win over Milton)

Varsity volleyball (3–0 win over St. George’s)

Varsity field hockey (5–2 win over St. George’s)

JV field hockey (4–0 win over St. George’s. Still undefeated this season!)

JV girls’ soccer (4–0 win over St. George’s)

Varsity girls’ soccer (1–1 tie with St. George’s)

Varsity football (35–14 win over Governor’s. Varsity football’s win yesterday marks the best start for the Lions (4–0) since 1975!)

Varsity girls’ cross country (22–34 win over Brooks)

Varsity boys’ cross country (17–40 win over Brooks)

JV boys’ cross country (19–36 win over Brooks)

Beyond parents, students were thrilled to enjoy a four-day weekend. While some went home for a restful break, others hopped on Weekend Activity trips: exploring Harvard Square and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, visiting the Topsfield Fair, and walking the Freedom Trail. For those who stayed on campus, St. Mark’s offered activities to relax, recharge, and connect with friends.

Family Weekend may be over, but the connections and memories made will carry into the year ahead. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this celebration of the St. Mark’s community. As we move forward, let’s carry this spirit of collaboration and pride with us.

Go Lions!

Club Fair

by Joanna Cheng '29

On Friday, October 3, students gathered in the Benson gym for the annual Club Fair. The event, held during the club block, showcased the remarkable diversity of student interests and passions at our school.

Club leaders decorated colorful tables throughout the space, sharing information about their organizations and welcoming new members. From arts to academics, service to science, the fair offered something for every student to get involved in beyond the classroom and contribute to our community.

The wide range of clubs demonstrated the varied interests of our student body:

• Art pursuits such as dancing, crafting, and knitting clubs

• Athletic interests featuring Winter Sports Enthusiasts and pickleball players

• Business and politics such as DECA, Economics, Finance, Conservative, and Politics clubs 

• Services opportunities such as One Love, Paws for Cause, and Morgan's Message 

• Academics such as Math, Philosophy,Classics, and Debate clubs

• Global Perspectives like Model UN and Women's Club 

• Scientific clubs such as Agriculture, Biology, Computer Science, Marine Biology, and Medical Global Alliance clubs 

• And last but not least, wellness clubs such as Meditation and Mindfulness

The event successfully connected hundreds of students with new extracurricular opportunities. With club meetings now on the way, students can look forward to a year of exploration, skill building, and community engagement through these diverse organizations.

Australian Exchange Students

Joanna Cheng ‘29

On September 13th, St. Mark’s welcomed seven students (Sophie Cripps, Kate Caccetta, Thomas Piacentini, Jack Feltham, Lachie Murphy, Molly Phillips, Sophie Wood)  from our partner schools in Australia: St. Hilda’s Anglican School and Christ Church Grammar School.

Kicking off their memorable travels amid an unexpected tornado warning, they quickly settled into the close-knit St. Mark’s community. They were welcomed with contagious enthusiasm, leaving a milestone on their one-month long journey. 

For most of the students, the differences between their school and St. Mark’s immediately struck them. So, what made them so surprised? They noted the smaller class sizes and a more interaction, discussion based learning environment; a stark contrast to their 30-student classes back home. “The dress code has so much freedom!” one argued after my complaints on the dress requirements, “we came from single sex schools with stricter uniforms.” They further emphasized how they appreciate the boarding lifestyle which not only brought more independence and flexibility, but also challenged their time management, organization, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Beyond the classroom, the cultural differences surprise them. Another student, Thomas, shared with me how “In Australia, we call an eraser ‘a rubber’. So I asked my math teacher: ‘Hey. Can I have a rubber?’”

Despite the initial cultural shocks, they didn’t hesitate to dive right into dorm life. Together with St. Mark’s students, they experienced a true taste of life at St.Mark’s and New England. Their first week’s excitement peaked on the Saturday night’s Neon Dance; their energy helped light up the room under the glow sticks, blacklights, facepaint, and DJ! A trip to Target was also high on the list, the Australians were surprised to find our version was, in their words, "huge!" and with the very American convenience of a Starbucks right inside that they fully appreciate. The cultural tours were followed by a trip to Boston, where they explored Boston’s Chinatown, jumped on a swan boat in Frog Pond, headed to Newbury Street shopping and Assembly Row.

The Australians also found their passions in academics. When asked about their favorite classes, they expressed their love for Latin in Mr. Davey’s class or their passions for US history. Others found their experiences in American football and field hockey (shoutout to Sophie)

This experience is not only limited to their one-month journey, but is also something memorable that they will take home. This far exceeds the simple souvenirs, but the value of the new friendships formed by St.Mark’s student’s warm welcomes and the simple experience of a different lifestyle.

As a St. Mark’s community, we also reflected on our takeaways: our global citizenships, hospitality, perspectives, and the importance of in-person connections. It offered both our visitors and us a chance to learn through different cultures. Through these shared experiences– whether under the neon lights of the school dance, the historic streets of Boston, or the round table discussions in a class— the students from St. Hilda’s and Christ Church Grammar didn't just observe life at St. Mark’s…… they became a part of it.

G’day, mates, and safe travels. All the love from St.Mark’s.

First Gray Colloquium Examines Journalism in a Fraught World

Abby Stone ‘26 & Catherine Zhang ‘26

Alex Ward ‘08 stepped foot on St. Mark’s campus much earlier than the typical freshman in ‘90s as a faculty kid. Now, over three decades later, he arrived as part of a two-person panel for the first Gray Colloquium of the 2025-2026 school year.

On September 6th, two members from the Gray Colloquium committee hosted Wall Street Journal White House Correspondent Ward and Politico journalist Nahal Toosi for the first Gray Colloquium of the year. The theme of the panel was: “Journalism in a Fraught World.” 

Although both journalists specialize in foreign policy, Ward and Toosi arrived at journalism through different paths. 

While Ward did not write for the St. Marker nor his college’s newspaper, he picked up the journalistic reins quickly at Vox Media.

“My second day as a reporter, Trump, during the first Trump administration, fired then FBI director, Jim Comey. And immediately, my editors were like, ‘We have no time to teach you how to be a reporter. Just start doing it,’’’ he recalled. “Vox ended up being my journalism school effectively.”

Toosi, on the other hand, joined the newspaper at her alma mater, the University of North Carolina. “Seeing my first byline in print was like lightning striking, and I knew I had to keep doing it,” she said. 

For both Ward and Toosi, 9/11 was an influential event that drove their interest in covering foreign policy. In fact, Toosi was one of the first foreign correspondents to arrive in Pakistan to cover the killing of Osama Bin Laden.

She detailed, “When Bin Laden was killed, I was in Pakistan and quickly went to Abbottabad to report. Spending several days outside the house, talking to people, and covering such an intense and important moment really certified my passion for journalism.” 

A central question of the panel was how to balance reporting critical facts about presidential administrations without losing access to these top officials. 

“The key is fairness,” Ward advised. Present their main talking points and perspectives faithfully before offering criticism.”

In light of the media’s current limited access to the Trump administration, Toosi explained, “The best information comes not from the country itself but from capitals like Washington, where intelligence officials and academic institutions have access to better data.”  Further, she said, “You have to cast a wide net and sometimes wait for the truth to emerge over time.”

A.I. is especially relevant in journalism because it can assist writers and quickly provide information, but there is concern about relying on it too much. During the panel, both speakers touched on A.I., saying that it can be a wonderful tool when used appropriately, but should not replace intellectual thinking. Ward commented that summarizing sources is a decent place to start, but one’s understanding of material should never end with a ChatGPT summary. 

Toosi made an analogy to A.I., saying, “You want to have the best running shoes, but you don’t want to take steroids, and you don’t want someone to run for you.” 

Rather than simply relying on artificial intelligence, the speakers encouraged the audience to put on their own reporter caps and go to the original source when possible.

Ultimately, the first Gray Colloquium emphasized the importance of engaging with unbiased journalism in a world with increased polarization and a torrent of misinformation. 

Ward concluded, “Journalism is an honor and a responsibility to be the eyes and ears of the public. It’s not for everyone, but it’s a worthy and noble job for those interested in telling the truth and informing society.”

Silenced Voices: The Hidden Reality of Sexual Abuse in North Korea

Lily Oh ‘27

When thinking of North Korea, what comes to your mind first? The ongoing missile tests, military parades, and closed borders? But beneath the surface of this totalitarian dictatorial regime lies an even more horrifying reality–one that is often hidden, rarely reported, and tragically endured in silence: the widespread sexual abuse of women.

While the world focuses on nuclear threats and geopolitical tensions with North Korea, many North Korean women live in constant fear, subjected to sexual violence in every corner of their lives–from the military to the marketplace, inside state prisons, and even in schools. These are not isolated cases but stem from a powerful dictatorship and deep-seated patriarchal traditions.

Jennifer Kim, a former soldier who escaped from North Korea, shared with the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea that an estimated 70 percent of female soldiers experience sexual harassment or assault.

Also, a 2018 report from Human Rights Watch shares the story of Oh Jung Hee, a North Korean woman who sold clothes at a market stall. She described being regularly harassed by guards and police officers who demanded sexual favors in exchange for protection.

But how is sexual harassment so commonly accepted and widely spread in North Korea?

To understand why, we have to look back at history. North Korea’s gender norms are heavily rooted in Confucian values introduced centuries ago by China, emphasizing obedience, sexual purity, and male authority. After the Korean War, these traditional roles were further reinforced under the regime’s strict control. The result? A culture where women are often viewed as property–expected to remain quiet, submissive, and invisible.

Diving deeper, perhaps one of the most shocking examples of this sexual abuse is the existence of the “Joy Division,” or kippumjo, meaning pleasure group. These are groups of girls–some as young as twelve–who are selected by government officials in schools to serve the elite and Kim Jong Un. Kippumjo’s purpose is known to provide a range of entertainment and pleasure, including sexual activities for members of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and their families, as well as their guests. Even though their existence today is unconfirmed, still a wide range of reports and interviews from North Korean females who escaped from North Korea document their experiences related to the joy division group.

These days, the call for equality is getting stronger and stronger, but why hasn’t the world done more to stop this widespread sexual abuse in North Korea?

The answer is complicated. North Korea’s aggressive development of nuclear weapons makes outside intervention incredibly risky. Any military action could lead to devastating consequences, which discourages foreign governments from stepping in. On top of that, North Korea’s close alliance with China adds another layer of protection for the regime.

But that doesn’t mean we should look away.

  While the international community struggles with how to respond, organizations like Human Rights Watch and the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea continue to document stories, raise awareness, and fight for change. And though it may feel like our voices are small, even learning about these women’s lives—and sharing their stories—helps break the silence.

In a world where so many North Korean women are silenced by fear, power, and pain, listening becomes an act of resistance. We can’t fix what we don’t acknowledge. But by facing the truth, refusing to look away, and spreading awareness, we take the first step toward justice.