Harry Stone '25 and Zach Zaurov '25 brought the popular TED Talk series, TEDx*, to Berkshire on November 8! They scheduled the speakers, set up the stage, promoted the event, and were hosts for the evening.
We hope the Berkshire community walked out of Allen Theater with new perspectives on their lives and the world around them. I think most people know they can always learn something from their peers, but by creating a platform, it becomes easier for everyone to see. We were excited to see people support their friends and make TEDx Berkshire School a core part of our community.” –Harry Stone '25
Throughout our time at Berkshire, we have always been captivated by the discussions and stories told in informal settings like the dorm, student center, and lunch table. We realized that TEDx was the way to bring the unseen and unheard ideas and experiences of those within our community into the spotlight.”–Zach Zaurov '25
* TEDx is organized by volunteers who obtain a license from TED to create an event tailored to their community.
The eight TEDx speakers consisted of six students, alum Kevin Kelly '19, and faculty member Clay Splawn. Their presentations demonstrated a range of thoughts, experiences, and perspectives fitting with the evening's theme, "Climbing the Mountain."
A recording of the TEDx Berkshire talks will be available in the weeks following Thanksgiving break.
Below are excerpts from our student speakers (in order of appearance):
There are many different causes of this increased political polarization including widespread media availability, single-issue voters, fake news and media bias, divisive political parties, and so much more. Yet, in my mind, the biggest cause of political polarization is the lack of civil debate."–Eli Haskel '25
The fundamental step of exercising cultural humility (or in fact, any type of ‘humbleness’) is to practice questioning yourself first before asking random questions or making mindless comments to others." –Claire Kim '26
There seems to be a belief that everyday life is not difficult enough to justify seeking help. This is ridiculous. Life is difficult. I know that every single one of you has something on your mind that you could benefit from talking about." –James Welsh '25
My heart was crushed, so many dogs seemingly unwanted. It made no sense to me. I had met these dogs, played with them, and yet nobody would take them into their homes and give them the life they all deserved." –Mason Moorehead '25
Emotion is a lifelong task to be conquered. I gradually learned to work with my emotions. In fact, they even helped me to stay focused on finishing my work even though my hands were shaking and my brain felt like it’s about to explode." –Emily Yang '27
Even NFL receivers fumble the ball, that doesn’t make them not NFL players. Failure doesn’t make you any worse, but if you take it as a learning opportunity, it can make you a lot better." –Noboru Tsuru Davara '25
Bears in the Playoffs!
Congratulations to Boys Varsity Soccer for finishing with a 15-2-1 record this season and earning the No. 2 seed in the NEPSAC Class A Boys Soccer Championship. The Bears outscored opponents 52-11 this year, including nine shutout victories. Go Bears!
Congratulations to Varsity Football for finishing the regular season 5-3 and earning a trip to the NEPSAC Football Championship Joe Lang Bowl against Middlesex School. The Bears fell 24-7 to the Zebras, but worked hard all season long to bring back a winning tradition. Go Bears!
Boys High School Soccer All-American
Gabe Raphael '25 will represent Berkshire in this year's Boys High School Soccer All-American Game on Saturday, December 14 in Charleston, South Carolina. Raphael, a senior co-captain from Halifax, Nova Scotia, will play for the East Team and has verbally committed to Holy Cross.
Winter Athletics: December Preview
Berkshire Hosts Pink Out
On Saturday, December 7th at 7 p.m., the Boys Varsity Hockey team hosts Taft School in the 17th Annual D'Arco Cup, a game played in memory of Lucille D'Arco to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research. It's always an exciting night of hockey in the Jack, played for a great cause.
Skate For Her Game to Support the Movemeant Foundation
The annual Skate For Her game brings young female skaters together with the Girls Varsity Hockey team in an event that celebrates female athletes. This year, the Bears will play in support of Movemeant Foundation, an organization "empowering girls through movement and mindset." Cheer them on as they host Lawrenceville on Saturday, December 14th at 4 p.m.
Pro Vita Programming
Drop Everything and Discover Your Joy
The next Pro Vita Programming event, "Drop Everything and Discover Your Joy" will be on Saturday, December 14.
This event offers over 20 joyful, mindful workshops led by local health and wellness practitioners and Berkshire's own community members. Students spend the morning learning about the power of presence and curiosity, one of Berkshire’s six core values.
Workshops include Aerial Acrobatics, The Art of Tea (茶藝), Ax Throwing, Baking, Brazilian Drumming, Yoga, Rock Climbing, and more!
Guest Speaker
Corinne Brisbois, a specialist from Prevention Solutions within the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, spoke to the community during All-School Meeting last week.
Corinne shared information about the awareness of addiction, empowered Bears to make healthy, responsible choices, and educated the community on the psychological effects of alcohol and other drugs.
For the Bears on your List
Shop all the essential Berkshire gear and get 20% off your entire order! No minimum order amount required. You'll find cozy hats, mittens, sweats and sweatshirts, as well as gift items like jewelry, ties, totes, and more!
The sale starts on Black Friday, November 29th, and runs through Tuesday, December 3rd. Use the code TAKE20 to save 20%, and start your holiday shopping for all your favorite Bears at the Berkshire Bookstore!
From Berkshire County to Rockefeller Center
Last week, the Christmas tree that will stand in Rockefeller Center in New York City was cut down in West Stockbridge, MA.
The tree was cut down by none other than George Torsilieri '10 whose family (the Torsilieri Family from Far Hills, NJ) has been tasked with moving the tree for the last 42 years!
Our company has been tying, cutting, and delivering the Rockefeller tree for the last 42 years. I used to climb up the tree with my uncle when I was a kid. It was incredibly meaningful for me to be able to cut this year's tree so close to Berkshire." –George Torsilieri '10
Pictured: George Torsilieri '10 (left) and Mike Dalton, longtime Berkshire faculty member
Veterans Day Spotlight
Andrew Mueller '92
Major Andrew Mueller ’92 (Retired) has spent the last 20 years as an Intelligence Officer and Foreign Policy expert for the United States Marine Corps.
Currently, Maj. Mueller is a member of the Berkshire Veterans Memorial Task Force. This volunteer group of alumni, faculty, staff, and a current student is working to recognize and honor the Berkshire alumni and community members who served our country in the U.S. Military.