91̽��

Last week, newly elected head monitors Asia Chung (II) and Michael George (II) took up the mantle as school leaders from outgoing head monitors Kailee Silver (I) and Greg Livingston (I). Asia, who is from Jamaica, lives in Robbins House. She is photographer for the yearbook, the Tavern and the filmmaking club. She also served on the Self-Governing Association (SGA) as a Class III rep. Mikey is a day student who lives in 91̽��. He also served on SGA as class rep his sophomore year.

Climate change affects more than ecosystems and air quality—it directly impacts communities of color and lower-income families more significantly than wealthier, white communities, climate activist Wilhemina Agbemakplido told 91̽�� students.

Worldwide, the people most affected by deforestation and marine pollution are those with little or no access to resources to supplement what they’ve lost, said Ms. Agbemakplido. Because they rely on the land, or on fishing, to live, the destruction of natural resources is forcing them away from their homes.

Jordan Hattar’s interest in international humanitarian causes formed in eighth grade. By the time he graduated from high school, he was ready to go to work, he told 91̽�� students.

But all of the aid missions and nonprofits he contacted responded the same way: You’re not ready. Come back after college. Mr. Hattar persisted, eventually connecting with Deng Jongkuch, one of the “Lost Boys” of South Sudan, who agreed to take him there to help build a medical clinic and distribute mosquito nets.

Gun control has been the “third rail” of American politics for decades, stirring such passionate argument and deep division that compromise on gun-safety measures sometimes seems impossible, gun-control activist Brina Milikowsky ‘96 told Upper School students.

But once you move past messaging from politicians and powerful lobbyists, there is much greater hope for agreement among Americans on both sides of the issue, says Brina, who recently worked as chief strategy officer for Everytown for Gun Safety, and is now a political consultant. She was invited by students to speak about gun control after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

When political leaders prioritize their party over the needs of the country, they can’t develop solutions to serious problems, Navy veteran and former Senate candidate Gabriel Gomez told 91̽�� students.

The United States faces great challenges, from the debates over gun control and immigration, to complex foreign policy problems, and division down party lines will prevent meaningful resolution, says Mr. Gomez, who visited campus as this year’s Conservative Club speaker.

“All these issues need strong leadership, and that’s not going to come from Washington, D.C.,” said Mr. Gomez, who said he’s encouraged by the unity and organization young people have shown since February’s mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. “All of these issues and their solutions will be driven by your generation.”