Every year, the build-up to Capstone Week is palpable. Students carefully finalize their presentations, mentors adjust their schedules to ensure a final touchpoint with their mentees, and communication from the dynamic Capstone partners and guides, Dean Spencer and Jen Friborg, picks up with an anticipatory buzz. This week, Capstone arrived in all of its glory. Excellence, joy, respect, and care were on full display, and our eighth grade scholars shared inspiration and challenge with the rest of the community. Capstone Week is one of my proudest moments as the head of Belmont Day, and this year did not disappoint. Here is a brief synopsis of each of our wonderful eighth graders, their mentors, and their topics. They are as broad and diverse as they are informative and compelling. Shout out to the leadership of Jen Friborg, Dean Spencer, Emma Alexander, and the forty-eight faculty mentors. Enjoy and have a wonderful April break, everyone.
Surviving Antarctica: Shackleton’s Expedition, Julia P. (Mentor: Ana Maria Restrepo, Spanish teacher)
From Julia, I learned that “through endurance, we conquer,” as Shackleton might put it. I also learned that Julia’s personal expedition of kicking off Capstone 2025 required a similar courage and conviction. Well done, Julia!
Youth Mental Health and Social Media, Samantha C. (Mentor: Leigh Twarog, third grade teacher)
From Samantha, I learned that there is a certain randomness in the world of social media that can be both positive and negative for the user. With Samantha guiding us, strong relationships and healthy guidelines can manage that randomness. Well done, Sammie!
Deindustrialization in the Midwest, Jonathan L. (Mentor: Katie Wallace, development operations manager)
From Jonathan, I learned about how the deindustrialization of the Midwest impacted, as he called it, “every rung of the economic ladder.” It is hard not to imagine Jonathan teaching a college-level course on post-industrial economics someday soon. Nice work, Jonathan!
Democracy Divided: The Rise of Partisanship, Mylo R. (Mentor: Josh Sussman, school counselor)
Vote Rosenfeld! Mylo’s comprehensive understanding of politics and the forces that continue to polarize the political landscape is remarkable and sophisticated. Mylo understands how we arrived at this point and, perhaps more importantly, how to move forward from here.
ACL Tear: Road to Recovery, Laurice B. (Mentor: Abbey Nyland, physical education teacher)
From Laurice, I learned about the spirit, strength, patience, and fortitude required for recovery from the devastating injury: the ACL tear. Speaking from first-person experience, Laurice shared her journey, and none of us should be surprised to see her as an orthopedist or physical therapist in the future.
Rocketry, Ben F. (Mentor: Tyler Cotner, music and ensembles teacher)
Want to learn the intricacies of rocket science in under ten minutes? Bring in Ben, whose understanding, driven by an innate and passion-fueled curiosity, is comprehensive. There’s little doubt he’ll make his way to the stars soon enough.
The Basics of Gemology, Lucy W. (Mentor: Kathy Jo Solomon, visual arts teacher)
Whether from her vast collection of stones, curated exhibits like those at Harvard’s Natural History Museum, or buried with the kings and queens of the past, there is little doubt of the significance of gemstones throughout history. We are fortunate to have a resident gemstone expert, Lucy, who helps us gain a deeper understanding of how gemstones form. And one thing is certain—Lucy rocks!
Creating an Online Business, Copeland M. (Mentor: Nancy Fell, second grade teacher)
Coming soon to a BDS classroom near you: www.tutoryourschool, the online store offering peer-to-peer tutoring, designed by the next great entrepreneur, Copeland. With wisdom about where the commercial world is headed, Copeland’s passion for and understanding of the online industry leave the rest of us eager for his website to go live.
Rookies, Relics, and Riches: Exploring the Sports Card Boom, Sam R. (Mentor: Conor Garrison, technology coordinator)
A Paul Skenes rookie card? A signed Mickey Mantle card from 1952? A Sam R. original Lamine Yamal card? How about a Sam Rodriguez card once he achieves the soccer-playing fame we all expect? If you need any of these priced or evaluated, we have a resident card trading expert here at Belmont Day.
Social Media and Its Effects on Adolescents, Henry K. (Mentor: Lana Holman, fourth grade teacher)
Offering a clear-eyed look at the pros and cons of social media in the lives of children, Henry taught us that, as with many things in life, nothing is as clear-cut as we might want it to be, least of all social media. He also suggested that parents rate at a three (on a scale of one to five) in terms of their awareness of their children’s online use. Where would you score yourself?
Shocking! Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Defibrillation, Kiernan P. (Mentor: Brendan Largay, head of school)
For Kiernan to have witnessed the jarring football tackle that resulted in Damar Hamlin’s sudden cardiac arrest and be inspired to study it speaks to both his innate curiosity about the world around him, and his intrinsic drive to make it a better place. I was also reminded that sometimes mentors are the mentees when it comes to Capstone expertise.
CTE: The Hidden Cost of Football, Melisa A. (Mentor: Emily Crawford, fourth grade teacher)
A lifelong fan of the NFL, Melisa is the perfect voice to highlight the importance of player safety. An aspiring neuroscientist, Melisa’s comprehensive understanding of the scientific and societal impact of CTE on the brain is inspiring. Time to get her placed on the NFL’s rules committee for the 2025 season!
Threads of Change: Fashion and Women in the 20th Century, Christian S. (Mentor: Becca MacKillop, sixth grade English teacher)
With a careful blend of understanding mid-20th-century fashion and her own Ethiopian identity, Christian showcased the beauty of African fashion with a personal flair. Christian is made for the spotlight of the Capstone stage, as she presented with humor, confidence, and mastery of her subject.
Striving for the Impossible: Perfectionism, Kali O-S (Mentor: Betty Chu Pryor, lower school head)
Kali’s in-depth exploration of perfectionism and the adaptive (or positive) aspects of a perfectionist’s mindset teaches a valuable lesson in balance and self-care. There is no better process than Capstone to showcase the flexibility required of a self-proclaimed perfectionist in navigating the twists and turns on the way to delivering an excellent presentation.
Juneteenth, Zazoue M. (Mentor: Emma Nairn, fifth grade teacher)
Every year, there is always one presentation that changes what we do at school. This year, it was Zazoue’s. Her deep and comprehensive understanding of Juneteenth, combined with her desire to elevate this important holiday, will result in a spring celebration here at Belmont Day. Zazoue and I have plans to meet after the break to create it, so stay tuned. In the meantime, if you want to know the history of Juneteenth, the Emancipation Proclamation, the 13th Amendment, or the biography of Opal Lee, ask Zazoue.
Space Junk, Ethan Z. (Mentor: Denali Kikuchi, auxiliary programs coordinator)
Ethan should be busy getting the patent for his “Junker” creation: a well-designed device to help clean space of the junk that is starting to crowd our atmosphere. Ethan’s presentation was evidence of both heart and mind—the desire to help the greater good fueled by a deep and comprehensive understanding of the harmful impact of a speck of paint traveling through space at 23,000 mph.
A Night at the Museum: Could the Mafia Have a Rembrandt?, Josie S. (Mentor: Judy Bright, admissions and outreach program manager)
Josie’s presentation—delivered without a single note card in front of her—on whether the Italian mafia could be responsible for the unsolved and infamous Gardner Museum heist was as deeply researched and well-understood as it was captivating. If there’s anyone who may find the answer Boston has been searching for, it may very well be Josie, our resident sleuth and art history scholar.
Art Therapy, Penny G. (Mentor: Sandra Trentowsky, eighth grade science teacher)
Two of Penny’s loves—artistry and compassion for others—blended beautifully in her presentation on art as therapy. With a close look at the way art can help patients with PTSD or ADHD better understand their condition and the world around them, Penny offered a holistic and empathic path to healing.
Early Cancer Detection: The Race Against Time, Vicente A. (Mentor: Alex Tzelnic, physical education teacher)
Don’t be surprised if the DNA logo of “Time Saves Lives” begins to adorn cars, computers, and coolers everywhere. It is the motto popularized by Vicente as he explores the deeply personal and critically important role that early detection can play in treating cancer. His presentation reminds us to stop putting off that doctor’s visit, as the odds of successful treatment change dramatically the longer we wait.
Battle of Adwa, Leeul M. (Mentor: Angela DeVecchi ’75, classroom support teacher, grades 3-5)
With a careful blend of embracing his African identity and expounding on the importance of wartime tactical strategy, Leeul introduced us to the pivotal Battle of Adwa in 1896. A relatively little-known battle in the history of geopolitics, the Battle of Adwa was the climax of the first Italo-Ethiopian War.
Oil: The Resource That Drives Humanity, Jun M. (Mentor: Emily Phan, eighth grade teacher)
Conversations surrounding fossil fuels and oil, in particular, are urgent in the minds of politicians and economists worldwide. In Jun, there is an expert who can confidently share his understanding of the politics and chemistry behind it, the world’s reliance upon it, and at its most basic level, how it is formed. Fossil fuels are a critical and scarce resource, and we are grateful to have Jun’s expertise to draw from.
Setting Europe Ablaze: Female Spies in WWII, Claire H. (Mentor: Heather Smith, learning specialist, reading)
With the confidence and understanding of the most talented spies of World War II, Claire presented on espionage, highlighting how women utilized the misogyny and sexism they faced to their advantage and the vital work these women did for the Allies throughout the war. In many ways, Claire would make a great spy herself: highly strategic, disarmingly unassuming, and fiercely intelligent.
The Ins and Outs of Social Media Marketing, Isla S. (Mentor: Ellen Brandt, kitchen/dining room assistant)
Ready for the next great social media influencer in women’s skincare and cosmetics? Prepare yourself for ismith lip gloss, designed and produced by Isla, who has the capacity to oversee her product’s journey—from design and production to marketing and distribution, all informed by her remarkable understanding of a rapidly changing environment. Isla might be the right social media influencer to bolster sales as well.
AI and Global Health, Vatche B. (Mentor: Bea Rooney, human resources manager)
The future of health care runs through ChatGPT, but before it gets there, it may run through Vatche. A young man with presence, Vatche carefully walked us through the implications of AI on a more equitable global health care with confidence and wit.
The Currency That Constantly Moves, Jordan L. (Mentor: Sam Staples, lower school support teacher)
Jordan’s insatiable curiosity and sharp mind were the perfect combination for helping his audience understand the value of a dollar. A walk through US history, global conflict, and the market’s response to major geopolitical events made his understanding clear, but so did his opening slide about the price of eggs!
The Rising Tides in Our Future, Julia C. (Mentor: Susan Vitale, substitute teacher)
Growing up spending time on the South Shore, Julia’s love of the ocean and concern for its future hit home quite literally. But if there’s anyone who can help spread a message of hope and urgency about climate change and the rising seas, Julia is the one.
AI Images: How They Work and Their Impact, Sohan S. (Mentor: Liz Gray, middle school head)
No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. It’s just that AI has already improved so much that recognizing the difference between what’s real and what’s an AI creation is increasingly challenging. If you wonder which is which or how you might preserve your creativity while AI pushes against it, Sohan has the answers—literally. He told us how many images we guessed incorrectly throughout his project!
The Evolution of Navigation, Christian A. (Mentor: Elena Jay, director of financial assistance and associate director of admissions)
Whether with technology like Google Maps, which helps you get from here to there today, or with an old-fashioned sextant searching the stars, it is clear that Christian knows which way we are headed. Christian’s research connected the past with the present, and he seems to know just what the future holds.
Women in Sports Media, Lila G. (Mentor: Katie O’Brien, second grade teacher)
The future is female. After highlighting the significant disparities in coverage between men’s and women’s sports, as well as the treatment of male and female reporters in the sports industry, Lila made it clear that we still have a long way to go to achieve equal coverage and treatment of women in professional sports. We can feel confident, however, that on our way toward achieving that goal, it will be Lila—as an athlete or reporter—who will show us all the way.
Parkinson’s Disease, Sara C. (Mentor: Blair Fross, director of school year auxiliary & specialty programs)
With a deeply personal connection to the toll that Parkinson’s Disease can take, Sara offered a hopeful future for those suffering, or with loved ones suffering from PD. She also may be a neurologist-in-waiting with a keen understanding of the science behind this excruciating neurological condition.
The Colosseum and Ancient Rome, Hughy M. (Mentor: Zach d’Arbeloff, director of summer programs and transportation)
Hughy, better known in Roman circles as Hughius Maximus, his Roman sport broadcaster pseudonym, demonstrated a deep understanding of the Roman Colosseum and the gladiator games that took place there. He also displayed the critical skills required to be a great broadcaster—on-screen presence, excellent questions, and an evident joy for the work.
Fighting Aircraft’s Evolution and Design, Edwin V. (Mentor: Jim Walker, senior associate director of communications & marketing)
For you Top Gun fans out there, it looks like Maverick is going to need to make room for the next student of warcraft planes, Edwin W, call sign: Sabre. A young man with a deep understanding of the history and technology of war planes, Edwin walked us through where we’ve been and where we may be headed at high speed and with precise accuracy.
Technology in Comedy, Zeke F. (Mentor: Nicole Buck, Latin teacher)
Timing is everything, and Zeke’s is perfect. A young man with the sardonic wit of the co-anchors of SNL’s ‘Weekend Update,’ he took his audience on a journey through the history of comedy. He showcased the likes of Charlie Chaplin and vaudevillian humor, and then showed us a glimpse of his work as the God of Comedy.
Great Barrier Reef, Genevieve v R. (Mentor: Kyle Beatty, assistant director of development)
Sharing her version of Finding Nemo, Genevieve gave us a closer look at the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest and most important coral reef off the coast of Australia. With the thoughtfulness of a concerned marine biologist, Genevieve shared the perils that face the reef today and the consequences of climate change on its beauty.
The Future and Physics of Drones, Wyatt B. (Mentors: Patrick Murray and Rae Starks Chaves, eighth grade math teachers)
The next frontier of discovery may be coming to your doorstep sooner than you think. Wyatt explained that drones will be used for commercial delivery, military purposes, and even scientific discovery (just ask him about the Snotbot, which collects fluid from a whale’s spout!).
Type 1 Diabetes, Penelope B. (Mentor: Brittany Ryan, sixth grade math teacher)
Inspired by a family member’s experience with Type 1 and by the support and strength the rest of her family has exhibited, Penelope walked us through a complicated diagnosis with care and thoughtfulness. A talented artist, Penelope’s artwork and interpretation of the challenges the condition helped us better understand the lifelong endurance that Type 1 diabetes demands.
Animal Navigation, Siri P. (Mentor: Dr. Arlene Silva, school psychologist)
For all the technology we have at our disposal, somehow the birds around us seem to know better where they are headed than we do, however, the environmental impact of climate change is changing that. Siri, a student of animal navigation, and in particular of birds and their migratory patterns, understands the ways in which greater pollution impacts the whole ecosystem and can interpret data like a college post-grad if any of us has questions about what it all means.
Neural Networks: Mathematical Brains, Aidan T. (Mentor: Larissa Rochford ’93, third grade teacher)
For all we have learned about the impact AI will have in previous Capstone presentations, Aidan took on the machine behind the learning itself. With a sophisticated and mature understanding of the calculus required to code properly, Aidan showcased his knowledge with a most age-appropriate challenge: using his self-designed AI to win an old-school video game.
Medieval Fashion with a Modern Twist, Maraki S. (Mentor: Anne Armstrong, visual arts teacher)
With an eye for unique and historically informed fashion choices, Maraki showcased her work as a historian and designer. Her presentation featured a Maraki original alongside celebrities who are embracing medieval fashion today. The challenges she faced—who knew silk would be so difficult to cut?!—only further informed her understanding of this fascinating topic.
Metal vs Classical Music, Jack Ward (Mentor: Sarah Pikcilingis, eighth grade math teacher)
Some moments throughout Capstone Week reveal a level of a student’s understanding or mastery of a given topic that takes your breath away. Jack’s ability to walk his audience through the similarities and differences between metal and classical music and subsequently demonstrate those differences by playing them live was such a moment. Don’t be surprised if you hear Jack’s sinister bass line on the next metal hit!
The Evolution of Architecture in the Middle East, Adam A. (Mentor: Charlie Baird, seventh grade English teacher)
Adam has always eagerly shared his identity as a young Egyptian Muslim with our community, and Capstone provided him with the opportunity to do so in extraordinary depth. Adam’s explanation of the architecture of the Middle East felt closely tied to his own history, and his understanding of the significance of the buildings helped us all understand the beauty of his faith and his background.
Engines: The Role They Play in Modern Society, Alexander K. (Mentor: John O’Neill, director of athletics)
Ever wonder what the deconstruction and reconstruction of a one-cylinder engine look like in a time-lapse? Wonder no more: Alexander’s curiosity led him to truly learn with his hands (oil-covered and all) about how internal combustion energy works. He also helped us understand that the future may see them return to environmental fashion.
Fishing, Emmett M. (Mentor: Amy Sprung, librarian)
How to tie a hook. How to fix a bobber. How to catch a striped bass. How to nurture a community. At the heart of Emmett’s presentation on fishing, the series of ‘how-tos’ became clear: fishing is about much more than the size of the fish you catch. With the 40 lb, 32” striper he caught and an understanding of sustainable and unsustainable commercial fishing, Emmett is on his way to greatness as a fisherman.
The Hip-Hop Chronicles, Makenzie E. (Mentor: Kassie Bettinelli, music and ensembles teacher) Picture this: Makenzie leads a kindergarten class through a choreographed dance to her hip-hop composition. She shared a deep understanding of and appreciation for hip-hop and its four pillars with comfort and ease. When she completed her presentation, the audience had no choice—we needed to learn the dance and experience the authentic joy that hip-hop and Makenzie created.
Deadly Victorian Beauty Standards, Cordelia G. (Mentor: Susan Dempsey, theater arts teacher)
A sophisticated designer in her own right, Cordie understands not only what beauty standards have been throughout time, but more importantly, why. From self-poisoning to intentionally swallowing tapeworms, to trying to make oneself sick with tuberculosis, the methods by which women attempted to attain the impossible standard of beauty are legion. But, as Cordie noted during her Q&A, the reason why these standards continue to exist is a simple one: men.
Threats of Star Deaths: The Life, Death, and Rebirth of Cosmic Titans, Calum D. (Mentor: Maggie Small, seventh grade science teacher)
Capstone had a gravitational pull all its own for Calum, pulling together his love for music, astronomy, and the power of black holes. What do you get when you pull all of those interests into one massive idea? An explosion of scholarship and creativity, marked by a guitar solo on his own designed and constructed electric guitar.
Bacteriophages: A Remnant of the Past and a Window to the Future, Isadora E. (Mentor: Khang Phan, sixth grade social studies teacher)
With the comprehensive understanding of a college professor, Isadora’s presentation led the audience to an understanding of bacteriophages—a remarkably complex health solution. The future will require something to counteract the perils of evolving bacteria, and Isadora may be the one to provide the answer.
Movie Music, Griffin T. (Mentor: Bill Hamilton, sixth grade science teacher)
John Williams and Hans Zimmer move over; the next era of music in film has arrived, and his name is Griffin. A burgeoning filmmaker in his own right, Griffin’s understanding of the emotional influence of music in film is matched only by his patience, as he was our last Capstone presenter of the year.
