Evaluation: Boys, Class of '19

Joshua Harrington, Olivia Meyerson and Eliza Rorabaugh are currently beginning senior week in preparation for graduation.  The state of Joshua's P.E. credits, parking tickets and school health insurance payments is still unknown, but regardless we expect each one of them to shake our dear President Adam's hand and receive a shiny diploma in less than a week. To alleviate the pain their absences will inevitably inflict, I turn my attention the youngest members of the nordic boys squad, the rising sophomores Braden Becker, Nick Gardner and Evan Carr... just writing their names makes me quiver.

When Braden Becker began school in the fall, fresh off a PG year in Sun Valley, he considered himself a man. A few little hairs were starting to sprout on his chin and upper lip, and his growth spurt was just concluding. Little did he know, manhood would have to be fought for, worked at and won-over.  But now, with the school year behind him, anyone who crosses his path will immediately smell the toughness embedded into his thickened leather skin.  Try messing with him, and you'll get the singular Braden response: a stone-cold stare with a slight, all-knowing grin.  He considers himself funnier than he really is, but we can forgive him for that. 

Braden Becker playing soccer with his entry early this September

If there's one thing I learned this year, it's that a euro-haircut combined with a midwest accent will not necessarily result in disaster. Nick Gardner knows how to do a lot of things; ask him about any of his skills, and I'm sure he'll be happy to share. His knowledge of crafts is infinite, he can glide on a single skate ski for an entire race, and he's better at talking to ladies than even our own famous Norwegian viking warrior Hans Halvorsen and prep-schooled, salmon shorted, pretty-boy Jack Schrupp combined. Of course, Nick also thinks he's funnier than he is. Next time you see Nick, just remind him that he's still a little boy, and has lots to learn about the world -- humor comes with experience.

Evidence

Imagine an oak tree. Now keep that image in your head, and also imagine Evan Carr standing right next to the tree, shoulders back and chin up. See a difference between oak and Evan? You won't be able to, because it turns out that Evan is an oak tree. I figured that out near the end of school, when he was standing under a tree in science quad, silent and still, and I simply could not tell the two apart. Sometimes his tree-ness breaks down, however, and his wild side comes out. When that happens, approach Evan carefully, but if you can make it to his person, give him a big hug. His hugs are fantastic, ask anyone. I'm not sure Evan thinks he's that funny, and he's not. Let's hope his ego doesn't grow as tall as he is.  

To be completely honest, we could not have asked for better additions to our team. Long live the class of '19 -- not the hardest class but still pretty awesome.

Love,

Eli