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Branson School News, Sports, Life and Opinion

The Blazer

Branson’s student-run newspaper
Branson School News, Sports, Life and Opinion

The Blazer

Branson School News, Sports, Life and Opinion

The Blazer

Life

Alexander Golden '24 stands at Machu Picchu as part of his ethnographic study on Peru. His research is part of the Chase Junior Fellowship he was awarded. Courtesy of Alexander Golden

Chase Fellow awardee Alexander Golden speaks on his research

By Wilson Wendt December 13, 2023

In the world of academic research, few endeavors are as challenging as ethnographic studies. Alexander Golden ‘24 recently embarked on a journey to Peru after being awarded the Chase Junior Fellowship....

Painting by Charlotte Ng as part of her Junior Fellowship. Ng traveled to Taiwan over the summer to teach art to elementary schoolers.

Spotlight: Junior fellowships inspire and teach through art

By Cecilia Brenner December 12, 2023

Junior fellowships at Branson give students the opportunity to explore their passions while gaining knowledge and experience that will help them in the future. Carter West’s and Charlotte Ng’s fellowships...

Rosie Slayen '25 playing for a basketball team in Israel. Slayen returned from overseas in November. Courtesy: Rosie Slayen

Students explore climate and ethics leadership in study abroad; new offerings

By Samara "Sam" Lehman December 12, 2023

When asked to picture students learning, you probably imagine a lesson inside a classroom. But what about on a beach by the Atlantic Ocean? Or at the U.S.-Mexico border?  Once again, Branson students...

Self defense club equips students with protection skills

By Talbot Bales and Charley Goldstein December 12, 2023

A survey conducted by the National Safety Council found that 60% of respondents believed that self-defense training is important for personal safety. Ryka Kashi ‘26 is leading an initiative to provide...

Kaia Hayes poses next to her traditional 2-tiered wedding cake. This was just her second wedding cake. Courtesy of Kaia Hayes

Sweet Kaia’s: A delectable journey with Kaia Hayes, culinary entrepreneur

By Lauren Dignan December 11, 2023

At the tender age of five, Kaia Hayes ‘24 first discovered her passion for baking through her grandmother, setting the stage for a remarkable journey she never could have anticipated. Today, Kaia...

Fashion at Branson: A photo essay

By James Stovell December 11, 2023

Fashion has proven to be a way for students at Branson to express themselves and bring the community together. Events such as Spirit Week allow students to be in theme and have a shared sense of community...

The Landfill Harmonics Orchestra performs for Branson in the outdoor amphitheater. The group has traveled across the states to perform for different schools.

Landfill Harmonics: Transforming trash into music

By DIno Panos December 11, 2023

The stage lights beams upon the Paraguayan students, each holding an instrument in their hands. The crowd is chatting loudly over the Latin dance music playing in the background. Then, at once, the crowd...

Students gather around a table during the Jew Crew's Hanukkah celebration at Branson on December 10. The celebration included playing dreidel, a traditional Hanukkah game, as part of the festivities organized by the Jew Crew Affinity.

Jew Crew hosts Hanukkah celebration; members reflect on favorite traditions

By Constantine "Dino" Panos December 11, 2023

For over 2,000 years, Jewish people have celebrated and enjoyed the festivities that arose out of Hanukkah — and are cherished by many members of Branson’s student body and faculty. The eight-day...

Faculty spotlight: Neha Kamdar awarded Narrative Prize for novel excerpt

By Josie Hohenrieder December 11, 2023

In October, Neha Kamdar, an English teacher at Branson, was awarded the 2023 Narrative Prize by the Narrative Magazine. The recognition of her piece, an excerpt from her novel, Kartika, is an outstanding...

"Our Lady of Communion" by Allyson Seal. The canvas painting was displayed in the New House art gallery in October 2023

New House exhibit shows off brilliant gallery of artistic expertise

By Cecilia Brenner November 14, 2023

The cliché “those who cannot do, teach” might want to take a look at the prolific multimedia art display in New House Gallery, done entirely by Branson staff. A full range of Branson teachers’...

View from outside the Branson commons. The commons serves as a central hub for students and faculty on campus.

Students and faculty reflect on Branson’s growing enrollment 

By Rustin Dillard November 11, 2023

At the beginning of the 2022 school year, the first class of 105 students stepped foot onto the Branson campus. A year later, the school welcomed its second expanded class onto campus.  As Branson...

Ali Evans (left) Sophia Duran (center), and Elsie Dedyo (right) sing during Convocation. Convocation is an annual Branson tradition to kick off each year with celebration.

Convocation 2023: Celebration, reflection, and community

By Sadie Winter and Sadie Saavedra November 11, 2023

Every year at Convocation, the entire Branson community comes together to celebrate the seniors and set the tone for the school year. It’s a joyous occasion, with performances from Jazz Band and Rock...

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