For many, the changes that come with the end of the school year can be daunting. When saying short goodbyes to some and long goodbyes to others, it is natural to be afraid of what is to come. One thing, though, that the Taft community can rest easy knowing is that we have left the school in the incredible hands of Co-Head Monitors Louisa Prentice and Isaac Obeng. When their names rang through the microphones in Bingham announcing their Co-Head Monitorship, a unanimous buzz of applause, confidence, and enthusiasm filled the auditorium. Since the beginning of their time at Taft, Isaac and Louisa have embodied the essence of what it means to be a Rhino. Isaac and Lousia have been members and co-chairs of the Class Committee since their Lower-Mid and Mid years, respectively, and beyond that, have consistently demonstrated their devotion to the Taft community.
Even if you do not know Isaac personally, you have probably seen him strolling down Main Hall, chiming a friendly ‘Hello!’ to each passerby. A New York native, Isaac is from Newburgh and has been at Taft since his lower-mid year. Isaac has been involved in various activities over his time at Taft, each one giving him a unique perspective on the community: the Fall and Spring Musicals, thirds squash, Math Table, the Global Leadership Institute, and Collegium, just to name a few. While some know him for his ovation-worthy performances, and some for his astute math tutoring, everyone knows Isaac for his go-getter attitude and inviting personality. As Head-Mon, he hopes to revamp school spirit by bringing back old traditions like ‘Taft’s Got Talent’ or Bingham movie nights. Isaac is also a Monitor on HDT 3, so he certainly has no problem showing a little tough love now and then. He works in tandem with Mr. Coleman to wrangle the halls of HDT 3, a faculty member he believes would bring fierce competition to ‘Taft’s Got Talent’ next year.
Whether you’ve seen her on the slopes in the winter or on the track in the spring, Louisa is a universally adored figure in the Taft community. Just like Isaac, Louisa is among the most involved students at Taft; she has done everything from playing thirds field hockey to writing for the Papyrus and Global Journal. She is also a Monitor in Mac, a dorm that Louisa lovingly describes as ‘tight-knit and lively.’ Next year will be her third year living there, so her love for the dorm is no understatement. As Head Mon, Louisa is excited to reignite school spirit and hopes to plan events where the entire community can bond. One of Louisa’s favorite Taft memories is the Hotchkiss Day 2022 Thirds Field Hockey Game; after a buzzer-beater in the last minute, the Red Sweater Club stormed Camp Field and celebrated with the team. Louisa believes that it is the unexpected moments, like that game, that highlight how uniquely bonded we are as a school. Also hailing from the Big Apple, Louisa is “beyond excited” to work with Isaac next year, a feat which should be easy, because, in addition to Co-Head-Mons, they are also close friends.
Throughout their past three years at Taft, Isaac and Louisa have built indelible ties to Taft; they have come through their classes and extracurriculars, but most importantly, through their friendships. With Commencement and summer fast approaching, the next school year can feel like an afterthought, and many can be mentally elsewhere. Despite this, the Taft community can all place trust in Isaac and Louisa to make next fall memorable.