Winter at Taft is an infamous season that sends shivers down the spines of any Taft student. Between slushy Wu-train walkways, 4 p.m. sunsets, and emotional damage from slipping on black ice in Mac Quad for the fourth time this week, it’s no wonder students dislike it so much. But fear not, Tafties– spring has finally decided to show up (fashionably late, of course… but better late than never!) and with its sunny weather comes an immense boost of serotonin. Dorm windows are flung open in celebration, almost everyone can be seen sporting their flip-flops to class, and even the beloved squirrels seem to be in a better mood! Spring has returned in all its glory, and Taft students are basking in it.
Starting as a casual pre-study hall game, SpikeBall has morphed into the unofficial Spring sport of Taft – and likely the most intense athletic event on campus. As soon as sports teams break at the end of their practices, students race down to stake their claim on one of three nets, leaving others crowded to wait in line (the real professionals bring their entire kit). There is hardly a moment when Taft’s best SpikeBall players are not dominating against those who dare to challenge them. Lower schoolers play until exactly 7:58 p.m., when they must bolt inside for study hall check-in. As the season progresses, players have become so skilled that there’s talk of starting an official SpikeBall team. While tryouts remain TBD, rumor has it that Mr. Dunn is coaching– or at least refereeing. Or maybe just shaking his head on the sidelines.
If you can manage to turn your head from the intense SpikeBall competition, surely you’ve seen your fair share of fishermen around Potter’s Pond. Now that spring has rolled around, Taft’s Fishing Club– the unofficial owners of the pond– are back and better than ever. Led by Watts Littman ‘26 and James Morrison ‘26, this club has recently become one of Taft’s biggest hits. But you don’t have to be a part of the club to participate– all you need is a rod and some patience! If you wait long enough, you’re sure to catch something amazing – whether it be a two-pound bass, a traffic cone, or a long-lost Jig Pat chair from 2013. So, next time you find yourself with a free afternoon and some curiosity, borrow a rod from a friend and head over to Potter’s Pond!
On Thursday, April 24, Taft Dining hosted a Farmer’s Market in Mac Quad. An assortment of fruits, veggies, and snacks, such as cucumbers, hummus, jams, bell peppers, juices, and more, was offered. Everything was locally and organically sourced, and students were allowed to take three items of their choice free of charge. It’s safe to say that the Farmer’s Market was a huge hit among students and faculty!
Senior spring– widely accepted as the best part of the year in one’s time spent at Taft– is back and in full swing. With the official OK to skip sit-down dinners and school meetings, The Jig has become especially packed, and Marty is working overtime on students’ daily bacon, egg, and cheese. Most nights, you’ll find the senior class gathered around fire pits on Jig Pat, enjoying their last few weeks together before heading home for the summer, before scattering to different corners of the country for college. The controversial and recently banned Senior Jig Line causes a bit of unwanted tension in line each day, as students cram and rush to get a vanilla iced coffee two minutes before School Meeting begins (or even two minutes after– we’re sorry, Mr. Campbell!). With summer creeping closer with each day, every night feels a bit more special for our Class of 2025. This is the final lap, seniors. Enjoy every bit of it!
There is no sense in denying this renewed energy that Taft spring brings to campus! From spikeball battles to peaceful nights by the pond, Taft students are soaking up every bit of it! Whether you’re a freshman enjoying your first spring, or a senior savoring your last, spring is a time to celebrate the moments that make our Taft community so special. So, make the most of it before the next New England winter rolls back around!