New England
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April 28, 2023
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With their senior-thesis defenses finally behind them, members of the TAC-New England Class of 2023 faced off against the faculty in the annual Senior-Tutor Softball Game, then ritually signified the end of thesis season at the traditional Draft Burning party, on Saturday, April 22.

The College community gathered at Kaiser Field to watch the six-inning softball game unfold. Although they batted first, the seniors soon lagged behind the faculty after Dr. Patrick Gardner’s early RBI swept Dr. John McCarthy across home plate. Not to be outdone, senior Casey Kirk hit a triple and snagged a run for his team. Yet despite their best efforts, the seniors were no match for the tutors, who carried the game 5-2 — winning for the second year in a row.

Photos: Senior v. Tutor Softball
  • A tutor throws the ball
  • A student bats
  • Mr. Cain pitches
  • Onlookers look on
  • A senior up to bat
  • Onlookers applaud
  • Umpire makes a call
  • A student speeds around the bases
  • Three watch, seated in the grass
  • A tutor at bat
  • Onlookers cheer
  • Passing the ball
  • About to throw the ball
  • Another view of the same
  • The batter swings
  • Tutor dives for the catch as the batter runs past
  • Student completes a home run
  • Mr. Shields throws the ball
  • Three pose for a photo
  • Mr. Cain goes to bat
  • Student huddle
  • The tutor team, post-game

Having worked up hearty appetites, the seniors and tutors then joined the rest of the community at an All-College Barbeque, where they feasted on a spit-roasted pig, courtesy of Student Support Coordinator Emily (Barry ’11) Sullivan.

Photos: All-College BBQ
  • Students go through the dinner line
  • Another view of the same
  • Kitchen workers serve students
  • Another view of the same
  • Students get salad
  • Students serving food
  • Ice cream in Tracy
  • Two pose for the camera, serious-faced
  • Coffee shop staff serve ice cream
  • Another view of the same
  • Another view of the same
  • Students at one of the outdoor tables

To conclude the evening, the seniors celebrated the completion of their theses by tossing the pages from early drafts onto an open fire — while roasting marshmallows, of course:

Students roast marshmallows over the ashes of the drafts

One by one, they consigned drafts of their theses to the flames, offering kind words to their advisors — or else humorous epitaphs on the burning pages. “A good advisor makes writing truly a delight,” said senior Tanner Sheffield. “Now, I’m ready to look to the future and burn the past!”