Vol. CXXXII · July 10, 2026
”So… how was it?” “What did they ask?” In the past week, the sophomore section of the Stu was overflowing with one conversation: Milton’s new US History oral defense assessment. After a month of stressful research that culminated in a final paper, US History teachers announced this new addition to the assignment, which came as a surprise to students.
As exam week approaches, stress runs high for many students. During these moments, stability matters most. For the past 21 years, Registrar Liz Wood had brought adaptability and organization to her role—vital during this time of the year. However, her departure midway through this year leaves a hole in the community, a testament to the importance of her role, which students too often overlook.
Walk into the Stu on any weekday afternoon, and you will probably see the same scene: couches and tables full of friends sitting together, staring at their phones or computers until someone suddenly bursts out laughing at a TikTok video and everyone else immediately leans over to see what they missed. The moment feels trivial, but it captures something real about how Milton students stay connected today. Social media has become a second language on campus. At a school that prides itself on Harkness discussions, healthy debate, and genuine connections between one another, the popularity of apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat raises questions about how we communicate with one another. These online platforms have increasingly shaped our friendships and daily interactions, even beginning to influence our own personal identities and sense of belonging, strengthening–but also challenging—the Milton community.