To the Editor:
I was building a snow sculpture the other day and a funny thing happened: I asked a Dartmouth student what caused the lack of spirit for the Winter Carnival - ignorance or apathy? The reply was "Uh, I don't know and, um, I don't care."
How many saw the Boston Celtics sculpture in front of the Alumni Gymnasium? I was informed by Tim Chow '96 of the Carnival Committee that this scupture was not considered for the sculpture contest because it was from an "outside source." In other words, built by a "local." He also revealed that this ruling was formulated after consultation with Student Programs Coordinator Linda Kennedy.
Kennedy, a Hanover High graduate, stated only that the judges "went around to all the sculptures" and would not directly answer my question of whether or not my sculpture was given consideration in the judging. She did, however, state clearly that "we do not encourage participation from the local community."
Dartmouth students, do you think this is a good policy? Do you think limiting the competition is needed or helpful to the spirit of the Carnival?
I built this sculpture out of love and respect for the Celtics' players Kevin McHale and Reggie Lewis, to give to the Dartmouth/Hanover community a sculpture reminiscent of the scuptures from the '60s and '70s and also to perhaps help bridge the gap between locals and students. Dartmouth and Hanover occupy the same geographic location but can often seem to be two separate worlds.
Written guidelines should spell out whether community residents are welcome at the Carnival and in the sculpture contest specifically. As the son of a Dartmouth alumnus and a member of the Dartmouth/Hanover community for 23 out of my 32 years, I would also like to add a few other suggestions for the Carnival Committee to consider to make the Carnival bigger and better.
Increase first place prize money for the sculpture contest to $650, second place to $250, third place to $100 and give gift certificates or merchandise from local businesses to all participants. Institute a team competition which encompasses Olympic events, fund raising for area charities and participation in the construction of the big sculpture. Teams should be coed, limited to a certain size and could compete for cash, the right to ignite the following year's bonfire and medals, which could be handed out in ceremonies on the Green. Encourage participation by dorm residents; not all students with leadership abilities and initiative are Greeks. And encourage participation by local area residents. Be specific about eligibility guidelines.
The Monday edition of The Dartmouth had a front page article entitled "A quiet carnival" which stated that sculptures were judged "at fraternity houses" [only]. Hopefully, next year's post-carnival article will read "Carnival like days of olde, sculptures and high spirits abound."
ED CRORY
