The Berkeley Carroll Blotter is proud to present its 2nd weekly newsletter of the 2025-2026 school year! This issue features a spotlight on 12th grade dean and American Studies teacher Miguel Correa by Zofie M. (‘27), and the weekly “5 in News” by Rory O. (’26). James K. (‘26) writes about the UFC’s appeal to the far right, and Dylan A. (‘26) presents a piece on Jerry Greenfield and the politics within the world of consumer goods. Later, Mikaela G. (‘26) writes about college decisions at BC and the most popular ED schools in this year’s senior class. Photos from Spencer G. (‘26) and BC photographers are throughout. As always, we thank you for interacting with the Blotter – come to our first open weekly meeting on 9/22 to learn more about the paper!
Happy reading!
Genevieve Eisner and Cleo Logan, co-editors
The UFC’s Influence on the Right
James Kirven ‘26
In the past few years, the UFC (United Fighting Championship) has exploded in popularity, becoming one of the most lucrative sports organizations in the US. It overtook boxing as the most popular combat sport and continues to rise in viewership; recently, however, it has morphed into a cultural symbol of the far right.
Unlike other major sports leagues that avoid political controversy, the UFC has embraced it. Dana White, the president of the UFC, publicly endorsed Donald Trump at the Republican National Conventions in 2016, 2020, and 2024, and fighters like Colby Covington and Jon Jones have worn MAGA hats in interviews and appeared on Fox News. In return, President Trump is often in attendance at matches, which increases viewership. Donald Trump and Dana White are even planning on hosting a UFC event on the White House grounds. Clearly, UFC has adopted an uncensored image that appeals to many conservative fans. The league markets itself as a space where “real men” can fight, speak their minds, and reject “woke culture”.
Much of the UFC’s core audience consists of young white men in the United States. This demographic has been a key target for both UFC marketing and right-wing political messaging. The league has become part of a broader ecosystem where combat sports, conservative media, and masculinity reinforce each other. The UFC is now a direct pipeline for conservative politicians to reach and influence young male audiences, blending entertainment with ideology that feels natural to young Republican men.
Young men–specifically white men– are being manipulated and don’t know it. What has long been a fun pastime has morphed into a dangerous media phenomenon.
5 in News
Rory O’Connor ‘26
Qatar, a U.S. ally and host of a large American military base, was recently attacked by Israeli forces. Since the U.S. has donated billions of dollars towards the formation of an “impenetrable” defense system in Qatar over the years, this recent strike on a residential building has led Qataris to “question the value of their partnership with the U.S.”
The White House recently published a report that incentivized research on the negative impact of lead and industrial chemicals on children’s immune systems. This report, which experts readily agree with, suggests reducing pesticide use, paying closer attention to food ingredients and obscure chemicals, and advancing vaccine technology to create new immunizations.
Last Friday, the Trump administration ordered the detention of 500 South Korean nationals who were working without legal documentation in Georgia. This decision ignited conflict with the South Korean government, which is detrimental to the U.S. trade network.
On September 17th, the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) announced that it was pulling Jimmy Kimmel’s Late Night Show "indefinitely” amidst controversy and backlash to a recent show. Kimmel received criticism from conservatives claiming that he inaccurately described the politics of Tyler Robinson, the man who killed Charlie Kirk.
Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the Charlie Kirk assassination, was taken into custody on September 12th in Utah after a 33-hour manhunt. He has been charged with murder and several other felonies.
Spotlight on Miguel Correa
Zofie Mclune ‘27
Miguel Correa has been part of the Berkeley Carroll community for nine years and, in that time, he’s filled many roles. He is currently in his seventh year as a grade dean – this year, he is the dean of the Class of 2026. In addition, he has been teaching American Studies for nine years and participated in the Latinx affinity group for eight. And in his own words, “Most importantly, I’m a BC parent.”
To the graduating class, Correa shares this message: “Keep your eyes on the prize. Every day feels like there’s so much that has to get done, but it’s all going to lead to your amazing achievements in the spring when you find out where you go to college. It’ll all be worth it and you are doing it together. I want you all to come together as a grade and community.”
Before stepping into education full time, Mr. Correa’s world revolved around music. He studied saxophone at a conservatory in Oklahoma, taught and studied jazz, and made his living as a musician. “Playing music was my life,” he told me. Even now, he stays connected by helping with the jazz ensemble here at BC. “Folks should come to the concerts—BC has a good jazz band.”
Music also connects to one of his greatest passions. “I’m really passionate about music, and I love talking about the social change that music is capable of with people. Music as an agent for social change.”
Mr. Correa’s own story was shaped by opportunity. He grew up in Spanish Harlem and started with Prep for Prep in 1989. “Prep doesn’t just want kids to have access to schools, but to also excel there,” he explains. The program prepared him for Riverdale and gave him the foundation to thrive.
I asked Mr. Correa: if you were a food, which one would you be? He chose gumbo. He told me, “Life is a mix of a lot of different experiences… gumbo is a lot of things put together to make one big thing”.
As for why BC? Mr. Correa explained, “When I was working at Prep, the job was fulfilling but I wanted something more permanent. I wanted to work in a school that felt like home, so I felt drawn to BC, and it was one of the schools where I hoped I would end up working. I felt like it would’ve been a great place for me, and it has been.”
The “Soundtrack” of Senior Year: BC’s College Admissions Process
Mikaela Gerstenhaber ‘26
During senior year, college talk is less of a debate than it is a soundtrack. In the cafeteria, you hear students comparing acceptance rates like they're fantasy football stats. In the library, half the laptops glow with Common App drafts, while the other half fill out seemingly endless forms. Even those who swear they aren’t stressed can be found talking about supplemental essays at 11 p.m. The actual stress isn't just the deadlines; it’s the idea that your entire life must be squeezed into one application. No matter how old or mature we may be, no one is comfortable with that. How do we show colleges our true personalities? Every grade, club, or extracurricular must suddenly look deliberate, as if we've been preparing for our applications since birth.
Right now, the senior class is searching far and wide to find new homes all over the world. Many students are interested in large research institutions like UMichigan and Wisconsin because of their sports culture and wide course selections; others are gravitating toward smaller liberal arts schools like Wesleyan and Middlebury that feel more similar to Berkeley Carroll. Still more are interested in Brown and Vassar, schools with traditionally open curriculums.When I talked with the senior class, many students spoke about their reluctance to leave the city; schools like NYU and Boston University are appealing.
Clearly, our grade is diverse in our wishes for the next four years. But recently, college talk has become its own type of social script. A new sweatshirt appears in the hallways, and immediately questions are posed: Did you just tour Tufts? Are you planning to ED there? Do you think it would be a good fit for me?
Although we're ambitious and maybe even a little obsessed, the hard work we’re putting in will yield results. None of us have control over how this process will turn out, but the frenzy of sweatshirts, spreadsheets, and cafeteria discussions says something larger. This is not only about college – it’s about how committed we are to figuring out where we belong. I am positive that we will all end up in the place we were meant to be, as long as we support each other along the way and find as many moments of joy as we can.
Community Time 9/22 - 9/26
Monday: Co-curricular
Tuesday: School Closed for Rosh Hashanah
Wednesday: G-Block Classes
Thursday: Grade Meetings
Friday: Senior Speakers
The Politics of Ice Cream
Dylan Angel ‘26
Ben & Jerry’s cofounder, Jerry Greenfield, recently announced his departure from the iconic ice cream brand due to continued issues with parent company Unilever (one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies). “Ben & Jerry’s has been silenced, sidelined for fear of upsetting those in power,” says Greenfield – here’s the scoop.
On the evening of September 17th, Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, shared with fans on Instagram that Jerry would be resigning from the company after 47 years. Ben & Jerry’s original deal with Unilever was contingent on their ability to independently stand on their values, a principle that Greenfield felt very passionate about, saying, “It’s profoundly disappointing to come to the conclusion that independence, the very basis of our sale to Unilever, is gone.”
Greenfield's decision to leave the company is perfectly on brand with what Ben & Jerry’s has always stood for. The duo has consistently spoken out against bigotry and hate, using their platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and fundraising for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). Although this is a potentially career-ending move, Jerry seems self-assured in his decision. “From the very beginning, Ben and I believed that our values and the pursuit of justice were more important than the company itself.” This kind of integrity is rare in today's political landscape, and it’s part of what has led to the brand being so beloved within popular culture.
In his resignation announcement, Jerry called the general public to action, explaining that “Standing up for the values of justice, equity, and our shared humanity has never been more important.” Many people have mixed views on Jerry leaving the company–and yes, the iconic brand will never be the same. After all, it’s Ben & Jerry’s, not just Ben. However, I think Jerry shows a trait that not many people, let alone politicians, are strong enough to do. He knows his beliefs, and he’s not willing to compromise them for any amount of money. The world would be a better place if more people in power had the backbone of Jerry Greenfield.
Lion’s Den: Upcoming Games for the week of 9/22 - 9/26
Wednesday 9/24:
Cross Country vs. ACIS (Away)
4:45 PM, Van Cortlandt Park East
Friday 9/26:
Soccer Boys and NB (Varsity) vs. Leman (Home)
4:15 PM, Parade Grounds #8
Volleyball Girls and NB (Varsity) vs. Leman (Away)
4:15 PM, Leman
Volleyball Girls and NB (JV) vs. LREI (Away)
3:45 PM, LREI
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.