Connections: the Derby MG

by Owen Webster

When walking into Mr. Derby’s mentor group, it doesn’t take long to notice how comfortable everyone is around each other. You get a competitive vibe -- they are the current house football champions, but they are always competing. Whether it’s a match of ping pong or an intense game of Connections, the room feels like a space where guys can relax and be themselves.

Senior Alec Olsen describes his group as "one that works together every day with a lot of help from Mr. Derby, especially with Connections.” He also said that at the beginning of the year, much of their time was spent “worrying about football and doing a lot of ping pong,” which helped everyone bond early on.

The connection in this group is something Captain Wyatt Sanford kept bringing up when I talked with him. “We have a great group of guys in our mentor group,” Sanford said. “Playing Connections and ping pong is one of our favorite ways to connect with each other.” Those small things have turned into special moments that bring the mento group closer together.

The energy in the mentor group has only grown after-house football. After winning the championship, Captain Evan Bissmeyer said the group’s momentum is strong. “Coming off our House Football championship win, we’re super stoked and looking forward to house basketball,” Bissmeyer said.