Maddy and Kate Rhodes-Kropf (Subseniors): Now come two Legendary twins, who have come for a decade strong, hailing from the Subseniors where they play soccer together all club long. Their cousins anticipate their arrival from Beantown every year, they sneak in mid-morning when their grandparents finally find their way here. Yes, they may be twins, but they certainly are not the same, they are such different people though they do share a name. One is an avid reader and at dance is a leaper, while the other’s at home on the pitch and kills the Minecraft creepers. A week here and a week there, it all adds up over time, ten years later they get to hear their rhyme. Now four days away from both becoming teens, they first get to burst upon the Legends scene. So let’s yell loud enough so they hear us in Massachusetts state, for my Legendary nieces, our beloved Maddy and Kate.

Ryan McAndrew (Staff): Next up a legend who toiled by the shimmering pool, where Friday Fun and snacks do rule, As a Senior Boy, he started late, a decade followed, his path was fate. He came with his sister supportive and kind and a mom whose love is maternal defined. With family by his side, and his DJ board too, his legendary aspirations grew and grew. Of course, all things must pass, and so he moved on forthwith, but came back for his sweatshirt and his parents’ 25th. He’ll get his now while his family will wait, after all he’s got a full-time job miles from here in a southern state. So let’s stand up and raise our voices high, to the McAndrew who called himself Ry-Guy.

Meredith Gatto (Zebras): First to join this exclusive Club is a Zebra who has certainly earned her stripes. She started way back in ’15, when Nancy and Jess still ran the Flippers scene. She was a legacy and not the first of her family at camp, to take those big first steps up that gravel lot ramp. She’s one of the only people in our long history that counts 10 different groups in her Deerkill story. After the Flippers came the Dolphins, Bambis, Does, and Gazelles, Impalas, Nyalas, Oribi, Wapiti until with the Zebras she fell. She loves gaga, swimming and gymnastics now and then, of course her favorite things at camp are her cousins and aunt, Nurse Jenn! So all the way from Fair Lawn, I’ve done my best to foreshadow, that our first Legend today is Meredith Gatto!

Evan Lendaris (Subs): Now entering the Legendary scene (and stage) is another, who follows just one year after his older brother. His mom and Rebecca go way way back, to before there was even one Legends plaque. This week you’ll see him at Fencing with a sword, however he’s more likely to win an archery award. Also a Flipper back in ’15, followed by the Antelopes, Bison, Caribou and Gnus, then Okapi, Rams, Wildebeests, Yaks and finally the Subs where his Legendary quest ensues. He’s come to camp each day from the East 60’s, that’s 35 miles each day before the Deerkill sign he sees. You will not meet a nicer guy, we hope he’s back for 11, welcome to the club the Lendaris named Evan.

Josh Kaweblum (Subs): Next up is another Sub, though he hopes to one day start, for the staff softball team that is, where he has clearly laid his heart. Another who is the second Legend in his clan, whose older brother’s own Legendary status a year ago began. If you want to find him at Quest, there’s only one place he’ll be, playing on Legends field, in his own quest to be the next great Yankee. He’s the third of this group to start with those campers that Flip, and since to camp has taken about 750 round trips. His family is Deerkill true, and has witnessed so much softball gloom, perhaps he will bring us glory one day, the one and only Josh Kaweblum.

Thomas Gambardella (Senior Apex): Here’s another who’s a big staff softball fan, who also has seen our team finish often as also-rans. He’s our only Apex to be honored and join the Legendary hall, and has come a long way from the Antelopes to finally get the call. He’s a ballplayer himself, whether on the diamond or the soccer field, he’s been known to be competitive and doesn’t easily yield. His group has been so tight, they’ve been together for years, indeed many of them have already received their own Legendary cheers. We hope he’s with us in the future, for he’s truly a thoughtful fella, let’s all put our hands together for Mr. Thomas Gambardella.

Elizabeth Alarcon (Senior Summit): Next in line is our first Senior Summit, though also not the first of her name, as her brother preceded her in receiving his moment of fame. She started in the Flippers 10 years back, now one of the oldest campers here she finally has her plaque. When it comes to art here at camp, she is without peer, whether Club or Quest, you’ll typically find her there. Now her little sister, a Bambi joins her every day, they ride the bus together to camp where they both do play. Once a 3-year old, but now she is all grown, our next inductee is Elizabeth Alarcon.

Carly Gottlieb (Senior Summit): Our second Senior Summit of the day and ANOTHER Flipper from ‘15, this one has finally hit the Legendary scene. She gets excited every year to receive her envelope by post, whatever group she joins is of course the one she loves the most. She’s a true renaissance camper, with interests varied and wide, whether photo, adventure course or softball, I heard she even enjoys the treehouse slide. Her family is near and dear to us, an important part of our Deerkill clan, her Mom’s about to join her, we’re both of their biggest fans. But first we celebrate her, and rev as loud as a Harley, for the Gottlieb we all know and love, congrats to our dearest Carly.

Lindsay Strey (STARs): Our first STAR of four to be honored tonight, she’s climbed Happiness Hill for a decade to reach such great heights. She’s a dancer, an artist and a climber of towers, but of course being a STAR might be her greatest superpower. She got her start in the Fawns with Leigh, then she was with Lyndsey in the Harts, Impalas, Oribi, and Royals were among her other adventures at the start. From there to Quest she would eventually go, Wapiti, Zebras, then Subseniors and finally she climbed the Summit a year ago. Her birthday party sleepovers are part of Deerkill lore, she invites everyone she knows until her cars can fit no more. So let’s all let out a Legendary cry, for the next honoree among us, none other than Lindsey Strey.

Caitlin Leahy (STARs): The next STAR-ry Legend is another who got her start in the Fawns, it didn’t take her long to realize Deerkill is where she belongs. She’s an easy person to like, and is not exactly reserved, her reputation as a funny and caring friend is clearly well-deserved. Every year on her personal profile where it asks what your child enjoys most at camp, it simply said “everything” because she’s always smiling after she climbs that Happiness Hill “ramp.” We’re so lucky her family found us, she along with her bro, of course she can rub it in that he still has two years to go. But for her it’s today, there will be no more waitin’ we are thrilled to welcome to the club the Leahy named Caitlin.

Sarah Eckert (STARs): Our 3rd STAR tonight, can it be, well yes it can, and believe it or not she too started as a Fawn the same year her friends began. At first of Bucky you could say she had a little fear, but after getting to know him realized he wasn’t your average deer. She’s a sculptor and an artist, the ceramics studio is her 2nd home, but she’s also an athlete as on Deerkill’s tennis courts she did roam. Another who makes quite the trip so her friends she can see, in fact she comes from across the “ocean,” well the one that starts with a “G.” Now everyone please throw your hands in the air-a, for our next Legend the Eckert we call Sarah.

Maggie Darragh (STARs): And just like that, we’re at our last camper, another STAR for whom a poem was composed, though this one was the first who started in the Does. Yes, back in 2014, with Nina Basu she did start, then Gazelles, Llamas, Nyalas, Royals, Sambars, Subs and Summit she did take part. An athlete she clearly is whether on the diamond or shooting arrows with bows, but of course she’s just as good at making friends which she does wherever she goes. Her sister has been Legendary, for she got hers back in ’22, now she joins the same club…and we hope she joins our staff too. So let’s get Boombastic like that old song by Shaggy, for the last camper Legend, our own Darragh named Maggie.

Domenic Bartolomeo (Staff – Buildings & Grounds): Now to our first staff member, he started a decade ago in the Moose, with an amazing staff trio of Ben Patis, Tom Conroy and, of course, Huss. He’s one of three siblings, all who joined back then, with their wonderful grandmother, who we can’t wait to see again. He flies under the radar, but here at camp is extremely well known, you may just see his trademark hat and glasses but in all he does his character is shown. For many a year, perhaps even since his start, his goal was to join Maintenance, and of course drive his own camp cart. He’s as good as it gets, he’d be Hellmans if he were mayo, welcome to the club, Mr. Domenic Bartolomeo.

Dara Gottlieb (Staff – Attendance Coordinator): Number 2 on our staff to be honored today, is actually # 1 in our hearts I must say. Her daughter beat her by a few minutes to this glorious stage, however, like a fine wine she’s only getting better with age. Her family’s been with us since way back in ’13, how close we’d become nobody could have foreseen. While her husband isn’t staff, he might as well be, he’s certainly also now part of our family. She toils each day counting all the campers who are out, she had her first perfect double check in years, you might have heard her shout. She gave me my favorite mug, which I’ll keep for very long, she knows I’d agree with you but then we’d both be wrong. Like Big Papi and the Sox, she’s never allowed to spend a summer elsewhere-a, welcome to our newest Hall of Famer, the Gottlieb named Dara.

Charlie Hoffman (Staff - Rams): We are so proud of the next staff inductee, Deerkill is the place he is always meant to be. He goes all the way back to the Bison with Darrah Samuel, Gina Gardini and our very own Tommy rounded out that perfect group manual. A fan of Angry Birds, Lego and Star Wars, he eventually owned the bball pavilion where he was a “big” source of scores. He’s a first year staff member, literally looked up to by every Ram, whether it’s in the quieter moments or hitting a grand slam. He’s got bragging rights over his brother, at least for 3 more years, perhaps by then they’ll be playing on the softball team as peers. But for now we celebrate him, and yell out loud and often, for the Charlie whose last name is Hoffman.

Emily Iannucci (Staff - Llamas): Our 4th staff member hails from the Llamas, where she helps lead them in athletics, songs and dramas. She started in 2015 with the Royals, she and Frances B are the only remaining campers who from that group have stayed loyal. Her staff journey started in Arts & Crafts with Mark, Tigs and Jolece, but the camper groups called and it was there where she now says her piece. She was a gymnast, it’s not a “stretch” to say she loved the pommel horse, but ceramics and photo, those were her camp passions of course. Now let’s welcome her with a roar like the river Chattahoochee, for the next Legendary inductee Emily Iannucci.

Bella Karmin (Staff - Dolphins): Next up will be a popular selection, for our campers who were just born during the last presidential election. A first year staff member, she was made to fill the role, every since 2015 when Deerkill became her north pole. She hails from the upper east side, a neighborhood I also once called home, from there 70 miles round trip daily does she roam. She’s a fan of sculpture and climbing and is mature beyond her age, her true gifts reveal themselves when she’s featured on stage. Her campers clearly adore her, it’s obvious to all, I’m sure they’re going to be confused as to why her name we’ll call. Let’s rain down cheers upon her, so much that she’ll need an umbrella, for the next to grace this stage is the Karmin we call Bella.

Katie Kellner (Staff - Athletics): My goodness, I can hardly believe, what this next staff member is about to achieve. No, I’m not talking about her little bump, but rather a decade of helping kids jump. Speaking of jumping, it’s something she knows well, for out of countless planes she has voluntarily fell. But it doesn’t end there, the skydiving is just part, of this tattooed counselor with the big heart. With her two guys on either side, together they are one of Deerkill’s all-time trios, when TJ joined they became the 3 Athletic Amigos. There’s no doubt, she’s going to be that rare parent that’s cool, her kid’s friends will all be jealous when she drops her off at school. But for now we’re lucky she’s here, but let’s not overwhelm her, welcome the hippest Katie I know, the one who goes by Kellner.

Keri McAndrew (Staff - Bison): Now we come to a pair, part of a Legendary family I’d say, the son had his moment of glory back on USA Day. But now it’s his sister’s turn to enjoy her place in the hall, it seems like just yesterday she was joining the Zebras and following Haley Small. But a decade it’s been, it’s true I’ve kept count, and now those first camp friends still love her a tremendous amount. Yes, Bri and Becky are watching, 6 years after they earned their way, now they get to witness their friend’s special day. But while she loved being a camper there were greater things on the horizon, she found her true gift was with the Dolphins and Bison. While she love archery, climbing and crafts, there’s no doubt about that, I’ve heard there’s a rumor she’s getting a cat. I’ve probably said enough or more than I planned to, it’s time to honor our Keri McAndrew.

Pam McAndrew (Staff – Camp Administrator): Here’s the second of the pair, one I know very well, we’re so incredibly fortunate for Deerkill she fell. I remember meeting her a decade ago, and from that moment forward my respect for her did grow. But not just as a person, she’s also an all-timer as a mother, whether to her new Legendary daughter or her southern DJ brother. Her empathy knows no bounds, she’s always there with a hug, that is unless you fly near her and look like a stink bug. Now she’s the first voice you hear when you call on the phone, as she helps new camp parents find a place of their own. She cares about every detail even worrying about lost bags, there’s nothing she can’t do now that she conquered name tags. She charts a daily route to kindness, and indeed map is her anagram, join Keri on stage please the McAndrew named Pam.

Reilly Sati (Staff - Photo): We now come to the penultimate Legend who I speak on behalf, she was a long-time camper before this year joining our staff. Last year she was part of our staff development as she followed the STAR-ry route, now she’s helping our campers develop as they lead their own photo shoot. Her debut came with Lyndsey in the Harts, together they would stay a decade from their start. She’s a sculptor and an archer and runs track morning and afternoon, but her most interesting skill is making animals out of balloons. But I’m not full of hot air, when I say we think of her highly, our next Legendary inductee is the Sati we all call Reilly.

Lyndsey Stodnick (Staff – Summer Programming): Our last Legend is here, I know you’ve waited so long, but last is not least and with this Legend we are certainly finishing strong. She actually organized the schedule for today’s event, and now to the stage she’ll make her ascent. Her decade at camp is divided in two, first synonymous with the Harts now leading the summer programming crew. She recently moved but is still buying pieces, she’s an incredible aunt always boasting of her nieces. Of course here at camp she’s known for her lanyards, her skill with the rope surpasses paella by a Spaniard. My daughter is one of her biggest fans it’s true, one of her favorite summers ever was with her in ’22. Thank goodness she left her old camp and Deerkill was her pick, we are forever grateful for finding Lyndsey Stodnick.

Avery Kush (Senior Summit): The first Legend of the second session has been eyeing this sweatshirt from day one, for her and her sister, their big day has finally come. I’ve known her since she was two, she happens to live right next door, little did I know then she’d be here for half a score. She started in the Bambis with our very own Rachel Harris in ’15, she was only 4 when she started and now she is a teen. The Senior Summit is her home, though she takes time to travel, but she knows she’s back home when her bus finally hits that gravel. We’re so glad she has never soured on camp, and still finds Deerkill savory, to the Legend in waiting, the Kush named Avery.

Jake De Pierro (STARS): Our first of two Legendary Stars to be honored today, this one started with Dan in the Caribou, only to end up in the STARs with…Dan again, it must be déjà vu. But of course he’s grown just a bit in between, indeed he’s become quite lanky, of course nobody’s perfect, for I know he roots for the Yankees. But we’ll forgive him that for now, for he will always have a home here at Deerkill, and we truly hope this is not the last August he climbs Happiness Hill. For he’s firmly in STAR status, and to his groups he may be their hero, congratulations on a decade all the way from Grandview here comes Jake De Pierro.

Logan Kush (STARS): Our last Legendary camper of 2024, will be enshrined in this sacred club forevermore. She follows her sister today but only by a bit, that said she was the first we hired to babysit. Yes, we know her well we’ve seen her grow up throughout each school year, and when her football team won sectionals, we were even there to cheer. She’s an athlete for sure, of that there is no doubt, but her maturity and drive are also what clearly stand out. Forget Nike, “Just Do It” should be her slogan, for she excels at all she takes on the Kush we all know as Logan.

Anna Bartolomeo (Staff - Kitchen): The first 10-year staffer comes in every day with a smile, she gives the best hugs at Deerkill, and at that by a mile. You’ll find her every day in the kitchen by the sink, she’s mixed over 75,000 salads while with us I think. Everything she does, she does with great care, whether it’s preparing food or just offering a receptive ear. We’re so glad she’s doing better, Deerkill is clearly not the same without her. Her 3 grandkids have received a wonderful gift of camp from their Nanna, but we’ve all received the gift of the Bartolomeo named Anna.

Zach Hunko (Staff - Substitute): The next staff member we honor tonight is a staple with our older boys though he manages them without having to make much noise. He was one of the first to find us via Indeed, little did we know then that he was just what our Yaks would need. He’s active in camp and out, he coaches football and provides our softball team with some clout. He’s as caring as he is tall and probably even more, of him this world could use more. Yes, the next honoree to celebrate dos times cinco, is our very own Zach the Yak Hunko.

Ben Patis (Staff): Could there be more that have been here 5, of course there are that’s why Deerkill thrives. He started in that famous group with Tom Conroy and Huss, back in ’15 when everyone wanted to be with the Moose. He left for a few but came back as a Stag, now he has the monumental task of having the Okapi return their towels to the bag. He started as a camper when Rebecca still ran the pool, he had just finished 3rd grade in school. He’s a master at Karate and listens to the Who, he’s not only a 5-year staffer but of course he’s also a Legend too! We’re sorry we didn’t honor you previously, please do not hate us, for we so appreciate you Mr. Ben Patis.