Emma Alvarez (Bucks): Now we come to our first Legendary staff to welcome to the stage, she was first a member of the Gazelles at a much younger age. An avid sportsman, both on the court and while fishing if she has luck, she was a natural fit as a first year staff with the Bucks. Her trip isn’t quite as far as she hails from Stony Point, we knew she’d be a great counselor and she didn’t disappoint. So to the boys in the Bucks, yell as if you just got some Pez, for our next Legend to honor is your Emma Alvarez.

Emma Arevalo (Waterfront): Another staff member who happens to share the first name, who started with our first staff Legend in the Gazelles, though instead of with a group it would be the Waterfront where she’d excel. She left us for a year and we thought that was it, but lucky for us Deerkill proved to still be a fit. Beyond just the pool, she’s a sculptor and an archer, her days at camp were varied from arrival to departure. So let’s hear S’more for someone sweeter than marshmallow, for our 2nd Legendary staffer one Emma Arevalo.  

Kaia Carrillo (Waterfront): And now our 2nd Waterfront Legend, she started way back in 2014 at a tender young age, she was a Dolphin with Bray, Ty and Henry who are now waiting up on the stage. She left for a few summers and just when we thought she’d never apply, suddenly in our inbox we saw a reply. And while she’s liked ceramics, science and even Tae Kwan Do, the pool called her name as it is there she did grow. Of course she’s reached Legendary status at Deerkill there’s no high-a, welcome to the club to the Carrillo named Kaia.

Gabriel Corra (Subs): Our first Legend of the second session, started as a Dolphin in 2017, first with Angela and then Rachel Feldberg joined the team. Then to the Antelopes, Bison, Caribou, and Gnus in ‘21, Moose, Rams, Wildebeests, Yaks and Subs but of course he’s not yet done. Hailing first from the Tea Building and then over to 9th and Garden he went, a few extra blocks of Madlibs and Origami was indeed time well spent. He likes all sports, you might say even a plethora, welcome the newest Legend, our own Gabriel Corra.

Paige Coyle (Senior Summit): We come to the Summit, called thus as campers have reached the peak, and we couldn’t be prouder of the first of which we speak. Yet another who’s made the trek daily from 2nd and Monroe, she started back in 2017 with Odalys and Taylor as a Doe. It’s hard to believe it’s now been a decade of arts and crafts, gymnastics and dance, she was even here in 2020 when many others wouldn’t take that chance. And now she’s reached the heights, of what you’d call a camp royal, let’s open the Legendary book to the Paige whose last name is Coyle.

Ella Crowe (Senior Summit): Our second summiteer, we welcome now the next Legendary heiress, she started back in 2017 with the Bambis and Rachael Harris. She clearly roots for the wrong basketball team (the Lakers), but I won’t hold it against her, she’s equally adept at the cube by Rubik as she is a percussion player. She makes the trek from up North, in fact from nearby Monroe, at Quest you can often find her climbing Deerkillimanjaro. Let’s rain down cheers so much she’ll need an umbrella, for the Legendary Crowe, not Russell but our very own Ella.

Joe Firicano (Gnus): OK, the time has finally come to induct someone who was actually a Legend his first year, there’s not a day that goes by I don’t give thanks that he’s here. In his first biography he wrote about winning multiple contests at karaoke, it was clear from the start that he would never be low-key. Like me he loves puzzles, but also collects VHS tapes and enjoys diet coke, he once said he’d like to fill the lower pool with it, and I don’t think it was a joke. But that’s not all, he also enjoys bare knuckle boxing with kangaroos and as for his Theme Nights, you just never know, I am so incredibly proud to introduce the Legendary Gnu Mr. Joe Firicano.

Mickey Gallagher (Subs): Next to join the club who we know you’ll all approve, actually started at another camp before he made the move. In fact, he started as a Ram along with Ben H and Dom, I still remember first meeting him, his sister and Mom. He loves all sports, but especially baseball, it wouldn’t be long before the softball team would make the call. He goes by one name, like Oprah or Drake, though there’s a mouse who’s more famous, at camp this one takes the cake. He’s known by all and has his own entry in the Deerkill Wiki, let’s put our hands together for the Gallagher named Mickey.

Irina Grigoryeva (Harts): Our next Legend actually started 14 years back, when she was quite precocious, her first year as a Bambi she was with Brianne Moses. She took a 5 year hiatus only to return in ’24, as a group counselor it was the Wapiti who she first cared for. She not only loves camp but camping as well, whether it be hiking, the sunrise or the campfire smell. But her heart is at Deerkill, and at Deerkill she’s with the Harts, Irina Grigoryeva, come join the Legends of which you are part.  

Gianna Harris (Senior Summit): Another Bambi from 2017, she moved from the city to the ferry, she thought that might be the end but rather was quite the contrary. She’s a competitive swimmer outside of camp and actually does ballet too, though perhaps her future as staff may lie with the Adventure Course crew. Tis true her big sister was a Legend first, though only by one year, she now joins her among Deerkill’s uppermost tier. So let’s put our hands together, in fact you can stand if you wanna, for our last Legendary Summit the Harris we know as Gianna.

Kyle Herstein (Senior Apex): Here’s our first Apex, also here since 2017, he’s made the annual pilgrimage from 2nd and Monroe from age 5 all the way to 14. He’s always smiling, in fact I think you’d call it a permagrin, none more than 2023 when he and Westin shared the Gaga Games win. He’s adept on the field and of course on the court, he competes but always with sportsmanship in every sport. Up Happiness Hill he’s walked roughly 38 miles, welcome to the Club to the Herstein named Kyle.

Hailey Jablonsky (Impalas): Another one who arrived late to the scene, she started with the Sambars back in 2016. Now only she and Emily I are with us at camp still, she just couldn’t stop climbing Happiness Hill. She’s always been a gymnast and has enjoyed ceramics more than a little, her hobbies include running, catching flicks and sour skittles. Her commute to camp is a short one, only 9 miles each way, though I suspect she’d even walk it to get to her Impalas every day. So let’s all be loud and strum an air ukulele, for we next welcome to the stage the Jablonsky we all call Hailey.

Thomas Leahy (Senior Apex): A second Apex today, in fact one out of four, who’s been on the Deerkill decade-long tour. This one started as an Antelope, following in the footsteps of his big sis, who knew then that ten years later not a summer he would miss. He’s a fan of America’s pastime, though unfortunately roots for the Yanks, but nobody’s perfect so he’s still welcome in our Legendary ranks. A great guy, and one that can make you laugh, here’s hoping he sticks around and eventually joins our staff. For very few carry so much promise, I’m speaking of course about the Leahy named Thomas.

Jonah Link (Senior Apex): Another honoree from Hoboken, who’s made it to this point, we’re so glad he’s returned and did not disappoint. He comes from the Shipyard, often with Mr. Tilley, until he arrives and then climbs Happiness Hill-y. A fan of tennis and pickleball, but of course also chess and guitar, with such a diverse set of skills, it’s clear he’s going to go far. But today he need only take a few steps, it’s true he’s now just at the brink, welcome to the club to the one and only Jonah Link.

Arielle Lieberman (Senior Summit): Our first Legend of 2026, did you know, is not the first in her family, that actually would be her bro. She started back in ’17, her first summer as a Doe, with a legendary counselor trio of Odalys, Taylor Q and Kate Passano. She’s one of only 6 left from the group that inaugural year, many of whom will also becomes Legends later this year. But she gets the legendary sweatshirt first, for she will not be here next week, though we hope she returns next year to continue her remarkable streak. So let’s all get together and let out one big yell, for the Legendary Lieberman we all call Arielle.

Danielle Litt (Subseniors): She finally made it, after a very long wait, with her last name, it was a matter of fate. Starting as a Flipper, in 2017, Nancy was her Group Leader when she first came on the scene. A Bambi, Doe, Gazelle, and Llama rounded out her first 5 then Nyala , Sambar, Wapiti and Zebra before with the Subseniors would she then thrive. The only days she’s not here is when she’s in some sort of tourney, sometimes bringing 49 Cent with her on the journey. But forget about him, it is for her that we yell, our first Legend of the day is the Litt named Danielle.

Devin Lowney (Substitute): Our only Substitute to join the club this year, he’s been here since ‘15 and has more than earned his Legendary gear. His first year was with the Antelopes, when they were led by Rachael Parent, his love for Deerkill and for sports was easily apparent. When he was a camper at basketball quest, you’d hear his name called by Dank, he was never afraid to throw up a 3 or sometimes even call bank. And now he’s first in his whole extended clan to reach this Deerkill heaven, we invite to the stage the newest Legend today, the Lowney we all know as Devin.

Emma Lowney (Senior Summit): Our third Legends of the second half, this one actually has had some family on staff. She was a Flipper all the way back in ’16, when Nancy and Jess T were still on the scene. And guess where she travels from, yes Hoboken, how’d you know, though her trip is further from 2nd and Monroe. A lover of arts and crafts and a sculptor of pottery, if you happen to be her friend, well then you won the lottery. When it comes to returning as a STAR, we truly hope there’s no dilemma, for we love having with us the Lowney named Emma.

Nicholas Milisits (Woodworking): Our first Specialty Legend now takes his place, he joined us as a Gnu, then Moose, Rams, Wildebeests, Yaks, Subs, Apex and STARs were next up in his queue. He’s a fan of ice hockey and with a bow and arrow has always been good, but his true passion at camp and where he’s at home is of course working with wood. Now in his 2nd year as part of the staff, he actually works with my brother, with he and his bro joining the club today I can only imagine the pride of his mother. He’s earned a new nickname, Milly he’s called but now only Legend will fit, because celebrating his decade-long run is one Nicholas Milisits.

Thomas Milisits (STARs): We now come to our final camper to be honored here today, he’s one of two brothers though for the other there’ll be a delay. He was a Bison back in the day, that’s where his camp adventure did start, and for ten years he and Deerkill each summer never did part. He’s the only representative of our beloved STARs, and perhaps next will join the work force, too bad we don’t hire fencing or bowling counselors but perhaps he’d prefer the Adventure Course. You haven’t met him yet, but he’s gonna keep the Deerkill promise, you simply must meet the Milisits we all call Thomas.

Avery Milton (Impalas): Now back to the Impalas do we go for another Legendary entry, she joined us in the Gazelles when she was just starting elementary. Elizabeth A was in her group but alas all the others have gone, we’re so glad she’s never left and as a new staff member carries on. As for sports, well gaga, soccer, softball and climbing have typically been where she cooks, when she’s not at camp you can probably find her settling down with a book. So let’s yell nice and loud and without fear, let’s all show our Legendary bravery, for the newest member of our incredible club the Milton who we all call Avery.

Westin Rumph (Senior Apex): And yet another Apex who comes from 07030, a co-champ at Gaga with Kyle, that day our admiration did grow. An athlete but humble, his skills have grown as he’s become tall, you’ll find him at his best on the pitch or playing baseball. Now that he’s reached this Legendary status, I’m sure he’d be remiss, if he didn’t boast that he joined the club before his older sis. And while he is athletic, eating whole tomatoes might be what he’s best in, let’s hear it for our newest Legend, the Rumph we all know as Westin.

Jared Small (Tennis): Our next Legendary staff member owns a last name which his reputation belies, though in a decade of camp we can count on one hand the times that we’ve actually seen his eyes. He’s a man of mystery who knows everyone, but yet can only be found on a court, another like Mickey who migrated over he was a Champion of sorts. He started in a group with my nephew with Tom P and Nick in the Subs, he’s now the only one from that group left and represents them as he joins this club. He’s a bit of a gamer, and a fan of music, though sometimes his mountain bike calls, but forever more what he’ll be most known for is being a Legend, I give you the one and only Jared Small.

Brandon Spino (Rams): Our penultimate Legend, for this year’s first session, he started as an Elk in ’16, of course Tommy was his counselor, and Jaden was his group mate, and now they’re the only ones left on the scene. He’s a fellow Ridgewoodian, from Somerville, BF and RHS he has hailed, he’s climbed Happiness Hill a few hundred times, and Deerkillimanjaro he’s scaled. He loves dodgeball and basketball and is also a gamer, but nothing compares to being a Deerkill hall of famer. For after a decade at camp, this is the cherry on top, perhaps even a maraschino, let’s all give a rousing welcome to the Legendary Brandon Spino.

Emmy Zvirbulis (STARs): Wait, what is that, we have on more STAR to go, but she’s one of two in her family upon whom a sweatshirt we will bestow. She’s the last one left from the 2017 Fawns, only she among them will join our Legendary icons. She does it all, arts and crafts, softball and singing, she’s also a climber and enjoys ziplines and swinging. It’s hard to believe she’s already a STAR, we hope this isn’t the end and she keeps the Deerkill door ajar. Her last name comes late but if you’ll kindly lemme, introduce the only Legend in her class, the Zvirbulis named Emmy.   

Luke Zvirbulis (Moose): We come to the end of our honors tonight, with one whose last name starts with z, though he is last he’s certainly not least, from now on a Legend he’ll be. His first year was with Mike where he and his group learned about Hi-5 Imperial Pride, it’s surprising that after meeting 49 cent he still took a decade-long ride. Always the athlete, he’s a lover of sport, whether basketball, gaga or even the pickleball court. In last year’s bio he told us a wolf was indeed his favorite beast, though I have a feeling the Moose are now #1, his kids would say that at least. Welcome to the Legendary Club, an honor no one can rebuke, to the Zvirbulis we all know as Luke.