Stories on Elite All Boy-School Alumni
Alums of elite all-boy schools share stories about what they observed, experienced and learned within these schools and their brotherhoods. Each story provides a window into these institutions that have long been ignored despite playing a powerful role in making and remaking elites. Collectively, their stories reveal how practices and relations within elite all-boys schools make privileged boys into elite men.
Click below to access each story.
Sheer excitement radiated across the main quad on campus, as rowdy, half-naked boys bustled through the wet grass on a chilly December night.
A few months away from graduating college, Quinn had no concrete ideas for his future…He held on to the belief that had been ingrained in him for years: “Brothers help one another when it matters the most.” He found himself in such a moment.
Even though they arrived about a minute late, their teacher simply told them to take a seat. Showing up late to class after donuts and cider was the only time when tardiness was overlooked.
“You gotta respect the game. If you don’t respect the game, then everybody is going to make your life a living hell,” another added.
Jace, one of the seniors, introduced himself and his fun fact left the freshmen in shock. “I’m gay.” Silas immediately chimed in, “Thank you man for being so open and honest to the
team.”
Georgia Harper
Colby College '22
Artist Statement
When developing imagery for the research project, I tried to create illustrations that would draw out the dominant themes in each story in additional ways. I focused on a motif or image that stood out in the text and depicted those in digital illustrations, while including texture and colors reminiscent of an all-boys prep school uniform. My artwork amplified the themes of solidarity and singularity often found in these narratives on all-boys institutions, in both good and ugly ways.
