Dog "Dawg" Squad

The Dog "Dawg" Squad
The Dog Squad was a prominent social group and elite internal social hierarchy. This clique, founded in the sixth grade and promptly disbanded following the class' eighth grade graduation, was composed of the "best-of-the-best" both financially and socially. This unit included soccer prodigy, Hayden Henry; Jewish money magnate, Nathaniel "Green Goblin" Berkman, accompanied by his sister, Nina Berkman; grade-renowned female trio, Leila Bynum, Kayla Feinberg, and Georgia Davis; Natasha Rensky, class Australian; as well as the physical and intellectual dyad of the McCain brothers, Jack "MegaDinkie" and George "Pistillé."

Founding and Appearance at the Greenkill Trip
The exact date of the establishment of the Squad is unknown, however, it is postulated to have been formed prior to the bus trip to Greenkill, as the initial football game played outside the camp dorm was between the Dog Squad and non-Squad members. "Dawgs," a satirical and derogatory nickname for members made by the "anti-Dog Squad," caused chaos in Greenkill (possibly responsible for Daniel Hua's multiple wasp/bee stings).

The long-term effects of the Dog Squad on the sixth grade retreat was social stratification, and the emergence of male slam poetry, pioneered by Nathaniel Berkman. Additionally, the release of previously unknown information, such as Nathaniel and George McCain's shared interest in both Georgia and Leila, introduced new romantic tension within the grade.

Football Exhibitions
Among the most important events during the Greenkill Retreat were the various football exhibitions between the Dog Squad and other students. In total, the Dog Squad was humiliated. Ending the retreat winless, the Dog Squad was forced to reconsider their perceived social and physical dominance. The result of the six exhibition games was a resounding and uncontested victory, headed by star running back and team leader, Alex Skrypek, as well as all-star quarterback Dax "DB12" Bischof (Tom Brady later adopted the nickname "TB12" after learning of DB12's incredible performance) and tight end, George "Asian Thunder" Cheung. Overall, the games solidified Robert Rendine, Dax Bischof, George Cheung, and Alex Skrypek as prominent and irreplaceable players of the Anti-Dawg Squad Dynasty.

Social Media Influence
The Dog Squad had a profound influence not only on the social system of the Grace Middle School, but also on the media precedents going forwards. With the inclusion of tags reading "Dog Squad," "Dawg Squad," or simply a dog emoji in Instagram bios of "Dawgs," the elitist social aspect of being in a clique was formed. Although a comparable social group has yet to be created, the reverberating repercussions of such a segregating and public message of elitism is still resounding throughout the school.

Internal Disagreements
The major stressor catalyzing the swift collapse of the Dawg Squad can be attributed to Nathaniel Berkman's infatuation with fellow member, Leila Bynum. Nathaniel's obsession with her, caused destruction and internal conflict. Eventual culminating in both members dating, following the social coercion of Leila by Nathaniel. Using the psychological phenomenon, known as "groupthink" or "peer pressure," Nathaniel was able to exploit the large group of Dawg Squad members to force a dating agreement out of Leila. Additionally, the arguably forced inclusion of Charlie "All-American" Plym, caused the shredding of certain friendships and the end of the Dawg Squad.

Re-Appearance in Cape Cod
The Dawg Squad a critical role in the initial development of the Cape Cod Trip, specifically in The Seating Altercation. However, its prominence faded following the events of the Crown Jewel Incident and the The "Rocketman" Fiasco.