The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy

Kaylee Goncalves and Maddie Morgan are nervous on Bid Day at the University of Idaho. This is the day when the girls will find out which sorority they’ve gotten into. Both Kaylee and Maddie want to get into Alpha Phi (APhi, pronounced “ay-fee”). They know that Greek life isn’t just about fun—it’s also about networking and making connections. Maddie and Kaylee have been friends for six years. They rarely spend time apart.

Maddie has heard that the sororities like to separate existing friendships, as the “point” of Greek life is making new friends and connections. The girls know this means only one of them will get into Alpha Phi. When the envelopes are opened, they discover that Alpha Phi has chosen Kaylee. Maddie has gotten into Pi Beta Phi (Pi Phi, pronounced “pie-fie”), which she views as respectable but not a “top house” on campus (20). The two girls know that they’ll now be spending a lot more time apart.

Maddie uses her photography skills and social media savvy to build the reputation of Pi Beta Phi. The women largely keep their friendship off of social media. Their social media feeds show the close friendships they form with their sorority sisters.