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Volu m e 6 4 , Issu e 6
A Student Publication of the Belmont Hill School
Sleep: A Second Priority but a Primary Concern By Susy Liu & Claudia Meyer Panel Staff Beep-beep! Beep-beep! Beep! You groan and grope blindly for the snooze button. The mechanical voice falls into silence and yields to the first thought of your day: “I really should have gone to sleep earlier last night.” We recognize this moment all too well - when we are most aware of the widespread disease called sleep deprivation. Sleep seemingly eludes the majority of students in our generation. People today sleep 20% less than they did 100 years ago, and 70% of high schoolers get below the minimum of the 8-10 hours of sleep that teenagers need to function best (The Sleep Foundation). We accept lack of sleep as a fact of life. It’s not that we don’t understand the importance of rest - we feel and hear about the consequences of sleep deprivation on a daily basis, rather, we are convinced that nothing can be done to fix the situation, as our lives seem to be under ever increasing pressure as school and society continually expect more and more of us. However, after surveying the Upper School’s sleep habits and attitudes, it seems that the mentality
around sleep itself is also a large culprit behind sleep deprivation. Survey responses conveyed Winsor students’ dilemma of choosing between homework, school, and sleep. One of our poll questions, which asked students to describe what they could possibly do to go to bed earlier, received responses such as, “nothing,” “I don’t know,” or even, “pray, drop out of school, or learn to sleep work.” These responses are completely relatable for all of us, but they do convey the attitude that, at this point, increasing the number of hours of sleep each night seems like a hopeless cause:
getting more sleep is impossible so long as school exists. The majority of students actually suggested that procrastinating less on homework and thereby cutting out more time to enjoy themselves would be a good solution, indicating that homework is not only an enemy against sleep, but
also against leisure and relaxation. As shown by the open comment space at the end of our survey, students love sleep- saying simply, “I just want more of it,” “I love it,” “Sleep is life. Literally,” and, one of our favorites, “I dream about getting more sleep.” But although students are constantly reminded of the importance of sleep, they still, as one student commented, “often de-prioritize it in the face of school work and other commitments.” As another student summarized, “When you have an overwhelming amount of commitments, what else can you sacrifice? You have to eat, you have to shower, you have to do your work. So losing a few hours of sleep is not seen as too bad in the long run.” The fact that sacrificing sleep can be detrimental to our physical and mental health is inescapable, but nonetheless we’re all guilty of making this mistake in order to fulfill our responsibilities. Sleep is evidently not a priority at Winsor - education takes precedence over everything. Each student works insanely hard to achieve lofty goals and often unrealistically high expectations set Continued on page 4
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BH Panel Now Online! www.bhpanel.org (Read more on Page 3)
Crossing the Line:
Outrage Over Senator Cruz’s Insult of New York Values By Isabel Isselbacher Staff Writer “I think people know exactly what New York values are.” Despite previous cordiality between the two candidates, Donald Trump and Ted Cruz went head to head in the January 14 GOP debate hosted by Fox Business Network. Likely feeling the threat of Cruz’s rising poll numbers, Trump had begun questioning Cruz’s eli-
stands,” he continued, “that the values in New York city are socially liberal or pro-abortion or pro-gay marriage ….[and] focus around money and the media.” It was clear that Cruz was trying to alarm the largely-conservative audience by framing Trump’s hometown as the antagonist of the Republican party. He depicted the city as shallow and materialistic, going to such lengths as calling it “pro-abortion” despite the fact that the Democratic
theintercept.com gibility in the presidential race due to his birth on Canadian soil. In response, Cruz attempted to discredit Trump in the eyes of the Republican Party by attacking New York City, home of Donald Trump and another 8.3 million Americans. “I think people know exactly what New York values are, Cruz stated. “Everyone under-
party champions a very different platform of “pro-choice.” Trump responded immediately with uncharacteristic calm: “When the World Trade Center came down, I saw something that no place on Earth could have handled more beautifully, more humanely than New York.” Cruz hastily nodded and clapped along with the Continued on page 4
Mr. Murphy Becomes Interim Director of Middle School Look Inside MLK Chapel pg 2 BH Scoreboard pg 7 Winsor Sports Team Updates pg 8 Socioeconomic Status at Winsor and BH pg 10 BH Politics Poll Results pg 16
By Ishaan Prasad Panel Staff As boys returned to campus rested and ready to embark on the few remaining days of the first semester, the beginning of 2016 saw a change at the top of the Middle School, with Mr. Murphy taking the helm as Director of the Middle School while Mrs. Hamilton prepared for a well-deserved sabbatical. Having joined the faculty in 1995, Mrs. Hamilton has been immersed in almost all aspects of the Belmont Hill community, whether coaching Cross Country, teaching English, or acting as advisor to First Form boys (and I’ve had the pleasure of learning from her in all three settings!). While we will surely miss Mrs. Hamilton this semester, we hope she has a great time off-campus, and can’t wait to hear about her experiences and stories! Mr. Murphy, who gradu-
ated from Belmont Hill in 1998, has been teaching Mathematics here since 2006, in addition to serving as Assistant Athletic Director and Head Coach of the Varsity basketball team. Although Mr. Murphy works with Middle Schoolers throughout the year, teaching seventh grade Pre-Algebra and coaching Fifth Soccer in the fall, he took up the position in
an effort to “get to know the boys better and from a different perspective.” With an already busy schedule to begin with, Mr. Murphy is aided by Mr. Davis ’07, who joined him as Assistant Athletic Director this year; however, serving as head is no easy job itself. As Mr. Murphy explains as we sit in his office in the Melvoin Academic Center, “there are so
many different aspects of the Middle School, and the position is definitely as busy as I expected it would be. It really does show me just how involved Ms. Hamilton has been every year as Middle School head!” With the door to his office, across from the second form study hall, almost always open, Mr. Murphy mentions that he really enjoys having “the kids stop by: it really makes my day hearing their stories and whatever else they have to say.” For Mr. Murphy, his primary goal is to have “as smooth a spring as possible. The boys already know that this semester is business as usual, and I’m not hoping to make any crazy changes.” As an alumnus and longstanding member of the faculty, Mr. Murphy has been integral to Belmont Hill for many years, and is well-prepared in leading the Middle School to another great semester!☐
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Lebanos Mengistu and Gus Lamb ‘17 Take Belmont Hill Students Volunteer at Semester Abroad for New Oppurtunities Christmas in the City, Annual Holiday Party for Boston Homeless Families
By Robbie Warming Staff Writer On the last Friday of the semester, two Belmont Hill Fifth Formers departed campus for semesters away. Gus Lamb, with 31 other students from across the country, will head off to New York City for CITYterm. The program is centered at the Masters School
in Dobbs Ferry, just thirty minutes from the city. Three days a week, Gus will be involved in a traditional high school curriculum: AP US History, Spanish 4,
Both Lebanos and Gus look forward to a coed experience that brings together students from across the country. Lebanos anticipates “meeting new people from all around the country, forming strong relationships, and learning as much as I can while having the most fun as possible.” as well as CITYterm’s Urban Core which, as Gus put it, “encompasses three classes using curriculum based on New York.” The other three days will be spent in the city, with experiential learning that ties their courses to the life of New York. Lebanos Mengistu will be embarking on a wholly different experience. Lebanos will be the first Belmont Hill boy to attend the School of Ethics and Global Leadership (SEGL) in Washington, DC. The school is centered around students with “character, promise for
leadership, and scholastic ability.” And, By Matt Bracken being in the heart of our nation’s capital, Staff Writer this provides a unique setting to explore leadership and international relations. C hr ist mas in t he Cit y st ar te d For instance, one could be “studying of f as a sma l l fami ly t radit ion t hat North Korean politics in a State Depart- prov ide d a C hr ist mas p ar t y w it h ment conference room,” or perhaps even de corat ions, games and a me a l for run into a senator on one’s walk to school, approximately 165 mot hers and according to SEGL’s website. Being on chi ldren in t he B oston are a. FoundCapitol Hill, SEGL is certainly in the mid- e d by Ja ke Kenne dy, C hr ist mas in t he Cit y relie d init i a l ly up on on ly donat ions f rom fami ly memb ers, f r iends, and coworkers to prov ide
p aint ing wo o den C hr ist mas t re es to cre ate a fest ive at mosphere for t he e vent its elf. Howe ver, t he 2015 C hr ist mas in t he Cit y g roup was resp onsible for t ransit ioning t he p art icip ants f rom t heir bus es to t heir cor re c t sp ot w it hin t he convent ion center. Wit h 170 s cho ol bus es to accommo d ate, t he organizat ion of dif ferent g roups was a cr uci a l j ob, esp e ci a l ly in a g i ant convent ion center. For t wo and a ha lf hours, many
dle of the American political universe. Both Lebanos and Gus look forward to a coed experience that brings together students from across the country. Lebanos anticipates “meeting new people from all around the country, forming strong relationships, and learning as much as I can while having the most fun as possible.” Children Enjoying Christmas in the City Though their respective programs offer top-notch educations, they will ultimately pres ents for fami lies in ne e d. Howremember their relationships the most. e ver, t his sma l l, non-prof it orgaThese programs will also offer Gus nizat ion quick ly exp ande d, and in and Lebanos opportunities to become 2010, it prov ide d a fest ive C hr istmore self-supporting. As Gus put it, “I’m mas spir it, including live enter t ainlooking forward to becoming more inde- ment, games, r ides, and a p ett ing pendent and learning in a very diverse zo o, for over 3000 fami lies f rom environment.” Indeed, this new indepen- ne arby homeless shelters. Addidence and maturity is one of the highlights t iona l ly, C hr ist mas in t he Cit y disof any study-away program. Didier Luc- t r ibute d toys and g if ts to a lmost ceus ‘16, who attended School Year Abroad 2000 fami lies w ho were not able France last year, said that just traveling to attend t he e vent. As t his phi laround an unfamiliar location is “a really ant hropic venture has g row n, t he important skill” he’s picked up. Because of ne e d for volunte ers has dramat ic a lhis experiences away from the norm, Di- ly incre as e d as wel l. S o, on D e cemdier noted, “I feel like I’ve matured a lot.” b er 20t h, a sma l l g roup of students However, both see their leav- le d by Ms. Z ener, lef t t he B elmont ing as bittersweet. Lebanos and Gus Hi l l c ampus for t he B oston C onstressed how much they’ll miss all vent ion and E xhibit ion C enter to their friends back at Belmont Hill, volunte er for C hr ist mas in t he Cit y. and they hope that they can keep L ast ye ar, t he B elmont Hi l l volunin touch. As Gus put it, “S/o to my te ers cont r ibute d t he d ay b efore t he homies, you know who you are.” ☐ ac tu a l C hr ist mas in t he Cit y e vent,
B elmont Hi l l students p ers ona l ly g re ete d and le d t he incoming attende es into t he fant ast ic C hr ist mas in t he Cit y l ayout, w hich t his ye ar fe ature d b o ot hs r un by Mus eum of S cience, t he Mus eum of Fine Ar ts, B oston C hi ldren’s Mus eum, Z o o Ne w Eng l and and t he Ne w Eng l and Aqu ar ium. The e vent a ls o fe ature d a climbing wa l l, g ingerbre ad houses, and a sp e ci a l app e arance f rom Sant a and Mrs. C l aus. C hr ist mas in t he Cit y a ls o s et up a j ob fair for t he p arents attending , s o t hat any unemploye d p arents cou ld st ar t to get b ack on t heir fe et. O vera l l, t he 2015 C hr ist mas in t he Cit y, w it h t he help of many B elmont Hi l l volunte ers, prov ide d a go o d me a l, presents, and most imp or t ant ly, a j ov i a l at mosphere for over 4,500 fami lies, s o t hat t he y cou ld have an enj oyable C hr ist mas holid ay. ☐
Mr. Collins Reminds School Community of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Commitment to Socio-Economic Equality in Annual MLK Chapel them, while the content of the speech re- King’s life, first remarking how power- opposed to one of Dr. Martin Luther mains applicable to our current society. ful it was to hear Dr. King’s voice bellow King’s more famous speeches, explainBy Jason Fischman ing that he wanted students to hear a Panel Staff speech that they were not as familiar with, and one that is still very much After returning from a long weekrelevant today. William Stonestreet, an end devoted to honoring Martin Luactive member of SAFE (Student’s Acther King Jr, the entire Belmont Hill tively Fostering Equality), said, “Mr. community gathered for a meaningCollins’s speech was really inspirational ful school meeting regarding Dr. King and allowed me expand my view of Dr. and current issues of race. The Chapel King’s influence on this country, and started by listening to one of Martin it was interesting to hear a different Luther King’s many inspiring speeches, speech that I had never heard before.” “Beyond Vietnam,” in which he critiOverall, the chapel was a great cizes the war in Vietnam, citing the way of honoring Dr. King’s memory and vast cost of a military effort overseas reflecting on the meaning of the day, prowhile the American government still viding students an opportunity to condoes not spend enough money to help sider how Dr. King’s work still influences its own citizens. Hearing Dr. King proMr. Collins then took the podium through the chapel, and then explain- them today and reminding the commuvided students an opportunity to quietly reflect about what his words mean to and provided further insight into Dr. ing why he chose “Beyond Vietnam” as nity of problems still facing our society.☐
Febr u ar y 11, 2016
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BH Panel Launches New Website For Easy Online Access, Faster Article Publishing and Updates
The website can be updated at any time and will feature content from the print issue, as well as online-only content. With space for all
www.bhpanel.org
“After attending Columbia’s Annual Journalism Program this fall with the Panel Staff, we saw a ton of newspapers that all had a great online presence. Looking at other publications, including the Harvard Crimson and Phillips Exeter’s Exonian, we decided that it was time that The Panel got an online update as well!” -Ishaan Prasad, Website Co-designer
In an age where more people read the newspaper online than in print, The six “print” categories, and a newlyPanel has decided to modernize and designed weather section and staff improve its online profile, and we are portal, The Panel Online hopes to proud to introduce The Panel Online, provide a space for Panel Staff and designed by Arnav and Ishaan Prasad ‘18. the Belmont Hill Community alike.
Arnav Prasad said: “The WebThe new website will provide students, faculty, alumni, and other members of site took a lot of planning and the Belmont Hill community the abil- hard work, but I think it is a reity to read The Panel from anywhere in ally important feature that the the world on any device at bhpanel.org Panel should have in the future.” The Panel website reveals a new When asked about the website, Ishaan Prasad said: “After attending age in news publishing as more and Columbia’s Annual Journalism Pro- more people abandon printed pubgram this fall with the Panel Staff, we lishing in favor of their online counsaw a ton of newspapers that all had a terparts. With user accounts for every great online presence. Looking at oth- member of The Panel, staff writers and er publications, including the Harvard editors can easily edit and layout artiCrimson and Phillips Exeter’s Exonian, cles online. The Panel Online will revwe decided that it was time that The olutionize the publication and we can’t Panel got an online update as well!” wait to see what’s next for The Panel. ☐
MAP/SAFE Breakfast to Discuss Issues of Community and Diversity By Arnav Prasad Panel Staff When a B elmont Hill senior graduates, diploma in hand, he embarks on an odyssey that stretches far beyond our compact campus in B elmont. His interactions with his family, friends, and coworkers ref lect not only the academic rigor of our curriculum, but what he has internalized from B elmont Hill’s core values as a school. The Multicultural Alumni Partnership (MAP) Breakfast, hosted alongside Students Actively Fostering Equality (SAFE) on Januar y 7th, ser ved to reconnect alumni to the B elmont Hill community to share their invaluable and unique experiences with current students. Students, alumni, and faculty engaged in meaningful discussion around issues of diversity and inclusion at school. Consider the questions below that participants tried to answer themselves:
Which aspect(s) of your identity and/or your personality are you most proud of ? Why? Imagine that your families will be meeting for dinner (for the first time). What would your family need to know about the other family before they met? In your opinion, should feminism be a core value at Belmont Hill? Why/Why not? Hypothetically, would you send your son to Belmont Hill? Why/Why not? Each of these questions posed a different challenge to each person, some became more controversial, some invoked quick responses. No matter the scope of the prompt, however, everyone contributed their own thoughts and perspectives in a respectful and constructive manner. Although an awkward silence creeped into the room at points, the gathering had likewise moments of laughter, head-nodding, and agreement. As Mr. Ekwelum, an alumnus, teacher, and key orchestrator of the event, added, “Discussions on diversity can be
challenging, but in order to grow as a school community, we can’t be afraid to
have these discussions--we are all affected by issues of diversity and inclusion.” ☐
Belmont Hill Students, Faculty, and Alumni at the MAP/SAFE Breakfast
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Ted Cruz Takes Down New York in Attack on Trump
Polyvore.com
sophomores if they agreed with the can- was accurate, and 60% concurred with However accurate his portrayal didate’s idea of New York values. 100% of “pro-abortion” and “focus around mon- of New York may have been, 100% of the participants felt that “socially liberal” ey.” These affirmative responses suggest the girls participating in the survey beContinued from page 1 and “pro-gay marriage” were legitime, that the public actually believes Cruz’s lieved that Cruz crossed the line with had offended many by attacking 80% said that “focus around the media” notion of New York Values to be true. his comments, like many other Amerione of America’s most cherished citcans. He engaged with Trump’s home ies. Trump then finished his rebuttal rather than the candidate himself, and “I think people know exactly what New York values are.” with a final flourish, “I have to tell you, in doing so, he vilified a landmark that was a very insulting statement that city, home of both the Statue of LibTed made” (Fox Business Network). erty and millions of Americans. The Backlash against Cruz’s comidea of having a president that is so ments did not stop there. Newspapers openly hostile to a significant United and networks ran headlines like “Just States citizens, and hostile to an influno value to Cruz’s ‘New York values’ ential state as well, is disconcerting. comment” (NY Daily News) and “Ted This instance is not the first time Cruz fractures GOP over ‘New York a candidate has crossed the line in Values’” (CBS News). Two days later, this Presidential race. Despite his celTrump tweeted a picture of firefighters ebrated response to Cruz’s comments, on the scene of the collapsed twin towTrump himself is guilty of overstepers and asked, “Is this the New York that ping bounds; just this January 23, for Ted Cruz is talking about and demeanexample, Trump boasted rather coning?” Hillary Clinton, former New York troversially, “I could stand on 5th AvSenator, tweeted herself, “#NewYorenue and shoot somebody (miming the kValues: Just this once, Trump’s right,” action with his fingers) and I wouldn’t and Chris Christie, governor of New lose any voters.” With conventional Jersey and potential Republican candipolitical etiquette and professionalism date, called Cruz’s comments “asinine.” being broken so frequently, the race Wnd.com for the White House this year will cerA small survey asked five Winsor Trump (left) and Cruz (right) face off in heated debates. tainly be an interesting one to watch.☐ By Isabel Isselbacher Panel Staff
Sleep: A Second Priority but a Primary Concern
and seem ineffective. These unhealthy als with the freedom of choice, we ourDo you think you could get sleep habits need to be corrected while selves have control over how much we By Susy Liu & Claudia Meyer we’re still in high school, or the mental- sleep we get and how much we let school more sleep on school nights Panel Staff ity of prioritizing work over health will take over our lives. Getting 8 hours of than you do now? Continued from page 1 lead to chronic sleep deprivation that sleep is not impossible. Of those surmay downplay the importance can result in cardiovascular diseases, veyed, around 20% get at least 8 hours of getting the hours they need, but obesity, diabetes and even early death. of sleep, and 60% believe that they could they cannot ignore the reality that the So what can we do to get our sleep get more sleep if they tried (although the amount of sleep lost prevents them back? For one, we must remember that “yes” responses probably weren’t all that from completing quality school work the quality of sleep is just as important enthusiastic). Sleeping late has become a or enjoying extracurricular activities. as the quantity of sleep. Meditating and habit for many Winsor girls and it takes Here’s a friendly reminder: Sleep avoiding screen time and exercise at least a lot to break the unhealthy cycle. In a deprivation negatively affects your abil- an hour before going to bed can help you way, it’s almost like trying to quit drug ity to focus and finish tasks efficiently. relax and reduce stress, and keeping your use-Winsor girls are addicted to school. Additionally, it increases moodiness, room dark can further improve the qual- The first step to getting more sleep is to skin problems and unhealthy eating; ity of sleep. In addition, establishing a break through the mentality of elevating it’s a fact that sleep deprived people consistent sleep schedule and refraining education over our personal health and are as incapacitated as those with a from sleeping in more than 2 hours after make sleep a priority--education is not 0.08% blood alcohol content. Sacrific- your normal wake time will help your worth permanent damage to your brain ing sleep to finish homework will only internal clock running smoothly. As for and body or an early demise. If we make contribute to the vicious cycle - drowsi- finding the time to get more hours dur- our health our first priority (as it should ness causes inattention in class, which ing the school week, part of the solution be), we will actually make a sincere leads to unproductive and inefficient is out of our control; teachers still have and effective effort to sleep more. The hours spent on homework. Extra time to give homework, and school still has phrases “stop procrastinating” and “imneeded to focus on homework, as well to start at 8:05 am to accommodate par- prove time management” will then hold as moodiness, leads to additional stress ents’ work schedules and traffic patterns. real meaning rather than exist as empty and later bedtimes. Our sleep sched- However, we can’t completely blame it promises. If it comes to it, dropping ex- issue with our values and a conflict ules eventually become so skewed that on the school - the people who run it tracurricular activities or strategically between internal and external motivanormal sleep habits are hard to recover don’t get much sleep either. As individu- skipping certain homework assignments tions -- our happiness versus our sucare also ways we can try to get more sleep. cess. We’ve all been taught to strive for More than a few students in our success because it will apparently make survey responded that they go to bed us happy, but we need to honor the fact after midnight, whether it be to finish that we are more than just working maup an assignment or engage in some chines instead of pushing blindly along “guilty” pleasure activity on the inter- some preset path to what society defines net, because with all the stress, we need as “happiness.” If we can recognize the some way to unwind. And we all see fact that perhaps our lives should not be with our own eyes how students plod lived according to what society pushes into classes half asleep each morning us to do -- get good grades, get into a and for the most part seem pretty un- “good” college, get a respectable job -enthusiastic about being alive. But take but according to how we innately want this issue into a larger context: does the to live them, maybe we’ll remember to conflict between sleep and school rep- take care of our bodies and our health.☐ resent something larger than late hour homework cramming and early morn**Data and chart compilation couring exhaustion? Perhaps it reflects an tesy of Susy Liu ’17 and Claudia Meyer ’17 Kristie Rae Gillooly Two Winsor students hard at work.
Febr u ar y 11, 2016
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The Winsor Community Joins in Inspiring MLK Celebration Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in which white people have advan- energized the crowd with their songs. Celebration. Ahmad’s words get to the tages in access to housing, employ- Lower school students Mya Salazar theme of the night: racism is no longer ment, and education, to name a few. ’21, Catherine Friendly ’21, Ellie PelThe imperative to “resist compla- just associated with slavery or segregat- Ahmad called for us, the Winsor com- legrino ’21, and Darena Garraway ’23 cency” is how Rahimah Ahmad P ’19 ed water fountains; rather, today’s rac- munity, to actively resist this system presented a spoken word poem dibegan her welcome to a large group ism is constituted of many small pieces, in order to change it. “Standing Up rected by Tricia Morrow P’16, P’13 and of parents, faculty, alumnae, and cur- such as microaggressions and stereotype by Sitting Down,” as the event was en- Jackie Hodge P’22, P’18. After an aurent Winsor students to the annual threats, that form a subtle racist system titled, inspired the crowd to carry the dience participatory song, "I Feel Like same spirit that Rosa Parks and Dr. Going On," led by WISE, Jolean AshKing embodied as they stood by their man ’20 recited Tricia Morrow’s poem, beliefs of equality and social justice. "Before and After Rosa." Bringing Dr. The program began with an King’s message and call to action back introductory film about the Civil to the forefront, Ms. Kashyap concludRights Movement, narrated by Win- ed, “if we honestly consider the realsor’s Valerie Becker, that featured Eliz- ity of racial injustice in this country... abeth Howell-Egan ’18 and Unique we too will feel a sense of urgency.” Hodge ’18. The film focused on the In keeping with Winsor’s guidbus boycott that led to the Supreme ing principle of diversity, the program Court decision to declare racial seg- spoke to the school’s values of “conregation on buses in Alabama uncon- sciously creat[ing] an environment stitutional, often hailed as the start of respect and inclusion” and of “recof the Civil Rights Movement. The ognizing the importance of commuevent also featured personal reflec- nication and encouraging dialogue tions about identity and active anti- among all constituencies.” Overall, the racism by Maslen Ward ’16, Sophie evening “sparked interesting converKhorasani ’16, Kiara Witter ’16, and sation,” as Maslen Ward ’16 reflected, English faculty member Piya Kashyap. and was “very thought-provoking In addition to the reflections, the par- and moving.” After this year’s sucent, alumnae, and faculty Winsor In- cessful celebration, everyone is lookAudience members listen attentively to performances and speakers. Kristie Rae Gillooly spirational Singing Ensemble (WISE) ing forward to next year’s program.☐ By Talia Ruxin Panel Staff
Winsor students, families, alums, and faculty
Kristie Rae Gillooly Students eagerly await the start of the celebration.
Kristie Rae Gillooly
2016 Iowa Caucuses: Explained and Analyzed tain level of privacy, caucuses are held in more son who agrees with the policies and views spectrum. This information on the differcommunal spaces such as gymnasiums, local of a candidate, versus a supporter, who will ence between caucuses and primaries enpolitical party meetings, and living rooms. actively organize speakers for a caucus to ables us to gain insight into the “upset” that As we neared February 1st, an in- Voting is done by a show of hands; however, persuade an increased number of voters Cruz claimed over Donald Trump in the creasing number of Americans turned before anyone votes, speakers for each to cast their vote for their candidate. Iowa Caucus and the exceedingly close race their focus to Iowa, where the first caucus candidate attempt to sway voters The more extreme candidates between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. is held. However, apart from the residents to cast their vote for the speakinarguably have more fans; Before the caucus, one Winsor of states that hold caucuses, only a frac- er’s candidate of choice. however, these fans student remarked, “Although I think Bertion of the population know how caucuses This method is used to are not usually the nie may win the primary, I’d rather Hillary are different than more contemporary pri- show which candidates traditional republican Clinton get the Democratic nominee bemaries and why caucuses are important to have strong and orgaor democratic voters. cause I feel she would have a higher chance the election process. Both a primary and a nized campaigners Therefore, some of beating the Republican nominee.” Well, caucus are voting processes which result who can bring in of them are most he only lost by 0.2%, an astonishingly close in the nomination of a presidential can- votes; therefore, the likely registered margin; however, Clinton will still be the didate for each political party; however, frontrunning canas Independent. Democratic candidate representing Iowa. Pbs.twimg.com there are three major differences which can didates in the polls, Therefore, un- Although Cruz was supposed to trail Trump be used to distinguish one from the other. such as Donald Trump and Berless they register as Republi- around 5% according to the polls, Trump In most areas of the country there nie Sanders, may not win caucans or Democrats before Feb- trailed Cruz by almost exactly the same are a few states that utilize caucuses to de- cuses if they do not have enough active ruary first, their candidate will have a amount. This victory may be attributed in cide their chosen presidential nominees. supporters willing to speak on their behalf. greater chance of losing the caucus. Because part to the Trump’s recent absence from the From the Northeast and Southeast, Maine Republican Debate on January 28, and the and Florida, respectively, hold caucuses; fact that Trump admitted that many of his "Frontrunning candidates in the polls, such as Donald Trump and Bernie shocking views were to gain attention, posfrom the Midwest, Idaho, Iowa, Wyoming, North Dakota, Minnesota, Colorado, and Sanders, may not win caucuses if they do not have enough active supporters sible causing a decrease in his more radical willing to speak on their behalf." Kansas all use this method. From the Northfollowing. However, the specific way cauwest and Southwest, Nevada and Washcuses are run may also be held responsible ington use caucuses, as do Hawaii and The specific types of voters in these of their rather fan-like status, the motivation for Trump’s defeat. In particular, either havAlaska. Thus, each area of the country has caucuses is also an important factor when ana- to register as a Republican or Democratic ing more fans, who support ideals, or more its views expressed by both primaries and lyzing the potential outcomes. Contrary to pri- will be decreased as well as their motiva- campaigners comes into significant play caucuses to truly reveal how the national maries where any registered voter may cast a tion to complete the two hour long caucus here. We leave Iowa with freshly ingrained polls translate to support for each candidate. vote, in caucuses, only registered Republicans to support their presidential hopeful, again knowledge that every vote counts, and the As opposed to primary elections, and Democrats are able to vote. This difference leading to a lower number of votes for can- Iowa caucus assists us with explaining the which are held in voting booths with a cer- again contributes to the idea of a fan, or a per- didates on the farthest ends of the political results of the New Hampshire primary.☐ By Caroline Hearle Staff Writer
Belmont Hill Sp orts
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Varsity Basketball’s Youthful Squad Finding Success in 2016 Varsity Hockey in Hill had lost talented seniors the year indispensable include sophomore start- the Hunt for Spot By William McCormack earlier. The team struggled that year, ing point guard Jake Haase, sophomore Staff Writer in Elite Eight finishing a meager 8-16. Accordingly, Jake Bobo, and sixth man shooter KevSophomore Jake Haase maneu- David Mitchell entered this season with in Michael O’Boy. Senior AJ DiFillipo vers around a Lawrence Academy player an important goal: “We need to contin- and junior John Sommers also proTournament
and strips the ball from a guard, while ue the success of last year. We can’t drop vide valuable minutes off the bench. By Evan Ricci number 23 Jovan Jones sprints up the off like Sultan and those guys did their Their 5-1 ISL start is validated by big Panel Staff court. Stooping over, Haase scoops up sophomore year. It would be great to be wins over Lawrence, Rivers, and St. Sethe loose ball and lobs it up the floor. a top team in the ISL like last year.” Jo- bastian’s and has earned them second The Belmont Hill Varsity Hockey place in the standings, behind only Bouncing once, the ball meets Brooks. Their single ISL loss was to team’s season is well underway. As January 6-foot five-inch Jovan in stride. 6th-place Milton Academy, a game closes and February begins, the team has Without dribbling, he effortlessly David and Jovan agreed has been played 19 games so far in the season. Their takes two steps and jumps, curvthe low point of the season. Unfor- record stands at a solid 11 wins, 4 losses, and ing his body to the left before tunately, the non-conference sched- 4 ties. In the early stages of the season, the slamming the ball into the hoop. ule has been marred by close losses team competed in the annual Lawrenceville This memorable play, one to Nobles and the Masters School, Tournament in New Jersey, placing third. that has infiltrated the monitors but also includes wins over Trin- The squad features seasoned veterans and around campus recently, begins ity Pawling and Marianapolis. As captains, David Giunta and Brian Matthews, the highlight reel for Belmont the season progresses, Belmont Hill alongside new members such as freshman Hill’s January 23rd game at LawVarsity basketball looks to maintain goalie Conor Hopkins. The team got off to rence Academy. It is a play that its top standing in the ISL. While a fast start with an exhilarating overtime encompasses the team’s ferocit is more difficult to attain, “mak- win over one of the team’s many ISL rivals, ity, explosive nature, and abiling the NEPSAC Class A playoffs Nobles. However, the team has hit a bit of a ity to rise above the competition would be awesome too,” says David. slump as of late, tying three straight games (and the rim, in Jovan’s case). With a strong February, Bel- against Governor’s, St. Mark’s, and St. Paul’s. Belmont Hill wasn’t supposed mont Hill will certainly have a shot to win the game at Lawrence. Upon at this year’s ISL title. However, seeing the height of Lawrence’s even more exciting about the procenter, the athleticism of guard gram is their future. The 2016-2017 Maurice Works, and the endless and 2017-2018 seasons will reap variety of dunks Lawrence playthe benefits of this year’s astonishers were performing in warmups, I ingly young lineup. Currently, four wondered if our team had a chance. out of the five starters are sophoEven when I texted sophomore comores (Mitchell, Jones, Bobo, and captain David Mitchell that night Haase), while the sixth man (O’Boy) and heard the final score was 66-49, is only a freshman. David and JoI assumed Lawrence had been the van lead this promising group of victor. David’s follow-up text, “Yea The team was determined to bounce we played well,” shocked me...had Bel- van also noted the leadership void left by young, talented athletes. Already the mont Hill really beaten Lawrence Acad- the departure of Sultan, Hilal, and Jesse: team’s most valuable players, Mitchell back, and that is exactly what they did on emy’s juggernaut basketball program by “They’re not here to be the go-to guys and Jones will tremendously impact the January 27 against Brooks, earning a crucial 17? The varsity basketball team had cer- anymore.” David echoed this sentiment: ISL basketball landscape over the next win over the team that defeated Belmont tainly surprised me, as they have been “We [Jovan Jones and David Mitchell] two years. With maturity, growth, and Hill in the Large School Championship in doing to countless people all season. have to step up and be leaders now.” improvement, their potential as indi- last year’s NEPSAC tournament. The team After the skilled trio of SultanThe team has done a tremendous vidual stars and as a cohesive unit is continued with their winning ways with Farouk Olusekun ‘15, Hilal Dahleh job maintaining the momentum built limitless. Plus, with sophomores Quen- an enormous 5-3 win over highly-ranked ‘15, and Jesse Wims ‘15 graduated last by last year’s success. As they hoped tin Harris, Spenser Smith, and Justin Cushing Academy. Most recently they Spring, the varsity basketball team pre- to do, David Mitchell and Jovan Jones O’Neil Riley set to play bigger roles won a close one against Lawrence but lost pared itself for a rebuilding year. When have both been key, while senior co- next season, the future is very bright. a heartbreaker to Rivers, 6-5. From here they were sophomores during the 2012- captain Austin Masel with his un- Take it from Jovan: “Senior year, the on out, the team looks to finish strong and 2013, Sultan, Hilal, and Jesse fell victim matched athleticism has also played a varsity team will be the best basketball cement their place in one of NEPSAC’s to a similar phenomenon, as Belmont crucial role in their 5-1 ISL start. Other team Belmont Hill has ever seen.” ☐ highly coveted tournaments. ☐ Bill Mahoney
Varsity Wrestling Eyeing ISL Title
Recap of FIFA’s Ballon d’Or Award Show Yet there is still a relatively little known
the Exeter heavyweight, and Ryan Williams award given out at this ceremony, called the By Gavin Colbert have continued to make huge strides as well Puskás Award, given to the “most beautiful goal Staff Writer and will certainly make some noise at the of the year,” according to FIFA. The winner for If you haven’t hopped on the wrestling Graves-Kelsey and New England tournaThe FIFA Ballon d’Or is the most pres- 2015 was a small league player in Brazil named bandwagon yet, shame on you. After a suc- ments. The team is now looking to close out tigious individual award in the sport of soccer. Wendell Lira who scored a truly incredible off cessful weekend up at Tabor, with dual meet an undefeated regular season and secure Starting in 2010, the FIFA Most Valuable Player of balance bicycle kick, netting it in the bottom corvictories against Avon Old Farms, Long Is- ISL Dual Meet Championship with only the Year Award and the Ballon d’Or were merged ner of the goal and giving the goalie no chance. land Lutheran, and perennial New England matches against Nobles, Sebs, Brooks, and into one. This award is given to the greatest male This award is so special because it is given to any powerhouses Phillips Exeter Academy and St. Mark’s remaining. If you haven’t made it player around the goal, scored by any proNorthfield Mount Hermon, the Varsity out to a match yet, I implore you to do so, world. To close out fessional player, not just wrestling team is firing on all cylinders as because this team both is unbelievably ex- 2015, the semiplayers in big and famous they apciting to see finalists for the leagues. This is an account proach in action award were the of Wendell Lira from Brathe Graves and is look- Spanish La Liga zil: “once, his dream was Kelsey ing to make standouts: Messi, to meet Neymar. He was and New a statement Ronaldo, and Neyhappy to be on the short England as they be- mar. They were list beside Lionel Messi. Prep tourgin to look chosen not only He didn’t sign a single naments. forward to for their tremendous statistics and mo- autograph before the ceremony while walkC apt ai ns the post- ments of soccer brilliance, but for their ing on the red carpet, because nobody wanted DJ Demeseason. It team play and sportsmanship in the game. one… On a rainy day, he scored that goal in tri, Sean has been In a tight decision, Leo Messi took home front of 250 spectators only. Someone uploaded Rayment, nothing but the award for a record fifth time, begging the that video to YouTube, and the rest is history.” and Pete pure domi- question of who is the best player to ever play the While soccer may not be the most popular Te d e s c o nance all game. While he has had great club and interna- sport in the US, it is most definitely a global phecontinue to carve a path of destruction season long, and no team on campus has tional success, many claim he needs to seal the nomenon and a universal language, uniting peoacross all of New England. Returning All- worked harder to earn it than the wrestling deal and win the World Cup with his national ple from all walks of life and of every age because American Phil Conigliaro has hardly been team. With a healthy roster, Belmont Hill team, Argentina, a task easier said than done, of its moments of passion, heartbreak, and unscored on all season, and new additions Varsity wrestling is undoubtedly the top as he reached the finals in the 2014 World Cup compromising victory. Amidst FIFA’s problems to the team, Mike Glauninger, Luca Pon- dog in the ISL and perhaps in all of New against Germany only to lose in extra time on a with corruption, the Ballon d’Or shines a light of tone, and Colin Vallis--all three of them England. The toughness, focus, and inten- remarkable goal from Mario Götze. Also, at this hope, showing that nothing can taint the Beautiful freshmen--are among the team’s strongest sity of this team is unmatched at Belmont end of the year FIFA celebration, Carli Lloyd re- Game or its magnificent virtuosos, from the magstarters. Returning starters such as Alex Af- Hill, and you should expect big things from ceived the women’s equivalent of the Ballon d’Or ical Messi and the lucky Lira to the little toddler eyan, coming off an impressive win against them in the next few weeks.☐ in the form of the FIFA World Player of the year. learning how to dribble a soccer ball.☐ By Robert Griffin Staff Writer
Belmont Hill Sp orts
Febr u ar y 11, 2016
Pa g e 7
Belmont Hill Varsity Scoreboard Team
Record
Notable Results
Team MVPs
11-5-4
W 1-0 vs. Brooks W 5-3 vs. Cushing Academy
Brian Matthews David Giunta
Basketball
9-8
W vs. 45-30 vs. Rivers W vs. 60-58 vs. St. Sebastian’s
Jovan Jones David Mitchell
Wrestling
21-0
W 45-30 vs. Brooks W 49-24 vs. Phillips Exeter
Pete Tedesco Phil Conigliaro
Alpine Ski
N/A
Harrison Rohrer Sam Rohrer
Nordic Ski
N/A
Henry Swain Will Weiter
Hockey
Squash
7-0
W 5-2 vs. Deerfield W 4-3 vs. Nobles
Blake Gilbert-Bono Jack Bell
Squash Teams Dominating Despite Alpine Skiing Competing for ISL Title Key Injuries newfound young talents including Sasha Gannon, By George Hu
Bobby Stevenish, Danny Tsyvin, Quinn Richards, Staff Writer and Jack Theberge, the team’s record stands at an imfor the JV squad. Two of the Varsity’s most By J.P. Champa The Belmont Hill Alpine Ski Team pressive 27-5 after 4 meets in a 9-team ISL. Furthernotable wins came against St. Georges and Staff Writer Nobles, in which the team earned 5-2 and has been enjoying another thrilling, com- more, with senior captain Will Cannistraro primed The Belmont Hill Varsity and JV 4-3 victories, respectively. Against Nobles, petitive, and successful season on the slopes of to return to the slopes after a month of illness, the squash teams are off to an excellent start the Belmont Hill team demonstrated the Nashoba Valley this winter. In one of the most team will become more ready than ever to make a this season. However, the team has suffered depth of their ladder when the bottom four competitive years that the ISL has recently seen, final assault on its 10th ISL title in the past 12 years. As the ski season reaches its climax in the a few setbacks early in the season. Injuries players secured wins to defeat Nobles, a top the varsity team has locked itself into a 3-way competitor in battle, alongside strong squads from Middle- coming weeks, with crucial ISL and NEPSAC races have plagued the ISL. Robert sex and St. Sebastian’s, for yet another ISL title. all on the February horizon, the team looks to repliboth Timmy When hardened veterans such as Sam cate its success from years past. Hopefully, the team, Williamson ‘17 Brownell and and Douglas Rohrer, Gifford Metz, Henry Moukheiber, and cap- with a good mix of veteran experience and young James Bell, Conigliaro ‘21 tain Harrison Rohrer began to combine nicely with talent, will once again stand on the ISL’s summit. ☐ each of whom have proven had to sit out themselves to the first half be strong adof the seaditions to the son; however, team, filling both are on the void of the the mend and two injured are expected team’s physicality has seen major improveplayers into return by By Chip Daley ment from last year, saying, “we’re never shycredibly well High School Staff Writer ing away from the physical aspect of the game.” at positions 6 Nationals, the Hockey captain Brian Matthews ‘16 has “He leads with both words and example and 7, respecbiggest event of the year. Even without two of the top tively, with neither of them having dropped made incredible strides this season as a starting and works incredibly hard - always the first seven players, which forces the majority of a match so far this season. The team is train- defenseman, totaling an impressive seven goals guy on the ice, last guy off. He’s so passionate both the Varsity and JV players to compete ing hard and looking forward to the upcom- and seven assists on a team that has faced both - he competes so hard,” lauds Coach McCarthy. two seeds higher than normal, the squash ing High School Nationals and the match success and challenge from a perennially strong “He’s playing through injury, which I think is just absolutely team has dominated the competition so far, against Brooks to finish out an already league, earnremarkable. I with a 7-0 Varsity record and a 7-1 record successful season in a strong manner. ☐ ing a record of 11-5-4. A fourthink it speaks year veteran volumes about for the team his character and versatile about his pashills surrounding Mount Washington. By William Galligan two-way player, sion and about Coming off the hard weekend of trainPanel Staff Matthews has how much he ing, the Varsity Nordic Ski team went up played outcares for BelThe Varsity Nordic Skiing team north to Proctor for their debut race to s t a n d i n g l y mont Hill’s suchas come prepared to win races under the challenge some of the best skiers in the well on both cess and how command of new head coach Mr. Court- nation, and against the likes of Dublin sides of the ice proud he is to be ney. With most of the skiers coming off School, St. Paul’s, Holderness, and the while powera member of the of a tough cross country season, the fit- Lakes Region schools. William Weiter ing through a hip injury. “He’ s a great leader Belmont Hill Varsity Hockey team. I think that ness level is outstanding and the team’s showed off his skill as he led the team to a who contributes well to the offense and is reis the greatest statement I can make about Brian.” morale is high. With fire in their eyes, solid 6th place finish, with Henry Swain, sponsible in the defense zone, ” says co-captain Brian has won an ISL championship, the captains, William Weiter and Henry Ben Pradko, and Cam Hall giving it their Swain, led the team through the streets all on the groomed snow of the Lakes Re- David Giunta ‘16. “It’s been great playing along- appeared in one New England championof Arlington and Concord on roller- gion. Although a small team, the Nordic side him for all these years.” A versatile ath- ship final, and hopes to add another banskis during the absence of snow. Coach Ski squad has a strong senior presence lete, Brian has also stood out as a defenseman ner or two before the end of the season. “In the second half of the season, there’s Courtney commented on the team, saying in William Galligan, Ethan McILhenny, and face-off specialist on the lacrosse team. Brian commends the strong work a different feeling in the locker room,” Brian that he believed the pure cardiovascular Jack Richards, and the two captains. Alethic of the group and recognizes the triumremarks. “It’ s easy to tell everyone is pulling on fitness of the team was some of the best though snow is scarce as we approach the phant efforts of new and returning players the same rope, ready to make a final push for he has seen in recent years. Although the tail end of winter, the Nordic Ski team is after several talented seniors graduated last the ISL and New England Championships.” lack of snow proves problematic to the practicing hard on the man made snow year: “We’ve had a lot of new guys step up After he graduates this spring, Brian will play sport, the team took their annual trip to of Weston Ski Track and hopes to carry and fill difficult roles, which has been huge two years of junior hockey before attending the AMC Joe Dodge Lodge in Jackson, on the great legacy of Belmont Hill’s for us as a team. ” Brian also notes that the and playing at Yale University.☐ NH, to get some quality training on the Varsity Nordic Ski Team.☐
Athlete of the Issue: Brian Matthews
Strong Senior Prescence Leading Nordic Ski Team
Winsor Sp orts
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Winter Sports Updates Basketball
Kristie Rae Gillooly
Current Record: 8-5 Coaches are most likely to… Fall and injure themselves while trying to participate in the drills Learn how to whip/nae nae during practice Favorite Drill: Cut-throat or knock-out Least Favorite Drill: LADDERS :( Exciting Game: One of our most exciting games was probably our very first game to kick-off the season, against Newton Country Day (one of our team rivals). Not only was it our first game, but it was our first game in the new gym! We had a record number of spectators and the game began with the national anthem sung by our very own Isabelle Bastian ’17, Anna Morrow ’16, and Michelle Walsh ’16. The Wildcats were pumped up and ready to go; by halftime, we were looking good but we knew the matchup would be tough. The game came down to the wire, but Brigitte Schmittlein ’16, Alina Brennan ’18, and Elizabeth Roe ’16 clinched key foul shots at the end to seal the deal! It was a nail-biter and a well-deserved first victory.
Squash
Kristie Rae Gillooly
Record: 9-4 Coaches are most likely to… Worry about the number of injuries on the team Favorite Drills: Offense, Defense or Conditioning games Least Favorite Drills: Ghosting or Sprints Exciting Game: One of the most exciting matches was when the whole team played against Nobles. In the past, playing Nobles has always proved difficult, so everyone was very nervous and excited going into each match. Once the games were underway, the girls began to calm down and it grew into a highly competitive afternoon. Although Winsor did not win, every match was very close and each player really stepped up and played some of her best squash of the season. The supportive cheers from teammates really boosted the team morale- Nobles players even said Winsor had given them the hardest match of their season! Everyone agreed that it was great to work together so well, and now we know that the team is so close to beating them! Kristie Rae Gillooly
Ice Hockey
Kristie Rae Gillooly
Record: 3-3 Coaches are most likely to... Wear matching outfits, Let in goals to the defense Bring you food Favorite activities/drills: Stealing coach Elek’s stuff; 4 minute tricep dips *sarcasm* Least Favorite Activities/Drills: Full Circles Inconvenient Snack Bar hours Exciting Game: “WVH had an amazing game versus a very competitive NCDS team. It was a back and forth battle with the lead switching back and forth 4 times. It ultimately resulted in a 5-2 loss but included incredible performances by Nicole Cerulli ’16 in net, Maddie Lehan ’18 on Defense, Ann McDonald ’16 at Center, and the most unbelievable wrap-around goal by Maslen Ward ’16.” - Grace Eysenbach ’16 Kristie Rae Gillooly
Swimming
Kristie Rae Gillooly
Record: 2-4 Coaches are mostly likely to... Ms. Baudis: make a minimum five dryland workouts for each holiday Sandy: tell it like it is. Favorite Drill: Anything that’s a 25 Least Favorite Drill: 50 50s on 50 seconds (hell on earth) Exciting Game: Our meet against Lincoln Sudbury might have started out silent and odd with a twenty minute diving excursion we had no part of, but soon enough we were in the pool and doing amazingly! Even though Lincoln-Sudbury beat us, everybody had great swims and the bulkhead was full of people cheering the whole time. Kristie Rae Gillooly
Curling
Kristie Rae Gillooly
Record: Good...ish! Coaches are most likely to... Laugh at us for falling Favorites Drills: Sliding Down the Ice In Upward Dog Least Favorite Drills: Picking Up the Stones Exciting Game: In the final end of the Brimmer and May match, it felt like Emily Litz ’16, Charlotte Pollard ’16, and Karina Singhal ’16 were bound to lose. At 0-5, it seemed impossible that the team could defeat the odds. However, they were able to secure 5 stones in the target. But these stones were useless, as the opposing team had a single stone in the direct center. After Karina ’16 flew down the ice, a miracle occurred. She knocked the stone out of the center, causing Winsor’s own stone to replace it. The team won the game 6-5 in a miraculous recovery. Karina Singhal
flckr.com
Febr u ar y 11, 2016
Winsor Sp orts
Pa g e 9
Changes to Injury Prevention and Treatment
[her] pediatrician as being ready to return to the student received before the injury. “Each that takes about a week.” After the healing practice,” Winsor told her to see a concussion plan is set up for the student individually. process, Ms. Tracey works with the athspecialist, thus preventing her from attending The only things you really have control over lete to work on range of motion and sport the UTL pep rally or playing in her varsity is how much rest you get, the amount of wa- specific skills until they are ready to play. Chances are, as you wander through UTL game. According to the majority of con- ter you drink, how much time you spend There is no question that many stuthe hallways on your way to class, you have cussion-enduring students, the concussion looking at screens,” remarked Ms. Sneider; dents view the recovery process as somenoticed one of your peers hobbling up the treatment program tends to feel somewhat to that end, the academic assistance for what tedious. Emily Keigher ’18 noted the stairs or into an elevator. Surprisingly, ap- drawn out. But Ms. Sneider, the school concussion recovery is individually difficulty of fitting physical therapy into her proximately 89 Winsor students are injured nurse, tries to help students get based. Students recovering from already busy schedule, yet appreciates the or have informed Winsor of a moderate to back to sports and academconcussions are often allowed care of her teachers and dean in assisting severe injury in the past year, and nearly ics as fast as is safe for that to delay taking cumulative her in creating a manageable schedule to get 30 students a day visit the training room. individual: “the girls here assessments, yet are able back on track. Similarly, regarding her conThis large number of reported injuries just are so driven that they to take tests and quiz- cussion recovery, Adrienne Conza ’16 reso happens to correlate to an increase in don’t want to give up zes on smaller amounts marks: “It’s annoying to have to go through treatment accessibility; with the comple- anything; they want to of material, since it is so many stages of testing to be able to return, tion of L.O.C., Winsor has visibly taken a keep producing and harder for some stu- but I understand it is required for my safety.” stronger and more comprehensive stand on performing at the same dents to study large Yet athletes and students suffering superfiinjury and injury prevention. We are now level as they could beamounts of material cial injuries, such as sprains and soreness, equipped with a state of the art training fore the concussion. But in certain subjects. feel their treatment process is much faster. “I room, with ice baths, Game Ready (icing the thing is, they can’t. With inju- feel much more comfortable asking for help compression machine), STEM machines, We want to make sure we ries to the bone with my injuries this year than I have been and a full-time trainer, Meghan Tracey, aid in the healing and not or muscle, the in the past, mostly because I know Ms. Tracwho is dedicated to improving Winsor’s cause more damage or stress treatment plan out- ey will help get me back on the field as fast current treatment and prevention pro- for the student,” clarified Ms. lined by Ms. Sneider and safely as possible,” stated Nicole Cerulli gram. “If I do my job right, I won’t have to Sneider. According to the conand Ms. Tracey is a ’16 as she iced her shoulder in the training see anyone after I see them for an injury cussion policy outlined on the little more lenient. “Of room. While concussion treatment remains the first time,” she remarked. “I’m trying Winsor website, students may course we wouldn’t let seemingly tedious, unnecessarily drawn out to implement strength and conditioning not participate in athletics or people play if the ex- treatment plans for musculoskeletal injuries programs to go over proper form and good sports on campus until they tremity is swollen or very pain- appear to be few and far between in recent mechanics that will also help with injury are fully cleared, a process ful because it would cause more experience; distant are the days of hiding a prevention [...] it all starts with that, really.” that entails daily check-ins, damage,” remarks Ms. Sneider, “but sprained ankle or sore pinkie for fear of missIn years previous, injury manage- her evaluation, a doctor’s ability is very much up to the indi- ing months of practice. “I try to get people ment has been considered notoriously evaluation, and successvidual.” Ms. Tracey responded in a back on the field as fast as possible,” remarks onerous and overbearing. One student re- ful completion of the similar vein: “Depending on the Ms. Tracey, “But hopefully I won’t have to marked that treatment of her minor con- Impact test to receive individual, the healing process see any of you.” Considering the up and cussion last year felt “redundant and rigid” a baseline equivahas to take place. Depending coming injury prevention program, here’s hrosm.com (Anonymous). Though she was “cleared by lent to that which on the severity of the injury, hoping for the realization of that goal.☐ By Hailey Yetman Contributing Writer
Featured Athlete Izzy Thorndike: They See Me Rollin’ Panel Interviews Winsor Athlete Izzy Thorndike ’19 about her Sport, Roller Derby ing to skate really well. The hardest part is the fact that it’s on wheels.
backs, though; they don’t change the score, How is a team organized? they just take players in or out. There are always five people on a track for each team, one of them being the jammer. Are injuries common? How were you introduced to it? Have you ever heard loud music Well, first I saw a movie about it. Then I saw Jammers earn points by passing blockers on Not so much in the junior league, but adults coming from the Wildcat Room in the it again at a Boston Pride Parade. It’s mostly the track. Blockers block jammers from the get all kinds of injuries. It’s pretty dangerL.O.C? Chances are, it’s Izzy Thorndike ’19 a west coast sport, so I didn’t think it could other team. There aren’t any assigned spots ous. You can break a bone or get a concusjamming out on her skates. Many peers though. sion. It’s usually fine since there’s a lot of be found in Boston, but then I saw a junior were intrigued to hear about her advengear, but there’s a lot of falling. roller derby league at the parade handing out tures in roller derby, a little known sport Which position do you like better? flyers. That’s how I got interested. that involves roller skaters racing and I like being a blocker better because it’s Do you do workouts as a part of your trainknocking into one another. Panel decided How would you describe roller derby? easier since I’m tall, but I also like being a ing? to ask Izzy a few questions about her expe- It’s a sport that’s played on roller skates jammer, too, because I like going fast. Yes, we do. Usually workouts involve the rience with the sport. thighs, legs, and abs. We do a lot of squats. where you go around fast on a circular track, How are games structured? usually in a warehouse. It’s also a contact When did you start playing roller derby? sport, which means that you knock into There are officially two periods per game Do you enjoy roller derby? I started in September. I haven’t done much people. It’s a good time. with a break in between. Periods have Yeah, I met really cool people through actual playing though— I’m mostly learnshorter sections within them called jams. roller derby. It’s really fun; I like it a lot. Each jam can last up to two minutes, and players switch out every jam. What’s your favorite part? Just the feeling of being on wheels and Are the rules strict? the fact that you can go faster than you do There are a lot of complicated rules about when you run. falling and hitting. For example, you can hit the hip and the shoulder, but you can’t hit Do you think more people should get into below the knee or above the shoulder. roller derby in the Winsor community? There are also penalties when you hit some- It’s certainly not for everyone, but it can one in one of these places. You can’t hit with be a good way to let out your energy. It’s a certain body parts either, like your forereally cool sport, and it seems really hard, arms. Also, you can get a penalty for falling but anyone can get the hang of it. If you’re down and staying down for more than five interested, I would definitely suggest trying seconds. Penalties are just temporary setit out. ☐ By Abigail Golden and Abbigale Shi Contributing Writers
Upcoming Games: Friday, February 12th.................Varsity Swimming VS Portsmouth Abbey Varsity Ice Hockey VS NCDS Varsity Basketball VS Beaver Wednesday, February 17th..........................Varsity Squash VS St. Paul’s Varsity Basketball VS Pingree Varsity Ice Hockey VS Berwick Wednesday, February 24th.........Varsity Basketball VS Portsmouth Abbey Izzy Thorndike poses in Roller Derby gear.
Izzy Thorndike
Center Spread
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Socioeconomic Status at
It is no secret that not all Winsor and Belmont Hill students come from the same socioeconomic background. While both Winsor and Belmont Hill unq status between students are invariably sure to manifest themselves. And yet, while both schools embrace a wide range of financial backgrounds, discussion aro Schools, only 25.4% of Winsor students felt comfortable discussing their socioeconomic situation with classmates compared to the 63.7% of Belmont Hill stud factors into financial aid as well as three main categories of life at Winsor and Belmont Hill: “academic,” “social,” “athletic.” We hope to shed light on the ways in w
Financial Aid Belmont Hill is intent on making the school affordable for all because it values socioeconomic status as a critical part of the school’s diversity. “For the 2015-2016 school year, Belmont Hill has a $4.1 million dollar budget for financial aid awards to current students and accepted applicants,” reports Mrs. Hacker, Belmont Hill’s Director of Financial Aid. “Belmont Hill’s admissions process is completely need blind - all decisions are made without any regard for a family’s financial situation: the school will never turn an applicant down for a financial reason.” With that, approximately 30% of Belmont Hill’s students receive financial aid to some extent. While the average grant for students currently stands at $30,826, grants range from $5000 to over $42,000 in order to help families afford Belmont Hill’s $42,800 tuition. The school’s allocated budget for financial aid grows at a pace that is significantly higher than tuition increases, especially since the 2008 financial crisis, largely because Belmont Hill’s tuition has outpaced income growth in the US. Currently, financial aid sits as the second largest budget item, falling only behind employee salaries. In addition, 21 percent of the gross tuition revenue each year goes towards future financial aid for students. Though the school highly values financial aid, because of budgetary restrictions, it cannot promise meeting 100% of a family’s need. The school first awards grants to returning students, then to accepted students with what remains in the financial aid budget. Ultimately, Winsor’s admissions process is not completely “need-blind.” However, as Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Ms. McLaurin reminds us that, regardless of income, all parents are making a sacrifice by sending their daughter to Winsor.
Academic Though class materials (textbooks, novels, etc.) are one of the most important items boys need to succeed at Belmont Hill, 7.5% of students cannot afford them. Much of the materials that the school says are “required” are in actuality expendable. And the prices of textbooks are only rising - it’s not uncommon to spend over $500 per student. Two years ago, Belmont Hill decided to stop distributing materials on the first day of classes. Instead, students purchase all their books on a certain website over the summer and have full authority to decide which ones to buy. At the end of the school year, this website then buys back used textbooks for a hefty price, lifting the strain on many families’ wallets. By having students obtain their books before classes commence, Belmont Hill avoids the uncomfortable moment felt by some Winsor girls when teachers hand out expensive books. To help alleviate the cost of books for some, the school has implemented a “voucher” program to subsidize the cost of books on the school’s online bookstore, which is available to a limited group of students on financial aid.
Social Unlike Winsor students, Belmont Hill boys must wear a specific dress code to school every day, consisting of a button-down shirt, dress pants, a blazer, a belt, and a tie. The formal look serves many purposes - young scholars appear refined and professional, but more importantly, the uniform hides any glaring difference in wealth. A student who cannot afford the brand names his classmates wear does not have to worry that he will be singled out as much, since everyone is dressed in almost-identical khakis and navy blazers. Even with the homogeneous apparel, some distinctions can be made - certain boys can be seen wearing expensive glasses, watches, or shoes and buying from stores like Vineyard Vines and J. Crew. The popularization of the Better Buy Sale, however, helps bridge the gap between classes. Everyone on campus can be seen sporting used clothes from the thrift shop, so But for the most part, the dress code creates a sartorially unified student body.
Athletic Every year, Belmont Hill boys must play three sports in the Middle School and two in the Upper School in order to graduate their senior year. Completing this fundamental requirement, however, can be challenging: 6.2% of athletes cannot afford to pay for the proper equipment. Whether it’s new soccer cleats or a hockey stick, mandatory purchases for just one sport - let alone three - can add up quickly. Luckily, many sports do not require any fee; however, must-have accessories can quickly press students’ wallets. While purchases are not required to join the crew team, practice uniforms and specialized crew gear seem almost like necessities. Football players stride the campus proudly wearing the coveted lettermen jacket, but these jackets are costly (around $250), and families facing economic challenges may need to spend that money elsewhere, leaving their varsity ball-player feeling like a team outlier. In a conversation on the topic, Ms. Zener noted that “economically constrained students face obstacles beyond academics and the playing field, whether it be juggling hours-long commutes to school, after-school care for siblings, or helping families get food on the table. This takes not only self-reliance, but also pride, and that pride can sometimes prevent a boy from asking the school for help. Some years ago, one of our boys was unable to afford the jacket and the school didn’t know about it. It was only after his family borrowed money from extended family that he was able to get the jacket.” To curb the class division on the field, Winsor has set a limit on how much their girls can spend on athletic apparel. Belmont Hill, on the other hand, has no plans to institute a similar cap, believing that athletes should buy what they want without interference.
Discussion of Socioeconomic Status at BH
In comparison to Winsor’s results to the survey, a surprising number of Belmont Hill students responded that they felt comfortable discussing their socio-economic situation with classmates (BH’s 63.7% to Winsor’s 25.4%). Based solely on the percentage of students receiving financial aid - around 30% - it appears that BH and Winsor have a similar student socio-economic composition. At first glance, that statistic makes the survey’s discrepancy unexpected. When asked why he felt at ease about such conversations, one Belmont Hill senior said, “I feel comfortable talking about personal things with many of my friends on campus. I’ve found that the Belmont Hill students I interact with typically aren’t judgmental and are genuinely interested in learning from and understanding their peers.” Though a majority of boys are comfortable talking about socio-economic issues, over a third of students still find it uncomfortable to talk about, a significant portion of individuals who may often feel awkward and unheard. Much of the discrepancy in the results of the question may stem from the inherent ambiguity in the question itself. One’s socio-economic status is not simple - it pertains to a long list of aspects of a person’s life, including income. Therefore, it is certainly reasonable to reply “no”: serious financial situations are hard enough to share around family, nevermind friends. Furthermore, socio-economic status is not often discussed directly around campus. Though notions of affluence appear ubiquitously as boys share what brands they wear or what car they drive, we rarely engage in sobering conversations about personal economic struggles. It might be one thing to tangentially talk about wealth by bringing up a vacation home or frequently dining out, but another to talk about financial struggles at home, such as the loss of a job or the need to take out a second mortgage. Though all students are immersed in the Belmont Hill community together during the day, each boy goes home to a different environment in the evening and may experience a vastly different life from his classmates. Some boys return home to a paid family caretaker, while some boys have to act as caretakers themselves for a younger sibling or grandparent, sacrificing extracurricular activities for a family commitment. Still others must work on weeknights out of necessity to help support their families. One student who responded as uncomfortable discussing his socio-economic situation said, “I don’t want my socio-economic status to define me, so I choose not to discuss it with friends at all.” In a school that seems, on the surface, to be populated with a disproportionately high number of wealthy students, we must all realize that not every student can afford certain “extras,” such as family trips, sports equipment, dress clothes, etc. Belmont Hill is more socio-economically diverse than many seem to give it credit. ☐
Center Spread
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s at Winsor and Belmont Hill
ont Hill unquestionably make an effort to give all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, an equal-opportunity education, differences in socioeconomic cussion around this issue at Winsor and Belmont Hill could not be more different. In fact, according to recent questionnaires that were sent out to both Upper nt Hill students. With such a wide discrepancy in mind, the Panel has thus chosen to focus its center spread around a discussion of how socioeconomic status he ways in which socioeconomic status is discussed and addressed at our two schools with the hope of sparking further conversation about this important issue.
Financial Aid As a result of the hefty price tag of Winsor tuition ($42,400 per year), 23.7% of Winsor students reported that they received financial aid from Winsor. That number may even be deflated given that some students were unsure of their families’ contributions. Nevertheless, according to the Office of Financial Aid, more and more families making over $150,000 a year are asking for financial aid following the 2008 economic crisis. Even within those families, the admissions officers noted that there is a broad range of those receiving financial aid: from those who do not earn enough to fill out tax return forms to those with yearly salaries of over $190,000. It is important to note that data from the questionnaire does not account for families who receive outside loans. Some students may also receive financial assistance from non-reported sources like family members or friends. As a result, the number of students on financial aid is still not a complete representation of the number of families who can independently afford a Winsor education. Beyond just who can and cannot afford tuition within the community, socioeconomic status also plays a role in who is even admitted to Winsor in the first place. While the admissions committee makes the initial admissions decisions unaware of any student’s financial status, the financial aid office does take socioeconomic status into account in the final steps of the process. Specifically, once the admissions committee creates a recommended list of who should be accepted, the financial aid office calculates whether or not Winsor can afford to pay for the financial assistance of all of the prospective students and is forced to adjust the acceptance list as necessary. For three years since the 2008 recession, Winsor unfortunately had to adjust who would be accepted based on who could and could not afford to pay Winsor tuition.
Academic With every Winsor student carrying around her own Apple laptop, the ability to pay for class materials may at first appear to be ubiquitous. But looks can be deceiving; not all students, of course, can afford these laptops. In fact, according to the questionnaire, 4.7% of students cannot afford class materials. According to Ms. McLaurin and Ms. Toon, students who get 80% or more of their tuition paid don’t have to pay for any materials that will help them succeed academically - graphing calculators, books, and Apple computers. However, this means that there may still be number of students (both on and off financial aid) who struggle to afford these academic materials but do not qualify for financial assistance. Nevertheless, teachers hand out textbooks to every student, one by one, as if these students automatically have the financial resources to purchase them. As one Winsor student commented, “I have never seen a student return the textbook, and I don’t think that anyone would feel comfortable refusing one in front of peers in Winsor’s current environment.” Those students who struggle with these expenses may not be vocal about their experiences––and understandably so. Yet without a climate that easily allows for such conversations to take place, the entire Winsor community cannot be fully aware of the financial challenges that some of our peers experience within the classroom.
Social Outside of affecting whether students can or cannot afford various class materials, socioeconomic status may also impact students’ social lives at Winsor. While different social events ranging from Prom to Semi to just hanging out with friends can sometimes come at a high costs, such costs are rarely discussed by students. At Winsor, prom dress catalogues, filled with garments costing upwards of two hundred dollars, can be found scattered across the senior homeroom. Classes have also been known to create Facebook groups for the sole purpose of ensuring that no student endures the embarrassment of wearing the same dress as a peer. However, 8.8% of students cannot even afford prom or semi-formal dresses. Beyond just prom, the cost of out-of-school social events (like dinners, birthday parties or get-togethers that involve tickets or travel) may be challenging for some students, especially given the fact that there is no financial assistance for events outside of school. And yet, students at Winsor rarely speak up about the economic burden these social events place on their families, leading to a culture in which socioeconomic status often silently dictates who can and cannot afford to attend certain events.
Athletic
Information courtesy of 21st Century Forum
With a three-season physical education requirement, playing on a sports team is a significant aspect of many students’ experiences at Winsor. However, 7.3% of students cannot pay for sports equipment, and 10.3% of Winsor students cannot afford Winsor apparel. Despite this fact, many athletes are frustrated by the $30 cap on apparel cost, especially because, as one student athlete noted, “it’s so hard to find apparel that people will actually wear and that looks good for less than the price Winsor has set.” While apparel is optional, it is important to remember that the mandatory costs of Winsor sports can quickly rack up, especially for students who play on more than one team at Winsor; players are often required to pay for general athletic equipment, apparel and gifts for coaches, gifts for Senior Day, and food for after games. One student recommended that Winsor subsidize apparel costs, which would allow students to afford apparel “without a substantial burden.” But as another student said, “The issue with Winsor’s student culture is that the majority of privileged students become the sole voices when we’re talking about buying more expensive apparel or paying for a coach’s gift. Those of lower socioeconomic classes become drowned out.”
Discussion of Socioeconomic Status at Winsor
Despite the evident socioeconomic diversity present at Winsor, conversation around this topic seems to be limited, bordering on taboo. In fact, according to the recent questionnaire, 68.1% of students do not feel comfortable discussing their socio-economic situation with classmates. Perhaps the lack of discussion stems from the fact that, according to the census, 40.9% of students reported feeling uncomfortable about their socioeconomic situation at Winsor. There seems, however, to be no singular, common thread for why students feel this way. As one student remarked, “Coming from an upper class family, I often feel uncomfortable discussing my socioeconomic status with my peers simply because I don’t want to seem like I’m bragging or holding my privilege over their heads.” On the other hand, some students feel that the topic matter itself is private and “should not be discussed openly,” as it could lead to hurt feelings, while still other students are not even sure what “class they fall into” and reported not even being sure how to have such conversations sensitively. Out of a fear that they may be judged, many students whom The Panel interviewed reported that such discussions are simply “more comfortable” with friends than with peers. According to one student interviewed, “My friends know me well enough to not just judge me based off of my socioeconomic status, but I don’t know if I can say the same thing about my peers. I don’t want them to get the wrong impression of me or form certain opinions about me based off a few comments about socioeconomic status.” And yet, 58.6% of students said that class is one of the core identifiers that influences their lives the most. A dilemma thus arises in which one of the most important facets of our identity is failing to be discussed within our community-- in fact, 50.4% of students reported that they feel that we do not talk about class enough at Winsor. So, how can we open up such a sensitive and personal topic for comprehensive discussion within our community? The first step seems to be, at the very least, ensuring that all students are cognizant of the socioeconomic diversity at Winsor - but equally important is to then spark discussion within our community. Many students expressed that they would be open to discussing their socioeconomic status, but perhaps in a more “structured setting.” For students like these, classes (like the senior elective, Politics of Identity, or the junior elective, Quest for Identity) seem to be a perfect vehicle for opening up this discussion about class (as well as other core identifiers like race and gender). But as one student noted, it seems like many of these opportunities to discuss socioeconomic status, particularly in the classroom, do not come until Junior or Senior year-- and even then they are optional. In many ways, this perhaps reinforces the notion that discussion of socioeconomic status is “taboo,” but on the other hand, these discussions no doubt require a certain maturity that students may not have until Junior or Senior year. Perhaps the answer then lies in tackling these issues out of the classroom in assemblies or in advisories where students may feel more comfortable voicing their opinions. Ultimately, while the solution is not yet clear, 21st Century’s questionnaire has certainly drawn much-needed attention to an oft-overlooked issue. ☐
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Senior Directed Play Prepares for Performances By Duncan Grant Staff Writer Move over, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest! William Galligan and Christian Dolan have taken on the task of directing Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs, this year’s senior directed play. The show is free, and tickets can be pre-ordered on the Belmont Hill website. The play is showing at the Kraft Theatre on Friday, February 26th at 7pm, as well as Saturday, February 27th at 4pm. Written by Neil Simon, the play takes place in the Brighton Beach, a section of Brooklyn, in September of 1937, just before the WWII. The play follows the young Eugene Morris Jerome (Henry Vettel, Form IV), a Jewish kid who has recently discovered girls, and is obsessed with baseball. Also on his mind is his hardworking family: his father, Jack Jerome (Steven DeVellis, Form VI), works two jobs, and
his 18-year-old brother, Stanley Jerome (Brendan Pulsifer, Form VI) is forced to take up a job in a factory. This bittersweet account of family life beautifully captures a struggling Jewish household, as well as the tight family bonds that hold the characters close together. The play opened on Broadway in 1983, and has won multiple Tony Awards for best actor, actress, and directing. Senior directed plays provide an unrivaled experience of working together, and Brighton Beach Memoirs is no exception. “It’s a very different experience working with a peer as a director,” says Brendan Pulsifer, who plays Stan. “It’s much more collaborative and relaxed, but just as intense and fun.” The cast has put in countless hours perfecting one of America’s greatest stories, and there is no real reason not to go to one, if not both of the performances. “The cast is very excited to show you what we can do this February,” says lead Henry Vettel. ☐
The 1975’s New Album
iarized fans with the synth-pop brand of music they cherished so much in the first album. Crooning about his comedown On February 26th, The 1975 will from a drug high, its side effects, and his launch their sophomore album, I Like It failure to quit, Matty Healy described the When You Sleep, for You Are So Beauti- song as “something that goes back to the ful Yet So Unaware of It. Almost three early foundation of how we write music as years after their self-titled debut album The 1975.” The most recent tune to drop was released, the British alternative rock is The Sound, which, similar to UGH!, is band is making its highly anticipated re- more akin to the upbeat, catchy tunes that turn to the music scene with a new record were the centerpiece of the previous althat has fans jumping, and critics prais- bum. The lyrics describe how Healy has ing the group as “the next biggest band in fallen so in love with a girl that he can disthe world.” After over two years of tour- tinguish her from others by “the sound of ing and working in the studio, lead singer her heart,” metaphorically describing how Matty Healy, guitarist Adam Hann, bassist he knows who she truly is on the inside. Ross MacDonald, and drummer George Dubbed “the hardest working band Daniel have completed an wordily-titled of 2014” for playing more gigs and travelalbum said to be just as coherent and con- ing farther than any other artist since 2010, ceptual as the first, compiled of 17 tracks The 1975, as of February 26th, will have centered around the band’s ethereal brand been fully resurrected in the music indusof soundscape-y, 80s-inspired synth pop try. After spending 10 years working on the that numerous artists around the world first album, the band has waited 13 years to have borrowed and cited influence from. get to this exact moment in its career. The Since the album was announced on 1975 has been described as electro pop, October 8th, 2015, the band has released funk rock, indie pop, indie rock, pop, pop three singles. The first track released was rock, and rock; however, the band isn’t letLove Me, a jam about rejecting the super- ting the possibility of change take over the ficiality of fame, which shocked supporters second album. Before surprising the audiwith its lack of trademark ethereal/ambi- ence with some of the new songs at a show ent elements that were replaced by “new in November, Matty did his best to describe wave/post-punk type aspects,” such as the the album in saying, “There are 17 tracks. guitar being used in light, funky spurts in- There’s no way we could delineate what stead of droning and echoing. UGH! was it’s about, but we want to have a party.” the second single released, which re-famil- The fans agree; it’s time to throw down. ☐ By Augustus Lamb Panel Staff
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David Bowie: Remembering the Great Ziggy Stardust
hallmark in his career, Bowie did not stop writing music; two days before his death, on his birthday, he released his final album, On January 10th, 2016, the world lost Blackstar, to overwhelming critical acclaim. one of its greats, music star David Bowie, age Now finally at rest, David Bowie really is the 69. As he says in the title of one of his songs, Starman in the sky that he always sung about. we must all accept changes, and, although his death brings sorrow to many, it should My Top Six Bowie Songs: provide a time of reflection and appreciation -Young Americans rather than of mourning. Born in England, -Moonage Daydream David Bowie gained worldwide recognition -China Girl and acclaim from his 1969 hit, “Space Odd- -Space Oddity ity,” an existential, psychedelic song which -Rebel Rebel describes the strange new world of space -Modern Love travel. He continued his success in the early 70’s with his movement into glam rock, securing himself as one of the greats with his album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. This album describes Bowie’s “transformation” into his androgynous alter-ego Ziggy Stardust, and is most notable for containing the song “Starman,” recognizable to many for being featured in The Martian. His trippy music style as Ziggy, along with his poetic lyrics, provides a refreshing and new flavor of music in an era dominated by rock and disco. He was a unique, individualistic artist who was not afraid to push the boundaries of music. Ziggy Stardust, as a sex symbol, represented the sexually experimental and diverse nature of the 70’s, displayed via bizarre costumes and Bowie as Ziggy Stardust highly theatrical stage performances. He continued to try new forms of music, venturing into “plastic soul” and collaborations with other musicians, most notably “Under Pressure” with Queen, and “Dancing in the Streets” with Mick Jagger. His constant changes in musical style have earned him the title of “Rock and Roll Chameleon.” For those who still are unaware of whom this article is about, he is also famous for these songs: “Changes” (in Shrek II), “Moonage Daydream” (in Guardians of the Galaxy), and “Young Americans.” David Bowie, one of the most acclaimed musicians of the past 50 years, was inducted into the Rock and Blackstar Album Cover Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Even after that By Jack Richards Panel Staff
Executive Editors Hailey Fuchs Brendan Pulsifer Abigail Simon
Editors-in-Chief Jay O’Brien Lilla Gabrieli Jake DeCaprio
Copy Editors John Markis Ishaan Prasad Talia Ruxin
Arts Editors Alex Afeyan Betsy Kim
Online Editors Joanna Chen Arnav Prasad
News Editors Jason Fischman Helen Sayegh
Sports Editors Matt Reppucci Brigitte Schmittlein
Assistant Editors Kiran Butte Augustus Lamb Susy Liu Evan Ricci Jack Richards Bennett Rush Priya Shukla Abby Weyer
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Faculty Advisors Meghan Hazard David Hegarty Sarah Wolf Juliette Zener
The Panel, founded in 1953, is the official school newspaper of the Belmont Hill and Winsor schools. The Panel is the voice of the student body. We publish articles that are of consequence to the students, as well as the school communities. The views expressed in The Panel belong solely to the authors and editors and do not necessarily represent the student body, faculty or administration of either school. Any comment about the content should be addressed directly to the editors. The Panel encourages responsible opinion in the form of Letters to the Editor. We reserve the right to edit all submissions for length and content. Copyright 2016 The Panel. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of the Editor-in-Chief. Published by the Belmont Printing Co., Belmont, MA 02478.
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Belmont Hill Arts
Grammy Nominations 2015: Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift
Record of the Year D’Angelo and the Vanguard - “Really Love” Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars - “Uptown Funk” hip-hop album to prevail in that category Ed Sheeran - “Thinking Out Loud” By Brendan Pulsifer in fourteen years. Nevertheless, he will Taylor Swift - “Blank Space” Panel Staff surely dominate the Rap categories, aveng- The Weeknd - “Can’t Feel My Face” 2015 was undeniably a big year ing his 2014 shutout from the Acedemy. in music, from the introduction of trap Lamar stands at the top of the pack Album of the Year beats in hip-hop, to the rise of stream- with eleven nominations, ahead of Swift Alabama Shakes - ‘Sound and Color’ ing services, and, of course, Taylor Swift’s and The Weeknd, who both have seven. Kendrick Lamar - ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ ubiquitous pop smashes. And there is Taylor often leaves award shows with Chris Stapleton - ‘Traveller’ no better event to honor the year’s best armfuls of trophies, but it is unlikely that Taylor Swift - ‘1989’ material than the Grammy Awards, set “Blank Space” will achieve either Song or The Weeknd - ‘Beauty Behind the Madness’ to air February 15th, replete with per- Record of the Year status this year. Her formances, tributes, and celebration. chart-topping album 1989, however, re- Song of the Year The nominations for the 58th mains a likely contender for Album of the Kendrick Lamar - “Alright” Grammys diverge from the norm in that this Year. As a dark horse candidate, The Week- Taylor Swift - “Blank Space” year’s largest commercial successes don’t nd’s “Can’t Feel My Face” could easily pull Little Big Town - “Girl Crush” overwhelm the big four categories (namely off a Song and Record of the Year win, even Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth - “See Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Album though his Beauty Behind the Madness has You Again” of the Year, and Best New Artist.) Enigmas little chance of being Album of the Year. Ed Sheeran - “Thinking Out Loud” such as Courtney Barnett and James Bay reThis year saw huge successes in ceive unforeseen nods for Best New Artist, Rap and Pop genres, but perhaps the Best New Artist and only two of the five ‘Song of the Year’ best sounds of the year lie in the Coun- Courtney Barnett nominations peaked at number one on the try categories. Newcomer Chris Stapleton James Bay Billboard Hot 100. Popular acts do, how- revives an older, more organic style of Sam Hunt ever, get their fair share, and performanc- bluegrass music on his album Traveller, Tori Kelly es from superstars like Adele are sure to which has already earned him numer- Meghan Trainor highlight the year’s most infectious tracks. ous commercial and critical accolades Though the Recording Academy and could give him an Album of the Year often surprises viewers with its unpredict- win. In the Song of the Year category, able voting record, the night will almost the mainstream country quartet Little certainly belong to Kendrick Lamar, whose Big Town boasts its number one hit “Girl album - To Pimp a Butterfly - enjoyed Crush,” awash with enough agony and critical and commercial success upon its passion to reach even the coldest heart. release and heavily influenced the Black For a list of nominations for the Lives Matter movement. If Butterfly wins big four categories, see below, and tune Album of the Year, it would be the first in to CBS to find out who wins! ☐
Artist of the Issue: Peter Knowlton By Bennett Rush Panel Staff
Upper School I do one sports season a year and two acting seasons. What was your favorite show you acted in? It’s honestly a tie between Ed Parlor from Death by Chocolate (at Fessy) and Banquo from Macbeth. What do you do outside of school for acting? I did an acting camp in Maine called Acting Manitou two summers ago. It’s a great institution and I would encourage anyone interested in acting to give it a try. It’s three weeks of intense all day acting, and at the end of the session you have the opportunity to put on an amazing show. Busy summer schedules have made it difficult for me to attend the camp since, and I very much regret not going back when I had the chance.
When and why did you start acting? Fessenden required acting up through eighth grade. I remember enjoying it but I didn’t pick it up again until 7th grade, where I was Uncle Henry in the Wizard of Oz. I just wanted to try it out again and see where I stood with it. I loved the people and the atmosphere there, and a lot of people said that I had potential in the theater. So I’ve stuck with it ever since. Is there a specific role you’d like to play in the future? My dream role is Javert from Les Miserables. How difficult is it to manage acting at BH, specifically when it comes to our athletic requirements? I’ve actually managed to weasel my way out of the requirements by supplementing them for the shows. Ninth grade was hard because, since I was new I felt obligated to do a sport every season, so doing shows was difficult. But now in
Has the BH theater program been meaningful to you? The BH Theater Program has helped establish both a name for myself and a close group of friends whom I would otherwise probably not know. It definitely helped make the transition at Belmont Hill easier, and since then it has served as an escape from the intense academics and stress of Belmont Hill. When and why did you pick up singing as a major hobby? I started singing at Fessy in fifth grade. My dad sang in college, so after seeing him and his friends sing I wanted to try it out and see what it was like. I’ve continued to sing ever since. I’ve enjoyed both the people who sing with me and becoming more musically literate through singing. It’s a fun pastime and hope to continue it. Do you plan on continuing either acting or singing in college? I definitely plan on continuing both acting and singing in college.
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Erin Simshauser ’17 Directs It’s Not You, It’s Me By Abby Weyer Panel Staff Earlier this winter, Erin Simshauser ’17 and her chosen play, It’s Not You, It’s Me, a short comedy about relationships and more specifically, breakups, were selected for this year’s student directed production. The play, a series of scenes centered around five couples going through rocky relationships, is a hilarious and quirky exploration of the act of breaking up. Erin’s play was one among several submitted to the arts department for selection. In the past, this opportunity was offered exclusively to seniors, but this year was also open to juniors and sophomores. When asked why she decided to propose this play, Erin explained that she “really loved its outrageousness and the characters.” Some technical thinking went into the decision as well: “I also chose this play because the cast size is flexible, and the set is very simple.” Choosing adaptable plays can be beneficial for directors because they are less restricting and there-
However, she has faced some hardships during her time as a director as well. Not yet used to commanding a sizable group of people, she has found that communication and organization have been difficult to manage. She elaborates, “I’m not able to fully express what I want, and sometimes the actors don’t understand what I’m saying… also keeping track of ten girls’ schedules has not been easy.” Although Erin faced great obstacles, she worked hard to successfully overcome them. Overall, production has been going very smoothly and is well on track for its opening night later this month. The cast members seem to also think so. Azanah Khadurri ’17 explains, “having Erin as a director has been an amazing experience. I am seeing a different side to her and it’s really fun!” Erin elaborates, “Despite the hard work, directing has definitely been worth scienceofrelationships.com it. I can’t wait to see the final product.” The either! profore allow for more freedom of expression. and freedom that directing affords her: “I’ve Panel staff can not wait Kristie RaeThe Gilooly Having been solely an actor in previous always relied heavily on what my director duction will be held on February 26 in the Winsor and Belmont Hill productions, Erin wanted from me, but now I have the chance Winsor theater. Be there to see the culmihas really enjoyed the newfound autonomy to make the show exactly what I envision.” nation of Erin and the cast’s hard work! ☐
Oscars Season 2016: Which Movies Came out on Top who was captured by the Soviet Union. Bridge of Spies received wide critical acclaim for its direction and acting in particular. In addition, Mark Rylance was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Globe Awards.
By Julia Mastandrea Contributing Writer DISCLAIMER: This article most likely contains some kind of spoiler for one or more of the movies that are nominated for Academy Awards this year, although I did my best not to include any major spoilers. Read at your own risk. Chris Rock will host the most glamorous event of the year -- the Academy Awards Ceremony-- on February 28th. The list of Academy Award Nominees was released on January 14th, and this year some truly incredible films are being honored, along with their casts and crew. Here are some brief summaries and reviews of the films nominated for Best Picture this year. The Martian: Matt Damon plays an astronaut who gets stranded on Mars after a freak storm forces the rest of his team to evacuate. He must figure out how to survive until NASA can rescue him. Along with awesome visual effects, The Martian features very strong performances from a phenomenal cast. Matt Damon in particular is amazing as astronaut Mark Watney, bringing charisma and humor to the role.
Saoirse Ronan and Emory Cohen in Brooklyn survives and is abandoned to die by the man who was left to look after him, John Fitzgerald (Hardy).The movie tells the (true!) story of Glass’s incredible journey back to the group’s camp. While visually beautiful, this movie contains some rather gory scenes, so I wouldn’t recommend this movie to anyone who cannot stomach blood and gore. Leonardo Dicaprio won a Golden Globe Award for his role, and since he’s been nominated for an Academy Award five times already, let’s all pray that he finally wins!
Mad Max: Fury Road: Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy (he’s had quite the year, hasn’t he?) lead this crazy action-packed movie. In a post-apocalyptic future, Max Rockatansky (Hardy) is a prisoner of the “War Boys,” a group led by the tyrannical Joe. When a Lieutenant named Furiosa helps several of Joe’s wives escape, he sends his entire army in pursuit of Furiosa, and Max gets dragged along. Max eventually escapes and forges a grudging alliance with Furiosa and the other women. This movie has been highly praised for the character of Furiosa, an incredibly strong female lead. DiCaprio in The Revenant awardswatch.com. Charlize Theron is spectacular in this role, and Tom Hardy gives an excellent perforThe Revenant: Leonardo Dicaprio and mance as well. Mad Max: Fury Road was Tom Hardy star in this visually stunning nominated for Best Motion Picture and movie from director Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Best Director at the Golden Globe Awards. After being mauled by a bear while on a hunting expedition, Hugh Glass (Dicaprio) barely Spotlight: This movie, starring Mark
consequencesofsound.net
Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Liev Schrieber, and Rachel McAdams, tells the entirely true story of how The Boston Globe shocked the world when they uncovered the immense scandal of child molestation in the Catholic Church and how the church covered it up. Spotlight won three Golden Globe Awards: Best Motion Picture - Drama, Best Director for Tom McCarthy, and Best Screenplay for McCarthy and Josh Singer.
The Big Short: The Big Short, starring Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt, tells the story of four people who predict the collapse of the credit and housing bubbles and decide to challenge the powerful banks for allowing it to happen. The Big Short is extremely intriguing because it poses major ethical questions: the main characters are betting on the collapse of the economy, so if the American populace loses, they win. The Big Short was nominated for three Golden Globe Awards (Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, Best Actor for Carell and and Bale, and Best Screenplay for Adam McKay and Charles Randolph).
Brooklyn: Set in 1950s Brooklyn, this movie is based on Colm Tóibín’s novel of the same name. It follows an Irish immigrant named Ellis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan) who moves to Brooklyn, and after falling into a romance, must choose between two countries and what her life would be like in each. Saoirse Ronan was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Drama Motion Picture for her role, and the film has received widespread critical acclaim. ☐
Room: Based on the novel of the same name by Emma Donoghue, Room stars Brie Larson as Ma and Jacob Tremblay as Jack, a mother and son trapped in a room by their captor Old Nick. The film explores the relationship between mother and son as they escape from captivity, and Jack experiences the outside world for the first time (and no that actually isn’t a spoiler, it is shown in the trailer that they escape). The movie has been praised the most for the performances of its lead actors. Brie Larson won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a leading role for her breakout role and Tremblay won the Critic’s Choice Award for Best Young Actor. Bridge of Spies: Starring Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, and Alan Alda, Bridge of Spies is another movie based on a true story. During the Cold War, lawyer James B. Donovan (Hanks) was enlisted to help the CIA facilitate the exchange of a capCharlize Theron in Mad Max wikipedia.org tured Soviet Spy for an American pilot
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A Tribute to Two Icons: David Bowie and Alan Rickman
arts and the world as a whole.” In addition to Mars (among others)--have made their way Blackstar’s topping UK’s album chart and the into the British Top 40 in the recent wake Billboard 200, some of David Bowie’s most of his death. Some fans remember Bowie by beloved albums--Hunky Dory, Aladdin Sane, his famous declaration from 1971’s Hunky The week of January 10th, 2016 saw Diamond Dogs, and his first big break, The Rise Dory: “Time may change me, but I can’t the unexpected loss of two artists whose and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From trace time.” Bowie was always authentiinfluence has spanned generations. David Bowie and Alan Rickman both passed away from cancer at the age of 69, having devoted themselves to their careers practically until the day they died. Bowie, the eclectic British rock and roll icon, released his final album Blackstar as a poignant goodbye to his fans only two days before his death. The album topped the UK charts and has been widely acclaimed by critics. Rickman’s last screen role as the voice of the caterpillar in Alice Through the Looking Glass will hit screens in May 2016. David Bowie’s passing inspired countless musical artists, both his contemporaries and young musicians, to pay tribute to his life and profound influence. Many recalled his “chameleon” style of creating music: his constantly changing persona and defiance of categorization that have allowed him to remain relevant to each new generation of listeners. Beyond epitomizing self-reinvention in his music and performance style, Bowie is remembered for his public experimentation with sexuality and gender expression as early as the 1970s. His courage opened doors for LGBTQ youth of the time and for those in the future, as well as other artists. Sofia Vicinelli ’17 commented: “I think David Bowie is one of the most important and influential icons in music; he changed the way the world thought of music, sexuality, gender, etc. His death is a tragic loss to society; however, his legacy reminds us The great late David Bowie am.ac.uk Alan Rickman cdn1.theodysseyonline.com to uphold his creative contribution to the Isabel Griffith-Gorgati Panel Staff
Winsor Students “Start It Up!” Erin Lyons Contributing Writer On January 21, Winsor’s new dance program presented an assembly titled “Start It Up!” in the L.O.C.’s new theater – its first-ever performance for the Winsor community. Upper School and Lower School students shared the stage as they performed in 11 different numbers, showcasing the variety of styles and skills they had learned in dance classes at Winsor. Some of the performances were lively and upbeat, like Lower School Performing Arts Block’s “Baka Play Baka” and Class III Dance’s “Weary Lonesome Blues,” while others were more mysterious and thoughtprovoking, such as Class IV Dance’s “What’s
which was performed at the assembly. The dancers’ preparation for the show was not only about putting on a performance but also about the fundamental concepts of dance and choreography. Overall, the assembly showcased Winsor’s new dance program’s potential to teach dance as a powerful form of expression. Ms. McKinley says, “My hope is for Winsor students to feel empowered to create dances that express their own experience, feelings or causes, as well as to develop an appreciation for the many roles that dance plays in our lives and in cultures around the world. And of course to learn how to look good dancing at a party!” ☐
Under the Bed?” and Upper School Performing Arts Block’s “Collision Theory.” The show also featured some duets: Marie Kester ’20 and Daphnee Piou ’18 danced in “Volkswagen 2001” and “Crash,” Alex Farina ’17 and Serena Pellegrino ’18 performed “Doors,” and Winsor faculty Ms. McKinley and Ms. Ramos were in “Chinese Variation #1 from Nut/Cracked.” Two Winsor students performed solos as well: Isabella Guerra-Uccelli ’16 (who was accompanied on the violin by Andrea Alvarez ’16) and Julia Mastandrea ’17. Also dancing in the assembly was the flamenco club, which performed “Tango Flamenco”, and Upper School Foundations of Dance, which performed “Shades Variation from Nut/Cracked.”
Julia Mastandrea ’17
Alex Farina ’17 and Serena Pellegrino ’18
Kristie Rae Gillooly
cally himself, as he embraced the inevitably shifting world of society and music around him and thus never failed to find his place in it. His music, message, and persona are as varied and lasting as the fans that remember and celebrate him. The late Alan Rickman began his career as a stage actor but is best known for his roles in movies such as Die Hard, Love Actually, Galaxy Quest, Sweeney Todd, Sense and Sensibility, the Harry Potter series, and Truly, Madly, Deeply. Rickman’s rendition of Snape, a complex antagonist of the Harry Potter movies, is perhaps his most memorable role for the teens of today. Genna Brusie ’17 reflected, “My mom really loved [Rickman], and I have so many memories watching Harry Potter and Love Actually and even Galaxy Quest. Even as a kid I loved him and his characters. He created these amazing memories for me, and I know those memories will be around for a long time.” Maddie Latimore ’17 remarked, “I think he was an amazing actor, and what makes him even more amazing is that many of the characters he played were so unlike who I’ve heard he was as a person -- a very good guy.” Rickman stood out to many for his nuanced ability to play sympathetic villains, but he proved his versatility as both a supporting and main character in films throughout the years. Those who worked with him as well as his fans mourn the loss of a unique talent and warm-hearted man. Both David Bowie’s and Alan Rickman’s artistic spirits will outlast their deaths. Their cultural influence has been and will continue to be both far-reaching and deeply personal. ☐
Kristie Rae Gillooly
According to Ms. McKinley, Winsor’s dance teacher, “A lot of work went into analyzing repertory work by guest choreographers and in choreographing new work for the concert.” Dancers in Class III and IV studied the relationships between space, time, and use of body parts in dance, while students in Upper School focused on technique, character, and “creating relationships with other dancers” on stage. Both Upper and Lower Schoolers analyzed the work of other choreographers, some of
Izzy Guerra Uccelli ’16 Kristie Rae Gillooly
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A Student’s Analysis of Obama’s Last State of the Union By John Markis Panel staff
gees from the Middle East, standing in stark contrast to the GOP, 27 of whose governors propose at least a temporar y ban on Syrian refugees. Had Obama stuck primarily to bipartisan values, he would have given Democrats a stronger chance of retaining the White House. As noted in a recent Gallup poll, nearly 45% of the countr y considers itself independent of either
On Januar y 16, President Obama delivered his thoughts on the state of the nation to both Congress and the American people, an annual tradition mandated by the Constitution. The President’s final Address was made doubly important by 2016’s being an election year ; for Democrats to maintain control of the executive branch, President Obama would have to perform exceptionally well. Overall, President Obama’s speech was effective and should help the eventual Democratic nominee gain some i n d e p e n dent voters. For instance, by talking about cur- Obama’s State of the Union Address January 12, 2016 ing cancer in America, President Obama major party ; as these votunited both sides of the ers will determine the winaisle against a common en- ner of the 2016 contest, the emy, a stark contrast to bi- President might have been partisan America today. wise to avoid statements that Although his speech might disaffect a sizable secwas generally positive, tion of the electorate. On a President Obama occasion- related note, the president ally mocked GOP candi- should not have insulted dates, something that could Governor Christie, because hurt his party in the general Christie’s type of voters, election. He affirmed his those would would be willconviction that we should ing to vote for a strong cancontinue to accept refu- didate from either party, are
exactly who the Democrats need to win. After all, he won the usually-blue state of New Jersey with support from many unique groups. Republican Governor Nikki Haley (South Carolina), the daughter of Indian immigrants, and a potential vice presidential candidate, delivered the Response to the SOTU. Interestingly, Governor Haley, hardline conser vative and Tea Parti-
congratulations. Governor Haley’s speech was so lauded by the GOP because she gave the party a huge boost, separating them from outsiders who claim to represent mainstream American conser vatives. Assuming that Trump does not win the nomination, the ultimate GOP candidate will be dogged by liberal propaganda portraying the candidate as “worse than Mr. Trump,”
er, devoted as much time in her speech to attacking Donald Trump as to President Obama. In a statement clearly directed at Mr. Trump, she declared that, “During anxious times, it can be tempting to follow the siren call of the angriest voices. We must resist that temptation…”. The usually reser ved Republican National Committee’s chairman was among many to offer his words of
particularly on the issue of Muslims and Islamophobia. On this night, Governor Haley demonstrated that the GOP establishment does not condone anti-Muslim rhetoric in any way, shape or form. In addition, by distancing the GOP from Mr. Trump, Governor Haley was able to show that the party of Lincoln supports women; by distancing the party from Trump, the ma-
jority of Republican moderate females will be likely to support the eventual GOP nominee. Governor Haley’s speech is already showing positive effects in the Granite State, where one-quarter of all New Hampshire women promote Marco Rubio. Overall, Governor Haley’s speech allowed the GOP elites to heave a deep sigh, knowing that leaders such as Haley can respectably present the Party as representing America’s diversity and youth. Over the past eight years, Obama has matured from an inexperienced one-term senator into a confid e n c e - i n s pi r i n g Commander in Chief. No matter who succeeds in next fall’s election, whether it be a former Secretar y of State, a current governor, or one of the handful of congressional candidates, our system of checks and balances will ensure that the US will be in good hands. Both Obama’s and Haley’s speeches effectively calmed some of the fearmongering rhetoric as did the more moderate results of the recent Iowa Caucus. I look forward to observing the rest of primary season unfold and seeing how both orations continue to impact the 2016 campaign discourse. ☐
Belmont Hill American Politics and Policy Poll Results By Jake DeCaprio Panel staff
11. Do you favor or oppose the United States sending ground troops into combat operations against ISIS forces in Iraq or Syria?
In December, Dr. Buckley’s senior histor y elective, American Politics and Policy, sent a political sur vey to the Belmont Hill community, including students, faculty, staff, and parents, to compare Belmont Hill’s political inclinations to those of the entire United States. Included here are the results of three of the sur vey questions pertaining to The Affordable Care Act, Syrian Refugees, and the prospect of sending ground troops to combat ISIS. All national polls were conducted in Novmber or December of 2015, and results are courtesy of www.pollingreport.com and their associated polling outlets. All Belmont Hill results come from the 458 students, faculty, staff, and parents that responded to the school sur vey. The complete set of results for all 21 questions are available at the all new Belmont Hill Panel website, www.bhpanel.org ☐ 9. Do you think allowing Syrian refugees into the U.S. poses a threat to the security of the United States, or not?
13. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling the economy?
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Student Debate: Facebook vs. Instagram In this issue of The Panel, we are continuing our feature debate between Form VI students Jay O’Brien and Gabe Schmittlein. After The Panel is released, a poll will be sent out to assess the student body’s views on the topic at hand. These results will be published in the subsequent issue along with a brand new talking debate. So without further ado, we present the ninth debate—Facebook vs. Instagram.
Team Instagram
Team Facebook By Gabe Schmittlein Panel staff Kids these days. Flaunting all their technolog y -- their iPad Mini’s, their color television, their toaster ovens, their Instagram. They keep me young. Back in my day, though, Instagram wasn’t even a thing, and it was Facebook that was the sole ruler of the social media universe. Now I do realize I’m treading dangerously close to sounding like your grandfather who always grumpily mentions that “life was better back in his day when shoes weren’t a thing” (I made that up but I’m pretty sure it’s
However, unlike the invention of shoes, which was pretty much universally accepted as being better than “no shoes,” the creation of Instagram has not completely marginalized Facebook. been said before). For starters, there’s just more you can do with Facebook. It facilitates both word-based and picturebased posts and allows for
By Jay O’Brien Panel staff
more extensive and diverse communication through sharing, liking comments, and even poking (just kidding - don’t poke people). Perhaps the most popular use of Facebook by people nowadays is through its direct messaging system, which is so ef fective largely because of the sheer number of people who have Facebook accounts in the first place. I get that this may have changed for the younger crowd, but there are may be five people in the entire senior class without a Facebook (ver y much an estimate), making it an extremely ef fective platform for communicating with people who you aren’t close enough to have exchanged phone numbers with. Facebook’s friend system also creates a big distinction with Instagram, and I do appreciate the fact that on Facebook I don’t have to worr y about maintaining my ratio. Of course they’re fundamentally dif ferent systems and Instagram does what it’s intended to do ver y well, it just doesn’t have the depth or wholescale appeal that Facebook has managed to capture.
While Facebook may have been the premier social media site back in middle school, Instagram has quickly surpassed Facebook to become the primary app of choice among younger generations. For multiple reasons, Instagram is simply superior to Facebook, which may be why so many Belmont Hill middle schoolers have hundreds of followers on Instagram with no burning desire to get a Facebook. It’s 2016 people: Mark Zuckerberg is no longer the nerdy twenty-something-year-old who understands the trends among
Unlike Facebook, where someone you know fills your newsfeed with 173 pictures from their winter vacation to Florida, Instagram limits tat user to upload one or two of their best photos. America’s teenagers, but rather a 31-year-old dad who is now out of touch with the youth of America. First and foremost, Instagram’s layout is very straightforward and easy to use for people of all ages. With Facebook, a person’s news feed is cluttered with URL’s, photos, statuses, and unoriginal videos. In addition, Facebook bombards the viewer with undesirable ads and “cutesy” things like Friends Day and Face-
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book memories, all of which may be appealing to the older members in the Facebook community, but completely unused by high schoolers. Instagram is just a series of high quality, filtered photos uploaded by a user one at a time. Unlike with Facebook, where someone you know fills your newsfeed with 173 photos from their winter vacation to Florida, Instagram limits that same user to upload one or two of their best photos. Instagram also tailors personalized “breaking news” or “explore” updates in sports or current events, depending on who the user chooses to follow. Comedy accounts, actors, athletes, or “Instagram celebrities” are all exciting options to make one’s Instagram experience as enjoyable as possible. When it comes to privacy settings, Facebook is infamous for having incredibly complex and nuanced privacy settings that are quick to change with every new update. Instagram on the other hand is very straightforward: make your account either public or private with a single button. Facebook is quickly evolving into the Myspace of our generation, and Instagram will readily take its place as the number one social media site. Lastly, everyone knows that all trends starts with the youngest generation, so don’t be surprised if over the next couple years parents soon become involved with Instagram as they try and keep up with the cool kids. Thus, Instagram membership will continue to soar while Facebook quickly fades into an oblivion.
Wendi Hiebert
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BuzzFeed: Is There a Budding Bias?
Examining the potential prejudice of “progressive” BuzzFeed
ard Hayne’s conservatism as a justification potato and a deflated football. As one online Faith In Humanity” was panned for copyfor disliking the retail store. Articles such as commenter aptly stated, “Honestly Buzzfeed, ing NedHardy.com’s 2011 post “7 Pictures these make BuzzFeed’s hypocrisy painfully y’all try to act so progressive and accepting That Will Restore Your Faith In Humanity.” obvious: according to BuzzFeed’s standards, and then go and post sh** like this. Stop pick- Four of the pictures from the NedHardy arWith its endless lists of funny memes it is unacceptable to be prejudiced ing on women… for what they ticle were re-used by BuzzFeed, and yet, and quirky quizzes, BuzzFeed has understand- against someone for their wear or look like.” In my BuzzFeed gave no credit to the website. Not opinion, BuzzFeed’s only are the articles inauthentic, they are ably become one of the most popular websites sexual orientation but willingness to rid- also often factually inaccurate. Amanda Lu among teens today. Within the Winsor com- socially acceptable icule certain ’17 remarked, “[BuzzFeed] is hard to view munity, many students rely on BuzzFeed for to criticize others female celeb- as a serious source of news because somecomic relief; as one junior commented, “I use for their politirities’ looks times some of the articles have many errors BuzzFeed primarily to look at funny lists of cal affiliation. compro- in them”. Eliza McNay ’16 agreed, saying, people doing dumb things, or just anything Also, m i s e s “When you have a significant following, it’s that will make me laugh.” Indeed, BuzzFeed t h r o u g h its pro- your responsibility has a journalist to make appears to be a popular and creative website, publishing f e s s e d sure you’ve been fact-checked. It’s really irrewell-liked for its amusing content, spontane- a r t i c l e s accep- sponsible…” BuzzFeed has an editorial staff, ous reporting, and interesting commentary. that praise t a n c e though the company’s tendency to overlook As a frequent user of BuzzFeed myself, I’ve w o m e n o f both plagiarism and false information causes enjoyed much of what it has to offer im- who rewomen one to wonder what purpose it truly serves. mensely. However, having partaken in my ject sociBuzzFeed is an entertaining website, w h o fair share of articles, quizzes, and videos, ety’s beauty come in and its endeavors to capture the attention of I’ve come to the conclusion that BuzzFeed standards, all shapes the younger generation are largely successis a media company that is hypocritical and B u z z F e e d and sizes. ful. (Believe me, trying to stay focused on dismissive of academic integrity. Here’s why: seems to opL a s t - writing this article while browsing through To start off: for a company that boasts pose the objectily: a quick BuzzFeed was extremely difficult). However, extensive diversity in race and gender among fication of women. Google search despite its efforts to be progressive, BuzzFeed staff members, BuzzFeed remains woefully However, BuzzFeed is citymaps.com of “BuzzFeed plagia- has become unreasonably prejudiced against lacking in variety of political opinion. In fact, extremely inconsisent; for rism” yielded a troubling conservative opinion. Also, in its attempts many of its articles reveal a remarkably close- every article entitled “Here’s A number of articles about BuzzFeed’s to be entertaining and relevant, it has sacriminded attitude towards any viewpoint that Hilarious Explanation For Indian Meisn’t entirely liberal. For example, in a recent dia’s Objectification Of Women,” there is an- history with plagiarism: in 2013, BuzzFeed ficed both academic integrity and general article entitled “18 Reasons Why Urban Out- other article called “13 Things Kim Kardashi- employee had plagiarized and published 41 editorial quality, a cheap trade for a company fitters Is The Worst,” BuzzFeed writer Matt an’s Outfit Looked Like At The 2015 VMAs,” articles before he was caught. In 2012, a post that claims to be “intensely focused on deStopera cited Urban Outfitter’s owner Rich- which compared the star’s appearance to a entitled “21 Pictures That Will Restore Your livering high-quality original reporting.” ☐ By Elizabeth Kim Panel Staff
a.abcnews.go.com
techboomers.com
abastomedia.com
Powerball: The Ethics Behind the Billions
An analysis of the moral code - or lack thereof - of Powerball
business of selling hope to [the poor.]” Bill- ple that they aren’t spending productively.” that its chance of winning is miniscule. In boards in the low-income districts of ChiAnother Winsor student, who wished this case, the consumer is being tricked into cago actually proclaim that a lottery ticket to remain anonymous, was opposed to the participation.” Yes, the public may be aware “could be your ticket out.” Indeed, a PBS re- lottery not because she thought it was exploit- of its poor odds, but does it truly comprehend With 1.6 billion dollars, you could fi- port revealed that households earning less ative of the poor, but rather because, “It’s sim- them? Robert Williams, a professor of health nance the final Star Wars sciences at the University of trilogy, visit space 6,400 Lethbridge, explains, “Peotimes, or perhaps simply ple just aren’t able to grasp live a luxurious life. You 1 in 175 million...we have most likely followed the nothing in our evolutionrecent Powerball frenzy ary history that prepares after the jackpot climbed us...to try and grasp the reto this unprecedented moteness of those odds.” So amount. Despite that the we proceed to buy tickets. chances of winning were “And,” Claire added, no better than becoming “aren’t profits used to benthe President, you figured efit the public anyway?” Not that two dollars wasn’t quite. Indeed, defendants of a whole lot to spend. the lottery claim that state But imagine if you governments allocate supplayed the lottery every plemental funds to public single week—the money education, noting that priwould certainly add up. mary and secondary schools And for economically disalone have received $19.3 advantaged people, that’s billion since 1985. Thus, it money they don’t have. seems rather bizarre that Forget the lighthearted California public schools excitement that swept have had to hold bake sales cdn.abclocal.go.com the nation; the everyday in order to afford electricity. lottery, largely sustained As it turns out, legislatures by “poverty, habit, and desperation,” is actu- than $13,000 a year squander nine percent ply hypocritical how the government deems allocate education funding to other purposes ally quite a dismal business, said journalist of their income in the lottery. However, it gambling a crime until it’s profitable.” To this, and then fill the hole with lottery revenue. Natasha Lennard. Victor Matheson, profes- can be contended that playing the lottery is Claire Ganiban ’18 responded, “I think that Thus, the education system does not receive sor of economics at the College of the Holy voluntary. Moreover, said Isabel Isselbacher the morality of [the government promoting] an extra cent. Yes, the lottery is pretty deceitCross, explains that the lottery is “in the ’18, “It would be condescending to tell peo- gambling increases when the public is aware ful–will you still buy a ticket next time? ☐ By Juliet Isselbacher Contributing Writer
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New Exam Schedule Gets Student Feedback
Out with the old and in with the new: a change for better or for worse? By Jordan Sclar and Dagny Reed Contributing Writers For Upper School students, something about this January was different. No, we do not mean the tragic shortage of snow days; rather, this year, Winsor students were introduced to a new exam schedule quite unlike the ‘old’ exam week. The new policy eliminates the designated exam weeks in January and June. Additionally, Reading Day, which was traditionally provided as a time for students to study and meet with teachers, was removed. A letter sent to Winsor families explaining this change stated, “we have found that high stakes, cumulative exams are not always an adequate assessment of a student’s mastery of concepts, but can favor memorization and place undue or excessive importance on one assessment.” Many students appreciated these changes, as they allowed students to focus more on their math exam, and ultimately eliminated the stress generally associated with major assessments. Sarah Quraishi ’17 stated, “I thought
that having only the math exam took some of the stress off,” but added that she found “the old exam schedule more satisfying for the end of the semester.” Others noted that this change was beneficial as it allowed them to balance their math exam with smaller assessments in other classes. One sophomore felt “the new schedule allowed [her] to be more organized, and therefore less stressed.” However, several students remarked on how the elimination of Reading Day and the fact that exams were one week earlier than in previous years made it more difficult to schedule meetings with teachers before the exam. Iona Gossage ’18 noted that the implementation of the seven day rotational schedule added another layer of complication to the testing process, stating, “I felt that I did not have adequate class time in which to learn the material, and therefore felt that I was forced to do
too much preparation by myself.” When asked about the general emotions of the Upper School towards the exam schedule revamping, Priya Shukla ’17 shared that “I felt better about not having to study for four days of exams, but I still feel that there are ways to improve the new exam schedu l e ”.
Much time and effort has been invested in creating a new exam policy that more accurately supports students and their learning processes. This policy aims to decrease stress and promote learning, a priority for the Winsor faculty and administration. While there are many benefits to this new policy, it has created an alternative method of testing to which students must become acclimated. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Winsor’s exam schedule.☐
mocks.ie
The Future of Gun Control: When Psychology Affects Reality
turing of how guns are sold in America. According to the recent Winsor 21st Century Forum poll, 82.3% of the Winsor population is in favor of stricter gun It is saddening how frequently our control: “There should be universal and social media feeds light up with debates consistent restrictions/requirements for concerning a shooting. Activists on both all states,” stated Izzy Macenka ’17, “We sides of the political spectrum require people to take drivers’ offer their reactions and ed before driving a car ideas about how to because the misuse address the most of a car can have recent atrocterrible conseity. Most quences; why tweets is it not and upthe same dates for firee x arms?” press She acsadknowlne ss edged, f irst howand e ver, forethat the most, “bigb u t gest ist h e n sue [facing m a n y gun legislaposts fall tion] is that into two catthe dissenting egories. More minority is much politichicks.com conservative-leanmore vocal than the ing arguments tend toindifferent or assenting maward discussing second amendjority.” Another Winsor girl called ment rights and the general call to “fight the situation an “impossible problem,” recguns with guns.” More liberal-leaning ognizing that a middle ground between the arguments call for tighter gun control re- two sides of the gun control debate must strictions and often a fundamental restruc- be found, but not knowing “if it exists.” By Sophie Stone Contributing Writer
But what if neither of the common rejection of what may be seen as infringing responses actually encapsulate the true on those rights. Would there still be gun solution to America’s problem? America violence with strict gun laws? Yes. Would must bring an end to the grim drumbeat there have been 51 mass shootings since of these mass murders, yet while we are 1997, with around 32,000 gun deaths per trying to quell the violence, we still glam- year? Would Americans still be ten times orize war movies, let young children play as likely to die from firearms as citizens of violent, first-person video games, and of- other developed countries? Most likely not. ten glorify the Vi o gun-toting, lence and violent heguns are so roes of these ingrained stories. Guns in our naare arguably tion’s ideas a part of the of heroism American and freeidentity. Our dom, it is country was almost no founded as a wonder result of an that the deuprising. The bate about “Wild West” gun conculture of trol seems lone rangers stalled. and gunfights Nobody is highly wants to valorized. admit that America valthe root ues indepenof our dence, augun probartizans.com tonomy, and lem may individual well be rights. I am not saying that indepen- the psychological status of the Ameridence, autonomy, and individual rights can public. Until we can publicly discuss are bad things-far from it. What I am and address America’s grotesque fascinasaying is that the basic principles of tion with guns, we will keep witnessing America lend themselves well to fierce the murder of our fellow Americans.☐
L ast L o ok
Pa g e 2 0
BEST WATER FOUNTAINS AT BELMONT HILL
6. Outside the Woodshop -- The water fountain outside the woodshop is the Jamarcus Russell of water fountains.
Th e Pan el
ROAD LOVE An original epic poem by Gabe Schmittlein. Based on a true story.
When you turn it on it seems to have a pretty decent stream, but then you go in for a taste and you’re left extremely disappointed because its actual quality could never live up to its physical potential. I totally do a lot of tough work in the woodshop and when I need a break all I ask for is a refreshing blast of cool water, but instead I receive a luke-
Sitting at a red light Listening to Bedtime Magic My song comes on, “Josie’s on a vacation far away” “Come around and talk it over” I’m on lead vocals ooyuz.com Drums too, “So many things that I want to say” “You know I like my girls a little bit older” Never really listened to these lyrics Didn’t know it was that sort of song I wonder who Josie is, Turn to my right There she is No not Josie I’m going to call her Betty Betty turns to her left Betty is on lead vocals too It’s a duet now, I smile She cringes complex.com But it’s a playful cringe Betty is playing the air guitar She’s also playing my heart, “I just want to use your love tonight” “I don’t want to lose your love tonight” I hit the high note She doesn’t I don’t care though, Then the miracle happens It’s a double chorus, “I just want to use your love tonight” “I don’t want to lose your love tonight” I hit the high note again Green light She speeds away Very quickly But we’ll always have that moment, Road love.
warm sputter of metallic awkwardness. 5. New Building -- Some people like these fountains because they have the attached water bottle filler, but I don’t bring a water bottle to school so what’s that doing for me?! The stream is small and even though it’s fairly powerful, it leaves you wishing for something more (that “something more” generally being water within this context). I guess they look pretty suave and technologically advanced, and the taste of the water itself is crisp and cool, I just need more water than it’s willing to give me. 4. Jordan Athletic Center -- Jay O’Brien thinks these are the best water fountains in the school, and while I usually respect Jay’s opinion (hahaha just kidding), I can’t say they’re anything more than average. The stream width is solid and the taste is fine, but there’s nothing really spectacular to say about them. I don’t love their design either, and I’m somewhat overwhelmed by all the different buttons (that’s definitely not the right word) that can be used to turn it on - do I use the ones on the sides? Or the one on the front? Oh wait but that one on the front is jammed what do I do now? Very confusing. 3. Music Building -- Sleek design, strong stream, cool temperature. I’m a big fan of the music building water fountains. Only gripe that I have is that last year there was a piece of gum stuck in the drain of the one on the first floor and it lasted there for several months, which was gross, but I guess that’s a pretty minor gripe in the large scheme of things. 2. Second Floor Morse -- The water fountain on the second floor of Morse is consistently great, it’s like the Tim Duncan of water fountains. There’s nothing about that fountain that’s going to make the front pages of the New York Times, it’s not the flashiest fountain, but it simply doesn’t have a flaw. Large stream? Check. Aesthetically-pleasing design? Check. Great taste? Check. Good temperature? Check. This water fountain is just the complete package. 1. Library -- You had to know it was coming. The library water fountain is practically a legend at this point. Hundreds of years from now people will be writing myths about the library water fountain, debating whether or not it could have existed. Well, people living in the future, it does exist, and it is incredible. The stream is huge; the water is as crisp and cold as you could ever imagine water to be; the design is brilliant. This water fountain is the greatest of all time.
acclaimmag.com
For those of you living under a rock, Season 20 of America’s favorite (and classiest) dating show, The Bachelor, is already underway with only 10 female contestants remaining (at the time this article was written). Current Bachelor and bland person, Ben Higgins, is doing an admirable job this season of being respectful and un-scandalous on his quest to maybe find his wife. The competition between his 10 girlfriends (a normal amount), however, has gotten stiffer and stiffer each week. Since this is the Super Bowl of dating shows, Gabe and Emily decided to do a Bachelor Draft and are going to go through each of their picks.
“Squad Gabe”
Caila
I love Caila as my first overall pick. I mean, she gives off these super nice, shy vibes when you first meet, but then literally every time she goes off with Ben they’re making out faster than you can say “Olivia-is-a-serial-killer.” She had a pretty innocuous first date with Ben, but let’s just say the night ended with some fireworks. It’s clear that she has a pretty special connection with Ben and I’d be surprised if she wasn’t around come the final couple rounds. Also Ben has given her a nickname which is not to be reapeated on this back page but may or may not rhyme (sorta) with flex antler and everybody knows that good nicknames are the key to long-lasting relationships.
Amanda
Lowkey (but in fact very highkey because I tell everyone) Amanda might be my favorite candidate, so you can imagine that I’d be extremely happy to land her with the fourth pick in this year’s Bachelor draft! Now because I’m writing this up after Emily Litz has already written her side I have the advantage of being able to look at her comments and play off them, so I’m going to attack the fact that Emily calls Amanda unoriginal. Amanda is the most sincere person on the show so Emily you can GET OUT OF HERE. When Ben is having his super emotional rose ceremony moment after a couple of his family friends died she’s the only person that genuinely offers support. Anybody who wants to fight me about Amanda can meet me in the trash compactor space behind the Jordan Athletic Center to settle our “disagreement.”
Emily
“Litz’s Pickz”
vs.
Emily’s occupation is listed as “twin” which is super funny. Emily, I too am a twin so we’re basically coworkers now I guess. Also we should go on a date some time, but only if Caila and Amanda aren’t free. Definitely don’t bring Hailey though because I won’t be able to tell you apart. I’m convinced that when Ben had to kick one of the twins off he just said a random name and waited to see who stood up. There’s no way he could tell a difference because they’re as identical as Pete Bechtol and Teddy Danziger, who, for your information, are identical. I like Emily a lot so I’m happy to welcome her to team Gabe even if I don’t really think she’s going to because Ben doesn’t even know her name. (Last point, she had Amanda’s back during all the Olivia teen mom drama so that’s big points in my book)
Leah
I don’t know who Leah is, but I’m sure she’ll help out with squad Gabe’s team chemistry or something. I don’t really know. She may be a horrible person. She may be a real nice person. She’s almost certainly not going to be the person that wins the Bachelor. (editors note post-monday’s episode: ABORT MISSION “DRAFT LEAH.” ABORT. SHE DID NOT ENCANCE TEAM CHEMSITRY AND SHE IS IN FACT A HORRIBLE PERSON)
Olivia
We thought Lace was crazy, and she was, but she was more of an “oh my gosh look at that Lace, she’s so crazy” sort of crazy. Olivia is like an “oh my gosh she’s gonna kill Ben if he sends her home” sort of crazy. She only refers to Ben as “my husband.” She talks in the third person way too much. Her mouth is gigantic. She’s bananas. I must admit, though, I’m actually pretty happy to have Olivia on my squad. I know, everybody hates Olivia, even Ben hates Olivia, but she will do anything to win. She’s the type of player that plays with a shank hiding in her shoe and actually uses it. Sometimes you need a player like that. I am also very confident that she’s secretly blackmailing Ben so that doesn’t hurt either.
Lauren B
JoJo
Becca
Lauren H
Jennifer
My first round draft pick is Lauren B because she epitomizes the girl next door thing that Ben is totally into. She’s mastered the doe-eyed look and knows how to appear confident but not come on too strong (unlike someone from team Gabe i.e. Olivia). Given that the majority of Bachelor winners and runners-up have had straight, blonde hair, Lauren B’s blondeness and straight-haired-ness give her a statistical advantage. She and Ben even have a common interest in aviation. He’s taken the majority of his dates on planes/helicopters/hot air balloons and she’s a flight attendant. Ben + Lauren B = match made at high altitudes. Plus she has a job which is more than I can say for one of Gabe’s team members (i.e. Emily, professional Twin).
I would like to express my feelings about JoJo with an acrostic poem: Jocular (she’s entertaining, she has a good sense of humor) Open-minded (she’s excited to try new things, she’s easygoing) Joyous (she’s carefree) Original (she has a personality unlike a certain girl on Gabe’s team i.e. Amanda)
I’m so pleased to welcome Becca as my third round pick because she’s done this before! She was first runner up last season so I’m sure she wouldn’t be here if she were insincere. Becca = marriage material. For their one-on-one, they married people together and that’s weird but a unique date and I’m sure they bonded. Lauren H is so #real. She #wokeuplikethis. Her secret weapon is how relatable/ normal she is. When Ben woke everyone up at like 4 AM last week, Lauren was wearing her retainer (whereas all the other girls inexplicably had makeup on) and we all could relate. She has a good sense of humor and does goofy stuff which we can all appreciate (and Ben def appreciates). Also Lauren H is a Kindergarten Teacher, which I’m pretty sure is the most legit and least vague job held by a contestant in all of the history of the Bachelor franchise (we’re talking about the show that has brought us the “Pantsapreneur,” the “Grain Merchant,” and the “Mineral Coordinator”).
Ok, to be honest, I don’t really know who Jennifer is but I’m still happy to welcome her to the Litz Fam. She’s irrelevant but she’s more relevant than one of Gabe’s picks i.e. Leah. They actually talked last episode which I consider to be a step forward.
Bachelor contestant pictures courtesy of abc.go.com