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Volu m e 6 3 , Issu e 7
A Student Publication of the Belmont Hill School
Marc h 1 2 t h, 2 0 1 5
Social Media Causes a Generation Gap at Winsor By Sea-Jay Van der Ploeg Panel Staff “I made a Facebook for one day and deleted it because it was boring! Who uses Facebook, anyway?” I overheard this snippet of conversation among a group of Lower Schoolers and pondered the greater implications of this declaration. Inspired to surf the Internet, I found a
January 2014 Princeton University study that posited that Facebook will lose 80% of users by 2017. How unlikely—or how accurate—was this claim? Is Facebook truly past its heyday? And if so, what form of popular media supplants it—or will supplant it? The revelation that Facebook may be past its prime led me to reflect upon my own personal relationship with Facebook. In Lower School, I used
my profile to post inside jokes on my friends’ walls (affirming my popularity by tagging the names of everyone involved), to share photo albums, and to chat with my friends online. Today, as a senior, I use my account mostly for social planning, creating Facebook events, chatting friends, surveying group pages, and occasionally (often) stalking other people. Younger elementary schoolers and middle
schoolers today, however, do not seem to have the same uses for the application. Perhaps I simply do not network enough with younger people, but generally speaking, I have seen younger people’s accounts less and less on Facebook. There lies some accuracy in my observations; a study by consumer research organization GlobalWebIndex published that between 2012 and 2013, the percentage of 16 – 19
year old active users dropped from 62% to 52%, and the percentage of 20 – 24 year old users dropped from 63% to 52%. So where is everyone going? My sixth grade sister RuYao Van der Ploeg explained, “My friends and I use apps like Instagram and Snapchat, and none of us really use Facebook at all.” This preference shift can be attributed to a couple trends. Continued on page 9
Deep Playoff Run for Hockey Finishes With Close Match at St. Anselm’s By Michael O’Neill Panel Staff After putting together an inspiring comeback attempt within the game’s final seventyfive seconds, the hockey team fell just short of claiming their first New England Prep title since 1990 after a 4-2 loss to Brooks this past Sunday. Belmont Hill, the number four seed in the Martin/ Earl Large School tournament, had beaten Berkshire and Thayer in the previous two rounds to reach the final against Brooks. A sizeable contingent of Belmont Hill students, alumni, faculty, parents, and friends made the trek up to St. Anselm’s hockey arena in Manchester, New Hampshire to support the hockey squad. The game got off to a defensive start, as a backand-forth first period ended scoreless. Both teams struggled to break through in the second period as well, though Belmont
Hill killed a power play after a captain and departing senior Loop cheeringly them on wildly, holding penalty call. With just Charlie Barrow gave Belmont the side nearly tied the game under eight minutes to go be- Hill a glimmer of hope, tipping up on several close shots before fore the break however, Brooks one into the back of the net off Brooks sealed the victory with snagged the first goal of an empty-netter with just the game and took the 1-0 under a minute to go. Relead into the locker room. gardless of the end result, The third period the team put in an outseemed to breathe new life standing effort in what was into the game, as a total the last hockey game at of five goals were scored Belmont Hill for all of the in the ensuing eighteen team’s seniors. The travelminutes. Two minutes ing fans stayed behind to after the restart, Brooks give the team and Coach doubled their lead, then McCarthy a standing ovaadded another goal 30 tion for their outstanding seconds after the resultseasonal performances. ing face-off. It didn’t look The road to St. Angood for the boys in blue, selm’s was an impressive but in true Belmont Hill and entertaining one for fashion, the team refused The team celebrate with the Loop after their the Belmont Hill squad. to surrender. The team exciting 5-4 semi-final win vs. Thayer They opened the tournapiled on in attack for the ment by beating #5 seed final fifteen minutes, nearly scor- fellow captain Charlie McCon- Berkshire on the back of Charlie ing on a power play and later on nell’s assist. Just twenty seconds McConnell who notched a hat a 2-vs-1 while shorthanded, only of game time later, Belmont Hill trick in the match. The semito be stopped by the Brooks goal- added a second, and the come- final matchup against Thayer, ie. With 2:15 left on the clock, back was officially on. With the who had knocked out top seed
Brunswick in the first round, was even more thrilling, a 5-4 affair that saw three goals being scored in each period. Thayer jumped out to an early 1-0 in less than a minute, but fellow Dartmouth committees Charley Michalowski, ‘15, and Sam Hesler, ‘17, combined to score all five of Belmont Hill’s goals and lead them on the path to victory. Hesler, who announced his intention to play hockey at Dartmouth just last week, grabbed a hat trick for himself on the day. The hockey team this year was one that really came together at the right time, playing its best hockey just as the post-season approached. Though unable to collect the tournament win, the side gave it their all right up to the final whistle and can rest easy knowing their performance this season will not go unheralded. A big round of applause for Coach McCarthy, his staff, and all of the players on this year’s team. ☐
Look Inside
Boston Buried under Record Amounts of Snow
Poetry Fest pg 2
By Susy Liu, Claudia Meyer, & Hailey Fuchs Panel Staff
New Roles for Winsor Administrators pg 4 Snow days pg 6 Climate Myths Debunked pg 9 Drake review pg 13 Squash Nationals pg 17
Ten foot snow banks. Cars shrouded in white. Five foot icicles hanging from snow-laden buildings. Boston is up to its neck in snow, forcing residents to shovel driveways, sidewalks, and streets again and again and again. Thanks to four massive snowstorms in two weeks, February set the record for the snowiest month in Boston since the first recorded winter snowfall in 1872. After Winter Storm Neptune dropped another foot of snow over Valentine’s Day weekend, snow totals reached 58.5 inches for the month and 95.7 inches for the season. The snowstorm brought winter 2015 less than a foot away from surpassing 1995-1996’s 107.6 inches
of snow and becoming the snowiest winter Boston has ever seen. The Massachusetts government has tried its best to keep up with the onslaught of snow. On February 8th, Mayor Walsh announced a state of emergency and set parking bans that lasted weeks. During Winter Storm Neptune, Massachusetts dispatched 3,366 crews to clear the snow, which was shipped to snow farms for lack of space. As the snow farms reached their full capacity, crews began melting truckloads of snow and considered dumping it in the Boston Harbor as a last resort. The massive post-blizzard clean-up cost was inevitable--Massachusetts spent around 7 million cleaning up after Neptune, adding to the 37 million dollars already spent on snow removal. The extreme weather has forced the city to shut down, dis-
rupting daily life. The past few weeks have been a vicious cycle of snow emergencies, plowing, flight cancellations, and school and MBTA closings. Flooding has caused streets to shut down, and power outages have affected hundreds of people. Roofs of houses and buildings have col-
lapsed under the sheer weight of the snow, and the number of carbon monoxide incidents has increased due to blocked heating vents. The MBTA’s incapacitation has only exacerbated the issues that the snow has brought to Boston this year. Continued on page 5
Faith Danglo ’15 achieves internet fame shoveling snow
pressherald.com
Belmont HIll NEWS
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Poetry Festival Ends With a Bang by Neil Hilborn). On the morning of February 23 rd, each of these twelve finalists gave excellent performances In a Belmont Hill English cur- of their poems in front of Chapel. riculum that is filled with prose, the The three judges for this year’s annual Poetry Fest provides students contest were Mr. Armstrong, Ms. Vaiwith a welcome aside to the world of las, and Ms. Zener. The judges assessed poetry. A long-standing tradition of the performances based on the conthe school, the Poetry Fest has held testant’s ability to recite their speechstrong for the past two years, even af- es correctly, their inflection, and their ter Mr. Brodie, the man who started cadence, among other factors. Each and ran the Poetry Fest for contestant delivered excelmany years, retired. This lent recitations. Highlights year, Dr. Tift ran yet another of the Chapel included successful and meaningful Brendan Pulsifer’s dramatic edition of the Poetry Fest. delivery, Alessandro ZenaThis year’s contest had ti’s passionate commentary the same rules as always. on technology in today’s Underclassmen were resociety, and Cam Connor’s quired to recite a poem in near-rap about the underfront of their English class, appreciated President Alwhile the senior inquiry Mr. Mahoney exander Hamilton. In the classes had the option to end, the judges could only do the same. Each class chose one choose three winners however. This student to move on to the next round year, the three winners were Vishnu for an exceptional recitaNair, Noah Levine, and Mr. Mahoney tion. After in-class recitaCam Connors. All finaltions chose semifinalists ists did an excellent job. throughout the beginning When asked about of February, the semifihis win at the Poetry Fest, nalists moved on to reVishnu Nair said, “My excite their poems again in perience in the Poetry Fest front of Dr. Tift. Dr. Tift was a very valuable one then chose the twelve fifor me. I learnt that when nalists that would move you want to recite a poem on to recite their poems in well, you really have to front of Chapel in an allput yourself in the mindschool meeting. This year, set of the poet. I picked a the twelve finalists (with their poems poem that I felt would suit me, and I in parentheses) were Alex Czarnecki went with it. I am so honored that the ’17 (Repetition judges selected Mr. Mahoney by Phil Kaye), my performance.” Oisin Treanor ’18 This was the gen(Dance Russe by eral consensus William Carlos among all of the Williams), Juan participants. Not Carlos Fernandez only was the Podel Castillo ’16 etry Fest an excel(And Death Shall lent opportunity Have No Dofor each of these minion by Dylan participants to Thomas), Cam showcase their Connors ’16 (Alamazing declaexander Hamilton mations to their by Lin-Manuel Poetry fest winners (from top to bottom) Vishu peers and the BelMiranda), Noah Nair, Cam Connors, and Noah Levine mont Hill comLevine ’15 (Macmunity, but it was rophobia by Jamaal May), Jackson also a great chance for them to O’Donnell ’20 (Totally Like Whatev- learn more about their own reciter by Jackson Mali), Vishnu Nair ’16 ing abilities and to find a poem that (Conscience by Henry David Thore- they felt was important to them. au), Charlie Danziger ’16 (Football by All in all, this year’s Poetry Fest Louis Jenkins), Owen Grady ’18 (The was yet another successful edition of Raven by Edgar Allan Poe), Alessan- a long-held, important Belmont Hill dro Zenati ’16 (Touchscreen by Mar- tradition. All of the finalists providshall Davis Jones), John Markis ’18 ed entertaining, well-spoken recita(Casey at the Bat by Ernest Lawrence tions, especially the three winners, Thayer), and Brendan Pulsifer (OCD Vishnu, Noah, and Cam. CongratuBy Sreehaas Digumarthi Panel Staff
Th e Pan el
BH Flower Sale A Roaring Success By Sebastian Themelis Staff Writer This Valentine’s Day, many people were pleasantly surprised to receive flowers from Belmont Hill boys, bought during the S.A.D.D. flower sale. 1500 flowers were sold, marking a great increase in flower sales from last year, when only 1000 were sold. “We had a very good turnout this year,” stated Andrew Wilkins, who is the head of S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions), a group not only committed to informing teenagers about destructive activities such as drunk driving and tobacco, but also minor things like sleep deprivation and stress. Many people were instrumental in making the S.A.D.D. flower
sale such a success. Andrew Wilkins concocted the brilliant idea of digitizing the sign up forms, making it tremendously easier to order for the flower sale. Mrs. David helped organize the flower sale, and her connections at Winston Flowers were also immensely helpful. Chris Byrne, co-head of S.A.D.D., also helped to organize the flower sale. Students could either buy the flowers to give to their special someone themselves, or they had the option to have the flowers sent to certain schools. One problem that arose during the flower sale was that some schools sadly would not accept flowers that were sent. All in all, the S.A.D.D. Flower Sale was again a tremendous success, and all the proceeds went to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. We look forward to breaking this number next year! ☐
12,000+ Diapers Raised by BH Community for Boston Families By Michael O’Neill Panel Staff
St. Anthony’s Shrine has Seniors Colin Ward and Evan Chaletzky to thank for over 12,000 donated diapers this winter, as the two soon-to-be-alumni ran an incredibly successful diaper drive all through February. “The drive started two years ago in memory of my mom, who passed away in 2013 after a difficult battle with cancer,” explained Colin. “St. Anthony’s is a special place to me and my family, and they really could use our school’s help. Diapers are a hot commodity at St. Anthony’s, and they struggle to help all the families that they want to.” Each year since its inception, the drive has aimed to double its tally from the previous year; the original goal of 2,500 became 5,000 in 2014, and this year the goal was raised to a tremendous 10,000 diapers. Thanks to the hard work of Colin and Evan and the generosity of countless Belmont Hill families, that mark was actually surpassed
by a sizeable margin; this year, the number of donations totaled to 12,400 diapers, a sum that more than pleased the drive’s organizers. “It has been a tremendous drive for a great cause,” commented Evan. “I’m extremely happy with all of the support we got this year, it was incredible,” Colin added. “We want to extend a huge thank you to everybody who contributed - this will undoubtedly help lots of families in need, and that is something everyone should be proud of.” While Colin and Evan are graduating in the spring, the departure of the drive’s two chief organizers does not mean the diaper drive will leave with them. Starting next year, current Third Form student Will McCormack will take the reins. The Panel would like to congratulate Colin, Evan, and everyone who helped the drive in some capacity for their generous and inspiring work, which serves as a perfect example of the Belmont Hill community rallying around a common cause to help those in need. ☐
Deven Ferguson-Perez Starts Diversity Workshop By Mack Perry Panel Staff For his senior project, Deven Ferguson-Perez is taking a unique opportunity to lead a weekly diversity workshop at Belmont’s Butler Elementary School. The course, named “Difference and the Same”, is taught to the school’s third-graders, and will teach about diversity and inclusion. Each week, the students are shown a video in a series produced by Family Communications, Inc., the producers of the popular PBS program “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood”. The series addresses the complexities of human relationships, teaching children identify bias so it can be prevented. “My goal is to help the kids develop positive at-
titudes toward themselves,” says Deven, “as well as to live in harmony with all people -- both those who are different from them in some ways and those who are the same.” By teaching young minds about current-day social problems and how to approach them, he hopes they will be prepared to recognize and deal with these situations in a positive way when they tackle these challenges. “As we get older, we find young kids who struggle with ‘different’, whether it be culturally, socio-economically, racially, or a different ethnicity or gender,” describes Deven, “but if I can teach kids how to embrace other people’s differences, I hope they will be less likely to be perpetrators of bigotry, and be able to speak out or be an ally of those who are victims of bullying and hazing.” ☐
Mr. Mahoney Alexander Santangelo, Colin Ward, and Evan Chaletzky as they deliver the diapers
March 12th, 2015
Belmont Hill NEWS
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Two Belmont Hill Graduates Featured on Famous Forbes “30 Under 30” List By Evan Ricci Staff Writer Every year, Forbes Magazine publishes an issue detailing 30 up-andcoming entrepreneurs under the age of 30 years old. Forbes includes entrepreneurs from many sectors of the business world, including finance, food and wine, sports, health care, law and policy, and many more. Being included on the business magazine’s renowned annual feature takes a lot of hard work, and success at your job. Need- Nick Rellas, ‘08 less to say, the list is a pretty exclusive one. However, not one but two recent alumni of Belmont Hill have achieved
enough early in their respective careers to snag a spot on this year’s “30 Under 30” piece. Harry Greene, ‘03, and Nick Rellas, ‘08, found themselves being interviewed by Forbes early this year. Greene, 29, Forbes serves as a vice president of Goldman Sachs at the impressive age of 29. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a leading global investment banking and investment management firm that provides services to a substantial client base all throughout the world. These clients include corporations, financial institutions, governments, and high-net-worth individuals. Founded in 1869, the firm’s headquarters are located in New York City, although offices
Seniors Organize Belmont PMC Kids Ride By Benny Wanger Staff Writer This spring, five seniors will be continuing the tradition of hosting the Pan Mass Challenge Kids Ride. Ariel Borsook, James Russo, Charlie McConnell, Charlie Barrow, and Benny Wanger have decided to organize this fundraiser for their senior project. It will be a great opportunity for young kids to get outside and have some fun while also making an impact and contributing to a great cause. This year will be the 4th year Belmont Hill seniors have organized and hosted the PMC Kids Ride since its formation by Teddy Metropolos in honor of Mr. Goodband. All the proceeds from the event
will be donated to cancer research and in 2014 that number exceeded $25,000. The goal the seniors have set to beat this year is $30,000 in donations. This is where the Belmont Hill community comes in. In order to meet this steep goal, the seniors need as much help as possible spreading the word about the ride to different towns and specifically to families with younger kids who may be interested in riding. There will be raffles and games with prizes so families are encouraged to get outside and enjoy the event. So, this year, the seniors are inviting over 250 kids to come out to Belmont Hill in the Spring and bike the PMC Kids Ride. It will be a great event and fun for all families! ☐
are widespread all throughout the world in major financial centers. Harry graduated from Yale University with degrees in economics and math. As Vice President, Harry helps oversee major portfolio projects in Goldman Sachs’ investment strategies unit. Rellas, 25, is a cofounder of Drizly, and was featured in The Panel’s November issue. Drizly is essentially a beer, wine, and liquor delivery business. Through Drizly’s website and apps on the app store, customers are able to notify Drizly of their location, confirm their order, and wait Harry Greene, ‘03 for about 40 minutes until their order arrives. The goal of Drizly was to make alcohol delivery an option with just a couple of clicks on your smartphone.
Since the company’s beginning about two years ago, Drizly has worked with more than 100 retailers Forbes to deliver beer, wine, and liquor to businesses and consumers. Drizly has been featured in many newspapers across the country, as well as being featured in “The Today Show.” In its brief but successful time on the market, the company has been able to deliver products to consumers in places such as Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Seattle, St. Louis, Washington D.C., and even Vail, Colorado. Anybody over the age of 21 is now able to purchase beer through the app ‘Drizly’ and have it delivered to them, thanks to Nick Rellas and his pioneering ideas. ☐ Ariel Borsook
The seniors hope to recreate the success of last year’s successful PMC Kids Ride.
Emmie Atwood Discusses Dangers of Distracted Driving for Text Less, Live More By Augustus Lamb Staff Writer Ever y day in the United States, eleven teenagers die in accidents related to texting while driving. The TextLess Live More campaign hopes to play an important role in preventing such tragic incidents. Founded in September 2013 by three students at Milton Academy in honor of their friend and classmate, Merritt Levitan, who was killed by a distracted driver while on a bike trip that July, the campaign’s purpose is to help decrease excessive phone usage. One of the ways they attempt to accomplish their mission is by organizing phone-free days in which students turn their phones off at the start of the academic day and then turn them back on at the end. In an early morning Friday chapel, our school had the chance to hear from one of the founders of TextLess Live More, Emmie Atwood, a Milton Academy graduate and current student at Har vard University. “Merritt knew how to live in the realest, most authentic way possible. We started this campaign to honor her way of living,” Emmie said. Before participating,
students must sign a pledge that states, “I pledge to spend one day, from eight in the morning to three-thirty in the afternoon, cell-phone free. I also pledge never to text and drive, stream and drive, or drive distracted by technolog y.” Despite the fact that not using phones in school does not directly relate to driving, it is the organization’s hope that by helping people change their behavior with technolog y, they can be more committed to driving without distraction. Although TextLess’ main priority is raising awareness about the dangers and impacts of texting and driving, the movement is much bigger than that. In a world where texting, Facebook, Twitter, and other ways of communicating through phones are extremely popular, we often have less and less person-to-person interactions. Emmie explained, “Our hope is that in encouraging the practice of phone-free living, students will be more willing to resist the instinct to pick up their phone when it buzzes in the car, and also be able to have more substantial, real world relationships,’’ a statement that perfectly summarizes the TextLess Live More campaign. ☐
Executive Editors John Driscoll Caroline MacGillivray Natalie Sayegh William Treanor Arts Editors Brendan Pulsifer Abigail Simon Sports Editors Joanna Chen Liam Foley Photo Editors Kiran Butte Alexa Lyons Jamie Mazzio-Manson
Backpage Editors Andres Cordoba Myles Walsh
Editors-in-Chief Maddy Batt Michael O’Neill Online Editors Sreehaas Digumarthi Bibi Lichauco
Assistant Editors Chip Daley Jake DeCaprio Victoria Farina Jason Fischman Betsy Kim Mack Perry Helen Sayegh Brigitte Schmittlein Caitlin Weldon
Copy Editors Matt Reppucci Sea-Jay Van der Ploeg
News Editors Sreehaas Digumarthi Lilla Gabrieli Opinion Editors Hailey Fuchs Jay O’Brien Faculty Advisors David Hegarty Stephen Murdock Thomas Wensink Sarah Wolf Juliette Zener Graphics Editor Arielle Blacklow
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 2011 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.
winsor NEWS
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Th e Pan el
reuters.org
Boston Buried Under Record Amounts of Snow ment for the current decrepit and dilapidated equipment will not occur overnight; new cars for the Red and Orange lines, continued from page 1 which have already been According to AccuWeather, MBTA man- ordered, will take years to agers estimate that it may take thirty days, assum- implement. Meanwhile, ing there will be no more blizzards, to completely the lack of service continrepair the transit system and resume full service ues to impact commutto the 300,000 Boston commuters that rely on it. ers, especially low-wage Citizens across the state have become workers, who, according frustrated with these impairments, and they to Mayor Walsh, are “losare especially angered by the MBTA’s lack of ing more than anyone service. As reported by the Boston Globe, their else here.” The lost work exasperation was shown in a petition calling time is taken out of workfor reimbursements from the MBTA, which at- ers’ paid holiday time and tained over 200 signatures in three days. How- even straight out of their Boston residents brave the winter weather ever, MBTA officials have also highlighted to paychecks. A decrease in the public the immense cost if they decide to business productivity, due to the absence of lane closings. However, traffic-induced tarrefund or reimburse riders for all the lost ser- employees, has caused significant damage to diness is not the snow’s most dramatic effect vice. In response to the MBTA’s chaotic state an economy already suffering from the massive on Winsor--the school has been forced to during the past month, MBTA General Manag- costs of snow removal and MBTA malfunctions. close on six days so far. Though students have er Beverly Scott announced her resignation on The snow has affected everyone--Win- enjoyed the days off, the snow days have unFebruary 11. Scott will leave the MBTA in April sor students included. For many of us, get- doubtedly inhibited learning progress. Many after the winter has passed. MBTA dysfunctions ting to school by car has been a disaster in teachers are anxious about fitting the necesduring this historic winter were in part due to a the last few weeks. Traffic in the Boston area sary material into the remaining school days, staggering $9 billion in debt and $3 billion in has been terrible, as people who are no lon- and teachers of AP classes have decided to maintenance backlog. The T has been investing ger able to commute via public transportation hold class on certain days that students would in a series of ventures such as daily service to are forced to drive. These commuters have to usually have off. Winsor has decided not to Gillette Stadium, which would cost $23 million, drive much more slowly and cautiously than extend the school year, however, choosing ineven while there remain serious infrastructural they normally would in morning rush hour, stead to decrease the number of Upper School issues that need immediate attention. Replace- given the treacherous road conditions and exams as well as move them back a week. By Hailey Fuchs, Susy Liu, & Claudia Meyer Panel Staff
bostonglobe.org
Needless to say, everyone is sick of the snow. Who can say when it will stop and give New England a chance to recover? In the mean time, people have tried to make the best of the weather. Though highly discouraged by Mayor Walsh, many thrill seekers took on the Blizzard Challenge, jumping from second-story windows into snow banks. Winsor students and faculty stayed optimistic by holding a beach party among the snow dunes and below freezing temperatures, bringing summer to the school for a day. The snowstorms may be far from finished, but if we maintain a sunny attitude, we can definitely beat Winter 2015! ☐
Changes in Winsor Community Keystone Pipeline: To Veto or Not to Veto
families, alumnae and friends of this school.” In addition to this upcoming change in school leadership, several other administraIn the past few months, announce- tors are taking on new roles. After spending six By Juliet Isselbacher & Hammond Hearle Contributing Writers ments of several major administrative chang- years as Winsor’s Upper School Head, Ms. Grant es in the upcoming year have rocked the will also be stepping down in order to teach upWinsor community. Familiar administra- per school history full-time. When asked about Is Obama preparing to use his third tors seen at Winsor for years are making sig- the change, Ms. Grant expressed enthusiasm veto? This single action has the potennificant transitions within the next two years; about spending more time with students in the tial to determine the future of energy use here is a brief breakdown of those changes. classroom: “My absolute favorite part of my job and the balance of power in the energy Firstly, after twelve dedicated years of has always been interacting with students. It industry. On February 11, the House of service, Ms. Stettler, Winsor’s beloved head will be great to be doing that full time again.” Representatives voted 270-152 to pass of school, will be retiring. In a letter to the In addition, Ms. Geromini, Winsor’s Direc- the Keystone Bill, which the Senate sancWinsor community, Ms. Stettler wrote, “By tor of Athletics for the past 13 year, will leave tioned on January 29. However, the White the end of 2015-2016, the extensive campus her position to take on the significant role of House has made known Obama’s intenprojects, The Winsor Promise campaign, and Winsor’s Director of Operations and Auxiliary tion to allow the State Department to re- Congress’ map of pipeline washingtonpost.com the Learning in the 21st Century plan will Programs. Her new areas of responsibility will view the project proposal. According to be finalized. I feel confident that Winsor’s include marketing school facilities, managing CNN, the proposed Keystone XL pipe- oil sands, which release 17 percent more place as a world-class educational institu- emergency preparedness and the security of line would serve to transport tar sands carbon dioxide than the average barrel of tion in Boston will be ensured for decades to the campus, and further developing mission- from Alberta, Canada to the Gulf Coast crude oil refined in the US. It has been escome.” Until her retirement in June of 2016, appropriate summer and weekend programs. of Texas, where oil refineries would pro- timated that Keystone XL would render 4.5 however, Ms. Stettler stated that she “will relIn perhaps the most surprising admin- cess 830,000 barrels of crude oil daily. percent of the world’s oil 17 percent dirtier ish the remaining time with Winsor students, istrative change of all, Winsor created the Supporters of the pipeline claim that by 2030. However, environmentalists argue entirely new role of “Director of Performing increased Canadian oil imports will re- that Keystone XL will not only undermine Arts,” a position that will play an instrumental duce US oil imports by 40 percent from efforts to manage climate change but will part in expanding Winsor’s music and drama unstable regions, strengthening the U.S. also hinder the transition to renewable enprograms, as well as creating a new dance economically and politically. Retired Gen- ergy sources by serving as a symbol of comprogram. Winsor’s first Director of Perform- eral James Jones, former National Security mitment to the exploitation of tar sands oil. ing Arts will not only directly coach students Advisor, stated that the U.S. is giving its Some senators prioritize long term in music ensembles, but will also lead the Arts rivals leverage by neglecting to establish effects while others prioritize immediate Department in fostering the presence of the energy independence. In addition, Sena- benefits, rendering both sides seemingly winsor.org winsor.org performing arts in the Winsor community. tor John Hoven asserted that the U.S. is irreconcilable. The senators who keep the It is a difficult to imagine Ms. Stettler, currently expediting the Islamic State former in the forefront of their minds are Ms. Grant, and Ms. Geromini, three promi- of Iraq and the Syria (ISIS) acquisition concerned with sustaining a “green” world nent leaders in our community, outside of of resources by purchasing oil from the for future generations, while other senators the critical roles they have played with such Middle East, thus completely undermin- prioritize US energy independence. While expertise, commitment, and passion for many ing US efforts to suppress ISIS’s growth. both sides desire to preserve civilization years. However, stability through change has Opponents of the pipeline insist that through maintaining either political or enalways been among Winsor’s many strengths, it will entail devastating environmental vironmental stability, politicians have conand the Winsor community remains confident consequences. Keystone XL would fa- trasting perspectives on the correct deciwinsor.org imgarcade.org that these transitions will be smooth ones.☐ cilitate an expansion in production from sion regarding the Keystone XL Pipeline.☐ By Betsy Kim Panel Staff
March 12th, 2015
winsor NEWS
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The Debate on Genetically Modified Organisms crops are also safe to eat, despite allegations that they are dangerous to human health. In the United States, the Food and The genes of every living organism on Drug Administration (FDA) does not reEarth consist of varying sequences of adenine, quire companies to label foods that contain thymine, cytosine, and guanine. Scientists GMOs. However, the Non-GMO Project, a today hope to identify and manipulate these non-profit dedicated to “protecting the nongenes in efforts to face increasing demands of GMO food supply and giving consumers global population growth and climate change an informed choice,” verifies certain prodchallenges. This concept of gene manipulation ucts and labels them “Non-GMO.” As a reis the basis for genetically modified organisms sult, consumers can decide for themselves (GMOs) that are the result of a deliberate pro- whether or not they would like to purchase cess to transfer a copied gene for a desired trait foods that contain GMOs. Winsor’s Confrom one organism to another. Yet, many en- serve Our World (COW) club head Adriana vironmentalists assert that the use of geneti- Jacobsen ’16 remarked that “if the United cally modified crops will have detrimental ef- States does continue to permit GMOs...they fects on the organisms that make up the crop’s [GMOs] should be engineered for a more ecosystem, and many countries have prohibit- constructive and less damaging use…they ed the production of GMOs. Today the global should be labeled as genetically modified population is 7,298,771,400 and increasing and the information about the modifications every second. But tremendous controversy should be readily available to consumers.” exists among lawmakers, environmentalOn the one hand, GMO crops pose ists, farmers, and scientists as to what extent a severe threat to the environment in the Pro-GMO campaign advances in biotechnology, the means with short-term due to the emergence of increaswhich scientists produce genetically modified ingly aggressive pests and weeds. On the other seeds, could solve the food shortages of a grow- hand, both food-related and non-food related ing population and whether doing so would GMOs possess the ability to change traditionbe worth the potential environmental cost. al agriculture and possibly prevent disease. Governments in more than 60 coun- Jacobsen commented on the challenges and tries around the world, including Japan, opportunities inherent in the GMO debate, Australia, and European Union countries, saying, “GMOs pose a chance of being a very have severely restricted or even banned the positive innovation...we need a way to sustain production of GMOs. Although breeding the needs of a world that is predicted to reach weed-resistant and insect-resistant crops a population of 11 billion by 2100. However, I have allowed farmers to stop using traditional believe that if we are to genetically modify our herbicides and pesticides, “super weeds” and crops, we should work towards adding more “super bugs” have emerged because of the nutrients into our food or something siminewly-resistant crops that can be killed only lar instead of modifying them to withstand by toxic poisons. Although the long-term herbicides and create insecticides, which will impact of GMOs is largely unknown, the only allow for increased use of extreme weed adverse effects of “super” weeds and bugs and insect killers that could upset the balance poses a significant hurdle for the success of surrounding environment and food chain.” widespread GMOs. However, many farmers The ever-growing population and inbelieve GMOs are more cost-effective and creasingly jeopardized food supply spark the less harmful to the environment than tradi- need for investigation into whether or not tional farming methods. Some farmers select GMO foods and crops will be part of the genetically modified seeds because GMOs solution or part of the problem. The concan reduce yield loss or crop damage from troversy remains as to whether the costs to weeds, diseases, and insects, as well as from GMOs on the climate, in the age of detriextreme weather conditions like droughts. mental climate change, is worth the benefit In addition, recent studies suggest that GMO of potentially solving a world food crisis. ☐ Anti-GMO protesters take to the streets By Talia Ruxin Contributing Writer
foodengineringmag.com
nbcnews.org
Ops Insert: The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
and advocating Sharia law. Following the United surge of troops. Our generation may remember terfering with ISIS. In light of the publicized States’ invasion of Iraq in 2003 to overthrow Sad- hearing of ISIS only in more recent killings o f American, dam Hussein, al-Zarqawi transformed Tawhid years, as the militant group has British, and Midwa al-Jihad into al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI). AQI supported the outbreak dle Eastern isisstudygroup.com The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, also was distinguished from other Iraqi and al-Qaeda of anti-government rebelhostages alike, known as ISIS or ISIL, has been flooding interna- leaders because of its brutality; for example, from lion in Syria since they intensialong with what seems to be the tional politics and discussion for over a year now. 2003-2004 tens of thousands of Iraqi civilians fied in 2011. ISIS’s cruel and violent measures exponential escalation of ISIS’s vioThe BBC reports that the extremist Islamist rebel were killed by AQI. In 2006, the United States led have been condemned both by Syrian rebels lent capabilities, the president angroup started as an umbrella group of al-Qaeda an airstrike which resulted in Zarqawi’s death, af- and members of al-Qaeda, but the brutalnounced in February that “[the ity has only increased since the United United States] will be prepared States troops withdrew from Iraq in 2013. to take precise military ac2014 was the year ISIS made its true tion if and when the situation advances. The group has spread its influon the ground requires it.” ence to the Syrian and Turkish borders and Amidst this brutal chaos has pillaged and captured dozens of towns and and unpredictability, there is one nomassacred thousands of people. Following the tion to keep in mind. While few would argueconquering of the Iraqi city Mosul in June, ISIS -including the UN Independent International became what it is known as today, the Islamic Committee of Inquiry on Syria--that what ISIS State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Later that sum- has been doing is justifiable, it is perhaps too mer, the U.S. began remote airstrikes against the easy to associate the extremist group with the extremists, who had displaced over one million entirety of the Middle East. Similarly to the Iraqis. Today, the group allegedly has over 10,000 spawn of reactions to the Charlie Hebdo attacks fighters between Iraq and Syria as well as over in January, it is important to recognize that one two billion dollars in funding, a large part of group does not represent the ideology and mowhich has derived from taking over oil industries tives of the region from which it comes; in fact, in the Middle East, kidnapping people and hold- that one group victimizes those who share anying them for ransom, and profiting from the sale thing in common with it, such as ethnicity, reliof stolen historical relics. ISIS’s primary goal is to gion, or geographic location. Moving forward, rt.com One of ISIS’s recruits brandishes the group’s flag create the Islamic State, also known as the caliph- we will be hearing more and more about ISIS, in the early 2000s by Jordanian militant Abu ter which AQI joined with other militant groups ate, that follows Sharia law and knows no inter- and we should be attentive to the progression Musab al-Zarqawi. The group was called Tawhid in the region to form the Islamic State of Iraq national borders, with more recent statements of the situation until it is somehow resolved. wa al-Jihad, which roughly translates into Unity (ISI, an earlier name for ISIS), now led by Abu reaffirming its desire to dismantle and suppress However, in doing so, be prudent as to continuand Jihad, and its mission was centered around Bakr al-Baghdadi. However, the U.S. quelled Western values. Quite recently, President Obama ally making the distinction between one group eliminating Western involvement in the region ISIS’s immediate uprising through a violent made a statement about the United States’ in- under the umbrella of an entire civilization.☐ By Bibi Lichauco Panel Staff
BELMONT HILL OPINION
Pa g e 6
Th e Pan el
Belmont Hill Snow Days: Making Up Lost Time reliable sources like CNN.com or the the New York Times published an
Is Facebook Still Relevant Among Teenagers? Jay O’Brien Panel Staff
New York Times are a much more article that encouraged young teens up, and encroaching into the By Jason Fischman practical choice than relying on a to comment in a designated space weekend just seems a little unPanel Staff As the Internet continues to possibly fake article that pops up on below regarding their point of view necessary.” The weekend is a grow, and the number of social me- your Facebook News Feed. Nowa- of Facebook’s current status within This year, Belmont Hill time where students can undia websites grows exponentially, days, it seems that Facebook has be- social media . One teen wrote, “I was struck with an unprec- wind from the stressful school there will always be a hot new trend come more widely used among teen- do believe that Facebook has lost its edented five snow days, com- week and take a short break, among teenagers that manages to agers for cyberstalking, uploading an edge. Facebook used to be ‘the’ social pared to the average year in and a Saturday morning class grab their attention. Yet Facebook enormous amount of pictures to an media site. Basically, it was the first which we have, at most, one. has remained a constant in the lives Staying on schedule is imHaving another class of most teenagers since those awkportant for all classes, but AP after lunch does make the ward middle school days. Facebook courses in particular, who have is capable of connecting people like specific material they must academic day seem quite no other social media site on the cover before their exams in long, but it is manageweb, and gives its users the power early May, felt this pressure the able because there are no to upload pictures, publish their most. After much deliberation, athletics afterwards. opinions via status updates, send it was determined that two messages to friends, or reconnect methods would be employed with old companions. Everyone reto add time in the classroom. would make that significantly members the feeling when they first First, during the 2:15 to 3:15 harder. It is understandable created their Facebook account, and period after school during that AP courses may need a lithow happy they were to become a mudweek, classes would have tle extra time right before the part of this growing phenomenon; the option to meet for that exam, but hopefully these Sathowever, it seems that Facebook has hour long period on one day. urday morning classes are used lost its relevance among high schoolAs a last resort, three weekends only when desperately needers and college students as more in April have been reserved as ed. That being said, Saturday and more social media websites on potential Saturday morning mornings are a relatively quiet our computers and phones begin to class days, specifically for AP time for most students, and, if compete for ‘facetime.’ Is this pheNew York Times courses who need to do some classes are truly in need of exnomenon true? Is Facebook no lonlast minute catching up before tra time, Saturdays may be the ger cool among the younger genera- album titled after an inside joke, or social media site...What used to be their exams. Of the five snow best option in the busy schedtion? I believe that the answer is yes. just something to do on a study break. purely Facebook territory has now days, only four were regu- ule of a Belmont Hill student. When listing the different caResearchers recently be- been taken over by Twitter, Snapchat, lar academic days; the other The last question is why pabilities that Facebook’s users de- came intrigued by the possible end Buzzfeed, Pinterest, and Instagram,” was diversity day, which will classes are behind at all. Four mand, it is clear that other websites of Facebook’s reign, where there is while Hunter K. adds, “Since so many be rescheduled some time af- academic days were missed, and apps are far more efficient or now data that supports such an idea. people have switched, many people ter AP exams in the spring. but, using technology, teachspecialized in a given task than Face- This past month, Time Magazine don’t see the point of Facebook anybook. In other words, Facebook is published an article that reveals the more because there are very few peomore similar to a large department findings from a study at Princeton ple left to connect with.” Thus, HuntUniversity: “Researchers predicted er’s point signifies that once people The point is that, while Facebook that Facebook would see a rapid de- start to leave Facebook permanently, cline, causing the site to lose 80% of the growing waves of deleted acis able to combine many different its peak user base between 2015 and counts will only increase once mutual capabilities into one social media 2017.” These researchers believe that friends are no longer part of the site. The point is that, while Facesite, over time, the number of visits the sharp decrease will be a product of users simply losing interest in the book is able to combine many differper day on Facebook is likely to site, and similarly to a disease, the ent capabilities into one social media dwindle among teenagers as newer trend of people leaving Facebook site, over time, the number of visits and more appealing apps or web- will gradually spread throughout the per day on Facebook is likely to dwinnation, especially among teenagers. dle among teenagers as newer and Mr. Mahoney sites are created. In 2013, Facebook’s Chief Financial more appealing apps or websites are Officer David Ebersman said during created. In the end, teenagers contin- Much to the appreciation of ers are still able to be in constore, whereas specific apps like Vine Facebook’s fourth quarter earnings ue to log on to Facebook not because the student body, Dr. Mel- tact with students even on or Snapchat are like boutiques. While call, “We did see a decrease in daily they are still attracted to what it offers, voin noted that school would these days. Work is sent out via Facebook is used on occasion to up- users, specifically among younger but rather they continue to check the not be added during March email, many classes give out load a large amount of pictures to an teens. We wanted to share this with social media site out of habit. Simply break or at the end of the year. long term assignment sheets so album, Instagram has become the you now because we get a lot of ques- stated, Facebook is a jack of all trades, The mudweek classes students can check their work worked very well, with some even if they don’t have class teachers choosing to use them that day, and nearly all teachers and others not. Having anoth- were able to keep students up er class after lunch does make the academic day seem quite The weekend is a time where stulong, but it is manageable be- dents can unwind from the stresscause there are no athletics af- ful school week and take a short terwards. Fourth Former Drew break, and a Saturday morning Bowser said: “The mudweek class would make that significantly harder. classes have been pretty effective. They give us the time we need to catch up without inter- to date on homework. The issue rupting any other aspects of then comes in class time, when the schedule, and they’ve al- most teachers would discuss lowed us to get back on track the homework in greater detail in classes that were behind.” and answer questions about it, These additional periods have which is where classes are curprovided academic time in a rently falling behind on. Even criticaldispatch.com time slot where not much else though students may be up to was happening, and it did not date on readings, they may not interfere with student’s time understand the material fully, premier source for the posting of pic- tions about teens.” Fifth Former Chip but a master of none. Creative, young management because there are and that is why these extra tures. If a high schooler wants to in- Daley can serve as one of the many entrepreneurs are more than capable no athletics during that week. classes are needed. However, form the public about what they are teenagers who are no longer access- of inventing new trends that shift the However, the Saturday students can still make a greatdoing, they would likely choose Twit- ing the site on a regular basis: “I don’t public away from outdated technol- classes are receiving more crit- er effort to understand the mater and My Story on Snapchat over really go on Facebook as much as I ogy. While Facebook has had its day icism from students. Fourth terial on their own by spendFacebook’s status update. For a brief once I did, just with all of the differ- in the sun, it won’t be long before a Former Bobby Jahrling, on the ing more time reviewing, and period of time, Vine had become ent social media sites present on the much more innovative site comes subject of Saturday classes, said: a little extra commitment from more popular for the creation of vid- internet and on my phone.” Yet obvi- along and effectively removes Face- “Between sending out work via students could nearly alleviate eos. Text messages are much more ously, Chip is not the only one to find book from the spotlight once and email on snow days, and the the pressure of a lost day. Overefficient than Facebook Messenger, himself logging off of Facebook for for all, moving Facebook to the same mudweek afternoon classes, we all, Belmont Hill is handling and when looking for news stories, longer periods of time: just recently, status as MySpace and Friendster. ☐ should be pretty much caught our snow ridden winter well. ☐
March 12, 2015
BELMONT HILL OPINION /arTS
Pa g e 7
Local Trio Put Student Debate: Lord of the Rings vs. Star Wars Out Year’s Best In this issue of the Panel, we are continuing our feature debate between Form V 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 subRock Record sequent issue along with a brand new talking point. So without further ado, we present the fourth debate—Lord of the Rings vs. Star Wars. By Michael O’Neill Panel Staff
Team Lord of the Rings
Team Star Wars
2015 has already been frontloaded with early album of the year The Lord of the Rings trilogy is Sidious, a guy who shoots lightBy Gabe Schmittlein By Jay O’Brien contenders: Father John Misty, also replete with natural beauty, ning from his fingertips, or even Staff Writer Panel Staff filmed as it was in New Zealand’s Darth Maul, who’s double sided Torche, and Sleater-Kinney have all Ah... The Big Kahuna. The stunning hills. Furthermore, the There are two kinds of red lightsaber and intimidating put out outstanding records in the year’s first few weeks. Yet another Cat’s pajamas. The Bee’s knees. soundtrack is in another dimen- people in this world: those who attitude makes him an underalbum has been thrust into the con- The Lord of the Rings vs. Star sion when compared with that like Star Wars... and liars. Star ratedly cool villain. Hobbits are versation this week with the release Wars debate. You all knew its of Star Wars, as marvelous mu- Wars masterfully created an just annoying, plain and simple, of Krill’s A Distant Fist Unclench- presence on our list of ongoing sical pieces create the backdrop alternate universe unlike any- and the characters in Lord of the ing, the Boston-based group’s third debates was inevitable. Admit- for nearly every scene within thing moviegoers had ever seen Rings lack the depth and quality of full-length output and by far the tedly, though, we put it off for the movie. Lastly, The Lord of before, filled with a varied cast those of the Star Wars franchise. most well-worked of the bunch. The some time. Why? You might ask. the Rings are some of the most band has been compared in the past Well, to be completely frank with widely quotable movies I have wallpapers.com to the likes of Built to Spill, Modest you, Jay O’Brien and I have had ever seen. For your benefit I ofMouse, and Pavement, but in truth one particular caveat regarding fer a small, comprehensive seKrill are too unique to be pinned this debate which has caused us lection of my favorite quotes down to a like-for-like comparison. to delay its production - Jay has from the movie, so here goes: “You shall not pass!” The trio’s penchants for big guitars, never seen The Lord of the Rings quiet-loud dynamics, and candid and I have never seen Star Wars. Gandalf. An absolute classic of lyrics aren’t anything revolutionary, However, we must persevere to a line; you knew it had to top but there may not be anybody else provide for the people and will this list. “Come on Mr. Frodo, I in the underground scene making thus power forward with our ob- can’t carry it for you, but I can better music right now than Krill. vious biases exposed but our ar- carry you.” - Sam. Truly inA Distant Fist Unclenching guments still fuelled by passion. spirational from the humble marks a clear turning point in Krill’s Let the debate begin... gardener Samwise Gamgee. discography, as the bite-sized songs In my completely biased “What about second of albums past have been replaced opinion, The Lord of the Rings breakfast?” - Pippin. We’ve all by sprawling, restless anthems - all trilogy is a better group of films been there Pippin; unfortubut two of the record’s nine tracks in every facet of filmmaking nately, I doubt Aragorn knows of likeable characters, a plethora Obviously, the first three approach or surpass five minutes in than Star Wars. It all starts off about afternoon tea either. of incredible action scenes, and Star Wars movies make up the length. The seven-minute “Tiger” with the plot; each of the three “I’m no man!” - Eowyn. The a memorable soundtrack that franchise’s core, and yes, the most serves as the album’s centerpiece, Lord of the Rings films brings famous retort to the Witch King’s adds to the suspense. Mean- recent trilogy has taken some heat building off of a chirpy guitar riff its own unique adventure that is claim that “no man can kill me.” while, Gabe’s “love” for Lord of from fans and critics alike; howinto the explosion of sound that enthralling and action-packed, Of course, Eowyn is no man, she’s the Rings makes absolutely no ever, I’ve always believed that the closes out the track, demonstrat- despite the entire premise being a woman. “That still only counts sense to me. I mean, I stopped final battles in both The Phantom ing the band’s ability to stretch refreshingly simple. The journey as one” - Gimli. The plump watching the first Lord of the Menace and Revenge of the Sith are out a song without droning on. is relatively “point-A-to-point- dwarf ’s response to Legolas’ stu- Rings movie halfway through severely underappreciated. First, Singer/bassist Jonah Furman’s B,” but the intricacies within this pendous elephant take-down. because, believe it or not, I when a young Obi-Wan Kenobi lyrics have matured greatly as well don’t enjoy simply watching and Liam Neeson (of Taken fame) wallpapers.com with A Distant Fist Unclenching. people walk around for three battle against Darth Maul, the enThe album as a whole serves as a hours with little to no action. At suing and very entertaining battle strikingly identifiable depiction of least try and make it a fair fight scene maybe, just maybe, offsets Lord of the Rings, it’s almost the first movie’s below-average anxiety and other mental health istoo easy to argue against you. build-up with characters like Jarsues, making it hard to believe this is When analyzing the wide Jar Binks. Then, skipping over the same band that wrote the cheekvariety of characters that George Attack of the Clones, though Reily hilarious “Turd” just a year ago. Lucas and his team created, one venge of the Sith may not be at the Furman’s improvements are most can not help but be overwhelmed same level as the original three noticeable on “Brain Problem,” by the abundance of roster talent Stars Wars movie, there are plenty which arrives with what are bound within both the Jedi and the Sith. of thrilling action scenes--most to be some of the year’s greatest lyrThe superstars for the Jedi include notably the final battle between ics. “God grant me the strength/ Luke Skywalker and his journey Obi-Wan and Anakin (marking To know what is a brain problem/ to become the trilogy’s hero, Har- Anakin’s official transition to the And what is just me.” He details his Thus concludes my overt- rison Ford as Han Solo with his Dark Side), along with important struggles in the song’s verses, howl- linear design create a narrative ing, “The problem comes and goes that is both easy to follow and ly partisan argument that The quick wit and sarcastic humor plot developments that make me with the weather/And I know/Just infinitely enjoyable. This simple Lord of the Rings trilogy is far- (yet clearly sub-par flying abili- believe the three prequels did not ‘cause it’s not getting better now/ approach allows individual char- and-away better than Star Wars. ties), and Princess Leia and her ruin the Star Wars brand. I’m sure Doesn’t mean it won’t ever.” Fur- acter models to flourish, which is Maybe Jay and I will manage to confident yet calculated thought that Gabe will have no problem man’s ability to explain something why the likes of Gandalf, Lego- put our differences aside just process. Yet, whether it be the raising such issues in his arguas complex as what appears to be las, and Aragorn have gone down this once and actually watch the wise old Yoda, or the non-English ment against Star Wars, but two depression in such a potent and in Gabe’s Modern Movie Folk- other side’s movie here, but then speaking Chewbacca, or the ador- can play at that game. Talk of uncomprehensible way is unbelievable, lore (that’s totally a real thing) again maybe not. Jay - I’ll do it able R2-D2, the cast of supporting derachieving sequels/prequels: I and shows his songwriting abil- as a few of the most badass and if you do it, just don’t come cry- characters in this franchise has unfortunately wasted nearly six ity is not one to be underestimated. awe-inspiring roles to appear ing to me when the renegades always differentiated Star Wars hours of my life watching the Krill seem poised to use on the big screen. One final plot of ring destroying rock your from other successful movie fran- two recent Hobbit movies. Don’t A Distant Fist Unclenching as a aspect of The Lord of the Rings world and you become a die- chises. When looking at Lord of make the same mistake I did. Finally, let the market delaunching pad into a long, successful movies outside of the fantastical- hard Lord of the Rings fan.☐ the Rings, they have without a doubt the worst hero of any mov- cide. According to the intercareer of making remarkable guitar- ly simplistic narrative structure ie, ever, seeing how Frodo can’t net, the Star Wars franchise has rock records. The group stated in a and the free-form character deeven find his way out of a paper amassed more than $27 billion in recent Vice interview that touring is velopment is the array of incredbag without Sam’s help. Though profits since the release of A New both “boring” and “terrible,” but that ibly dramatic and remarkably arguably the best part of Star Wars Hope in 1977, demonstrating the hasn’t stopped them from making uplifting battle scenes. Whether is the villainous cast of charac- incredible value of the Star Wars big plans for 2015 already: they’ve it was the Helms Deep Charge, ters that make up the Dark Side, brand, built on the foundation booked European tour dates as well led by a prodigal-son-like Ganwhere Darth Vader is obviously of entertaining fight scenes, inas shows across the American east dalf, or the Ride of the Rohirthe star of the show. Vader’s red novative film technology, and coast and midwest, all culminating rim (one of the best moments lightsaber, awesome voice, and unique characters within this in a slot at May’s Boston Calling fes- in film history as the Riders of eventual moral transformation expansive universe. In conclutival. For Krill, the music is worth Rohan emerge from the dreary makes him my favorite character sion, the Lord of the Rings and the stresses of touring and finances, skyline to save the besieged city in Star Wars, and I assume many their silly hobbits don’t hold but if they continue writing songs of Minas Tirith) The Lord of Advantage: Marvel other fans agree. But who could a candle to the ingenious emlike those found on this record, I the Rings movies always create forget Boba Fett, another favorite pire created by George Lucas. suspect those will both become an astonishing action sequence. In addition to the plot, among Star Wars fanboys, Darth Ride or die with Star Wars. ☐ much smaller issues in the future. ☐
Results from Last Debate
Pa g e 8
Winsor Opinion
Th e Pan el
The Results of the Snow Endless snow and endless school
schedule change. Elizabeth Roe ’16 explained some conflicting emotions regarding the AP situation, noting, “I’m not entirely sure how It is no secret that in the past few weeks, much a class can get done with just a couple Boston has fallen victim to over one hundred of rescheduled classes, though, and a lot of inches of record-breaking snow, humorously people already have travel plans on the days dubbed “Snowmageddon.” Winsor itself has we were originally supposed to have off, so I had six snow days this winter, resulting in a think a lot of people are not completely sure schedule change. This change will include it’s worth it to take away the long weekends. pushing exams back to the Monday and Having said that, I understand the school’s Tuesday before graduation so that students motive, and I appreciate their trying to make will not lose an entire week of the second se- up school due to lost days without shortenmester. In addition, AP classes will be held ing our summer.” Shortening summer or on some days students were originally meant other vacations like March break were two to have off. The chaos surrounding so many ideas that the Winsor authorities veered snow days has been unprecedented, and away from. Head of School Rachel as Izzy Guerra ’16 puts it, “Snow days Stettler expressed in an e-mail to the have been very hard. We normally Winsor community, “We were able Miklasnjor.com Truly anyone can hack a computer, and it can happen to anyone have this positive perto modify our spring spective on snow semester calendar days; however, to add class time, this year’s snow without lengthendays have been reing the school year.” ally hard, primarily in Although the change has caused some stress, sidy’s case revealed that the hacker had ac- terms of school work.” Freelargeimages.com By Emma Pan One of the chief many students are very tually gone to high school with her. AccordPanel Staff grateful that their ing Wolf, “I was pretty under-the-radar in concerns is that stuWhat if every time you looked at the high school, with a close group of friends. dents, especially need for consistent screen of your laptop, tablet, ipad, or phone, If it happened to me, it could happen to juniors or sophovacation time was someone else was looking back at you? Cas- anybody.” After Cassidy Wolf ’s hacker, mores who are taken into considsidy Wolf was 19 when she received an Jared James Abrahams, had been found, 11 taking the SAT in eration. Victoria email from Facebook notifying her that other girls joined Wolf in filing criminal June, will not be able to study F a r i n a ’17 respects the way someone from another state had logged complaints against him. According to pros- for all of the exams if classes end so the administration approached the into her Facebook account and had tried to ecutors, Abrahams had hacked the com- close to exam days that take place a mere change and communicates, “I think change her password. Just 30 minutes later, puters of 100 to 150 other people. He was day or two before graduation. Daria the schedule change was obviously Crawford ‘16 expressed some dismay, fearneeded, and sometimes it’s a little differing that “the extended schedule interferes ent for me because I don’t have AP classes, “If it happened to me, it could happen to anybody.” with SAT studying and test dates and will but I think it was a relatively efficient way most likely lead to a lot of cramming for ex- to get a week of classes into the schedule she received another email, saying that the put on trial and sentenced to 18 months ams.” The short time frame and the deviance without disrupting a lot of other vacations.” sender had access to her computer and that in prison. On the brighter side, Cassidy from normality will no doubt heighten the alThe extreme snow days and schedif she didn’t do what he asked, all the photos Wolf ’s story does have a happy ending. ready somewhat high stress levels surround- ule change, like any abnormalities, have he had of her would be posted on her so- Just months after she was hacked, she was ing the exam period of the second semester. their positive sides and their downsides, cial networking sites. It turned out that the crowned Miss Teen USA, and has been The second major concern surrounds and taking a step towards accepting the sender of this email had hacked her com- using her influence to visit high schools, the added school days for AP classes, affect- positive side of things and doing our best puter and had been watching and listening giving talks about her experience to edu- ing primarily juniors and seniors, and poten- to work with the new adjustments would to her through the computer’s webcam and cate others on how to avoid and deal with tially interfering with plans made prior to the be the ideal mindset for any Winsor girl. ☐ microphone for over a year--ever since her computer hacking. Her advice is to change senior year in high school. She had no idea your passwords frequently, delete browsing that he had been watching her because the history regularly, and to keep a sticker over camera’s light had never turned on. This your computer’s webcam when not in use. stranger had also discovered many of CassiThe malware that Jared Abrahams dy’s passwords and could see all of the sites used to hack his victims’ computers was she visited by tracing the keystrokes on her the infamous Remote Access Tool, more keyboard. This type of tracking was a huge commonly known as RAT in online hackviolation of privacy, and Cassidy Wolf had ing communities and forums. Hackers can kept her computer in her bedroom--she access the computers of their victims by said, “It’s your bedroom. That’s your most deceiving them into clicking on malicious private, intimate space and that’s where you links, and a RAT can be sent through peoshould feel the most safe.” This hacker had ple’s social media accounts. According to A Bostonian struggles to clear the snow. Rack.2.mshcdn.com violated what should have been Krebson Security, the RAT was “marketed her safe haven by principally for hackers who founders of Blackshades and over 90 others picious traffic,” thus helping to keep us both listening to didn’t know how to who have used RAT have been arrested, the productive and safe. However, even this her prihack their way out purchasing and exploitation of malware still firewall cannot prevent people from unwitvate of a paper bag.” persists. Plus, despite the fact that RAT was tingly clicking on disguised links carrying Blackshades originally designed for Microsoft Windows, adware or malware like RAT. Winsor has sold the there is a newer RAT, created by another or- apparently already had a few cases in which RAT to ganization called BlackHole and designed to adware was accidentally downloaded from several infect Mac OS X--the operating system used places like MacKeeper and VSearch. Luckt h o u - by the majority of Winsor students. Since we ily for us, the Winsor IT Department has s a n d are constantly using our laptops and ipads, got us covered. In each instance that a probu s e r s it seems plausible that this technology lem has been reported, they have been able for just could get infected by malware like the RAT. to remove the problem successfully. Com$ 4 0 . However, according to Mr. Young mon signs of being hacked are redirected Accord- from the Winsor Tech Office, “The Winsor internet searches, frequent random popups, ing to US network is secured by a next generation fire- emails to your friends that you didn’t send, M a n h a t - wall appliance made by Palo Alto, a leader passwords being changed, the mouse movcontan Attorney in network security. The firewall works by ing without your will, and the camera light v e r Preet Bharara, “As blocking all incoming traffic except that going on when you’re not in photo-booth. Newblog.easysol.net sations, [Wolf]’s case makes which we have approved via security poli- As seen with Cassidy Wolf ’s case, hacking watching her clear, we now live in a world cies that we add as needed.” This firewall can be terrifying; if you even suspect that private life, and accesswhere, for just $40, a cybercriminal half- has probably blocked us from Facebook your computer has been compromised, do ing private information in her com- way across the globe can – with just a click and Tumblr on various occasions, but it not wait--report it to the Winsor IT Departputer; all without her knowledge. of a mouse – unleash a RAT that can spread also blocks out harmful websites and “sus- ment, and they will do their best to help. ☐ Cassidy Wolf ’s first reaction to this a computer plague not only on someone’s email was to call her mom, who then called property but also on their privacy and the police. The FBI’s investigation of Cas- most personal spaces.” Although one of the Sources: CNN, Today News, New York Post, Washington Post, FBI.gov By Caitlin Weldon Panel Staff
The Hacked Are Attacked
Lessons Learned from One Victim
March 12th, 2015
A Facebook Profile of Facebook’s Own Founder Mark Zuckerberg
Winsor Opinion
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Blogs-images.forbes.com
The Fading Facebook Phenomon: Dead and Gone?
media, which have not yet been inundated a need for speed and an inclination for more stable and even on the rise, just in different by old folk and thereby rendered “uncool.” anonymous profile responsibilities; we grav- areas—predominantly parent-age users and Yet, the ephemeral quality of Face- itate towards apps that cater to these tenden- other growing markets, such as in Europe, continued from page 1 book is perhaps the leading, most discernible cies. On the other hand, Facebook has be- according to Business Insider. Regarding First, although there has been a drop contrast between Facebook and other widely come a website for crafting and remaining where Facebook currently stands, CEO Mark in younger teenage activity, more parent- used apps. Apps such as Instagram or Snap- loyal to a long term profile, a process that Zuckerberg himself explained, “People asage users have been creating accounts. As chat are inherently catered to capturing brief creates a heightened, perhaps less appeal- sume we’re trying to be cool…It’s never been explained in an article by Business Insider, moments in time due to their mobile plat- ing degree of social pressure. Lucy Kaneb my goal…We’re definitely not a niche thing between 2012-2013, 35-44 year-old user forms. The social process involves only three ’15 agreed, “I find that most of my favorite any more so that kind of angle for coolness activity grew from 47% to 53%, 45-54 year- easy steps: snap a photo, add a quick filter, apps are typically faster, and they involve is done for us.” As journalist Alyson Shontell old user activity grew from 43% to 49%, and share! Popular non-photo apps, such as pieces of information spread very quickly stated, “Facebook has decided it’s better to and 55-64 year-old activity grew from 39%- Twitter or Tinder, also satisfy users’ prefer- in small chunks, like on Twitter, rather than be like Google than Snapchat. It’s more focused on building 45%. Of all popular social media, Facebook ences for fleeting, rapid second by second in big chunks.” She a lasting product maintains the oldest user demographic with updates. Furthermore, the newfound degree also highlighted a than on being twenty five percent of members over forty of anonymity offered by many apps, such as newfound degree the latest fad.” five years old. I personally can confirm this Yik Yak and Swipe, also appeals to teens. On of social expansion Evidently, even trend; to my horror, my dear father joined the mobile app, Yik Yak, social discussion is and stated, “I also though we teens Facebook quite recently. Commenting on created through anonymous, open discourse like that on apps do not view the all my photos with the slightly disturb- that swells based on the user’s physical radius like Instagram I basic site Google ing, uncharacteristic zeal of a tween girl to other users (popular on college campus- can follow people as the coolest has become his new favorite hobby, and I es). The other mobile app, Swipe, which has outside my norPressdemocrat.com new trend, its now struggle to avoid him online. As cor- recently grown in popularity, encapsulates mal friend groups.” Will Facebook be the next Myspace, dependable existence and widespread usroborated by several articles I read online, both elements of speed and anonymity; the these similar “Oh no, my parent just friend- app involves users’ liking anonymous photo another site which has faded into obscurity? age persists. In light of this comparison, ed me” experiences have inspired many posts within a determined social circle—all Although one demographic may be shifting, I contend that, while Facebook is indeed young people to revert to newer forms of with a quick swipe of the finger. Teens have the total Facebook user numbers are still evolving, it is not yet time to say goodbye. ☐ By Sea-Jay Van Der Ploeg Panel Staff
Chapel Hill Reporting Indicates a Bias in the Media
our media has created, one in which the ma- stream news avoided discussing the killer’s the differences in how and when they are used. jor reports focus on threats to Caucasians and beliefs on Facebook regarding his hatred toThe Chapel Hill shooting was tragic, people of color committing dangerous crimes. wards Muslims, Christians, and religion in and unfortunately there simply is not enough When the news of the Chapel Hill general, according to The LA Times. Why is information to know for sure what hapThe media defines a large part of how we see the world. Without it, we would be shooting finally surfaced, it was presented as it that in the Copenhagen shooting, reporters pened. Even though it is easy to take mainoblivious to the events that affect those who a case where the motive behind the crime was asserted terrorism as a major and essentially stream news at its face value, it is important are everywhere but in our homes. Thank- unclear, given how little authorities knew. Po- the only motive in the act, while in Chapel to question how information is presented fully, we look to newspapers, television, lice cited an “ongoing dispute over parking” Hill, they focused on the more ordinary, less to us. It is easy to deem a criminal from the controversial idea of a “parking dispute?” Why Middle East a “terrorist” and his Caucasian Even though it is easy to take mainstream news for its face value, it is impor- are we being constantly assured that this is an counterpart “mentally disturbed” because of “isolated” incident, and that it is “socially and this dominant bias, and even though sometant to question how information is presented to us. politically meaningless?” Of course, in some times those descriptions are truthful, neisituations these powerful labels are justified ther one should be broadcasted globally and magazines to tell us about our world as a possible factor, but “were not dismissing and accurate, but it is important to highlight without equal investigation and thought. ☐ and what is going on around us. But how the possibility of a hate crime (CNN).” The can we be sure that the information we are media, though, heavily promoted the parking given is not skewed by the journalists who dispute motive while withholding the more produce it? Well, the truth is, we cannot. drastic hate crime motive. In other reported management suffer as a result of sudden, large By Bibi Lichauco & Talia Ruxin When violent crimes occur in the events when perpetrators are non-Caucasian, amounts of water that ruin crops because they Panel Staff United States, news sources are quick to write the criminals are often deemed “terrorists” cannot be drained quickly enough. Accordwhat they claim are factual, up-to-date articles very quickly after the incidents occur. For ing to the U.S. National Climate Assessment, to inform the public. But when a middle- example, on February 14 and 15, Omar AbAccording to NASA and other meteo- New England has experienced a 71% upswing aged white man broke into the apartment of del Hamid el-Hussein attacked a cafe and a rological organizations, 2014 was the hottest in heavy precipitation patterns over the past three young Muslims and shot them to death synagogue in Copenhagen, Denmark where year on record since 1880. But if the world five decades, a continuing trend that can be on February 10th, there was no mainstream he shot seven people, killing two and wound- is supposed to be heating up, why is it that attributed to warmer global temperatures. news coverage of this event until about 15 ing six. The initial reports, which were broad- Boston experiences so much cold weather? hours after it had already happened, accord- casted and written within hours of the event, Panel staff Bibi Lichauco and Talia Ruxin exMyth: The Antarctic ice cap is ing to NBC News. In fact, it first received at- gave general overviews of the shooting, but plain common misconceptions about climate growing and cooling down the earth, tention on Twitter, where outraged tweeters the words “terrorist” and “terrorism” were al- change, which is the major change in tem- so climate change isn’t happening. criticized the lack of reporting just as much as ready in the headlines, according to The LA perature, weather, and precipitation patterns. It is true that the Antarctic ice cap they criticized the heinous crime itself. If the Times. Soon after these stories were released, is growing. However, there is a difference beethnicities of the murderer and the victims news sources dived into the personal history Myth: Climate change is not real -- other- tween the ice of the Antarctic and the Arctic, had been switched, would this story have got- of Omar Abdel Hamid el-Hussein, publiciz- wise,howcouldwebehavingcrazysnowstorms? the latter of which is what is more concernten more air time? That situation is one we are ing his criminal record and reiterating that To believe that climate change is false ing. Antarctic ice is sea ice (frozen saltwater), unfortunately more familiar with, a storyline he “had connections to gangs” quoted US because you see harsh winter weather is quite which grows and shrinks rather frequently we are more used to telling and hearing. It is News. In the Chapel Hill case, however, main- naive. In fact, colder temperature and weather because it comes from frigid ocean water. Arcpart of a narrative patterns corroborate the existence of climate tic ice, on the other hand, is land ice, which is change. Global temperature and saturation decreasing much faster than sea ice and depoint (the point at which no more moisture velops much more slowly. Furthermore, the can be stored in the air) are directly propor- ocean north of Antarctica is warmer than the tional to one another -- the higher the temper- ocean around it, so ice growing outwards will ature, the more moisture is stored. Therefore, melt and shrink back. Therefore, it is unrealmass precipitation occurs quite aggressively istic to believe that Antarctic ice expanding as a result of climate change, simply because is bringing down the earth’s temperature. ☐ there is more water falling from the atmoFor more busted myths, visit Millerlittlejohnmedia.com sphere. Consequently, agriculture and water WinsorPanel.org By Kiran Butte Panel Staff
Climate Change Myths Busted
Switch Day
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Th e Pan el
Boys at Winsor?!?! Girls at Belmont Hill?!?! An Inside Look at How the Other Half Lives By Michael O’Neill Panel Staff As students at an all-boys school, it is almost impossible to not view the world through our Belmont Hill-adjusted filters. One of the biggest measures the administration takes to provide us with different perspectives is working closely with our sister school, Winsor. The 40 year-old relationship between the two makes a lot of sense, as both schools boast exceptional academic reputations, are single-sex, and are located in close proximity to each other. However, despite sharing musicals, a boathouse, prom, and yes, even a newspaper together, students of each institution understand very little about how the “other half ” is run. Belmont Hill boys may interact with Winsor girls often, and vice versa, but more than likely have no insight into what a day at Winsor is like. Heading into our annual editorial “switch day” last month, I was eager to get an inside look into what life at Winsor entails. Expecting a radically different school day experience, at the end of my day-long enrollment, I was struck not by the contrasts between Belmont Hill and Winsor, but by the sheer number of similarities. The passionate faculty, close-knit student body, and dedication to excellence all fundamental to Belmont Hill’s identity are also immediately visible and just as central at Winsor. Some of the most noticeable similarities to Belmont Hill I witnessed at Winsor were the manners in which lessons were taught, class discussions were held, and students conducted themselves. Teachers spoke with the same remarkable enthusiasm for their subject materials as By Will Treanor Panel Staff On two consecutive Fridays in late February, the editors of The Panel participated in our annual Switch Day, in which the Belmont Hill staff went to school at Winsor for a day and took classes with our female counterparts, and vice versa. For two full days, we members of The Panel trekked through a wide range of strange classes, hot debates, and countless learning experiences in an attempt to bring to you our knowledge of how the other gender lives. After travelling through a series of Boston road closings and detours and then circling Winsor’s campus trying to find their parking lot, we finally made it in the building and were greeted by our hosts and a request to sign in and put on our nametags. Although Winsor has only one academic building, they are much tighter with their security. This includes security cameras around campus (we were shocked when a Winsor teacher giving us directions to their parking lot insisted that we slow down, despite being two blocks away), a visitor sign in sheet and name tag system, and a student sign out sheet for when they left the building during the day. This is fairly different from Belmont Hill, where one can stroll about campus without much of a second thought. The first classes I visited were Calculus and Physics, which ran similarly to our math and sciences classes at Belmont Hill. They checked up on their homework problems while reviewing some of the previous day’s material before starting the day’s lesson. The one difficulty was the fifty minute classes. I had begun to understand the greatness of our
our faculty do, and that earnestness was throughout my six years here. In creative clearly and effectively transferred to their writing, two students submitted their students. In my first period class, an Art work for peer review, the instructor once History course, much of the block was again letting the girls self-govern the diadedicated to a debate on whether bronzes logue as they supported their friends with made from resized versions of French kind compliments and constructive critisculptor Auguste Rodin’s plaster molds cisms alike. In calculus, I felt particularly could at home be connot only sidered because Maddy Batt authenthe lesson tic. The structure debate was the was run same as m u c h that of my like one AB class at Belwith Mr. m o n t Feldman, H i l l but also would because be: the the actual teacher lesson was p rov i d what I ed the had done prompt for homebefore work the stepping The walls Winsor’s senior homeroom are repainted each year; night beb a c k this year’s theme, chosen by the senior class, was superheroes fore. And and letting the students determine in Latin, we supplemented translating a the course of the conversation, pick- reading on Cleopatra with the Elizabeth ing their own sides and speaking from Taylor film bearing the Egyptian queen’s their own opinions rather than an as- name, providing both historical context signed one. I personally have been a for the time period during which Latin part of several classroom debates at was used being examined and visual repBelmont Hill that played out in practi- resentations of what had been read in cally the exact same way, so after just one our textbooks twenty minutes previous. class I already felt a sense of familiarity. Of course, throughout the day I Art History wasn’t the only subject noticed quite a few distinctions that enthat could have been taught the exact sured the Winsor experience could not same way at Belmont Hill; in fact, all four be totally confused with Belmont Hill livclasses I attended on the day remind- ing. Lunch is cafeteria-style, which obvied me of various courses I’ve studied ously is substantially different than our
family-style sit-down meals, and is held earlier in the day than BH’s 1:35 Upper School slot. There was no equivalent version of our X-block or afternoon study halls, forcing extra-curriculars to meet during lunch and leaving a little less flexibility in the range of clubs students can participate in. Less structurally but just as noticeable, Winsor students are not obliged to nearly as strict as dress code as Belmont Hill boys are, presenting a more relaxed (though not necessarily better or worse) approach to the day. Despite these differences, however, my ultimate feeling upon leaving Winsor was that it was essentially as close a counterpart to Belmont Hill as one could expect to find. For the last part of the day, all three of us visitors spent a free block in the Senior Homeroom, a place for soon-tobe-graduates to congregate during down time and take a break from the rigors and stresses of day-to-day life as a high school student. A space reserved exclusively for seniors, the colorfully-decorated and vibrant homeroom serves as Winsor’s parallel to BH’s Goodband Commons. Conversations covered a number of topics, from the best Wiki-race strategies to a debate of Taylor Swift vs. Beyoncé, all of them light-hearted and sociable. In these last few minutes at Winsor, I came upon what was perhaps my biggest realization of the day: these girls, and in truth the entire Winsor community, are a family. At both schools, we congratulate each other when good news arrives, and pick each other up when bad news does. We truly, deeply care for one another in a way that students of most schools don’t, and that is just one of the many things Belmont Hill and Winsor share in common. ☐
forty minute periods because of the new seventy-five minute long blocks, but now that I’ve sat through fifty minutes (plus stoppage time) of a physics class on electromagnetism and diverted induction, I truly appreciate our shortened periods. Next we had a free period. Winsor’s senior “commons” had its own room, with couches, walls painted with superheroes and super quotes (superheroes is their class theme), and everyone’s college rejection and deferral letters hanging from a board right by the entrance. Whereas a lot of Belmont Hill seniors discussed our rejections and hugged it out, they took it a step further in not just individual motivation but motivation for their entire class. Besides that, free periods were essentially the same: we sat on the couches, they talked about some of their classes, John tried to convince them all that Taylor Swift was the greatest person on the planet, just common Belmont Hill topics of discussion. Then John and I sat in on one of their “senior project” classes. Their projects are much more involved, as after AP exams in May, they mostly stop taking class and instead work at an internship or community service project, at which they have to spend around 30 hours each week. They also had to set up a blog to report and track their progress throughout the spring Finally, our last two classes were English and French, which were strikingly similar to many of our English and Language classes. Although there were no Harkness tables, in English we sat in a circle and discussed the previous night’s reading. In French we watched the girls perform skits. Although they were in French and I could not understand any of the words, it was still a fun experience for our last class of the day. ☐
best and worst, and the meal was the highlight of an all-around great day. Last period we got to experience something every Senior is used to by now- a free block. The Winsor Senior Homeroom is similar to Belmont Hill’s Goodband Commons in that it’s filled with couches and furniture to relax and (pretend to) do work on. Unlike our common space, however, the Winsor homeroom was separated from the rest of the school by two sets of doors, leaving them free to be as loud as they want without any ridicule from teachers. The homeroom was also noticeably more messy at Winsor, and I was especially surprised by the “rejection wall” where students printed out their college rejection letters and hung them proudly for all their classmates to see. Belmont Hill is very open about college, but it was a little odd to see such personal letters hung up for everyone to see. By the end of the day I was mentally exhausted from sitting through so much class time, and I also realized when leaving the building that it was the first time I had been outside all day. Belmont Hill students may resent a long walk across campus when it is rainy and cold outside, but spending the entire day in one building made me appreciate the fact that we get to go outside as much as we do. The switch day was a tremendous experience to observe first hand at what factors Winsor and Belmont Hill share, and what distinguishes them as well. Thanks to the Winsor community for welcoming us to spend the day among them. ☐
By John Driscoll Panel Staff My first impression of Winsor didn’t have to do with the school itself; rather, that it is very hard to find. After a tumultuous drive filled with detours, closed streets and bad directions, Will, Mike and I found ourselves at the entrance to the main building in Boston. Winsor consists of one main academic building, which would be a bit of a surprise to the typical Belmont Hill student who is used to trekking across campus, rain or shine. We followed our respective Winsor counterparts to their first classes, which in my case was a Calculus BC course. The material covered was identical to that at Belmont Hill, but I was surprised to find that students at Winsor take five classes a day, each of which spans an hour, meaning they spend, on average, an extra hour and forty minutes a day in the classroom than students do at Belmont Hill. After observing an English course similar in design to the inquiry courses Belmont Hill students take during their Senior spring and a physics course, we enjoyed a quick snack break similar to milk and cookies before continuing on with the day. After French class is when things began to get interesting, as we were informed that lunch that day was “Death By Chocolate”, which meant that in addition to the normal lunch, various chocolate treats would be served for the students to enjoy. Witnessing all the students devour their chocolate was to see Winsor at both its
March 12th, 2015
SWITCH DAY
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The Winsor Editorial Staff at Belmont Hill The Editors reflect on their experiences at their brother school
expected that most schools--whatever the gender of their students--will share the same essential qualities, but somehow I was still startled by it. At Belmont Hill, seniors take an elecI arrived at Belmont Hill not quite sure tive “inquiry” course in the spring; during the what to expect. Thus, during my first few minutes at two inquiry courses that I attended, I realized that the school, I was on guard for any detail that might Winsor and Belmont Hill do, in fact, have their fair foreshadow the sort of environment in which I share of differences. For instance, during a class on would be spending the rest of my day. It was there, diversity, the students’ discussion about gender restanding by the entrance of Belmont Hill, that I vealed several dynamics that Winsor does not have spotted my first few un-Winsor-like phenomena: in common with its brother school. When asked nearly every student wore a woollen hat with a by their teacher about instances of sexism in their pompom and greeted his friends with expression- everyday lives, boys mentioned how frequently less upward nods. There were also significantly one hears phrases like “don’t be a girl” around Belfewer giggles from younger students and signifi- mont Hill, especially in the context of discouraging cantly more references to professional sports teams emotional sensitivity. At Winsor, one hears stateon clothing than I was accustomed to at Winsor. ments that empower women far more often than Once I adjusted to this new culture, ones that put them down, and I have never felt however, I saw far more similarities than I had that my peers dismissed my emotional responses. whipplehill.net anticipated. The students spending their free peThe other inquiry course that I attended, Belmont Hill students in Chapel, their version of Assembly riods rushing to finish their homework for a next “Sports and the Statistical Revolution,” I could period class made me feel quite at home; so did not even imagine existing at Winsor. We have I see between analysis of an athlete’s level of play Ultimately, my day at Belmont Hill was inthe Bruegger’s I passed on my way to Belmont plenty of sports fanatics at Winsor, but the idea and literary, philosophical, or critical analysis. I am teresting for both its similarities to and its differHill (though their students did not have to bring of a course on the subject--even one that is based intrigued by the idea of understanding statistics ences from the days I spend at Winsor. So many their snacks to the cafeteria). The Chinese and cal- largely on statistics--was utterly alien to me; I could through the lens of sports, however, and I wish I of the basic aspects of life at each school resembled culus classes I attended were also not too different not imagine using a recent game as evidence in a could have seen more of the class. The difference each other closely; however, an all-boys school from my own. The teachers explained theorems class discussion. I have not yet decided whether I most enjoyed, though, was the fact that Bel- seems to breed a culture which is quite different or aspects of Chinese culture, and the students I would want something similar at Winsor; the mont Hill is an extremely dog-friendly campus. from that of an all-girls school. To come from asked questions and shared their thoughts, just appeal of a class relevant to my non-academic Teachers even bring their dogs to class, a change Winsor into that culture, which was at once faas in any of my classes. I probably should have interests is, for me, tempered by the distinction I sincerely wish would be adopted at Winsor. miliar and strange, was a fascinating experience.☐ By Maddy Batt Panel Staff
By Natalie Sayegh Panel Staff An alarm set for 7:00 instead of the usual 6:15, a shorter commute, and mild Belmont Center traffic in place of severe Brookline Ave back-ups: these circumstances formed a promising start to a fun and informative day at Belmont Hill. Upon arrival, I met up with the other Winsor editors and our Belmont Hill hosts, and we joined the steady stream of students walking towards the chapel for one of the school’s unique daily traditions: a brief all-school assembly to commence the day. As I listened to Mr. Melvoin’s announcing the results of certain Belmont Hill sports games and urging students to see the upcoming play, I was struck by the emphasis on school-wide community. Winsor’s morning routine of arriving at school, chatting with classmates in the homeroom, suffolk.com and soon afterwards rushing off to first period does not seem to achieve the same effect. The daily com- Hill (two out five classes), though they certainly have By Caroline MacGillivray munity time in Winsor’s new schedule seems to their place in Winsor courses such as Macroecosee that the students in Chinese 5 were Panel Staff serve the same function as Belmont Hill’s assemblies, nomics. I was also intrigued by the concept of the watching a full-length movie in Chinesehowever, and will undoubtedly be a positive addition. sports statistics course, as Winsor has yet to draw Hands down, my favorite part of -and they understood it! Mr. Martellini’s Despite the different start to the day, I was sur- from the sports/entertainment world in its electives. Belmont Hill was the panel carving. I had AB Calculus class, which is right on par prised to find significant similarities in Belmont Hill’s Other specific highlights included taking a heard of this tradition from friends and with Winsor’s calculus curriculum, made academic environment. Like at Winsor, student- quiz during AB Calculus, learning about gaslighting alumni; but, like anything, I had to see it me feel a little less guilty about missing a driven discussions and interactive classes seem to and “clutch players,” listening to piano performances for myself to grasp its significance. In his day of classes at Winsor! But the icing on be integral parts of the classroom experience, as was by students during Music Appreciation, and man- senior year, each Belmont Hill graduate the cake had to be Mr. Patterson (better especially evident in the two “inquiries”—a group of aging to follow a discussion about the use of music, carves a design into a wood panel. The known as “Brother P”)’s Music Appreciasix senior English electives—that I attended. In The color, and other effects in a Chinese film, thanks to walls of Belmont Hill are lined with them. tion class. The boys were asked, in pairs, to Artist in Time of Protest, I participated in an activity English translations by the teacher and students. I A panel is a student’s blank canvas; many learn twelve measures of music on the piin which students sorted themselves by core identi- also observed a piece of technology that could put boys choose to commemorate their sports ano. The performances had a little humor fiers (age, race, socioeconomic status, etc.) accord- an end to the recurrent Winsor struggle of raising teams, hobbies, favorite places, and mes- thrown in, but I have complete faith that ing to various prompts. Likewise, each student in and lowering projector screens: an electronic ver- sages to the community. The collection of everyone will have their parts memorized Statistical Revolution in Sports had to either record sion that descends from the ceiling at the press of a the panels throughout the school, I think, for the graded performances. I enjoyed or make up the results of 50 coin flips to show that button. In fact, technology appeared easily integrated is also a great Belmont Hill timeline for all the classes I observed at Belmont Hill we tend to underestimate the frequency of streaks into classes, with frequent use of smart-boards and current students! When I discussed the As for the boys themselves, and that events we see as reflecting skill could be due video without the complications sometimes expe- panels with the seniors, I could tell that they welcomed my input on the “What to chance. Though perhaps only a symptom of the rienced at Winsor. The well-known Belmont Hill the panel-carving process requires a lot Color is the Dress?” debate. Otherwise, specific day I attended, it seemed that such interac- tradition of daily chocolate chip cookies and milk of thought, followed by a fair amount of they asked me a lot of thoughtful questive lesson plans occur more frequently at Belmont (which I can now confirm is worthy of its reputa- work to get the finished product. The tions about Winsor and the all-girls extion), the fresh air in walking outdoors between panels allow each Belmont Hill gradu- perience. We compared notes on how classes, and a campus atmosphere greatly enhanced ate to leave a reminder of who he is--and the college process has differed at both by the presence of dogs--from the hyper, labradoodle I imagine years later, the panels remind schools; while the boys had their grievpuppy with which I spent some time to the older alumni about what they were thinking ances as we do, they seemed much less dog I saw lounging in the ceramics room amidst about in their last year of high school! high-strung about matriculation. Winstudents—were among the best parts of my visit. The students and teachers made sor could definitely afford to take a page I left Belmont Hill with the knowledge us feel so welcome. Ms. Zener very kindly from Belmont Hill’s book on that one. that the two schools share profound similari- explained to me the current situation in I had such a nice day at Belties and that each can inform the other regard- Nigeria during Comparative Government, mont Hill--I owe a great thank-you ing academic and campus life. Winsor, for and I learned a lot about oil during Mr. to John, Michael, and Will for hostexample, could take inspiration from Belmont McAlpin ’s Environmental Science class. ing the three of us. I greatly appreciHill’s sports statistics course, or perhaps consider I have not taken Mandarin Chinese since ate all the kindness we received from the de-stressing effects of dogs and daily cookies.☐ Class IV, but I was greatly impressed to the entire Belmont Hill community!☐ whipplehill.net
Belmont Hill Arts
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Five Belmont Hill Students Recognised for Their Artistry
given by the competition are really appreciated in the art community because it’s a form of validation and recognition The Boston Globe Scholastic Art for all of the work that goes into makand Writing Awards, in collaboration ing works of art. Many people don't with the Boston School of the Museum realize that hours and hours go into of Fine Arts, is a New England division making a single piece, and this comof a national arts and writing competi- petition recognizes that hard work.” tion that reviews submissions from stu- Christian plans to continue his photogdents in grades seven through twelve. raphy career into the foreseeable future, For the 2015 competition, over 17,000 and has established his own website pieces of student artwork and writing and will take this year’s senior photos. were submitted in the Boston area. BelOwen was first introduced to mont Hill has had a number of students ceramics by a friend, a ceramics student, win honors from this competition in the and found that he loved it so much that past, and this year five Belmont Hill stu- he would take ceramics as an independents were recognized for their artwork. dent study for the first semester of this Winning a silver key, the sec- year, and is currently taking an advanced ond highest award in the competition, ceramics course. Owen’s recognition in was Lawson Morris’s ceramic sculpture the competition struck him as surpris“Treehouse.” Though Lawson is new ing because this is his first year taking a to ceramics this year, his natural skill ceramics course and the submitted piece for the art shows clear in “Treehouse.” was a bowl in a style that he did not iniLawson claims he faced fierce competi- tially set out to make. Because Owen tion, especially in the ceramic sculpture regards ceramics as a wonderful stress category, and that the silver key award, relief and day-to-day motivational tool, the first recognition Lawson has had he hopes to continue the art throughin an arts competition, came to him as out his Belmont Hill career, and beyond. a pleasant surprise. If his schedule alZach has been working in celows for continued participation in ce- ramics since the beginning of ninth ramics at Belmont Hill, Lawson is ex- grade, and last year he was awarded a cited to continue working at the craft. silver key for another ceramic sculpture. Four Belmont Hill Students When asked about his recognition this achieved “Honorable Mention” sta- year, Zach said “I was very surprised tus from the competition: Christian by my recognition in the contest this Dolan, for his photograph entitled year, as the piece was quite literally an “Under the Willow Tree;” Owen Green- accident. The piece was meant to be a wood for his ceramic bowl, “Wave glaze tester, but turned out pretty inBowl;” Jovan Jones for his ceramic teresting after getting fired. Mrs. Kabasketball clock; and Zach Shpilner plan and I were so surprised by how it for his ceramic bowl, “Unexpected.” turned out that we actually titled the Christian has been working in piece ‘unexpected’.” Zach says that cephotography for four years, and this is ramics allows him to have a creative his fourth recognition in the Scholas- break from his schoolwork, and he tic Art Awards competition; he has re- hopes to continue with it in the future. ceived two other honorable mentions Congratulations to all of these and a gold key from the competition for recognition winners! You can learn From top to bottom: Jovan Jones’s ceramic his photography. When asked what his more about the national and regional basketball clock, Lawson Morris’s “Treerecognitions in this competition mean Scholastic Art Awards competitions houe,” Christian Dolan’s “Under the Willow to him, Christian said “All of the awards at http://www.artandwriting.org. ☐ Tree” By Jake DeCaprio Panel Staff
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Mazzio-Manson and Schwartz Take a Seat in the Director’s Chair By Brendan Pulsifer Panel Staff
There are many unique opportunities at Belmont Hill for students to assume a leadership position and make an outstanding contribution in an activity for which they have a passion. In sports, an athlete can vie for captaincy; in a club, a member can become the president. Perhaps Belmont Hill’s most special opportunity for leadership is found at the Kraft Theatre, where a Sixth Form student who has a serious interest in acting can direct a play of his very own. A play directed by a student might seem less professional than one put on by a respected faculty member, but if the Senior Directed Plays from past years are any indication, that assumption is far from justified. The distinguished seniors who get to direct the show are dedicated to making the culmination of their acting career at Belmont Hill fun, exciting, and an artistic success. This year, two experienced and talented actors don the director’s hat – Charlie Schwartz and Jamie MazzioManson. Both of these seniors have been acting in plays and musicals since their First Form year at Belmont Hill and have been key to the continued success of the school’s drama program. Instead of choosing just one play to tackle this spring, Charlie and Jamie opted to direct two one-act plays, both modern, quirky comedies: Check Please and Wake Up Call. In Check Please, an amalgam of couples proves just how awkward blind dates can be, as some hopeful romancers get stuck with mimes or senior citizens. Equally as funny, yet much spookier, is Wake Up Call, in which the protagonist, Jim, struggles to discern reality from dreams. In one world, his girlfriend plots to poison his father, the piece together and playing steadily. After the viola sonata came more while in a second world, his mother By Armin Thomas After the last open fifth died out, the auclassical music, played by the Belmont Hill regretfully tells him horrible news. Staff Writer dience applauded the spectacular perfor- Piano Trio, the school’s newest musical enThe task of directing from ten On Friday, 6 March 2015, nearly mance, and the Orchestra left the stage. semble. George Hu (piano), Austin Kwoun to twenty fellow actors, putting in three months to the day after the previFollowing the Orchestra was solo- (violin), and Spencer Kim (cello) masterful- countless hours of rehearsal three to ous Belmont Hill concert, the instru- ist Nicholas Gallo (violin), who played ly interpreted the Latin tango vibe of Astor four nights a week, and tweaking evmental and choral groups of Belmont the famous “Minuet in G-dur” by Lud- Piazzolla’s “Libertango.” Once again, as has ery minute detail of a show may seem Hill’s music program convened to put wig van Beethoven. He demonstrated happened previously, the group elicited an daunting, but Charlie and Jamie could on another concert: the Winter Collage his proficiency on the instrument by enthusiastic response from the crowd, gar- not be more excited about their projConcert. This concert featured the main producing a very refined and finessed nering wild and uncontrollable applause. ect. “We just finished our auditions ensembles that play at all Belmont Hill interpretation of the piece. The audiThe second half of the B-Flats’ for the show, and things are looking musical events: the Orchestra, the B-Flats, ence showed their appreciation for his performance came after the Trio, when auspicious,” says Jamie; “I’m most the Piano Trio, the Jazz Combo, and the excellent work with more applause. they performed “Sincerely” by Har- thrilled about working with Charlie, Middle and Upper School Jazz Ensembles. After the solo performance, the vey Fuqua and Alan Freed. Soloists in- with whom I’ve worked as an actor First to take the stage was the Or- Jazz Combo performed “Grant’s Tune” cluded Christian Little, Callen Mor- many times before. He’s so on top of chestra, led by concertmaster Andrew by Grant Green, a jazz standard. Jack ris, Nate Trznadel, and Chip Daley. everything – I just hope I can keep Kaneb and conducted by Mr. Matthew Richards (alto sax) and David YelAfter the B-Flats, the Upper School up! As directors, we’ll try to make the Glenn. They were joined by Mrs. Ruth len (alto sax) improvised great solos, Jazz Ensemble took the stage to close the play both fun and relaxed as well as Sweeney (French horn), Ms. Letitia Hom and again the audience was rapturous. show. Their tune selection was varied, professional and fulfilling.” Charlie (violin), and Ms. Justine Popik (oboe). More jazz followed the Combo, showcasing their versatility. First they too is eager to take on the challenge. The group played two pieces, the arrange- when the Middle School Jazz Band enter- played “Take Five,” the famous 5/4 Dave He especially noted the diversity of ment of “Far Over the Misty Mountains tained the audience with “25 or 6 to 4” Brubeck classic and played a chill perfor- talent in auditions: “It’s awesome seeCold” from the Hobbit film franchise, written by the band Chicago. Ben Blaus- mance (Benny Wanger soloed on trum- ing new people in the theatre. A lot of composed by Belmont Hill student Armin tein (trumpet) soloed on this tune, and pet), and then they played the funk tune seniors are giving acting a try for the Thomas and the “Pavane pour une infante excellently exhibited the aggressive up- “Brick House” by the Lionel Richie and first time, and Jamie and I have disdefunte” (Pavane for a Dead Princess) by beat tempo of the tune. This concert also the Commodores (Solos included Mar- covered many hidden talents already.” Maurice Ravel. The Thomas piece featured marked the return of trumpeter Jacob shall Knight on baritone sax, John Lazor Charlie and Jamie’s play will be the B-Flats on vocals and showcased the Welborn to Belmont Hill’s music program. on trumpet, and Armin Thomas on ten- shown at the Kraft Theatre on Friepic scale of the Hobbit films. The Ravel Following the Middle School Jazz or trombone). After the performance, day, May 22 and Saturday, May 23 piece showcased the composer’s beautiful Ensemble was violist Coleman Walsh. the night of music concluded, and the at 8 p.m.. Even though May might writing for woodwinds, as Popik and To- He finally completed the arduous task of audience retreated to the Music Build- seem quite a long way away from mas Paris (principal clarinet) played very learning a complete sonata, and he per- ing to enjoy a post-concert reception. dreary March, there is no time to well-executed solos. Spencer Kim (cello) formed the final three movements of the The musical ensembles of Bel- waste. After eleven short weeks of played an enchanting duet with the oboe “Sonata in G-dur” by Benedetto Mar- mont Hill will convene again on 24 April rehearsal, students will finally be in the middle of the piece. The rest of the cello, after performing the first move- 2015 to take part in the 2015 Spring able to see the directing capabiliorchestra did an excellent job holding ment earlier this year in November. Concert. We hope to see you there. ☐ ties of these two student-directors. ☐
Belmont Hill Musicians Convene at Winter Collage Concert
March 12th, 2015
2015 Panel Previews
Belmont Hill Arts
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9th and 10th Grade Play, The Dining Room, Doesn’t Disappoint
bastian Themelis, and Seamus Clair. who had about eight different roles.” Each scene related a differThe crowd seemed to enjoy ent stor y, and therefore a different the humor of the show, which was Ever y Belmont Hill boy must After one of the worst months of emotion around which it centered. strategically placed into some ver y setake a certain number of required weather that Massachusetts has seen Themes ranged from divorce and rious scenes to lighten the mood. The courses, participate in a number in a long time, the Middle School death all the way to children play- actors effectively delivered their part of athletic seasons, and meet many production of The Dining Room was a ing and birthday parties. Yet, there is for maximum impact. With little to other requirements to graduate as a welcome highlight. The Kraft Theater something universal about a family no set changes, the production relied senior. The most important require- was transformed into your family din- gathering around a dinner table. Un- purely on the director and the actors. ment to receive a diploma, however, ing room on Februar y 27th and 28th. like larger productions, the small cast Under the direction of Mr. DiResta, is not fulfilled in the classroom or on The American play by A.R. Gurney faced the challenge of learning many the production moved across generathe athletic field, but in the wood- takes place in a beautifully decorated different roles and portraying many tions, drawing the audience into each shop. Ever y student must car ve a dining room and follows the families emotions. Peter Knowlton says “the scenario. Actor Sebastian Themelis panel of his own so that he can re- that gathered in it, showing how spe- show was unique this year because it said in reflection on the show “almain a part of the school for decades cial the dining room is to each one. was an ensemble play, meaning that though at first with many of the cast after he graduates. It is not expected The play does not follow a single there was not one three act stor y, but members leaving, it looked like we that ever yone—or anyone—will know set of characters, so each actor had to a bunch of small scenes tied together wouldn’t be able to pull it off, we what his panel will be like when he learn numerous roles and play them by an overarching theme. That meant pushed through and had an amazing first steps on campus, but by the mid- each differently. Sharing the stage were that ever y actor had to play at least performance and a great time doing it.” dle of senior year, each senior must Ninth Graders Owen Pickette, Macd- five characters. This is no easy task Although mother nature have a good idea of his final design. ony Charles, Will Thompson, Emily for any actor, but our cast did a really tried to get in the way, the show The process of creating a panel Belina, and Alexandra Barton, as well good job with character and costume went on and it proved to be an enstarts in the early winter months of as Tenth Graders Peter Knowlton, Se- changes, especially the Winsor girls joyable and moving production.☐ senior year, when Mr. Kaplan gives seniors a presentation on how to choose, make, and complete their ver y own wooden work of art. Mr. Kaplan, a master craftsman, has been helping students craft panels for decades. “One of the hardest decisions a student has to make is what he wants his panel to look like,” he says. In his experience, panel ideas usually have one of four main themes. First, and most commonly, students find a defining moment in their life, whether it be an activity, a place, a person, or a mixture of those. The second most popular option is to car ve an intricate design, with or without any personal significance. An effective and provoking theme, common in the some of the older panels, is a current event – in MacPherson and some hallways in the Jordan Athletic Center, images depicting various wars are myriad. Finally, if all else fails, Mr. Kaplan suggests picking something random—anything which would suffice to represent you. By the beginning of March, the seniors’ panels are starting to take form. Ever y senior has chosen a design approved by Mr. Kaplan and has The Dining Room cast (from left to right): Theo Why, Alexandra Barton, Macdony Charles, Owen Pickette, Seamus Clair, Emily Belina, begun chiseling away at their block of Will Thompson, Sebastian Themelis, and Peter Knowlton wood. Senior Andrew Wilkins fashioned his panel after a favorite vacaReading This debuted at #1 on iTunes. Toronto (“The 6”) in “Jungle”, “Know tion spot that reminded him of great OVO’s executive producers Yourself ”, and “You & The 6,” the lastadventures with his family, saying “I Noah “40” Shebib and Boi-1da stay true mentioned of which is an intimate really wanted to choose a design that to their style, mixing their unique, dark, talk to his mother about his fame and held significance in my life, and I bassy ambiance into their beats, leaving struggles, and features some of his most think I did. After I showed Mr. KaDrake plenty of room for his thoughts. personal and well-written lyrics on the plan the design, we pressed in the Drake steps away from treating his mu- album, a relief from the usual braggaBy Mack Perry background and I started whittling. sic like a diary, succombing to the “I’m docio that we see on previous tracks. Panel Staff Now, I’m a little more than halfway better than you” lyrics of most MCs toIf You’re Reading This is certainly done, though there’s still a long way Fresh off of his OVO Sound la- day. From slow-moving tracks “Legend” not Drake’s finest or cleanest work; he to go.” Clark Doyle decided to incor- bel release, Drake has slowly worked and “Know Yourself ”, to high-energy fills the 17-track album by experimentporate both meaning and beauty in his his way up to the top of the rap game. “6 God” and “Used To,” Drake experi- ing with several different subjects and design - the fleur de lis on his panel From Johnny Manziel flashing Drake’s ments with his flow and style, fill- vibes, testing the waters as to see what harkens back to his days as a child in signature TopSZN “money maker” sign ing beats with biting raps and smooth fits best. Drake has done his job on ampNew Orleans, and also demonstrates after every touchdown he threw at Tex- harmonies. The tone of the album is ing up anticipation for his next move. aesthetic creativity. Justin Grady, a as A&M, to their ruling of Soundcloud set with the opening track, “Legend.” Even if this is just a warmup to true New Englander, has been con- last summer, Toronto-based OVO has We take a peek into Drake’s childhood “Views From the 6,” Drake must get structing his panel using the theme of slowly infiltrated pop culture: now is in “Star67”, learning about the phone credit for his stellar creativity in his “Boston Strong,” a commemoration of their ringleader’s time to shine. Drake scams he ran with friends to earn some lyrics and wordplay, especially when he the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. has wasted no time in between his Sep- extra cash, and listen to the voice of his makes something sound much cooler Mr. Kaplan estimates that an av- tember 2013 Nothing Was The Same budding protege PARTYNEXTDOOR than it is. “Runnin’ through the 6 with my erage panel takes anywhere from 20-40 and his new project, If You’re Reading on “Wednesday Night Interlude” and woes” sounds a hell of a lot better than hours to make, depending upon how This, It’s Too Late, which was released “Preach”. In “6PM in New York”, se- “Hanging in Toronto with my besties”. ☐ well the student works with his hands, with no prior announcement on Friday, quel to 2013’s “5AM in Toronto” and how much time he has, and his design. February 13th (Drake had previously 2010’s “9AM in Dallas”, Drake takes Now that all their college applications stated that his next full album would be the opportunity to attack his rivals have been sent in, the seniors have no titled Views From The 6). Recent news with seething critiques and disses. He excuse to delay their car ving. There has emerged that the collection was takes a page from the producing style are less than three months until the indeed supposed to be a mixtape to be of Nas and Kanye West, rapping over an due date and until their graduation, released for free, but due to the ongo- old-school rock drum kit with a promibut they aren’t slacking - the wood- ing dispute between Drake/Lil’ Wayne nent bass line, giving it a modern twist shop is often filled with the lively and Cash Money Records, the project with a bass-filled synth subtly overlapbuzz of Sixth Formers chipping away was sold as an album to fulfill con- ping in the hook-less track. He gives at their last project at Belmont Hill. ☐ tract obligations. Nevertheless, If You’re several shoutouts to his hometown of By Brendan Pulsifer Panel Staff
By Ben Rush Staff Writer
If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late Review
Winsor Arts
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Looking Ahead: A Preview of 2015’s Summer Music Festivals 3. A Solid Amount of Rap and Hip Hop: Popular artist Drake will headline the last Sunday of each weekend. Other apGiven the snow piling up outside, pearances include Raekwon and Ghostit may seem hard to believe that spring face Killah from Wu-Tang Clan, Tyler is almost here! Spring--the time to get the Creator, The Weeknd, and Azealia excited for sunny days, spending time Banks. outdoors, warm weather and of course… summer music! Annual music festivals 4. Variety of Electronic Music: There Coachella, Bonnaroo, and local Boston will be no shortage of Electronic Dance Calling have recently released their of- Music DJ acts, such as ODESZA, Kasficial performer lineups. Panel presents kade, Flosstradamus, Porter Robinson, a brief rundown of each festival’s major Axwell^Ingress, and Alesso. Providing themes and featured artists to help you more experimental sounds, hip hop get in the summer festival spirit. Take a electronic acts like Flying Lotus and look at the highlights of these concerts! Toro y Moi will perform as well. By Sea-Jay Van der Ploeg Staff Writer
portalsmusic.com
columbiaslive.com
well. Gerard Way, lead vocalist from now & The Sensational Space Shifters (Robert Plant was Led Zeppelin’s lead singer) are all separated band My Chemical Romance, actor Jack Black and his band Tenacious D, highly anticipated acts. and alternative band The Pixies will satisfy 3. A Sprinkling of Hip Hop and R&B: Rap anyone looking for a 90’s and early 2000’s throwback. superstar Kendrick Lamar leads as major headliner this year. He will be joined by other similar artists such as Run the Jewels 3. Mellow Summer Crooners: Singers Ben Harper from California and Vance Joy and Childish Gambino. (Singer of “Riptide”) from Australia will supply summer appropriate, beachy West Coast 4. Diversifying With Some Electronic vibes. Australian artist Chet Faker will also Guests: Electronic act Deadmau5 will be a featured main stage performer this year, perform in his electronic, jazzy style. and other electronic dance music perfor4. Soulful Folk and Country: Any country mances include Caribou, Bassnectar, and music lovers looking for a new obsession Flumel. relix.com should check out the lyrical, twangy Jason Isbell, a Boston Calling performer hailing from Alabama. Two other bands, The Lone Bellow and The Ballroom Thieves, will also bring an invigorating, indie folk sound (think Fleet Foxes). 5. Gotta Love Those Female Singers: Characterized by their signature airy voices, female vocalists Marina and The Diamonds, Tove Lo (Singer of “Habits/Stay High”), St. Vincent, Sharon Van Etten, and MØ will perform.
Coachella
Themes and Highlights: 1. Plenty of Guitars and Male Vocals: For anyone looking for classic rock, AC/DC will be a featured headliner. Other fun head banging bands include Jack White, Tame Impala, Interpol, and Ratatat for a still head-banging but more electronic feel. 70’s jazz rock band Steely Dan will also make an appearance.
6. Soul? Funk? Rap? Boston Calling still has you covered: One of Bonnaroo’s headliners, rap duo Run the Jewels, will also perform in Boston! Jungle, described as a “modern soul collective” from London, is another entertaining act to look out for.
Bonnaroo
Boston Calling
Themes and Highlights: 1. Folk Rock and Lighthearted Indie Vibes: Well known folk rock band Mumford and Sons will perform. Ed Helms (star of “The Office” and “The Hangover”) will visit The Bluegrass Situation SuperJam portion of the festival. Other indie acts include Spoon, Belle and Sebastian, Guster, and The War on Drugs. Fun fact: the lead singer of The War on Drugs is a Roxbury Latin graduate!
Themes and Highlights 1. Summer Indie Rock (predominately male vocals and guitars): It will be difficult for most of us Multi-instrumentalist and cross-genre singer Winsor girls to snag tickets to the first two Beck will be the main headliner, but other festivals, but for any music lovers wishing to similar indie rock acts include My Morning attend an accessible concert, Boston Calling Jacket and TV on the Radio. is definitely a viable option. Tickets are on sale now for both three day passes and indi2. Heavier Rock Bands: vidual day passes. If live music is not for you, After their April Coachella appearance, you can easily search and listen to all these Tame Impala will perform their psycheartists’ tracks online! ☐ delic, head-banging tunes in Boston as
Where and When: Indio, California. Three- Where and When: Manchester, Tennessee, day intervals in April (April 10-12, 17-19) June 11-14
2. Enough to Satisfy Your Indie Band Fix: As expected, the festival has garnered vari- 2. Oldies Ranging a Variety of Genres: ous established indie acts, including Alt-J, Who does not love rock and roll headliner Alabama Shakes, and Hozier. This umbrella Billy Joel? For anyone craving some soulful, of indie bands also includes female voices— funky jazz and R&B, Earth Wind & Fire Marina and The Diamonds, Florence & The will be performing. Metal band Slayer, 80s Machine, St. Vincent, and Lykke Li. band Tears for Fears, and Robert Plant
Where and When: City Hall Plaza in Boston, Massachusetts, May 22, 23, 24
Class I Play Excitement
weeks due to all of the rehearsal time missed on snow days. The students spent time memorizing lines on days offhousetenpress.com and also have “I cannot wait to see all of Class I’s hard extra rehearsals during some P.E. periods work culminate in such a fantastic produc- and studies. Mr. Johnson said, “[The Class tion,” said Emma Bernstein ’17. On March I students] have been great sports about it, 11 and 12, fifth grade students will perform and we have managed to catch ourselves up a winsor.edu Winsor actresses during the production! The Velveteen Rabbit for the annual Class I bit.” Daisy Pressman, Class I, added, “Everymusical. Based on the 1922 book by Mar- one has been working really hard through gery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit follows the snow days, and we are really excited to the relationship between a stuffed rabbit share [the show] with the whole school.” from Isabel Seguin ’16 that greatly enhanced and its owner. Mr. Johnson, the director of As in previous years, By Abby Weyer and Isabel Griffith-Gorgati the emotion of the play and provided smooth Staff Writers the play, explained, “The story addresses the members of Class I are able to act in the play transitions between scenes. The set of the play ideas of old and new and how important it is as well as work behind the scenes on sets This year’s upper school winter pro- was very plain; its simplicity provided a sense to love and rememand with Ms. Padula to duction of Radium Girls, directed by Mr. of desolation that mirrored the plot and kept ber the old things create the fantastic cos- Tupper, brought to the stage the sober- the audience’s focus on the actors. Joanna even when they tumes seen in the pro- ing, true story of the fates of radium fac- Grill ’17 remarked, “I thought Radium Girls go away. It seemed duction. Additionally, tory workers in the 1920s. The play follows was really interesting and thought provoking. like an approprithe experience always the story of Grace Fryer, a young watch The acting was spectacular and really opened ate and respectful allows the class to work dial painter at a radium plant, as she fights my eyes to the process of lawsuits with large way to say goodbye together on a project to sue the company that caused her friends factories and the people behind them.” to a space that has that always has a fantas- and eventually herself to fall prey to the devIn addition to Radium Girls, the served the Winsor tic result. Marie Kester astating effects of radium poisoning. Once same cast of actors put on two short cocommunity well ’19 reflected on act- considered a miracle cure for cancer and medic plays that greatly contrasted the for many years.” ing in Where the Wild used in the production of dials by female fac- somber mood of the main production; With this Things Are in 2012 and tory workers, radium was discovered to be these skits were aptly named “Departmenbostonchildrenstheater.org said, “The musical was a deadly poison that stole the lives of many tal” and “Words Won’t Help You Here.” fantastic production, the Class I students will con- a highlight of my year in Class I because it young women in the span of a few years. Each was filled with wordplay and silliness tinue the four-year tradition of basing the was such a great bonding experience for my The actresses, with the careful direc- that had the audience in fits of laughter. rl.com show off a children’s book. Mr. Johnson class.” Chanel Matthews ’17 agreed, “The tion of Mr. Tupper, executed a seamless The cast, faced with limited reis working with a friend outside of Win- play was probably one of my favorite memo- production. The tragic story told in the play hearsal time due to the unexpected surplus sor, who also composed the music for ries from Class I. Everyone who was here in required the actors to tap into their more se- of snow days, worked hard to recover lost the Class I play last year, The Cricket in fifth grade always references our show, and rious and woeful emotions. The cast seemed time and work around complicated cosTimes Square, to develop the script and we all have really great memories from it.” to have little difficulty doing so, as their per- tume and set changes throughout the show. the original score for this production. Good luck, Class I - we can- formances were skillfully delivered. The act- Despite these conditions, they pulled off the Class I has worked hard in recent not wait to see your performance! ☐ ing was accompanied by live violin music play seamlessly and it was a huge success. ☐ By Alexa Lyons Staff Writer
Upper School’s Radium Girls
March 12th, 2015
Winsor Arts
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Review of a Hit New TV Show: Check out “Empire” on Fox
nity as well as the negative stigma around show, commented, “Kids are dying because tinue to climb every day, we expect great homosexuality in the Black and Latino of the homophobia that exists in the Afri- things from this new show” (http://insidetv. communities. Statistics supporting this stig- can-American community and Latino com- ew.com). If those statistics do not convince If you are anything like me, a good part ma include many studies done specifically munity...Rather than come out, [gay black you by themselves, I would strongly recomof your week is planned out to the second so on homosexuality in African-American and men] live on the DL...And it’s sad because mend watching the show. As someone who that you can watch each television episode Latino communities. “In the African-Amer- your mother says; your priest says, your best finds it very refreshing to watch a television on the day it airs, and luckily, this year friend says, your neighbors say, that is not completely and utterly transparhas been a big year for television. We your classmates say, your teach- ent, (i.e that guy falls in love with that girl, welcomed the return of shows like ers say you can’t be who you are. but she is interested in someone else), “Em“The Bachelor” and “Dance Moms” And that’s lethal.” When asked pire” is one of those refreshing shows. If with open arms and embraced new about his opinion regarding the you are still not convinced, Bre Beaudreault noteworthy additions such as Jane show and the controversial top- ’15 is quoted as saying that it is her favorite the Virgin, Black-ish, and Gotham. ics that pervade the plot line, show because, “‘Empire’ is really honest in Among the many new viewing opJussie Smollet, the actor playing its portrayal of homosexuality in black cultions, one show in particular has Jamal Lyon, stated, “[“Empire”] ture, which is a first because I have not seen caught the attention of millions, both is not shoving anything down it represented very much. I think that the for its deliciously dramatic plot lines your throat. It’s not preach- show itself is generally good fun and very and for its refreshingly honest poring, it’s not telling you the way entertaining.” Need any more convincing? trayals of race, gender, and sexuality. that you should feel about a Jens Odegard ’16’s first impressions were “Empire”, a modern day twist certain issue, but it is giving positive as well. Odegard is quoted as sayon Shakespeare’s King Lear, set in you options. Lee holds up the ing, “‘Empire’ is an extremely well-written the world of hip-hop music, tells mirror to us as human beings.” and extremely well-produced television the story of the Lyon family: father As Fox’s most popular show, whose dynamic and unpredictable Lucious (Terrence Howard); his exshow in a while with 9.3 mil- plot draws viewers in and does not let them wife Cookie (Taraji P. Henson), who lion viewers thus far, “Empire” go. But what I really loved even more than is newly freed from prison; their ratings have steadily increased. the actual narrative was the story’s incorbuddytv.com Cast of Fox’s New TV Show, “Empire” power-hungry, Ivy League-educated According to Entertainment poration of homophobia and horrible conoldest son Andre (Trai Byers); their young- ican community, for example, homosexuali- Weekly, “The typical pattern is a show’s sequences into the conflicts. Homophobia est, Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Gray), a rapper ty is seen as a taboo subject that clashes with highest-rated episode of the season is its is an issue that desperately needs to be adon the rise; and middle child Jamal (Jussie race, gender role expectations, definitions premiere, then ratings drop for two weeks dressed in this nation and a topic to which Smollett), a singer-songwriter prodigy. of masculinity, community norms relating and then, (hopefully) settle into a groove people often belittle or turn a blind eye, and When Lucious finds out that he has ALS, to sexuality, and is perceived of as sinful for the rest of the season, rising somewhat I truly respect and appreciate the creator’s his three sons to turn against one another and unnatural” (AIDS Educ Prev).In some for the season finale. “Empire” has done the use of a wide viewing audience to get this in an attempt to be the singular owner of situations, “homosexuality is also seen as a opposite. The midseason drama premiered critical message across.” I hope I have inthe family’s multi-billion dollar record label. weakness or an embarrassment to the Afri- big. Got bigger. Then got bigger again.This trigued you enough to turn on your televi“Empire” pushes back against the ste- can American community” (CDC).When kind of growth has not occurred for years sions, computers, mobile devices to watch reotypes of both black people as a commu- interviewed, Lee Daniels, co-creator of the and the fact that “Empire” ratings con- “Empire” on Wednesdays at 9:00pm! ☐ By Victoria Farina Contributing Writer
Beck Deserved Album of the Year By Olivia Brasher & Jane Wrenn Contributing Writers One of the biggest moments at the 57th Grammy Awards was the announcement of the 2014 Album of the Year, awarded to Beck’s Morning Phase, which beat out X by teen heartthrob Ed Sheeran, Pharrell Williams’ Girl, Sam Smith’s In The Lonely Hour, and, most notably, Beyonce’s Beyonce. Many were pleasantly surprised, while many Beyonce fans were shocked and appalled, including Kanye West, who almost repeated his notorious microphone grab from the 2009 VMA’s (when he stole the micro- Beck with his Grammy! phone from Taylor Swift, stating that Beyonce deserved the award). Beck himself appeared surprised at the announcement and received the award almost speechlessly, simply stating “thank you.” Although Beyoncé may have been the popular favorite in this category, selling the most copies of her selftitled album, which includes hits “Drunk in Love” and “Partition”, Beck’s talent and
authenticity demonstrated in Morning Phase ultimately earned him the award. Although many people are not familiar with the music of Beck, his hit single Loser brought him widespread popularity in 1993. After a brief backlash, he has churned out twelve popular, critically-acclaimed studio albums, including the noteworthy singles “Beercan”, “Girl”, and “Think I’m In Love”. He popularized the style of trippy lyrics and clips of talking in the background of his songs, giving them a distinctly ot her worldly feel. He has also dabbled in multiple genres, includeonline.com ing rap, pop, funk, blues, electronic, psychedelic, and rock. His unique sounds and experimentation with different genres has attracted attention from many, and his unconventional ways (he once brought a leaf blower on stage at a concert) set him apart from other musicians on the scene. On his album Morning Phase, Beck wrote each of his songs, sang all the vo-
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cals, and played the electric guitar, acoustic towards lyrics such as “smack it smack it guitar, keyboard, piano, synthesizer, or- in the air” and “the man ain’t ever seen a gan, electric bass, sound collage, tambou- booty like this.” As Beyoncé explores the rine, ukulele, charango, celeste, dulcimer, topic of the iconic “booty,” indeed a promiharmonica, and glockenspiel--totaling at nent piece of today’s pop culture, Beck fifteen instruments. As a result, Morning takes a more thoughtful approach to his Phase has a distinct instrumental sound music and describes the pain of solitude. unlike that of any of his previous work Through his work on Morning or those of the other nominees in the Phase, Beck yet again proves himself as category. Additionally, he produced a seasoned, talented artist who can the album and arranged the orchesnot only play over 15 instruments tral pieces himself. Each song builds but also excel in a wide variety on the last, creating not only an alof genres. Beyoncé is undenibum but also an experience. The ably a talented artist and a strong lyrics are thought-provoking and full role model, but the cohesiveness of meaningful images, as exempliand talent exemplified on Beck’s fied in the hit single “Blue Moon”: Morning Phase create an album “I’m so tired of being alone / experience unlike that of the These penitent walls are all I’ve other albums nominated. As a howstuffworks.com result, Beck’s Morning Phase known / Songbird calling across the water / Inside my silent asylum.” Be- clearly deserved its well-earned award: Alyoncé, by contrast, channels her talent bum of the Year at the 57th Grammy’s. ☐
Belmont Hill Sp orts
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Belmont Hill Varsity Scoreboard TEAM
RECORD
NOTABLE RESULTS
TEAM MVPS
16-8-6
W vs Berkshire 4-2 W vs Thayer 5-4
Charley Michalowski Charlie McConnell Charlie Barrow
Basketball
18-4
W vs. St. Mark’s 62-57 W vs. Thayer 63-32
Myles Walsh Jesse Wims
Wrestling
13-3
New England Tournament, 3rd Place ISL Tournament, 2 Place
Pete Tedesco Phil Conigliaro Will Ryan
Alpine Ski
36-4
ISL Championship Race, 2nd place
Dan Remondi Harrison Rohrer
Nordic Ski
N/A
Weston sprints, 2nd place
John Power Will Malloy
14-2
Varsity Nationals, 2nd place JV Nationals, 1st place
Clark Doyle Timmy Brownell
Hockey
Squash
Alpine Ski Team Finishes 2nd at ISLs, Completes Another Successful Season By George Hu Staff Writer The Alpine Ski Team has enjoyed another solid season at the slopes of Nashoba valley this year. Despite losing All-American captain Sabri Eyubolgu to graduation last year, the varsity team finished 2nd in ISL competition behind only an exceptional Middlesex squad. In the first ISL race of the season at Nashoba Valley the team raced its way past the entire league to a first place finish, as captain Dan Remondi placed in the top three while Bobby Jahrling and
Harrison Rohrer both finished in the top ten. Despite the optimistic start, the team fell to Middlesex in a series of extremely tight margins in the ensuing ISL races, and by mid-February it was clear that Middlesex had secured the ISL title. Nonetheless, on February 11, five of Belmont Hill’s best skiers, Dan Remondi, Bobby Jahrling, Harrison Rohrer, Will Cannistraro, and Sam Rohrer, journeyed up to Franconia Notch’s Cannon Mountain to compete in the NEPSAC Class A championship. Despite a very challenging course and some untimely
falls, the team fought its way to a 5th place finish amongst 15 teams. Throughout the season, the alpine ski team was blessed with individual talent. Dan Remondi consistently finished in the top 5 in ISL races, winning a couple of races outright. Bobby Jahrling and Harrison Rohrer both consistently finished within the top 20, even breaking into the top 10 on some occasions. Will Cannistraro, Sam Rohrer, and Henry Moukeibher consistently placed within the top 25 throughout the season, and it will be hard to forget Gifford Metz’s sensational
360 in the last race of the ISL season. Overall, with young talents on the JV team such as Will Neissa, William Hintlian, Jack Olton, and Ben Blaustein, the alpine ski team will be destined to continue its success in the ISL and NEPSAC. Furthermore, JV skiers John Gosselin, Eric Rolfs, and Justin Grady gave much appreciated energy to the team throughout the season. The team would like to thank coaches Feldman and Trautz, its graduating seniors Dan Remondi, Eric Rolfs, and Justin Grady, as well as all of the parents for a wonderful season. ☐
tough with an extremely skilled and sized team of Brooks players, but could not go ahead and lost a competitive game, 60-44. Though they could not capture their goal of first place in the ISL, some amazing feats were reached throughout the season. In the realm of indi-
vidual accomplishments, senior captain Hilal Dahleh reached the impressive 1,000 point mark in a game against St. Paul’s. As far as team accomplishments, the season was really highlighted by an overtime win against arch rival St. Sebastian’s. With just 1:30 left in the
game, our boys in blue recovered from a 6-point deficit, consisting of a late 3-pointer sunk from deep range by Dahleh to force the game into overtime. In the final seconds of overtime, freshman Jovan Jones scored a putback jump shot in the paint to secure the win. The entire Belmont Hill fan section stormed the court, celebrating a final meaningful win for the seniors in their last game against St. Sebastian’s. This was the first year since Mr. Martellini coached the team that Belmont Hill reached the New England playoffs. The squad traveled down to Suffield, Connecticut, for their first round matchup. They suffered a heart-wrenching 72-64 loss, but the team can still be proud of what they accomplished this season. “Although we lost in the playoffs, we are more than happy with where we brought the team this season. Our collective goal this winter was to leave the program in a better place than it ended in last year, and I think our performances proved that Belmont Hill basketball is definitely on the rise,” said captain Sultan-Farouk Olusekun. “I still think that our team this year was good enough to beat anybody out there, and that’s something we should be proud of.” Thank you to all the seniors, especially those 8 year Varsity seniors, for making this year so special for Belmont Hill basketball. ☐
Basketball Caps Incredible Season With First Playoff Appearance in Years By Chip Daley Panel Staff The Varsity Basketball team had a historically successful season, finishing with a total record of 18-4 (11-2 in ISL play). Basketball at the varsity level at Belmont Hill has had some struggles in the past 5 years with a losing record in every season since 2009. The last over .500 winning percentage team dates back to the 20082009 season when the team finished with a record of 16-8 under head coach Martellini. But before this season started, captains Hilal Dahleh and Sultan Olusekun promised the school that this year, they really had a special group. After starting off the season a little slow with 3 wins and 2 losses, the team caught fire winning 15 games straight. Just this win streak alone equalled the total number of games the team won the previous two seasons combined! Securing big wins against competitive rival schools Milton, St. Mark’s, Roxbury Latin, Tabor, and BB&N at the TD Garden, the Belmont Hill Varsity Basketball team put themselves in good position for a run at the league title. One big matchup remained to decide the champion of the ISL against the undefeated and talented Brooks School. The team fought hard the whole game, hanging
The basketball team celebrates qaulifying for the playoffs
Nate Trznadel
March 12th, 2015
Belmont Hill Sp orts
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3. Miami Marlins: The Marlins are a young 4. Milwaukee Brewers: Milwaukee has team with a great outfield, featuring star Giancar- stars OF Carlos Gomez and OF Ryan Braun lo Stanton, future star Christian Yelich, and above- patrolling its outfield and star catcher, Jonathan ments and great matches at Lehigh, they also average regular Marcell Ozuna. The Marlins ac- Lucroy, behind the plate. Aside from its stars, the By Dean Demetri endured the loss of their championship-calquired speedy 2nd baseman Dee Gordon and Brewers have a collection of solid-but-not-flashy Panel Staff iber and finals-bound captain, Pete Tedesco, starting pitchers Dan Haren and Mat Latos last players that contribute to a good-but-not-great The wrestling team approached the to a concussion in the quarterfinals round. offseason and will benefit from pitcher Jose Fer- team. SS Jean Segura isn’t as good as his 2013 climax of their season, entering a grueling This injury knocked him out of the tour- nandez’s June return from Tommy John Surgery. would indicate but is not as bad as his 2014 was. three week period of back to back weekend nament. While Pete headed home with his 4. Atlanta Braves: The Braves lost starting 5. Cincinnati Reds: 3B Todd Frazier, tournaments ranging from the ISL’s Graves family the team wished him well as I can say pitcher Ervin Santana to free agency and traded C Devin Mesoraco, and SP Johnny Cueto are Kelsey tournament to New Englands and first-handedly, we hope for a quick recovery ‘catcher’ Evan Gattis and star outfielder Justin all not as good as their 2014 seasons and the finally, finishing at the National Prep Wres- so he can come back next year and lead his Upton away. The team did acquire strong young Reds traded SP Mat Latos away as well. Joey tling Tournament at Lehigh University. team on to another outstanding season. ☐ talent in Shelby Miller and future talent in third Votto and Jay Bruce should each improve upon Bill Mahoney The team faced tough losses to the Brooks base prospect Rio Ruiz but will not field sufficient poor and injury-plagued seasons last year School for the ISL Dual Meet Champion and talent to contend for a playoff spot this season. but the Reds will find themselves at the botGraves-Kesley Tournament titles (losing by 5. Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies have tom of the strong NL Central come October. only 7.5 points at Graves, 243 to 236.5). At progressively declined in each of the past several the Graves tournament, Phil Conigliaro, Pete seasons and General Manager Ruben Amaro has NL West: 1. Los Angeles Dodgers: The Tedesco, and Will Ryan placed 1st followed no clue what he is doing. The team may trade Dodgers have deep pockets and the best pitcher by Seth Israel, Tyler Christopher, and Frank its best pitcher, Cole Hamels, before the season in baseball but did lose star SS Hanley Ramirez McField taking 2nd. Sean Rayment and Pat starts and already traded former MVP shortstop (replacing him with Jimmy Rollins) and Matt Forde placed 3rd while DJ Demetri and Jimmy Rollins to the LA Dodgers. The outlook Kemp (replacing him with OF Joc Pederson). Alex Afeyan placed 4th. Finally Mack Rush looks bleak for this team for the foreseeable future. OF Yasiel Puig, 1B Adrian Gonzalez, new acquiand Ryan Williams took home 5th while sition C Yasmani Grandal, and a strong rotation Tedesco was named Outstanding Wrestler NL Central: 1. St. Louis Cardinals: should all help lead the Dodgers to a division title. for the tournament and Pat Forde earned The Cardinals are always good and this year 2. San Francisco Giants: The Giants the “most pins in the least time” award. will be no different. The acquisition of Jason won the World Series last year but lost 3B The wrestling team then had a strong Heyward offsets the tragic loss of Oscar Tav- Pablo Sandoval and Mike Morse. SP Madi3rd place finish (behind Exeter and Brooks in eras and the rest of the Cardinals starters re- son Bumgarner and the pitching staff will be that order) at the New England Tournament main the same. Former Red Sox signee Car- above average but the team’s lineup will be dehosted by Tabor Academy. First place medlos Martinez is primed for a breakout season. void of power, especially with star OF Huntals were won by Third Formers Seth Israel 2. Chicago Cubs: The Cubs spent big this er Pence out 6-8 weeks with a broken arm. By Liam Foley and Phil Conigliaro, and Fifth Former Pete offseason have a strong group of young start3. San Diego Padres: New Padres GM AJ Panel Staff Tedesco. Will Ryan took 3rd, Sean Rayment, ers. Jorge Soler should win the NL Rookie of the Preller made a splash this offseason, completely NL East: 1. Washington Nationals: The Year award and his teammate Kris Bryant (who revamping his team and acquiring OF Wil Myers, 5th, and DJ Demetri and Tyler Christopher, 7th. All seven then qualified for the National Nats have an amazing rotation with Stephen will likely debut in late April) will be runner-up. OF Justin Upton, OF Matt Kemp, C Derek NorPrep Tournament down at Lehigh University. Strasburg, Max Scherzer, Jordan Zimmermann, Javier Baez has star potential but various ques- ris, and SP James Shields. San Diego is undoubtThat Sunday, the JV team showed up Gio Gonzalez, and Doug Fister. Bryce Harper tion marks and Starlin Castro is still young but edly significantly improved but it is difficult to see to Tabor for the Junior Varsity New England should take a step forward in his age-23 season has poor makeup. Jon Lester was a statement how the pieces fit together; the outfield will be Tournament to finish off their season. After a after a disappointing 2014. Anthony Rendon acquisition to headline the Cubs rotation and perhaps the worst defensive OF in all of baseball. hard-fought day on the mat, Brian Tanabe and should continue to dazzle as long as he is healthy Jake Arrieta will build upon last year’s break4. Colorado Rockies: The Rockies are Steven Devellis won first place. Henry Grif- and the Nationals defense is improved now out performance. C Miguel Montero, an excel- a pretty easy team to predict. 3B Nolan Arefin Varun Shah, and Hunter Present earned that Ryan Zimmerman has moved to first base. lent pitch framer, is an improvement at catcher nado will have gold glove defense. C Wilin 2nd, and Jacob Whitney took 4th. Congrat2. New York Mets: The Mets finished but the Cubs still have a rather poor bullpen. Rosario will not. SS Troy Tulowitzki and OF ulations to the JV team for a great season. with 79 wins last season despite an off year by 3. Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pirates are a very Carlos Gonzalez will dominate. Then get hurt. While the team battled down at Le- 3rd Baseman David Wright and a lost season strong team despite ranking 3rd in the NL Central. Charlie Blackmon and Corey Dickerson will high, only Phil Conigliaro progressed to the for star pitcher Matt Harvey. The Mets pitching Gregory Polanco is better than what his August regress. The Rockies pitching will be bad. second day of wrestling placing 4th and earn- staff is among the best in baseball and catcher and September indicated, Andrew McCutchen is 5. Arizona Diamondbacks: A healthy 1B ing the title of All-American. Unfortunately, Travis D’Arnaud should continue to improve one of the best players in the game, Gerrit Cole Paul Goldschmidt will be nice and Cuban acquisiwhile the team shared many exciting mo- this season. Shortstop is the Mets’ weak spot. will continue to develop, and Korean acquisition tion Yasmany Tomas is intriguing but aside from Jung-Ho Kang could be the steal of the offseason. those two, the DBacks team is terrible. Josh CollJosh Harrison will regress and Francisco Cer- menter is the ‘ace’ of the staff and Arizona’s pitching velli is a major downgrade from Russell Martin. prospects likely will not arrive until mid-June. ☐
Trio of 1st Place Finishes Power Wrestling
MVPS
MLB Preview: The National League
MLB Preview: The American League
and DH are all weaknesses for Toronto. tor Martinez coupled with the loss of ace date molded similarly to former Angel, Mark 3. Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles’ ro- pitcher Max Scherzer. Justin Verlander Trumbo. Pitcher Jered Weaver still has some tation is plain and they lost OF/DH Nelson was better than how he played last sea- gas left in the tank, Garrett Richards should AL East: 1. Boston Red Sox: The Red Cruz this offseason but 3B Manny Machado son and Anibal Sanchez must stay healthy. be back in early April, Matt Shoemaker is Sox vastly improved their team from 2014 should continue to develop, OF Adam Jones The loss of Rick Porcello will hurt but a mostly real, and Andrew Heaney is a highto 15. C Christian Vazquez is a superb de- is a star, and 1B Chris Davis should split full season of David Price is tantalizing. potential arm in the backend of the rotation. fensive catcher, 1B Mike Napoli has solved the difference between 2013 and 2014. OF 3. Chicago White Sox: Jose Abreu 2. Seattle Mariners: The Mariners his health problems and should post a high Travis Snider is my breakout pick for 2015. turned in a remarkable rookie season in are a strong team that added a 40-homon base percentage, 2B Dustin Pedroia will 4. New York Yankees: It is whatever 2014 and Chris Sale pitched like the star er bat in DH Nelson Cruz to an already rebound from a subpar season, 3B Pablo the bad DEFCON is for Yankee fans right he is. The White Sox added closer Da- strong team that includes superstar pitchSandoval (a new acquisition) will provide now. C Brian McCann cannot handle the vid Robertson, starting pitcher Jeff Sa- er Felix Hernandez and star 2B Robinson strong offensive skills from the hot corner, shift, 3B Alex Rodriguez is stealing millions, mardzija, and outfielder Melky Cabrera Cano. Dustin Ackley, Austin Jackson, and SS Xander Bogaerts is too good to struggle SS Didi Gregorius is a below-average starter, this offseason but still have holes at catch- Mike Zunino should all improve in 2015. like he did last year (Do not be surprised if he and Stephen Drew is Stephen Drew. The Yan- er and 3rd and a question mark at 2nd. 3. Oakland Athletics: Following a hits more than 25 homers), new acquisition kees do have a strong young rotation led by 4. Kansas City Royals: The Roy- late-season collapse, the Athletics downSS/OF Hanley Ramirez will provide MVP- Masahiro Tanaka and a strong bullpen led by als made the World Series last year but graded at 1st, 3rd, catcher, and shortstop caliber statistics when fully motivated and Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller but the must deal with lots of regression among this offseason. Undervalued Ben Zobrist healthy, Cuban OF Rusney Castillo should team is not a legitimate playoff contender. their players. James Shields, the Roy- should provide some versatility to the team build on a strong debut, 2B/OF Mookie Bet5. Tampa Bay Rays: The Rays’ in- als’ ace, and Billy Butler each left via free but aside from him, the Athletics are a ts is better than OF Shane Victorino and will ability to attract fans and inability to agency and only OF Alex Rios was added. much worse team than they were last year. lead off and contribute strong OBPs to the draft effectively has really hurt them. A Danny Duffy pitched excellently but will 4. Houston Astros: The Astros have Red Sox, David Ortiz will be David Ortiz. strong rotation led by MA native Alex regress; the Royals bullpen remains excel- been one of the worst teams in baseball for The Red Sox pitching is bad: Rick Porcello is Cobb and star 3B Evan Longoria won’t lent and may even improve with the return the past few years but have improved the good, Wade Miley is OK, Clay Buchholz and be enough for the Rays to contend. of former first overall pick, Luke Hochevar. left side of their infield with Luis Valbuena Joe Kelly are each bad, and Justin Master5. Minnesota Twins: The Twins are and Jed Lowrie. 1B Jon Singleton should son is terrible. Koji Uehara will continue to AL Central: 1. Cleveland Indians: bad but have a strong farm system: 6’9 SP improve, George Springer will be healthy, close games for Boston and, while the bull- Last year’s AL Cy Young winner, Corey Klu- Alex Meyer should debut at some point this new acquisition Evan Gattis should propen is not strong, it is not a weakness either. ber, headlines a strong rotation that also season. OF Oswaldo Arcia has huge pow- vide some power, Chris Carter could hit 2. Toronto Blue Jays: Toronto will features breakout success Carlos Carrasco er but many question marks and SP Phil 40 homers, and pitcher Collin McHugh’s give the Red Sox the biggest headache and talented youngsters Danny Salazar and Hughes will be good again but Danny San- improvements last season were legitimate. in the competition for 1st in the AL East. Trevor Bauer. Offensively, Michael Brantley tana should regress from his strong 2014. 5. Texas Rangers: Everything that OF Jose Bautista and 1B Edwin Encarna- should take a step back but Brandon Moss is could have gone wrong for the Rangcion are each excellent hitters and the ad- an improvement on David Murphy. DefenAL West: 1. Los Angeles Angels: The ers in 2014 did go wrong. Alex Rios (now dition of 3B Josh Donaldson makes the sive wiz SS Francisco Lindor should be up Angels have Mike Trout, the best player in with Royals) and Shin-Soo Choo strugBlue Jays’ lineup even more formidable. by mid-season. baseball, and Albert Pujols, a future hall of gled and Prince Fielder missed more Undersized starter and former PED user 2. Detroit Tigers: The acquisi- famer. The team downgraded at 2nd base than 100 games. The Rangers will be betMarcus Stroman will lead the Jays rota- tion of Yoenis Cespedes will do little and is still weak at catcher and 3rd base. ter in 2015 but will not have the talent to tion after a strong debut last year. 2B, LF, to offset regressions from JD and Vic- DH/1B CJ Cron is a strong breakout candi- climb out of the bottom of the division. ☐ By Liam Foley Panel Staff
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Winter Sports Wrap-ups Varsity Basketball Record: 7-9
Natasha Jones ’17
Grace Eysenbach ’16
winsor.edu
Varsity Hockey Record: 3-8
Varsity Squash Record: 12-3
Highlight: The team played really cohesively during the Concord game, and as a result achieved an outstanding 55-17 victory. Abigail Simon ‘16 contributed with more than 8 defensive steals. After a tough loss to Dana, Winsor was also able to bounce back for the Southfield game, ultimately winning 47-41. While Winsor started off ahead with a significant lead at halftime, a Southfield player hit six threes in the second half to tie the game. Winsor counted on outside shooter Talia Ruxin ‘16 to keep Winsor in it; she scored a total of 19 points; Winsor fought resiliently and was able to pull ahead in the end. Quote: “The team is really hitting our stride. We had a nice winning streak with wins against Concord, Bancroft, and Berwick, and played well at the EIL tournament.” - Talia Ruxin ‘16 Fun Fact: Winsor Varsity basketball finished first in the Caitlin Weldon ’16 B-pool at the EIL tournament!
Highlight: In a recent game against Beaver Country Day, every line contributed a point, and the team came out on top 8-2. Goalie Hailey Yetman ‘16 had an incredible save on a breakaway attempt. The team finished the season strong with one of their best games against one of the strongest teams in the league: Portsmouth Abbey. In a physical and hard-fought game, the team went into the third period tied 0-0. The Winsor team played until the final buzzer and was extremely proud of the effort and intensity they brought to the ice. Quote: “Although we missed many practices and games due to bad weather, our team came prepared and gave our best efforts and attitudes every time we hit the ice. We will miss our seniors next year, but we look forward to next season,” said Katherine Lempres ‘17. Fun Fact: Our team was the biggest Winsor Varsity Hockey team ever with 21 players! Anshi Moreno-Jimenez ’15
winsor.edu
Highlight: Both Varsity and JV Squash had excellent seasons! JV squash won eight out of their nine matches. The Varsity team played well throughout the season, and all their hard work manifested in their matches at the US High School National Championships in early February. Winsor won their first and third matches, but unfortunately lost their second match. Winsor was able to play their final match against Milton Academy back in Boston, which gave family and friends the opportunity to watch as this team made Winsor Squash history. By winning this match 6-1, Winsor secured a 5th place finish overall! Quote: “Adrienne and I are incredibly proud of our team ! We worked hard and it paid off. We are looking forward to next season already and beating our record!” said Junnat Anwar ’16 Fun Fact: Winsor Varsity placed 5th at New Englands in the past few weeks!☐
Varsity Swim Record: 5-4
Highlight: At EILs, our final meet of the season, Winsor Varsity Swimming achieved a second-place finish out of seven competitive teams and earned 37 best times. All four of their entries in backstroke, sprint freestyle, and distance freestyle swam lifetime best times, and all three of their A relay teams made the top three. One of their best events, though, was the 200 yard freestyle relay, where Winsor entries finished both second and third. Quote: “My favorite part of our season was EILs. We had more best times than ever, and all of our relays placed in the top three. I am so proud ,and I will miss this team a lot next year.” Fun Fact: The weather cannot stop Winsor swimmers! During the snow days, they kept fit by doing snow angels! winsor.edu
Eve Elizondo ’17
winsor.edu
Featured Athelete: Nicole Cerulli ’16, Futsal Champ By Talia Ruxin Panel Staff She plays hockey, runs cross country and track, and is, above all, a competitive soccer player. As if those sports were not enough, Nicole Cerulli ’16 also plays fut-
“[Futsal] really tests your reflexes and your ability to make quick tactical and technical decisions.” sal. Futsal is similar to soccer, though it is played on a basketball court with smaller goals and a heavier ball than soccer. As Cerulli explained, “Most of the rules are the same, but players have to be very technical and very tactically aware because the game moves so quickly. It is getting very popular in Europe and South America and is the world’s fastest growing indoor sport.” There is even a Futsal World Cup, which has seen growing global participation since its first occurrence in 1989.
Cerulli began her soccer career 12 excited for the opportunity to try out for With Cerulli’s dedication and skill, both years ago when she joined a town league the National Futsal Team, but she is also her futsal and soccer futures look bright!☐ that played once a week. Now, she plays looking ahead to playing soccer in college. for the Scorpions Soccer Club in the Elite Club Nationals League (ECNL) and practices with her team four to five times a week, totaling eleven hours of skill work and additional hours of fitness training. Although she has played soccer since she was five years old, she did not start playing futsal on a team until ninth grade. Cerulli plays goalie for both sports but explained that because of its fast pace, “[Futsal] really tests your reflexes and your ability to make quick tactical and technical decisions.” Cerulli’s technical skills in goal have stood out on the futsal court, and she has been invited to try out for the US Youth National Futsal Team later this month, as one of fifty selected players from four regions of the US. US Youth Futsal National Teams (boys and girls) will travel to an international event in the winter of 2015-2016. In its first year in 2014, Coach Keith Tozer, who had coached the US Men’s National Futsal Team, led an identification camp that named six 14-player rosters to the youth rosters. Cerulli is Futsal Court USyouthfutsal.com
March 12th, 2015
Winsor Sp orts
Pa g e 1 9 winsor.edu
Varsity Squash Dominates at National Championships girls competed their last match of the day avenge their loss. They were especially motiagainst Germantown Friends School from vated by the fact that the losing team would Philadelphia. Last year, Winsor lost to this have to play at 8am the next morning and team on the last day of competitions 4-3, would consequently have to wake up early but they were eager to face them again to in the morning. A promise of some extra As winter sports came to an end, Winsleep was all the encouragement Winsor girls sor Varsity Squash went out with a bang, needed, and the team played with confidence placing fifth at nationals. Last year, the varand won 5-2. On Sunday, varsity squash risity team made 10th place at nationals, and valed Milton Academy for their final match. the team was determined to get an even betThis game had to be postponed due to the ter result this year. Varsity Squash traveled to storm and was played in Boston on February Hartford, CT for the 2015 US High School 8th. The girls left it all on the court and conTeam Squash Championships for two days quered Milton 6-1 to achieve an amazing 5th to compete against the 69 other girls squash place overall. Overjoyed at the team’s hard teams entered in the tournament. Because work and spirit throughout grueling matchof last year’s results, Winsor competed in es, captain Junnat Anwar ’16 remarked, “I’m Division 1, against 16 other teams in total. extremely proud of my team this year for Winsor squash’s first round match our impressive finish at nationals. This was on Saturday was against Springfield Chesta very important moment for the Winsor nut Hill Academy from Philadelphia. Winsquash program and confirmed our standsor girls dominated and won 6-1. This win ing among the best schools in the country!” meant that the team secured a top 8 finish, a Congratulations to Coach Szomnew school record, surpassing last year’s 10th bati and Coach Grassi and varsity playplace! For the second round, the girls went ers Junnat Anwar ’16, Adrienne Conza up against Greenwich Academy, the number ’16, Alexa Jacobs ’17, Olivia Chapman ’17, one seeded team and 8-time reigning cham- Winsor Varsity Squash Team ready to squash the competition Eve Elizondo ’17, Natasha Jones ’17, Qirwinsor.edu rat Anwar ’18 and Alexa Green ’17.☐ By Joanna Chen Panel Staff
pions. Despite best efforts, Winsor lost to Greenwich 1-6. Remarkably, Winsor’s only match won against Greenwich was played by the team’s youngest player, Qirrat Anwar ’18. After a non-stop day of competition, the
2015 Spring Sports Preview: Captains Interviews
cuse University, Hable brings will bring a ’15 in shot put. Cerulli noted her enthusi- that it would be especially “fun to welcome wealth of knowledge to the young Winsor asm for this year’s team, as it will be the first new players onto the team and hav[e] lots team. This spring, the lacrosse team is ea- Winsor track team to compete in the EIL. of team bonding.” Traditional rivals NCDS The Lubin-O’Donnell Center for ger to compete with long-standing rivals Performing Arts and Wellness building Newton Country Day School and Dana is expected to open by early April, just in Hall School. Last year, the team harnessed time for the majority of the spring athletics strong defensive skills and positive attitudes season. As the new building is in its final to carry them into the EIL tournament. stages, spring sports teams are gearing up Led by co-captains Nuala Spillfor an exciting season. Upper school stu- ane ’15 and Karina Singhal ’16, the saildents can participate in one of six sports ing team is excited to improve overall. As on campus: crew, lacrosse, sailing, soft- many of the girls have never sailed before, ball, track and field, or tennis. This spring’s Spillane remarked that “it [has always 2015 sports captains are especially excited! been] really great to see everyone improve Led by tri-captains Beatriz Lichauco throughout the season.” Because the team ’15, Hallie Fischman ’15, and Katherine does not have a consistent schedule year Hintlian ’15, the Winsor crew team will be to year, the team does not have any tracontenders for another New England title. ditional rivals. Nevertheless, the team is Last spring, Winsor ended the season on a excited to compete against BB&N and high note by winning the team cup for the NCDS, as well as Belmont Hill. Sailing fourth time in five years at the New Eng- hopes to carry over the “really great feelland Interscholastic Rowing Association ing of community” from last year’s team. (NEIRA) regatta. Lichauco noted that the Co-captains Kathleen Hart ’15 and team’s consistent successes can be attribut- Alexandra Theall ’15 will lead the varsity ed to the its incredible depth. She explained, softball team this spring. Last season, the “Often, teams will stack their rowers so that team posted an impressive 7-3 record overthe first boat is significantly faster than all and 8-3 in the EIL. The team won the A the other boats. Winsor does a great job of Pool of the EIL Tournament for the second making sure that every boat is putting in straight year with decisive wins over rivals comparable mileage and effort -- this way, it Pingree and NCDS. The team returns Allfeels much more like a team.” The team will League Kathleen Hart ’15 and EIL honorable face some tough competitors this spring, mention Abigail Simon ’16. Hart remarked, Spring Sports team ready for the new season! winsor.edu including Groton, Wayland/Weston, St. “despite losing five talented seniors, we Mark’s, and Choate, but Winsor’s determi- have a great group of girls, all who are pas- Previously, the team competed in the Inde- and Dana Hall were no match for the 2014 nation and teamwork will “blow everyone sionate about becoming better players.” The pendent School Track Association (ISTA) team, as the Wildcats defeated both rivals out of the water,” as Lichauco articulated. team’s “enthusiasm and love for the game”, with larger schools including Milton, St. each time they met last year. This year, the Co-captains Sea-Jay Vander Ploeg ’15 as Hart said, will make this spring another George’s, St. Paul’s, Thayer, Middlesex, and team hopes to do the same. Last year, the and Anshi Moreno Jimenez ’15 will lead “unforgettable” Winsor softball season. Groton. Because of Winsor’s impressive team also gained momentum and prothe varsity lacrosse team this spring. Anshi Nicole Cerulli ’16, Charlotte Borden depth and “strong team performances,” gressed during the season. Because of last remarked that the team is “most excited to ’15, and Kayla Camacho ’15 will lead the the team has a good shot at becoming the year’s stellar performance, the team qualirevitalize the lacrosse team spirit.” Because track and field team this spring. The team first ever EIL champions in track and field. fied for the NEPSAC Class C tournament ten varsity players graduated last year, the is the only spring upper school sports team Captain Surya Pandit ’15 will lead and ultimately placed second. The team team is enthusiastic to welcome “around 10 that is also open to lower school students the varsity tennis team as it gears up for will also return EIL All-league #1 doubles new players to the team.” The team will also in class III and IV. The 2015 team will re- fun yet challenging spring season. Al- partners Surya Pandit ’15 and Alexa Jawelcome new head coach Katrina Hable. turn school record-holders Maeve Conway though the team lost three players from cobs ’17. Winsor tennis’s fighting spirit is A former All-American at Division I Syra- Pearson ’15 in discus and Charlotte Borden last year’s roster, captain Pandit ’15 noted sure to take them far again this season!☐ By Talia Ruxin Panel Staff
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Winstagrams: Not Just for Ms. Fig
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The Scramble for Prom 2k15: The top ten “pramas” this season
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Belmont Hill Switch Day Every year Belmont Hill has a switch day with our sister school, Winsor. As an editor of the newspaper I was chosen to be one of the Belmont Hill representatives. Due to a clerical error, or a cruel prank by Mr. Melvoin and Curran, I was sent to St. Sebs for the day. This is my story...
1. Say yes to the dress 2. Post your dress on Facebook so no one steals it 3. Scroll through Pinterest for the perfect ’do 4. Will anyone notice if I skip my nails? 5. Stay on those facial routines 6. Find shoes that make you tall 7. Find shoes that don’t make you taller than your date 8. What is this “bootyneer” and where do I acquire one? 9. Plan a YouTube-worthy promposal for “The One” 10. Find “The One”-Does anyone have a sibling??
8:00 AM: On the bus taking me to Winsor. I have high hopes for this day. I haven’t seen a female off my computer in four years. Do they still smell as I remember, the smell of freshly cut grass and recently fallen rain? What if I get nervous and throw up? I have a weak stomach. Will they kiss me? I hope they kiss me. 8:30 AM: Just got off the bus. 8:31 AM: Huh, haven’t seen a lot of girls thus far. 8:32 AM: A large male just bumped into me and referred to me as a “scruboooo” before pushing me to the ground. When I stood back up some other chiseled, muscle bound freak shoved me back down and yelled “have another ked!” I yell back, “You’re built like a statue! Who sculpted you? Michangelo?” I am scared. 8:33 AM: I do not think I am at Winsor. 8:34 AM: There has been a mix up. Oh god, this is St. Sebs. 8:35 AM: Oh god, oh god, oh god, oh god, Doba what have you gotten youself into? 12:00 PM: Lunch time. Each boy is given a live chicken for lunch, “Do what you will!” the lunch lady screams as she hands me one. I look in the terrified chicken’s eyes and whisper, “We are not much difThese boys are so big! Do you think they work out? I bet they totally work out. ferent you and I. Caged animals.” The water fountains are filled with protein powder. 8:36 AM: I’ll just call Mr. Melvoin. He kind of likes me, he’ll help me. 9:00 AM: I called him. He just cackled for five minutes straight and yelled, “This plan 12:30 PM: Study Hall. The boys sit at their desks reading. I’m pleasently surprised by this developis almost as good as my Kili speech.” Mr. Curran grabbed the phone and whispered, ment. “What are you reading?” I ask in the vain hope of building a friendship. The boy grunts and “Those kids are mean aren’t they?” points to the title. It is the concussion test. “Coach tell me memorize. Bryce memorize.” I give him a 9:45 AM: I just went to my first class. AP Bio. All they did was giggle whenever they pained smile and nod, I wish I could help him. said “sexual reproduction”. I did not see a single book. 1:30 PM: Time for sports. I walk into the locker room and see a loop of my Schmaint Schmebs speech 10:35 AM: I went to a Spanish class. They watched George Lopez stand-up the entire being played on a TV for motivation. I pray to the God who’s abandoned me that no one recognizes time and kept asking me why I wasn’t laughing. It is because I no longer know any me. A boy with an eight pack and biceps the size of my thighs looks at me and yells, “Hey it’s the guyo other emotions besides fear. trapped in the shiny box that’s making fun of us!” They encircle me. Panic fills my soul as my mind 10:40 AM: I ask to use the bathroom. I need to escape. races. “Hey, uh, guyas, how can I be on the magic picture box and here at the same time!?” They pause 10:45 AM: There are bars on the windows here. What is this place? and mull over this idea. Easily subdued, they leave me be. My mediocre intelligence saves me again. 11:15 AM: Math class. This class is just a weight room. When I question where the 2:30 PM: It’s time for me to leave these keds. I am strangely saddened to leave my fellow Arrows textbooks and writing utensils were, a few kids grunted and asked me to, “Spot them.” behind. For I am now an unquivered Arrow, flying in the wind. No longer a “Hillie.” I will never forget Spot what? Where are the adults?
these guyos.