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Volu m e 6 2 , Is su e 1
May 3 , 2 0 1 3
A Student Publication of the Belmont Hill School
Prestigious A 21st Century Education at Belmont Hill Faculty Chairs Awarded By John Driscoll Panel Staff
By Michael O’Neill Panel Staff Early last month, four esteemed and dedicated Belmont Hill teachers were recognized for their significant contributions to the school over the years. This recognition came in the form of Faculty Chairs. Every five years, these awards are presented to faculty members who have shown much diligence and sincere enthusiasm in the departments of Humanities, Mathematics, and Science. This year’s recipients were Mr. Greer, Mrs. Montanaro, Mr. Sweeney, and Mr. Trautz. All four teachers gave gripping speeches about what their reception of such a prestigious award means to them at a ceremony held in the Hamilton Chapel on April 8th. Mr. Greer and Mrs. Montanaro were both honored for their contributions to the school’s Humanities department. Mr. Greer was presented with the Byrnes Family Chair in Humanities for his long tenure at Belmont Hill as an English teacher. The chair was first given to Mr. Sealey, who has since retired, in 2001, and was passed on to Dr. Fast in 2007 before Mr. Greer was honored in a ceremony this past April. “It’s humbling to receive this award,” he attests, “because of the people who have already been recognized as well as knowing that there are so many equally deserving faculty members.” continued on page 2
Look Inside College Admissions Competiton pg 3 In Defense of the Coat and Tie pg 3 Boston Marathon pgs 4 & 5 Artist of the Issue pg 6 Prom Invitations pg 8
In recent years, Belmont Hill has been at the forefront of providing a true 21st century education for students. With a wireless campus, multiple computer labs, a comprehensive iPad program and the acquisition of other technologies such as Chromebooks and Smart-
boards, Belmont Hill has looked to lead the way in technology. While every aspect of Belmont Hill’s technological program is impressive, most people view iPads as the future in education. The debate over the use of iPads at Belmont Hill has been a hot one over the past few months and even years. While nearly everyone agrees that iPads are powerful tools of technology that can
be useful when harnessed correctly, there are certainly limitations to iPads. These limitations have been discussed by teachers and administration in deciding the future of the iPad program at Belmont Hill. Currently every teacher, every 7th grader, and select classes use iPads. The success has been mixed. While some students are taking advantage of all the educational
possibilities iPads have to offer, others, particularly younger students, are easily distracted and their productivity drops while using iPads. For this reason, Mrs. Davis, the director of technology says that “While middleschool teachers have struggled at times with students with iPads, the upper-school teachers have had great success with iPads.” continued on page 3
Coach Larry Anam: Defining True Grit and Determination By Matt Czarnecki Panel Staff From the day he was born in Lagos, Nigeria, one of the most dangerous cities in the world, Olanrewaju Anam was thrust into a realm of fighting, stealing, and lying. “I grew up in an environment that was just so crippling. I would go without electricity for a year, I would have no food,
I would have to walk to school, things that you can’t even imagine. But I persevered.” After losing his mother unexpectedly at nine, living without a father for years, and struggling against vicious gangs on a daily basis, he came to the United States as a thirteen-yearold equipped with an uncustomary resilience and an extraordinary will to endure. “I came from hell to hot,” he recalls. Arriving in Miami, he joined his father, who had labored tirelessly in job after job to allow his children to come to this land of
Spring Coffee House Raises the Roof By Alex Afeyan Staff Writer The 2013 Spring Coffee House, held on April 5th, was a great success, and a wonderful showcase of the talented students at Belmont Hill; for those who are less inclined to perform at an event like a concert, it was perfect due to the less formal setting and smaller audience. The Coffee House is a night on which any Belmont Hill student may perform any song or poem or other act they would like to perform in front of an audience of parents and students. The A-Sharps, a 9th grade singing group, opened up the show with a powerful performance of “21 Guns” by Green Day, and all four Middle School Rock Bands performed great
rock songs, including “Jerk It Out” and “Pinball Wizard”. Mr. DiResta, a Chinese teacher at Belmont Hill, as most people know, masterfully played and sang an original song, of which he writes several per year, on the piano. A group of Middle Schoolers performed in a drum circle, filled with lively and intricate beats. Three Upper Schoolers, Mac Clair, Nate Trznadel, and Mike Daskalakis, performed a song called “With You,” complete with many complex harmonies and great singing. Danny Fischer performed with two different people consecutively, his brother Josh and Kevin Chen. He had Kevin sing a comedic song, “Roses” by Outkast, garnering many laughs and getting the crowd involved in the performance. continued on page 6
promise. Olanrewaju changed his name to “Larry” and began to thrive on the playing fields. In Nigeria, Larry had developed such superb soccer skills that he nearly made the Junior Olympic team, but Miami represented a shift for him. None of his friends played soccer. After experimenting with wrestling and baseball, he found his pas-
sion
in football and track. His football prowess and his spirited mentality immediately caught eyes, and five years after moving to America, he accepted a scholarship offer to play as a defensive back at Boston College. During his tenure at Boston College, he acquired a Communication and Marketing Degree which proved essential in the years ahead. He knew that if football failed, he had a backup plan. All this time, nonetheless, he worked and worked because he was confident that his hard work would pay off. continued on page 7
A Letter from the Desk of the Editor-in-Chief Dear Panel Readers, It is truly an honor to hold such a revered position on The Panel staff this coming year, but a humbling experience at the same time. My predecessors, Josh Lee and JP Thomas, have left big shoes to fill, creating a new standard of excellence with Volume 61 of The Panel that will not be easy to meet. However, The Panel is by no means a one man show, for the staff is by far the most critical part of producing an edition worthy of bearing the school masthead. I strongly believe that this staff has what it takes to not only meet, but exceed the expectations set forth by last year’s and make Volume 62 the best in the history of The Panel. We can not do this, however, without your help. We are a student newspaper and are always looking for new ideas and new contributors. Even if you have never written for a newspaper before, I personally urge all of you to explore this remarkable and rewarding extracurricular activity. You may even find an unexpected passion in it, as I did. The Panel is an exceptional group of incredibly devoted and open-minded people of which I am truly proud to call myself a part, and we cannot wait to show all of you what we have in store for the coming year. Sincerely, Robert Sayegh Editor-in-Chief
Belmont Hill News
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Four Teachers Honored with Prestigious Faculty Chairs continued from page 1 Mrs. Montanaro, who received the Darling Family Chair in Humanities, reflects this idea. “I was honored and shocked because there are so many
become proficient in another language I was hooked. Belmont Hill took a playing the same humility and gratiand understand other cultures is an chance on me, helped me to hone my tude the other three recipients have honor in and of itself.”This is the first skills, and gave me the opportunity shown. Congratulations to each of time the Darling Family Chair has to build a career that been awarded, and by re- I love,” he proclaimed. ceiving it Mrs. Montana- “It’s meant the world ro became the first wom- to me.” The Trustees an at Belmont Hill to be Chair in Mathematrecognized with an En- ics, was given to Mr. dowed Teaching Chair. Sweeney. The two past The Thomas recipients of the award R. Fuss Chair in Sci- were Mr. Martellini ence was awarded to Mr. and Mr. Sherman, Trautz. He follows in the and Mr. Sweeney is footsteps of colleague the first Belmont Hill and fellow science teach- alumnus to be distiner Dr. Wachtmeister, guished in this way. who had held this award When he first found from 2007 to 2012. In out that he would be his speech in chapel, Mr getting this award, Bill Mahoney Trautz spoke of his jour- Mr. Sweeney told me Mr. Trautz and Mr. Fuss, for whom his award is named. The four recipients pose with their certificates. Bill Mahoney ney at Belmont Hill and he “was surprised befaculty members at this school who what teaching at the school has meant cause there are several very talented the four recipients, who should all also deserve this honor,” she stated, to him. “I came here as an intern teachers within the Math Depart- be proud of their accomplishments adding, “I do what I do because I love thirteen years ago, and from the mo- ment and I frankly saw them as very and deserved to be recognized. ☐ it - the opportunity to help students ment I first stepped in the classroom, worthy of receiving this award,” dis-
An Inside Look at Senior Projects Fusco, ‘79, Returns to Belmont Hill
In his words, “If you’re okay with yellHill and the life skills he learned here are By Michael O’Neill ing a lot, explaining things repeatedly what enabled him to transition from his Panel Staff in monosyllabic terms, and spending a athletic career to life in the office. “BelSenior Projects are an integral lot of time (5 to 6 hours, 3 days a week) Belmont Hill alumnus and former mont Hill gives you a balanced education part of Belmont Hill. Every year there with the sport, then this senior project NHL player Mark Fusco was welcomed and a balanced way to look at the world,” are many interesting projects in which is great.” He is spending a large amount back to school on April 26th to give a he reflected in his chapel speech. Fusco’s seniors partake. Projects are usually of his time and effort helping people speech in chapel. A member of the Class of speech emphasized this idea that Belmont about a particular activity, sport, or learn the sport he loves. It helps him 1979, Fusco is one of the most well-known Hill prepares its students for the real world subject, and sometimes require ex- tie together all the virtues and quali- BHS alumni. He grew up in Burlington and better than other schools do. In particular, tensive research and practice. Seniors ties of Belmont Hill and instill them attended Harvard after graduating from he stated that focusing all your time on dewho are taking three classes must in the next generation of oarsmen. Belmont Hill. veloping one The other project, that of John While playing complete a senior project, and stuskill is not dents with four or more classes have O’Hara and Patrick Whelan, is sub- for Harvard’s as valuable the option of undertaking a project. stantially different. Their project ice hockey as putting Two especially interesting projects draws mostly upon their interest in team in 1983, effort into this year include Tomas Jurgensen electronic dance music and prior ex- Fusco was preseveral difwho is helping coach Middle School perience with the genre. They both sented with ferent talents Crew, and Patrick Whalen and John have a passion for EDM, and so they the Hobey and interests. O’Hara who are making electronic decided to base their project on mak- Baker Award, “Specializadance music (EDM). Both projects ing mashups together. They are sharing given to the tion makes are inspired by personal experiences their mixes with the school community top college you good at and ones at Belmont Hill, and both on mixcloud at http://www.mixcloud. player in the one thing. execute their main ideas fantastically. com/Sovnguardians/winter-is-coming. nation every I’ve got news Several mixes are already online, hockey season. Tomas got the idea for his project for you: You from past senior projects that included and the boys hope to create many more Despite goneed to be coaching Middle School Crew. Because before the end of the project. When ing undrafted, good at about seniors had helped coach him while he John and Patrick make a mix, they he went on 100 things.” was on the Middle School team, he felt start by planning out the vocals and to play eighty Fusco’s first Bill Mahoney a p p e a r a n c e the need to give back. “Coaching Mid- the instrumentals they will use. They games in the Mr. Fusco with Mr. Tahan. dle School Crew is a tradition of sorts also plan the break and the drop. After NHL for the Hartford Whalers. In addi- on the podium proved both entertainamong seniors who really, really love the planning stage, they put it all to- tion, he was part of the 1984 USA Olympic ing and practical as he provided great the sport of rowing.” said Tomas. “It gether using Audacity. For anyonewho hockey team. His brother Scott also gradu- advice for the student body. “I found his lets us spend more time in the beauti- enjoys EDM, it is certainly worth it to ated from Belmont Hill, and he too went on speech very relatable,” offered one stuful boathouse on the Charles and we listen to a few of their mixes. These to win the Hobey Baker Award at Harvard. dent, adding, “I’ve always tried to spread also get the opportunity to inspire and are just two of the projects being perAfter retiring from hockey, Fusco out my time across various activities support the future of our solid pro- formed by seniors across campus this ventured into the business world, and now in addition to athletics and academgram.” Tomas’s project is very time- spring, as the Class of ‘13 seeks to leave is President and CEO of Aspen Technol- ics. It’s good to know that others have consuming, but he says it is worth it. a lasting legacy at Belmont Hill. ☐ ogy Inc. He says his education at Belmont succeeded in life using this strategy.” ☐ By John Gosselin Staff Writer
Charlie Hill Elected Student Body President as New School Senate Voted In ond Form were elected as class presidents. In the Upper School, Third Former Chad Meyers will lead next year as his class Not only does April mark the begin- makes the transition to Upper School life. ning of Senior Spring, as well as the festivi- Evan Chaletzky won his third consecutive ties associated with the warm weather, but presidential election, and will utilize his it also marks the time when each form must prior experiences in the Senate to lead the vote for a new class president. The presi- Class of 2015. “I feel in my four years at dential elections are a vital part of Belmont Belmont Hill, I have gained a good repuHill, where the newly elected president tation among my peers, and have come must represent his form in Senate meet- to know them well,” said Evan. He would ings, but also arrange enjoyable events like to see the Senate have a larger role for the students throughout the school in school wide issues, as they did in the year. The entirety of the student body new schedule dilemma this past year. “ voted after hearing from the candidates, I am looking forward to next year as we and the results were announced at lunch. have a great group of students and faculty From the Middle School, Jake Carter ready to get things done.” Finally, Charlie of the First Form and Ray Hunt of the Sec- Hill was elected for the second year in a By Jay O’Brien Panel Staff
row as his form’s class president. Charlie and we all look forward to next SeptemHill has the most vital position awarded ber as they implement plans to reach to any student at Belmont Hill, and as their goals for the upcoming year. ☐ Form VI president, he will be handed the responsibility of leading the entire the student body through the 2013-2014 school year. In the words of Charlie Hill, “People like the job that I did last year, and they believe in my leadership abilities.” During his final year at the Belmont Hill School, it is apparent that Charlie wants to leave behind a lasting legacy at the school. Charlie Hill is hoping to implement a new cell phone policy, or possibly the addition of a senior lounge. The speeches delivered reflected Michael O’Neill hard work and dedication exhibited by each candidate towards a particular goal, Charlie Hill, new Form VI president.
Belmont Hill Opinion
May 3, 2013
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Size and Strength of Class of 2013 Affect College Process the large number of students in their that the form’s academic strength, which most seniors subscribed to the belief class when navigating the college pro- most boys agree is remarkable, made the that, as one student put it, “at the end cess. As one student pointed out, “Col- process more competitive. A senior re- of the day, it’s your grades, test scores, The number of students in this lege admissions teams don’t compare marked that “if you were in the bottom and résumé in general that dictate year’s senior class --ninety-three-- is individual applicants and allot points to half of the class in terms of GPA, and where you end up.” There was some exceptionally large by Belmont Hill each to decide to whom to send the ac- you didn’t play sports, you were shaft- apprehension about how the academic standards. Not only does the class size ceptance letter.” If this were how admis- ed.” Another boy complained that “our prowess of the form would affect colcreate problems for parking and din- sions worked, a larger class size would class was too smart; it’s not fair.” These lege admissions, but few students were ing hall seating, but many students be disadvantageous for Belmont Hill ap- opinions suggest that some students be- fazed by the class size. 79% of the wondered what effect the size and aca- plicants. “Rather,” the student remarked, lieve that colleges do compare Belmont Class of 2013 did not take class size demic strength of the class would have “they look at each candidate individu- Hill students, at least to a certain de- or strength into account when chooson the college admissions process. ally.” Buoyed by this knowledge, more gree. Whether or not this is true, it adds ing where to apply to college. While When the process began a year ago, than three-fifths of the seniors noted stress to an already intense process. the form’s large size affected the colthere was much uncertainty and trepi- in a survey that the size of their class When faced with the prospect lege admissions process in only minor dation about the influence of the class did not make college admissions more of applying to college as members of ways, its academic muscle did add stress size on student stress and competitive- stressful or competitive. Nevertheless, a large and academically strong class, to an already complicated process. ☐ ness, choices about where to apply, and a third of seniors would have chances for admission. Now that the preferred to apply to college seniors have emerged from the tun- as a member of a smaller class. nel of college admissions, they have The senior class’ academic had a chance to reflect on how their firepower gave some boys more class’s makeup affected the process. cause for worry. The majority Many of the boys chose to ignore of survey respondents thought By George Holderness Panel Staff
In Defense of the Coat and Tie
ceptable way to dress in public. Let’s not kid ourselves- sweating bullets in history class on a Established in 1923, the Belmont Hill spring afternoon can be pretty School is practically as old as the coat and uncomfortable. That said, such tie itself. In fact, it is a school that is deeply discomfort makes us tough. It’s rooted in many traditions, such as milk & clear that our dress code pays cookies and chapel meetings. Over the dividends outside the classroom past few years, however, disagreement has too, simply by the way the magrown about our school’s dress code policy jority of our students dress in in the spring. I’ll be the first to admit that social settings. Whether they a sweat-drenched back and armpits don’t wear Sperrys, khakis, a polo, Angus Smith scream comfort. But there’s something spe- or a combination of all three, Casually dressed Seniors relax on the Chapel Lawn. cial about our dress code, and here’s why. our boys dress to impress. Belmont Hill Tossing on that coat and tie each boys’ sharp outfits radiate classiness morning, as dreadful as it may be, sets us and suggest a professional demeanor. continued from page 1 the most effective way for them to work. aside from other schools not only in the So as the temperature continues to area but also in the nation. While Bel- rise and we near the end of this school Another problem with the iPads is For that reason, the school is considering mont Hill is known for its ability to fos- year, just remember that every drop of the lack of a hard keyboard. While they are a “Bring your own device” policy. The deter scholars and athletes, it has gained sweat that rolls down your back makes available for purchase online or in retail tails are not set in stone, the plan is to have an even larger reputation for its produc- you a better person. For those of you who stores, they certainly do not meet the needs each students bring in their own internettion of well-mannered, true gentlemen. find it “unfair” or “unreasonable” that of some of the students in terms of typing. ready device so that they can choose which The fact that we dress the way we do, the sleeve-monster pays a visit to most of Although some kids may struggle works best for them. While this solves be it fall, winter, or spring, proves that the seniors during the spring, remember with the iPads, others are thriving. Mrs. some of the problems presented with just we have a respect for learning. As corny that they’ve earned it, having endured 4-6 Davis cites increased organization, instant using iPads, it does not solve all of them. as that sounds, things like this will open springs of overheating. Our dress code access to the web, a paperless BHS and feaThe “bring your own device” policy up doors for us later on in our lives. may seem like a hassle, but it makes a tures only available using e-textbooks as seems to be the most feasible and likely We are part of a generation where statement about the kind of men we are, some of the reasons Belmont Hill likes the policy Belmont Hill will adopt. While it sweatpants and a tank top are an ac- and the kind of men we plan to be. ☐ iPads so much. Despite all that the iPads certainly doesn’t meet every need of the have to offer, the school has struggled to school, no policy will. iPads will certainly decide whether an iPad school is truly fea- be a major part of many students lives in sible. Some students prefer taking notes on years and decades to come, but they are not the iPad while others feel that taking hand- the only answer to Belmont Hill’s quest to written notes or notes on the computer is provide a true 21st century education. ☐ By Taylor Morris Panel Staff
21st Century Education on the Hill
Executive Editors Matt Czarnecki Bernardo Pacini Arts Editor William Treanor Sports Editor Alex Haigh Photo Editor Angus Smith
Editor-in-Chief Robert Sayegh
Graphics Guru Gates DuPont Online Editors John Curtin Taylor Morris Assistant Editors Jay O’Brien Jacob Pagano Alexander Richards William Blank
Copy Editors Cole Durbin George Holderness News Editor Michael O’Neill Opinion Editor John Driscoll Faculty Advisors David Hegarty Juliette Zener
The Panel, founded in 1953, is the official school newspaper of the Belmont Hill and Winsor schools. The Panel is the voice of the student body. We publish articles that are of consequence to the students, as well as the school communities. The views expressed in The Panel belong solely to the authors and editors and do not necessarily represent the student body, faculty or administration of either school. Any comment about the content should be addressed directly to the editors. The Panel encourages responsible opinion in the form of Letters to the Editor. We reserve the right to edit all submissions for length and content. Copyright 2013 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.
A Chinese student draws characters on his iPad.
Angus Smith
B oston marathon
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Belmont Hill Student Reflection: Treasure Family, Friends, and Every Moment of Life By Cole Durbin Panel Staff On April 15th, 2013 at 2:45 p.m., a day known fondly to many Bostonians as “Marathon Monday,” an egregious and utterly unbelievable attack occurred near the marathon finish line on Boylston Street in Copley Square. Two bombs, both in packed areas of spectators on the sidewalk, exploded almost simultaneously. The scene was absolutely shocking: on the city streets that so many of us know so well, blood was splattered on the granite sidewalks, and people were being pushed in wheelchairs to ambulances making their way through the fleeing crowds. Some were killed and numerous runners and spectators had horrific injuries. Just after 2:45 p.m., I was sitting on the marathon route on Commonwealth Avenue in Newton, watching the slower runners and the walking runners pass by. The air was still filled with joy, excitement, and accomplishment; an hour earlier, I had jumped into the marathon and run down the street with my dad as he passed by the Boston College campus. I surprised him by entering the run, and together we ran down the street for a few minutes to where the rest of my family and some friends were waiting to greet him and cheer him on. After successfully running with him, I got an automatic text message at 2:30 p.m. telling me that he had crossed the finish line in a time of 3:47.1, just shy of his 3:45 goal, but nonetheless a feat he would undoubtedly be proud of as this was his first marathon. In an instant, all of the feelings encapsulated in that moment vanished: I heard a man standing next to me mention something about two bombs at the finish line to his wife, reading from his Twitter feed. My stomach dropped. In disbelief, I asked him to repeat what he had just read. It was true: bombs had exploded near the finish line, and I was receiving this news only fifteen minutes after my dad had crossed the line.
We are Boston Strong
I quickly went inside to a friend’s house and turned on the news to the horrifying scene: Boylston Street strewn with metal barriers, flags toppled over, and people running in every direction away from the explosion. I frantically called my mom, who should have been picking my dad up at that time. Not able to get through, I sent her a text asking where she was and if she had picked up my dad yet. I asked her if she knew what had happened. After anxious waiting, it turned out that she had indeed located him, and thankfully only learned of the bombings after she had picked him up. He was in the tents after the finish line, collecting his medal, recovery food, and aluminum foil recovery blanket when he heard the first explosion, and later the second explosion. He and my mom successfully met up and left Boston, nothing short of a miracle given downtown’s chaos, traffic, and overall mayhem. This event was an attack, planned and executed by persons who have no capacity for love. Whether politically motivated or simply carried out by someone sick in the head, the terrorist attack ruined a day that was supposed to be filled with joy, celebration, pride, and, most important, doing good. Each year, the Boston Marathon raises millions of dollars for charity—thousands run and volunteer, solely for the cause of good, in a selfless, wholehearted act of generosity. People physically give of themselves in order to better the quality of life of a cancer patient, or to help find the cure for a disease, or to remember and honor someone whom they have lost. Someone, or some group of people, or some organization, simply planned to ruin all of this. That is utterly sickening and unsettling. This day, as I write this, leaves a deep feeling of agony and anger. Yet it is not without lessons to be learned, and ways for each of us to grow. First, it is a striking reminder that life is fragile. Who, when saying good luck to a loved one or a friend on the morning of the Marathon, would ever think that their runner might not make it home alive? Who, when watching such a triumphant spectacle along Boylston Street, would ever think about their own safety in the gravest terms of surviving the day? It is never—never—certain that your loved ones will be there the next time you hope to see them. Indeed, life itself is never for certain. Second, the Gates DuPont power of people
helping people is unparalleled. Friends offering their houses or apartments via social media for victims or stranded runners to stay in; checking my phone after the news broke to see some twenty messages asking about the safety of my dad, is a powerful thing. As President Barack Obama said during his press conference, “Boston is a tough and resilient town, and so are its people.” Though this senseless violence might shake our city, and indeed our entire country, and the world, to its core, we will overcome. Lastly, it is a reminder; bleeding, legless people being wheeled away to ambulances in our own streets, in a scene reminiscent of a war zone. Fearing for the safety of your own parent is a stark reminder of the helplessness and hopeless-
ness others around the world feel on a daily basis.This reminder is not only about life’s fragility, or about the tragedy that has occurred— these feelings are all a reminder that there is evil in the world. True, we see it every day. But when it hits this close to home, and affects those closest to us, it is violently clear that there is a deep, dark, evil residing in our world. There is, in my mind, a single solution to this: counteract it with good. The Marathon is an event that runs on the good in the world: both personal accomplishment and charity. In such a juxtaposition of violence and good, the difference between the two is bluntly clear. Yet, as history has shown, we shall not ever rid our world of evil, especially not in our near future. Fire cannot be put out with fire—it
is imperative that we be the force of good, the water, in our world. The thought that has gotten me through this tragedy was given to me by my dad, after he returned from the city on Monday afternoon and told me that “in this world, you have to remember, that for every evil person, there are 10,000 more who are committed to good, and to charity, and to helping people. Keep that in mind.” I pray for all of those affected by this tragedy, I pray for the attackers, however difficult it may be, and I pray for the force of good in our world. My hope is that we all remember to live life to the fullest and appreciate every moment, because we truly live in a tumultuous and unpredictable world. Treasure every second of it. ☐
“The events of the morning of April 15 shocked the nation. For the first time, vio tant, but the bombs on Boylston Street shattered our sense of immunity from these acts o
“In times like these, it’s important to remember the victims rather than the perpetrators. Espec much of the focus has been on Dzokhar rather than on the scores of innocent citizens who wer lan so much attantion, we are encouraging future crimes like the bombing, while really we sho
“Coming from a really small city in Italy, I was really struck by this attack. Having such a violen something like this would happen, but it did. Now what we must focus on as a city is moving
“I think it’s important to look past the initial shock value of the event to the true tragedy underl lives, and loved ones. While the physical loss from the bombings is inherently tragic, the real ly assimilated into American society were corrupted to morally base actions, with the result tha
“I thought that the response from our law enforcement officials was magnificent. These they elicited one of the fastest and most intense responses by national security forces and lice officers from more than twenty districts working tirelessly to find the suspects, the bombin
“When I heard the news that the bombs had gone off, a strange feeling of surreality overwhelmed me. I
May 3, 2013
B oston Marathon
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Remembering the Victims of the Tragedy and Not the Perpetrators By Robert Sayegh Panel Staff In the wake of a travesty like the Marathon Bombings, history always seems to remember the aggressors over the innocent people who lost their lives in a senseless act of violence. Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev are household names, broadcast continually for the entirety of a week, in place of the usual news comprising of the winners of the Boston Marathon, who have been robbed of their fame by these extremists. Unfortunately, this is not all that was lost that horrific Monday afternoon and in the week-long manhunt that ensued. In all, four people lost their lives, and close to three hundred were wounded to varying degrees. Krystle Campbell, Martin Richard, Lu Lingzi, and Sean Collier: those are the names to be remembered, all of them survived by grieving family, friends, and thoughts
of what they could have become. Krystle Campbell, a resident of Medford, was watching the end of the race, waiting for her friend’s boyfriend to cross the finish line when the bombs exploded, ending the life of the twenty-nine-year-old manager of a restaurant in Cambridge. As her father put it, “She was very caring, a very loving person, and daddy’s little girl.” It is a true tragedy to see such a kind person murdered so brutally in the attacks. Martin Richard of Savin Hill, merely eight years old, also perished in the attacks, leaving behind his severely wounded mother and sister, as well as a brother and father who were not injured in the blast. He is remembered for his desire for peace, and was photographed just a year earlier holding a sign saying, “No more hurting people. Peace.” Peace: that is all he wanted, but this time, he was the victim of senseless violence.
He had his whole life ahead of him, and now, his memory lingers on. Lu Lingzi, the third and final victim to perish on the day of the bombings, was a Chinese national and graduate student at Boston University, studying to become a financial analyst. She was passionate about the piano, never ceased to make her father laugh, and had heartbreakingly just aced her qualifying exams two days before she died. Hundreds of her peers packed a hall at BU to say goodbye to Lu, sharing stories and memories with each other. The general consensus was that Lu was a bubbly person who loved dogs and Blueberry pancakes, and was a driven student who had a very bright future ahead of her. “She is gone, but her memories are very much alive,” said her father. Sean Collier, a twenty-sevenyear-old MIT police officer since last January, was not at the Marathon at the time of the explosions,
but was murdered execution-style by the brothers while he was sitting in his cruiser. “He was born to be a police officer,” said his chief. He made it a priority not only to protect the students of MIT, but also to know them, engaging in conversation with some of them regularly. Ten thousand people gathered on the afternoon of April 24 to remember and honor Officer Collier. “Boston was under attack, and this poor kid was a victim of it,” said Detective Rick Corazzini of the Lexington Police Department. “Everybody sort of did take this personally.” In addition to the four victims
who died, there are 282 civilians and 16 police officers who suffered injuries either from the blasts or in the firefight that took place in pursuit of the bombers on April 19. The lives of so many innocent people are forever changed. Much has been lost, but we must all remember the great men and women that perished on what should have been a magnificent day, not because they died at the hand of extremists, but rather because of the lasting impact t h e y had on those around them during their lives, however short they may have been cut. ☐
Recap: The Manhunt for the Tsarnaev Brothers By Bernardo Pacini Panel Staff
Robert Sayegh
time, violence struck close to home. Newtown, Aurora, and Oklahoma City felt so disse acts of violence. Yet, it brought this city together like never before. Keep Boston Strong.”
rs. Especially during the manhunt that shut down all of Boston on April 19th, I feel that too who were wounded and killed during the bombings. By giving men like Dzhokhar and Tamerly we should focus on showing solidarity with the victims and emerging as one, strong Boston.”
h a violent event happen so close to home is a strange and frightening feeling. I never thought that moving on from this tragic event and making sure that something like this never happens again.”
dy underlying it, because the tragic nature of the events encompasses far more than just lost limbs, the real tragedy of the Marathon Bombings is psychological: that two young men who were largeresult that they took away our city’s sense of security, peace of mind, and collective innocence.”
. These attacks were the first major act of terrorism on American soil since 9/11, and rces and local and state police that the United States has ever seen. With over 9,000 pohe bombing culprits were detained just 80 hours after the bombs went off on Boylston Street.”
med me. I found myself asking ‘Why? Why? Why?’ over and over. It almost felt like I was in a dream.”
As my alarm clock woke me on Friday morning April 19, I turned on my computer and opened the New York Times website to learn about what had happened the night before, after the FBI released the images of the two suspects of the Marathon bombing. To my horror, I read that not only had an officer been shot dead overnight , but that another policeman had been seriously injured. I continued reading, and discovered that of the suspects, one suspect was dead and the other was on the loose. The chaos started at 5:20 p.m. on Thursday when the FBI released the images of the two men it believed to be suspects of the bombings and urged anyone with information to call in immediately. At 10:20 p.m. later that same day, suspect No. 2 was seen by a security camera in a convenience store near the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Only ten minutes later, MIT police officer Sean Collier, 27, was found shot in his squad car, rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital, but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Around the same time as the report of Collier’s death, the police received a report of an armed carjacking of a black Mercedes SUV, from which the owner was fortunately able to escape unscathed. This report brought the police force to Watertown, where at 1 a.m. on Friday morning, it found the car and the carjackers. A shooting followed, which left one suspect, No.1, wounded, and the other, No.2, injured. The wounded suspect, later identified as Tamerlan Tsarnaev was rushed to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. It was then that mass transit was suspended and various Boston neighborhoods were locked down, including Watertown, Bel-
mont, and Cambridge as SWAT teams federal agents assembled at the Aresenal Mall in Watertown. All Boston area schools and colleges cancelled classes in fear of the suspect’s unknown whereabouts and the potential threat. At 7 a.m. the suspect was identified as 19-year-old Dzhokar A. Tsarnaev, Tamerlan’s younger brother. In the meantime, Boston officials extended the “shelter in place” advisory at 8 a.m. to cover the entire city of Boston. The conclusion to the saga seemed imminent at 8:45 a.m. as multiple police cars and heavy artillery police trucks converged on a house in Watertown. However, this police presence dissipated and did not result in anything. Throughout the day, police officials carefully searched Watertown homes to ensure that the suspect was not hiding in any of them. This investigation proved fruitless, and at 6:05 p.m., Governor Deval Patrick announced that the “shelter-in-place” order was lifted and mass transit service was to resume. Only one hour after Gov. Patrick’s announcement, Watertown residents reported gunshots, and were once again asked to “shelterin-place.” The FBI then reported to have found the suspect, but proceeded with caution, because the scene might have been booby-trapped. This was done as a measure of precaution, since burns on Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s body revealed that he was wearing some sort of explosive belt, which detonated before he reached the hospital. This raised fears that Dzhokar, now trapped, might posses the same explosives, and might have attempted to “go out with a bang,” as one police investigator commented. Finally, at 8:45 p.m. the Boston Police Department tweeted: “Suspect in custody. Officers sweeping the area. Stand by for further info.” The city was free. ☐
Belmont Hill Arts
Pa g e 6
Th e Pan el
of the Issue: Belmont Hill Rocks the House at Gospelfest Artist Danny Fischer
and afterwards all the singers returned to the Every year, on the first Saturday of stage to perform April, ISL schools across New England the group songs. come together and rejoice in singing gos- With the audipel songs. This year’s concert took place ence already enon April 6th at Brimmer and May School. ergized by the After a group singing of “Lift Ev’ry Voice music, the group and Sing,” Belmont Hill’s B-Flats took songs heightened center stage, charming the crowd with a the enthusiasm. modified version of “Genesis” written by Brooks’ Thomas Whitfield, and with the energetic School music di“Hallelujah Anyhow” written by Joe Pace. rector Shaunielle In gospel concerts, it is common McDonald led practice for the audience to chime in and off with “Peace” even respond to the lyrics. It was no differ- written by Percy ent this year. “The energy in the room was Gray, Jr, Demond Stefano Pacini electrifying,” one student recalls. Another Johnson, and Belmont Hill Students and others at the Gospelfest says: “It was a small auditorium, mostly Jeral Gary. Belmont Hill’s own Donnell Pat- Choir director, Geoff O’Hara, invited varifilled with singers from other schools. I terson took the stage next, increasing the au- ous high school choirs from the Boston didn’t expect them to get so into the music ditorium’s vivacity with the traditional and area. Now, eleven years later, Gospelfest but they did.” After the first lines of “Gen- spiritual “I Open My Mouth to the Lord,” has grown in size and in popularity. Keelan esis” most of the crowd was standing up filling every corner of the large space with Smithers ’13 comments: “Every year Gosclapping, and many were singing along. wonderful music, and raising the crowd from pelfest is way more fun than I expect. It is Belmont Hill gave the stage up to their seats. Dana Hall’s David Coleman then really a different kind of concert than the Brimmer and May, who was followed by concluded the concert with the syncopated normal “sing to the audience” ones we norBuckingham, Browne, & Nichols School and energetic “I Will Go in Jesus’ Name.” mally have.” This year’s Gospelfest was a sucand Dana Hall. Noble and Greenough conThe Gospelfest tradition began in cess, and the B-Flats are excited to continue cluded the individual school performances, 2002 when Concord Academy’s Gospel the tradition and perform in it next year! ☐ By Bernardo Pacini Panel Staff
School Year Ends Strong with Spring Theater seven-and-a-half cent raise. Not only is mors, written by Neil Simon, is set to go the play fun to watch, but fun to be in as up as well. Rumors is the farcical, seniorwell - lead actress Helen Sayegh claims directed play which Mudit Tandon is diWith only a few weeks left in the “it’s a great experience to be in such a recting, about what happens when a few school year, all the last championships fabulous show and have such a fabulous friends get together for a dinner party and and events will be happening just around cast; there’s never a dull moment!” While how to conceal that fact that one of them the corner, including the last of the plays the middle school show blasts the audi- was found shot in the ear. Unlike Neil and musicals. This spring there are three ence to the 1950s, the upper school show Simon’s other previous work, Rumors is shows: The Pajama Game, a 1950s musi- takes the viewers to another world with packed with hilarious scenes, jokes, and cal about a pajama factory, running May a funkier vibe in The Wiz. Although the situations. “Rumors is such a funny show 9-11; The Wiz, a soul version of the mu- plot of The Wizard of Oz remains the that the other actors and I are having a sical The Wizard of Oz, running May 17 same, the script, music, and lyrics have hard time staying in character!” raves and 18; and Rumors, the hilarious, se- been adapted to an African American ninth grade Winsor actress Caroline Nanior-directed play, running May 23 and culture. This is the first acting experience hill. “Having a student direct the play is 24. The Pajama Game, like many musi- in a Belmont Hill production for Third a new experience but definitely a posicals, is a love story in a pajama factory Former Hartman Russell, and says that tive one; having everyone be equal is a between the superintendent, Sid, and the he “enjoys working with the talented Bel- pretty cool environment to create a show grievance committee, Babe. Just as their mont Hill and Dana Hall cast” and “hopes in. Mudit is a talented director as well.” romance is becoming serious, though, to do more theatre work after this since With all the incredible shows this spring, the lovers are pitted against each other as he enjoyed this production so much.” Not it will be hard deciding which ones to the workers of the factory strike because only musical theatre is happening this go to. Luckily, they all fall on different of the company’s unwillingness to give a spring - if you enjoy drama, the play Ru- weekends, so book your tickets today! ☐ By Brendan Pulsifer Staff Writer
By William Treanor Panel Staff Danny Fischer, guitar and singing extraordinair, really first burst onto the musical scene three years ago, as a Belmont Hill Third Former. A trumpet player throughout his middle school years, Danny did not consider himself much of a musician, preferring more to focus on athletics and academics. “I wasn’t really that into music until ninth grade year, when I quit the trumpet and first picked up the guitar.” His newfound love for guitar brought Danny into a whole new world. A fanatic of all things guitar, one of Danny’s favorite genres is alternative rock. “I really love the guitar and all the energy,” he said when asked why he liked alternative so much. The distinguishing characteristic of this genre, the one that separates it from other rock genres, is its strong lead guitar. His other favorite is folk music, which is a traditional, cultural music that uses basic instruments, usually voice, simple acoustic guitar, and maybe some simple drums. Though fairly basic in structure, it carries great spiritual and emotional meaning, especially for various cultural groups like African tribes, early European villages, and immigrant communities, to name only a few of many. “I often usually play on my own whenever I have free time, but I absolutely love every minute of it.” Though Belmont Hill does not hold many musical events, especially for those not in an organized band or orchestra, he plays in almost every one available to him. The only two times when he can play in a school event with other Belmont Hill students are during the fall and spring coffeehouses, and, when asked if Belmont Hill encouraged music and the arts as much as aca-
BH Students Shine at Spring Coffee House
continued from page 1 Juan Carlos Fernandez del Castillo played a ver y light and beautiful ballad called “For Sentimental Reasons”, which brought smiles to the faces of the crowd because of its light nature. Three poets, Charlie Hill, Marshall “King” Crayton and Edward Columbia, performed as the only non-musical performances of the night, and recited their poems ver y well, allowing an easy window into the meanings of the poems for the audience. A traditional part of the Spring Coffee House of any year is the huge role the graduating seniors play in organizing and performing in it. Seniors Patrick Whalen, Colin Power, Angus Smith JP Cannistraro, Mike Daskalakis, Mudit Tandon, Colin Sargis, Kee- Nick Favalaro, Mike Trethewey, and Pat Westwater perform at the coffee house. lan Smithers, and Nick Favalaro len and Danny Fischer, “Stay” and numerous Belmont Hill students, and all performed in the Coffee House “When I was Your Man”, performed offers a relaxing atmosphere for othconsecutively to end the show, with by JP Cannistraro and Colin Power, er students , friends, and parents to Keelan and Nick finishing the show and “You Need Me”, performed by enjoy some high caliber music from with two songs: “Did Ya Get My Mudit Tandon and Keelan Smithers. some high calber musicians. Students Message” and “Miami 2017”. Other Year after year, the Spring Cof- from all walks of life find a home at songs performed included “Hard to fee House has proven to be an activ- the Coffee House and show their supLove”, performed by Patrick Wha- ity that both showcases the talents of port for the artistic community. ☐
demics or athletics, Danny responded with a resounding “definitely no.” Though Danny will be graduating this spring, he will almost certainly be bringing his musical talents to Medford, where he will be attending Tufts University in the fall. Though music was not the deciding factor in his decision to choose Tufts, the school definitely has a strong music scene, which will have a new member next fall in Danny Fischer. “Strong academics plus a fantastic atmosphere was what drew me. Music wasn’t a huge influence in choosing Tufts, I know that the music program is great, and I’m excited about that.” Though Belmont Hill will be unfortunately losing an accomplished, great musician, our loss is Tufts’s and, hopefully, the world’s, gain. For his senior project, he will be creating some original music, so check your email in the near future to check it out. ☐
Belmont Hill Sp orts
May 3, 2013
Pa g e 7
Belmont Hill Varsity Scoreboard TEAM
RECORD
NOTABLE RESULTS
MVPS
Lacrosse
7-1
W 10-8 vs. St. sebastian’s W 10-8 vs. roxbury latin
Austin F. Danny S.
Baseball Track Tennis Golf Sailing
7-2 11-0 7-2 9-0-1
W 9-2 VS. Milton W 10-2 vs. Thayer
Harry R. Danny K.
W 126-95.5 vs. St. Paul’s W 126-89.5 vs. Middlesex
Isiah R. Abdurezak S.
W 13-2 Vs. St. sebastian’s W 13-2 Vs. Milton
Carl R. Petros P.
4-2
W 5-2 Vs. Rivers W 4.5-2.5 Vs. St. Sebastian’s W 4-1 vs. Pingree W 3-1 Vs. St. John’s Prep
Pat B. Tripp H. Chris C. James C.
Crew
8-0
W 4-0 vs. BB&N W 4-0 Vs. Pomfret
Henry V. Ty G.
LACROSSE “The season started off pretty well, however we tended to let teams back into games after we gained early leads. Our toughest game and only loss yet was against a very strong Govs team, whom we all knew we had the ability to beat, but we didn’t play a good enough game to actually beat them. Our most recent win against Sebs was a fantastic one, and we can’t thank the great Loop showing enough for its support. We’re 6-1 now, and hope to carry our current momentum through the rest of the season.” – JP Miller
Captain’s Log TRACK
“The track team has been working extremely hard from the beginning of the season and the hard work is really showing up. Kids are stepping up and seniors are really performing. The competition is pretty good in the ISL this season but nothing that we cant handle. Although we might not be the most talented track group compared to previous years I believe we are the hardest working and that hard work is gonna get us the ISTA and New England titles.” – Abdurezak Shemsu
Records as of 4/28/2013
GOLF “The Belmont Hill golf team is off to another great start this year with an 8-0-1 record to start the season, and the entire ladder is contributing every match. Thanks to Senorita Whitney for her continued dedication to the team. We have a lot of returning guys, and the core that won the ISL Championship last year is still intact and should continue to lead the team. We haven’t lost a match since 2011 and look forward to continuing the streak. ” – Pat Burpee
Track Coach Larry Anam
mentality. Know everything is go- and he said, ‘Coach, I will not lose aning to be okay as long as you are will- other race for the rest of the year.’ Mike ing to work hard. Know yourself and did not lose another race after that for continued from page 1 Coach notes, “Everybody knows that know what you are capable of doing.” the remainder of the season, and he Mike Minahan, Class of 2012, set the school record in the 400 meter His illustrious career at BC was when they come to me, I don’t mess marked by his playing in all twenty- around. If I have a particular kid who provides a perfect illustration of Larry’s dash. This past fall, Mike’s father called five games of the final two seasons of doesn’t want to listen to what I have to success as a coach. In the first race of Larry and told him that Mike was quite his tenure, and his finishing second on tell him, I tell him ‘Just leave.’ Let me last season, Mike finished in a disap- worried that he would not make the the team in tackles as a cornerback in focus on people who I know are here pointing second place in the 400 meter Georgetown track team, one of the his senior year. After he graduated, he because they want to get better. And I dash. Larry remembers approaching best teams in the entire country. Larsigned with the New England Patri- will make them better.” Earlier this sea- Mike and telling him, “I can’t believe ry called Mike and said, “There is no ots, but before his first game, his coach son, one member of the team who had you lost that race.” Larry recounts the question in my heart that you will make came up to him and delivered the news just thrown up violently on the side of incident: “And he looked me in the eye, this team.” Mike made the team. ☐ that he had a fracture in his neck. He the track after completing one of Coach was told that the next hit could be the Larry’s workouts, exhaustively uttered, last time he walked. Larry’s football ca- “Larry’s tough, but Larry’s damn good.” reer was over. “I sat down and I looked Although he came to the Unitat him and said, ‘Thanks coach.’” Larry ed States knowing no English, he has had received offers from Auburn, North worked tirelessly to improve his speakCarolina State, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, ing ability, and his speeches to the track The Under Armour Athlete of the Issue and other schools, but he had chosen team and to individual athletes consisis Austin Frank. As the varsity lacrosse Boston College because he understood tently are genuinely inspirational. Yet, team’s face-off midfielder, Austin has that he had a life beyond football. He Coach Larry does not motivate his played an integral role in the team’s did not accept the coach’s words with athletes with ear splitting volume. Inhot 6-1 start and is the best in the anger or scorn, but he was appreciative. stead, he is a soft-spoken individual, league at what he does. After “Football was great to me. I got a full and often times it requires intense conseven games, he has 29 Ground scholarship from Boston College, I got centration just to hear his words. But Balls and 1 goal, and, over the last a great education, I graduated, and I when one listens to his words, they are three games (against Sebs, Milton, was able to walk away from this game always meaningful and always motiand St. Pauls), he has won 50 facewithout having any kind of regrets.” vational; his passion for teaching kids offs and lost only 14. His winning Today, he works as a personal and helping them improve comes out percentage of .781 over those games trainer operating out of Brookline, and clear as daylight. As a message to stuis literally unheard of; most players he coaches the sprinters on the Bel- dents, he notes: “You are going to go aim for .600. On the season for face-offs, mont Hill track team. His inspirational through obstacles for your whole entire Austin has won 109 face offs and lost 39, for personality and tough-minded coach- life. But you have to persevere through a winning percentage of .736, good enough for ing have made Belmont Hill’s sprinters everything. There will be heartbreak; best in the league. Said Mr. Sullivan, “Austin has eager to challenge any competition in there will be things that you never exbecome an absolute force in the ISL at the facethe ISTA. Larry’s presence has changed pect. If something happens, pick youroff X and much of our success this season can the traditional Belmont Hill Varsity self back up. Don’t feel sorry for yourbe attributed to his hard work, dedication and Track practice tremendously, and the self. Don’t point fingers and say, ‘Why talent in this phase of the game. Being able to individuals who have been on the team me?’ Get up. There are a lot of people win so many face offs has allowed us to confor more than two years can attest to back in Africa who I know that are trol possessions during games and maximize that. When Coach Larry arrived on way less fortunate than all of us, and our offensive opportunities.” We wish Austin campus, track practices shifted from they would lose their arms, their legs, and the Varsity Lacrosse team good luck as informal, somewhat relaxed sessions to to be in any of our positions. No matthey continue their pursuit of an ISL title. ☐ arduous, will-testing, and rewarding. ter how hard life gets, keep a strong
UA Athlete of the Issue
L ast L o ok
Pa g e 8
Th e Pan el
PROM: INVITATION REPORT CARD Analyst: Charlie Hill
THE HARLEM SHAKE By Petros Palandjian
A
Comments: I get the feeling Petros got this idea into his head when the Harlem Shake originally became popular and refused to budge when it came to be prom time a few months later and the fad had run its course. Overall well done, at least it wasn’t Gangnam Style.
(for effort) Grade
THE PARTY BUS
By Kyle Saidnawey
Class
A
Comments: Kyle took the old standby of decorating the car to a new level. However, as sweet as “be my prom queen” is, misspelling your girlfriend’s name kind of kills the mood. I hope he and Madgot had a blast.
Misdemeanor Grade
THE ROAD KILL
For Charlie Hill
Comments: This was the best prom invite in the history of prom invites. This is a totally unbiased review and to insinuate that it is anything short of that is a slanderous insult to the sterling reputation of journalistic integrity on which The Panel is Based.
Grade
Taylor’s Tips: Surviving a Moutain Lion Attack By Taylor Morris Panel Staff Congrats. You’re face-to-face with one of nature’s worst nightmares. To start, this beast of a kitten has probably been stalking you for days, if not years. He might even know where you live. Additionally, you’re not dealing with one of those cute cats found dancing around on YouTube. No, this is the Major Leagues. Cougars are hungry and dangerous, eating about 10 pounds of meat a day, which is equivalent to around 1/5 Mihirs. Still not scared? Well even after taking down
and relentlessly devouring a moose, these scoundrels of the animal kingdom maintain a vertical leap of 16 feet, as well as a horizontal one of approximately 45 feet. Cougars are also able to run (prance?) comfortably at speeds of about 40mph. These things are literally bionic. Might even be bulletproof. But fear not, for if you encounter one of these monsters, a few of my techniques will surely bring you out on top. Something heavily stressed to BH students is the importance of eye-contact. With most wild animals, however, such behavior is often an invitation to rip your arm off. Wild felines, though,
are an exception. Consider a cougar encounter the championship of all staredowns. Don’t even think about blinking. Stare into its soul. The idea is to appear threatening to the cougar, not inferior. Your life is on the line. Act like it. A cardinal rule when encountering wild animals, including mountain cougars, is to avoid sudden movements. Many animals interpret this as a threat. Back up slowly, always staying faced towards the animal. If you turn around you look weak. “Target acquired.” The idea is to make yourself seem larger than the animal. If you have a jacket, unzip it, grab it by the
corners, and spread your wings like you’re about to fly. Try to puff out your chest and make noise as well. If you’re with other people, make like Byong Sun and get on someone’s shoulders. Lastly, if you fail to successfully execute the above techniques, things will probably turn physical. The best advice I can give you, and experts would agree, is to kick, bite, scratch, and punch the cat. If it helps, close your eyes and pretend you’re on Mob Wives. Kidding, don’t close your eyes. The staring contest has not ended. With luck, the animal will retreat, and, although severely wounded, you will rise a winner. ☐