May 2015 (64, 1)

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Volu m e 6 4 , Issu e 1

Philip Conigliaro Named AllAmerican By John Markis Panel Staff “All-American: Phil Conigliaro.” Dr. Melvoin’s words were met with both awe and amazement. A young man not much older than a seventhgrader receiving such a high honor is unheard of; however, Conigliaro is not your average Middle Schooler.

Bill Mahoney

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A Student Publication of the Belmont Hill School

Kim Phuc: An Inspiring Story of Loss Transformed to Love By Jason Fischman Panel Staff On the morning of April 10, Kim Phuc, a victim of Vietnam War bombing, came to Belmont Hill as part of the Hunt Lecture Series to share her story. As a nine year old girl, Kim Phuc’s village was napalm-bombed by the South Vietnamese. Her clothes blown off and her body severely burned, Phuc was photographed by a reporter as she ran from the scene; the photograph went on to win a Pulitzer Prize, and now serves as a harsh reminder of the Vietnam War. Kim Phuc’s story began in Trang Bang, a village in southern Vietnam, where she described herself as a very happy child, always laughing and spending time with her friends. Her parents owned a noodle shop, allowing them to live comfortably. “For nine years, I felt safe and loved,” explained Kim Phuc, “but then, on June 8th, 1972, the war came to my village.” After showing video footage from the documentary on her life of the planes bombing her village, Kim Phuc described the day that changed her life in greater detail. She was in the middle of the blast, and should have died considering that napalm bombs burn

Conigliaro’s first true love came in the form of football; he began the sport in fourth grade, and continues to play the sport today as a bruising fullback. After every football season, the coaches gave out flyers promoting wrestling; picturing WWEstyle fights in his mind, Conigliaro could not wait to join the ranks. Conigliaro was denied this opportunity by his mother when he first asked, but in fifth grade, he was finally allowed to start wrestling for Dedham. Although he did not have the opportunity to throw any chairs as he imagined, Conigliaro displayed a propensity not previBy Brendan Pulsifer ously seen by his coaches, and Panel Staff in seventh grade, they recommended him for a club team. After March break, the At first, Conigliaro was “beat student body returned rested, continued on page 6 refreshed, and ready for the end of the year, having spent two weeks in a tropical destination, on a school trip, or, most likely, on the couch at home. However, not everyone on the faculty could say the same thing. While most were catching up Senior Talent on Mad Men or spending time Show with family, Dr. Tift was putting the finishing touches on her pg 3 dissertation and receiving her doctorate in Editorial Studies from Boston University. ReceivNBA Mock Draft ing a doctorate culminates Tift’s pg 6 learning experience in the classroom, and, although she did not initially envision herself at this ZBB Review place in her life, she is thrilled to have accomplished such a feat. pg 8 Actually, Dr. Tift did not even think she was going to become a teacher until later in Are APs Worth It? her career - after finishing her pg 10 undergraduate studies at Vassar and earning a B.A. in English, she was immediately drawn to Vanilla vs. the job of a copy editor at Duke University Press in North CaroChocolate lina, where she proofread and pg 11 streamlined writers’ prose. She

Holly Gettings

at 1200˚C, enough to melt the skin off of someone’s body. The nearby soldiers, in an attempt to help her, poured water on the burns, but in reality, this mistake only made the napalm burn deeper in her skin, causing her to pass out. Three

days later, Phuc’s parents found her in the hospital, where doctors had done everything they could for her. “I had been left to die. They had no more hope,” Kim Phuc remarked, “but then a miracle happened. A kind doctor got me transferred to a

larger clinic in Saigon, where I got treatment and survived.” Kim Phuc did not focus on her injuries, and instead tried to use her story as a teaching point for numerous lessons. “I don’t want to talk about the suffering. Let me just say the pain was unbelievable. I learned to be strong even when it hurts so badly. I was nine years old, and I knew nothing of pain.” As Phuc recovered, her injuries sometimes made it difficult to move on; even small things, like wearing a short sleeve blouse, were embarrassing because of the scars on her arm. However, she persevered, and decided her dream was to be a doctor, so she could help others the same way doctors saved her. Accepted to medical school at age 19, Phuc’s dream looked like it was coming to fruition, at least until the government began using her as a symbol of the war, picking her up from school to do interviews with the foreign press. Eventually, Phuc begged the government to allow her to leave so she could study in peace, and the prime minister agreed to send her to the University of Havana, where she met her future husband, another Vietnamese student. continued on page 4

Tift Receives Doctorate in Editorial Studies from Boston University then became an acquisitions ed- most of all the sense of comitor for Random House Publish- munity around campus and the ing, where it was her job to work close interactions she has with with budding authors on craft- students; however, something ing novels and discover new, was missing. Even though she inspiring works of literature for was officially a teacher, Dr. Tift

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print. Yet it was not until the was not yet finished with being opportunity arose to work as a a student; thus, she continued teaching assistant in a Harvard her passion for learning by enEnglish class on literature and rolling at BU and getting both social reflection that Dr. Tift an M.A. and, most recently, a found her passion for pedagogy. Ph.D. in Editorial Studies, a As a teacher, previous- field which ties in well with her ly at both Falmouth Academy previous career as an editor. and Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall, To receive her doctorand now at Belmont Hill, Dr. ate, Dr. Tift needed to attend Tift soon found that she loves classes, take tests, and even

have proficiency in another language. The paramount requirement for receiving a doctorate, however, is the dissertation, an extensive, comprehensive essay about a certain area of interest. Wanting to craft her dissertation around editorial studies, Dr. Tift chose to research the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson and the director Lloyd Richards as they worked together to edit Wilson’s play, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, for a Tony-nominated run that began at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. Tift chose this topic for her dissertation because of Wilson’s powerful narratives of racial struggle in the twentieth century and his complex partnership with Lloyd Richards, a partnership which clearly demonstrates the importance of editing. Having defended her dissertation successfully, Dr. Tift comes back to Belmont Hill with her head held high and becomes one of a select few teachers who have received a doctorate. Although she will be hearing “Ms. Tift” for a little while longer, it won’t be long before her new name sticks and her accomplishment is recognized by all.☐

Belmont HIll NEWS

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Debate Team Flourishes at Year’s End DeCaprio ‘16 Excels in Chinese Contest The meetings are usually on Tuesdays at 2:15 in Dr. Tift’s room, though meetings have ended for the year since there The recent Belmont Hill Oregon- are no more debates in the DANEIS Style debate on April 12 , involving 23 league for the 2014-2015 academic year. four-person teams and 8 schools, was Members of the team prepared for one the capstone event for the debate team, side of the debate, either affirmative or which has attended several debates negative. Once each team had prepared over the course of this year. One of the its arguments and gotten to the debate, organizers for the debate, George Hu, they presented their cases in time-consaid, “I’m really proud of how everyone strained, structured speeches, and then worked together, despite some plan- asked cross-examination questions of ning disasters by the other schools in their opponents. Belmont Hill sent two four-person the debate. Although we faced numerous cancellations by other schools, ev- teams to its own debate, down from the eryone, debaters, judges, tab runners, four which the team sent to Andover, chefs, and organizers alike, worked since many people who would have together marvelously to run the event been debating were helping out with to perfection,” commenting on some planning for the debate. The teams did of the challenges the team faced as a fairly well, considering that the debatfew of the teams which had signed up ers also helped organize the debate. previously could not make it on the When asked about his team’s perforday of the debate, forcing the sched- mance, debate team head Alex Czarule to be re-done on short notice. necki said, “I think the debate team did The topic of the debate, wheth- a good job and put in a lot of work. Puber or not the US should adopt Presi- lic speaking is a good skill to develop, dent Obama’s proposal for universal and debate helps a lot in that regard.” community college, came from a long Overall, the debate team has had a suctopic-selection process carried out by cessful year, with several events and the debate team in its weekly meetings. a marked increase in membership.☐ By John Gosselin Panel Staff

to come up with a topic, write a speech, and practice it to make it is “as perfect as possible.” Jake competed with seven others in Every year, China’s Confucius In- the contest’s intermediate group (for stustitute hosts a “Chinese Bridge” U.S. High dents who have studied fewer than four School Student Chinese Speech Contest. years of Chinese). In his speech, “The To compete in this contest, students must Language Switch,” Jake discussed the difsubmit an application, including a three- ficulty of switching between speaking Engminute Chinese speech. On Saturday, April lish and Chinese. With the aid of Shen 12, twenty-four finalists from around the Laoshi, Jake delivered clever Chinese puns country congregated at UMASS Boston that had the Chinese judges howling. Jake to participate in this prestigious compe- closed his speech with a humorous anectition. Belmont Hill has sent a couple of dote, in which he unknowingly gave distudents to this event in the past, and this rections to an American man in Chinese, year, Fifth Former Jake DeCaprio had the and concluded that the struggle of seamopportunity to represent Belmont Hill. lessly switching languages indicates that Jake, who has studied Chinese since he his Chinese is continuously improving. At the end of the day, Jake was enrolled at Belmont Hill, regards Chinese as both one of his favorite subjects and an intel- awarded third place for his speech and relectual passion. When asked about why he de- ceived a certificate, trophy, and Chinese cided to participate in this contest, Jake said, dictionary for his achievement. Jake said “This September, Shen Laoshi approached “I never really did any public speaking, me about doing it. I’ve always been very pas- especially in a different language. It was sionate about studying Chinese and have al- a totally different experience than anyways worked really hard to make sure I have a thing before. I’m very appreciative for good Chinese accent. To be able to compete Shen Laoshi and for this opportunity.” One in a competition like this is an honor and re- of the best Chinese students in America, ward for all my work.” Since this September, Jake represented Belmont Hill exceptionJake spent his free periods with Shen Laoshi ally well in both his spirit and skill.☐ By Bhawramaett Broehm Staff Writer

Students Aid Underprivileged Community on Trip to South Carolina was largely the same as that which we had done the day before. Ultimately, we would spend another couple hours picking up For the Community Service Trip of trash around Gullah property. On Wednes2015, students traveled to the hot and humid day, due to scattered rain showers throughisland of St. Helena, South Carolina. Mrs. out the day, the Queen informed Mrs. David David organized a week in which students that our efforts would not be entirely effiworked hard, contributing their efforts to a cient with the poor weather, so we should range of charitable works while also enjoy- just stay at the hotel. The chaperones frantiing a few tourist attractions. Upon our ar- cally searched for other community service rival in South Carolina, the group hopped activities nearby, but they were unsuccessful, onto the bus we would use for the duration although the group did enjoy their time goof the week, where we enjoyed a tasty, pre- ing to the movies and a local bowling alley. pared box lunch. We were then shuttled off On Thursday, we returned to the to Fort Sumter,where the first shots of the Queen for our last day of community serCivil War were fired. The underwhelming vice and, to no surprise, she requested that physical size of the fort came as a surprise to we use our time by picking up more trash. many of us Fifth Form U.S. history students; Begrudgingly, we adhered to her words and however, a tour of the museum inside would returned to what was getting to be a moshow us how strong a defense Fort Sum- notonous task. At the close of the day, the ter could have provided in its time. After Queen thanked us for our services, took a a couple hours there, we rode to the Com- photograph with students and chaperones, fort Inn where we would spend our leisure and sent us on our way. We spent that eveand free time for the duration of the trip. ning packing our bags and preparing for On our first full day of the trip, we met the journey back the next day. On Friday, up with out correspondent for the group of we said our goodbyes to both the hotel and people we were working with that week, the South Carolina and made our way to the Gullah Geechee. The Gullah are the descen- airport where we would fly back to Boston, dants of African groups who were brought officially ending a somewhat unconvenover to North America as slaves. The soci- tional but satisfying community service trip. ety that exists today is largely the same as The St. Helena trip was entirely a that which was brought over, maintaining positive experience this year. Students were a very traditional African culture. Our cor- forced to mingle with others whom they respondent was in fact the elected Queen of wouldn’t have interacted otherwise. New the Gullah nation herself, so she was very friendships were made, as we became better educated on the elements of her commu- acquainted with the people we go to school nity. We spent the entire first day learning with. Ultimately, the community service from her about the culture of the Gullah as side of things could have gone better; howshe took us around to various public build- ever, this was by no fault of our own. The ings of her people. The next day, we started Queen, despite only benevolent intentions, our community service by picking up trash, proved to be a somewhat difficult correraking certain patches of lawn, and moving spondent, in that she strained her relations furniture in and out of deteriorating homes. with our chaperones. We did end up doing We broke for lunch, which we had packed a great deal of work, just perhaps not in the that day and the following days in the morn- way we imagined we would. The week was ing with the sandwich material provided by overall a good representation of the hard our hotel. After lunch, we returned to our work we do and fun we have on the comwork until 3:30, where we would return to munity service trips. Any Belmont Hill stuthe hotel for some pool time and dinner. dent should therefore be encouraged to at The third full day was much like the least consider next year’s trip, the destinaprevious, in that the nature of our work tion of which still has yet to be decided.☐ By Ranjit Thomas Staff Writer

The Debate Team

Alex Czarnecki

Model UN Enjoys Significant Growth showing tremendous improvement and winning an even larger assortment of awards, such as best delegate, The Model United Nations Pro- best position paper, and best debater. As Patrick Connor ‘18 approprigram at Belmont Hill has seen tremendous growth this year! From the foun- ately remarked after the final conferdation of the Middle School Program, a ence of the year, “Model UN combines group that includes both boys who de- the fast-paced aspects of debate and bate in-school, as well as 20 boys who international relations with history and compete competitively, to the refreshed research, a pairing that leads to interacUpper School Program, it is clear that tive and comprehensive discussions on Model UN has truly become a defin- some of the most important issues that ing feature of Belmont Hill’s student our world faces today.” With such a large body. A club that focuses primarily on number of Belmont Hill students exceldebate, international relations, and the ling in history and showing a passion operation and policies of the United for debate, it makes sense that Model Nations, students in the program have UN has been a perfect club for many debated both contemporary and his- boys, whether in 7th or 12th grade. Although the conference season toric topics, such as the Ebola Crisis of 2014 and the Cuban Missile Crisis has ended for Model UN, the members and Cold War, both in-school and com- are still looking forward to debates and petitive inter-high school tournaments. competition next year, with continued The program began the year with success and growth guaranteed in the several in-school debates before head- group. Hoping to continue off this year’s ing to their first conference in Octo- success, in the 2015-2016 school year, ber, held at St. John’s High School in the Model UN program plans to continShrewsbury. Less than a month later, ue to develop a curriculum for debate the group then travelled to St John’s and international relations, as well as Prep in Danvers, earning several awards partaking in more interscholastic comin their second conference of the year. petitions. With the group hoping to atIn March, after several months of dili- tend conferences at Dartmouth, Brown, gent work and debating, the group and MIT, in the coming years, Belmont competed in the BC High and Interna- Hill’s Model UN program hopes to tional School of Boston conferences, see tremendous growth and success.☐ By Ishaan Prasad Staff Writer

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Belmont Hill NEWS

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Students Immserse Themselves in Foreign Language, Culture on Spain Trip By Jay O’Brien Panel Staff On the first official day of March vacation, some Belmont Hill students travelled to Madrid, Spain, hoping to improve their Spanish speaking abilities, as well as learn more about the Spanish culture. The students were accompanied by Spanish teachers Señor Steffey, Señor Harder, and Señora Brabo. After everyone said their goodJay O’Brien byes to family members, we boarded Students on the Spanish Trip in Spain our connection flight to Paris, and then boarded a separate plane set for Madrid. The first day in Spain had little famous artists like Francisco Goya, El lowing morning was a trip through El planned for us in an effort to regain Greco, and Diego Velázquez. The group Escorial, a royal site which functions our energy and adjust to the different then travelled to the Sede Prim to learn as a monastery, museum, and royal timezones. The second day began with about an educational program offered palace. Yet below the ground level of an early morning day trip to nearby by Middlebury College for college stu- the palace, there is a burial site where Toledo, where we walked as a group dents. Then, we prepared for the most the majority of Spanish kings have throughout the narrow streets, peri- exciting part of the trip: watching the been laid to rest for five centuries. odically stepping into the various shops Champions League game between Atlé- Then, we hopped onto our tour bus and restaurants, as well as taking tours tico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen in and drove to the burial site of Spaninside both the Cathedral of Toledo and Atlético’s stadium. The game eventu- ish dictator Francisco Franco. Inside, El Alcázar, a museum filled with histor- ally reached penalty kicks, where Atlé- the tomb was primarily made of marical artifacts from the different Span- tico Madrid won and moved on to the ble inside the side of a mountain, and ish Wars. The night ended by watching next round of the Champions League. after walking through the illustrious a critically acclaimed Spanish movie The next day, the group toured halls, we eventually saw Franco’s final called Relatos Salvajes, which com- through the nearby cities of Avila and resting place in the ground of the cave. bined six different stories of madness Sergovia and visited the main attracIn our second to last day, the and chaos into one movie, and, despite tions like the Aqueduct of Sergovia, the group traveled in two different buses the lack of subtitles, everyone agreed Alcázar of Segovia, and the tall stone to the base of a small mountain, which that the movie was very entertaining. walls that protected the city of Avila dur- we climbed over the course of several The second full day in Madrid ing the middle ages. That night, some hours. On our way to the top, the tour served as the busiest of the trip, as we of our more passionate soccer fans trav- guides stopped us at several places to started by traveling to El Museo Na- elled to Spanish restaurants to watch point out the interesting aspects of that cional del Prado, one of the most fa- another Champions League game be- particular forest, some of which includmous museums in the city, thanks to tween Manchester City and Barcelona. ed the different rivers, unique trees, or its abundance of paintings made by One of the highlights of the fol- monuments in dedication to important Bill Mahoney

Bill Mahoney

Spanish figures. Even though by the end, we were all relatively sore and tired, the ride back to the hotel was immediately followed up with a walk to a local indoor bath place in the heart of Madrid. The Hammam Al Ándalus contained three baths of progressively higher temperatures, as well as a sauna room that went up to 150 degrees. Overall, the bath place was a great place to unwind after the tiring hike earlier in the day. On our second to last night in Spain, we decided to eat dinner at the oldest recognized restaurant in world history, Sobrino de Botín. For appetizers, the group ate a variety of seafood options, including shrimp, calamari, and oysters. For the main course, we were given an option of either suckling pig or chicken, with a side of potatoes. Lastly, the dinner concluded with a mixed plate of filling desserts, ranging from chocolate mousse to vanilla filled angel cake. The Spanish trip allowed all students to improve their Spanish speaking abilities, while also being introduced to a different setting outside of the United States. While it certainly helps to practice Spanish within the Belmont Hill classroom, there is nothing like having the opportunity to speak the language in an entirely new environment, and overall, the Spain trip served as a great learning experience for everyone who took part in this memorable experience. To anyone who would consider going on the trip at some point in the future, I highly recommend going, as a way to practice the language and enjoy the Spanish culture with classmates.☐ Bill Mahoney

Performers Dazzle at Talent Show By Ben Rush Panel Staff On a Friday long school meeting, this year’s senior class hosted the inaugural Senior Talent Show. The show featured a wide range of acts, a panel of judges, and background videos on the participants, presenting the seniors a final opportunity to share their talents with the school community. Hosted by Alex Santangelo, acts included rock bands, air guitar, rap battles, and dance, showcasing the Class of 15’s impressive entertainment talent. After each performance, the acts received feedback, both constructive and humorous, from judges Mr. Curran, Mr. DiResta, Ms. Bobo, and Mr. Feldman. The morning started off with a performance from 350 Prospect, the senior rock band. Chris Bracken followed with a Bach viola solo, which led logically to CJ Layton and Cam Chiarelli’s performance of the SNL rap classic “Lazy Sunday”. Next came a touching duet

from Hercules by Myles Walsh and perfectpitch Benny Wanger, complete with costume changes from togas to tunics and gladiator armor. Alex Andriolo and Jack Tamasi brought down the house with their lip syncing & choreography, followed by Eric Rolfs’ and Jack Wilhoite’s inspiring interpretive dance. Harry “The Boss” Kraft rocked the air guitar accompanied by Sultan “Big Man” Olusekun on the sax. Yohannes Mezgebu and Jonathan Innocent presented a dance routine and the show was capped off by a heated rap battle between Harry “HP” Porter and Nate “Nizzy Nate” Trznadel. In the end, the judges crowned dancers Eric Rolfs and Jack Wilhoite the winners of this inaugural event. The Senior Talent Show gave departing seniors an opportunity to show off their many artistic and entertaining talents. Complete with a panel of judges, the show engraved a great final impression of the Class of 2015, filled with laughs and energy in a newly-founded school tradition. ☐

belmont hill news

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Trautz and Sweeney Lead Exotic Hawaii Trip Students Discover Ancient Wonders in China

attempted to eat the massive Sumo Stackso much about it, and then finally beBy Duncan Grant er (three large pancakes, three eggs, three ing able to experience what embodies By William McCormack Staff Writer slices of bacon, one large ham steak, and such a great deal of Chinese history.” Staff Writer around a pound of butter), but they came Our magnificent journey on the On the first day of spring break, up just short. Unlike other Belmont Hill On Saturday, March 14, 17 stu- Great Wall was succeeded by a night 12 students headed to Logan Airport for trips, the group of 14 spent three nights dents and three Chinese-teaching facul- in rural Hexi village where everyone a trip of a lifetime. Chaperoned by Mr. camping out under the stars: twice in the ty members, Shen, Latimer, and DiResta, learned to make dumplings and enSweeney and Mr. Trautz, the group cir- mountains with the glow of Kilauea Cra- met at Terminal E for a 5:10 PM Hainan joyed the Chinese Basketball Associacumnavigated the big island of Hawaii, ter in the distance, and once on the beach. Airlines flight to Beijing. Excitement lev- tion Finals with locals. The group was considered the most breathtaking and This trip was not only relax- els were very high, though the 13-hour fortunate enough to gain insights into exciting of all islands. In the mornings, ing, but educational. The group of stu- direct flight did drain everybody’s ener- city life the next night, contrasting it the team would pile into two four-wheel dents learned about the formation of gy. Nevertheless, once on the ground in with life in the countryside, through drive vehicles for daily adventures, such lava tubes, the history behind the Alii Beijing Sunday night, the group happily an evening with an SYA China student as visiting the southern-most point of Path, and also about the geologic pro- proceeded to the Beijing Hotel, located in and their host family, which followed a the center of the city, while also meeting trip to the zoo and a visit to the No. 2 Mike, our tour guide, and Li Shi Fu, our High School in Beijing. Thursday mornfamous bus driver, on the way. Actually ing, we were all awed by Tiananmen being in China was almost indescribable Square and the massive Forbidden City, for some of us, like Alex Ackerman, who before enjoying a shopping spree at the described the country: “Like nowhere Pearl Market during which everyone I had ever been before. I had always tested their bargaining skill and loaded wanted to go there since I was little, and up on fake merchandise to bring home. now I was in awe. It was breathtaking.” Following an intense afternoon of Activities, food, and language im- shopping and chaos, we travelled to one mersion began immediately the next of Beijing’s train stations for an 11-hour morning, as the group travelled to the sleeper train to Xi’an. In Xi’an, we were Temple of Heaven for sightseeing, as able to bike all the way around Xi’an’s well as lessons on Taiqi, Jianzi (Chinese ancient city wall, visit the magnificent hacky sack), and Devil Sticks. The first Terracotta Warriors, the Shaanxi Proday continued with the Beijing ShiCha- vincial History Museum, and a trip to Hai Sports School for Kung Fu instruc- an orphanage for children whose parJon Folsom tion, and the old Hutong neighborhood ents are in jail. Being able to play with Students on the Hawaii Trip pose for a group picture for a rickshaw tour, along with lunch the kids there, aged from 6 months to 23 at a local house, calligraphy, Chinese years old, and organize a fun basketball the United States. Arguably the highlight cesses that created the island. The group Yo-yo, and mask painting. Tuesday was game, all in Chinese, was a highlight for of the trip was when the group travelled hiked on an old lava flow and saw a highlighted by a two and a half hour many. A Saturday night bullet train ride to Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. Upon ar- cinder cone formed by volcanic ash. trip north to the Great Wall. While it back to Beijing preceded a scavenger riving, Mr. Trautz quickly pointed out The Belmont Hill trip gave back was tough work getting to up to the wall hunt throughout Beijing, hot pot lunch, an area where Green Sea Turtles usually to the Big Island by doing a day of com- (Third Former Henry Wyett claimed more shopping at the Silk Market, an congregated, and before long the whole munity service at Mr. Trautz’ old stomp- it was “more like the Great Haul”), the acrobatics show, and a trip to the Night group threw on their snorkels and spent ing grounds: Hawaii Volcanoes National view at the top, and the beauty of walk- Market for scorpion, grasshopper, and the day swimming with these amazing Park. Here, the group planted 651 trees to ing along it, is really more incredible in other crazy delicacies on Sunday. After marine creatures. When Mr. Sweeney provide a habitat for the threatened Iiwi. person than in any photos or paintings an early morning trip to Wangfujing, and Mr. Trautz weren’t cooking hamburgThis adventure around the big is- available. Bennett Morris looks back on we found ourselves on a sad, nostalgic ers and hotdogs, the crew headed off to land was a breathtaking experience for ev- the Wall with awe: “It was surreal to be bus ride Monday morning to the airport famous eateries like Ken’s House of Pan- ery student, and even for the teachers who halfway across the world on one of the after an amazing week, complete with cakes. At this particular breakfast stop, had experienced it many times before, with world’s seven wonders, after reading so much value, fun, and adventure.☐ both Duncan Grant and Patrick Connor the only flaw being the trip’s short length. ☐ .

Perdoni Brings New Ideas to Presidency

Kim Phuc Delivers Inspirational Speech Continued from Page 1

In Cuba, Phuc changed her course of study, ing how she let go of her hate a little bit every day, a special place...pursue your own path, utilize the resources available to you.” moving from medicine into languages like Eng- eventually achieving her goal of forgiveness. Phuc, David stresses the importance of lish and Spanish. After moving back to Vietnam, raised in the Cao Dai faith like most Vietnamese, Most of you probably associate Da- having a “strong commitment to Belmont she married her husband in 1992, and the gov- converted to Christianity as an adult, because she vid Perdoni with the football star or the Hill,” a lesson that he learned through the weight room giant. David, however, has teachings of retired legend Mr. Gallagher. found himself in a new realm of stardom- In summary, David wants to give back to -politics. Next year, David will assume the the school that has dealt him the “most imhighest position in student government: portant years of (his) life.” David’s election President of the Sixth Form. Having never to president of the school will give him the held a student office before, David was an power to realize his goals and “make a real underdog in the running against veteran impression and impact at Belmont Hill.” Chip Daley. Nevertheless, the current Fifth Assisting David in next year will Form voted for a changing of the guard, and be vice president D.J Demetri, along David is confident that he “can do a pretty with Senators Charlie Danziger, Robgood job,” and that his “ability to empa- ert Griffin, and Callen Morris, along thize with a wide range of people” makes with fifth form president Ray Hunt and him the right choice for school president. fourth form president Will McCormack, David’s future goals as president are both of who are returning to office. practical and important. First, he thinks This new group of leaders will unthat any spoiled milk at milk and cook- dergo its first test come the fall of next ies is “completely unacceptable.” David year, as they prepare for David’s openalso aims to improve the lunch, a mission ing speech in the chapel before the that all of us will appreciate. Finally, Da- whole school. The leadership hopes to vid’s goals for senior spring are clear cut. combine their innovative ideas with ernment allowed them to honeymoon to Mos- felt it was more fulfilling, and the Bible, along with “I will do everything I can to help us do as longstanding traditions to have an- cow. On the way back from Moscow, their plane much prayer, helped her move on from her hatred. After escaping from Vietnam and reallittle as possible come next spring.” Addi- other great year at Belmont Hill. ☐ stopped in Newfoundland to refuel, and Phuc decided that a life of freedom was more important izing how lucky she was, Kim Phuc decided she tionally, David wants to reduce the numthan their lives and possessions in Vietnam, so wanted to help others in the same way she had been ber of TYSK classes for seniors, regain they defected to Canada, leaving everything be- saved as a small girl. She founded the Kim Foundathe use of the chapel lawn, have weekly hind. Phuc said: “I just had my purse. Everything tion International, which helps children affected by dress-down days in an effort to raise else stayed on that airplane, and all my stuff went wars, much like she was all those years ago. Since money for a multitude of charities, and back to Cuba. We had nothing, but we had each its inception, the Kim Foundation has sent medihost more activities with sister schools. other and we had freedom, so we had everything.” cine to Tajikistan, built schools in Uganda, and On a more serious note, David wants In Canada, Phuc focused on forgiving constructed hospitals in Kenya, to name a few. Kim to ensure that he not only improves stuthose who had caused her so much agony, using a Phuc also serves as a UN Goodwill Ambassador. dent life at Belmont Hill, but also contincup of black coffee as an example. Her heart, like Overall, it was very interesting to hear Kim Phuc’s ues to spread important messages to the black coffee, was “bitter, angry, and full of loss.” Phuc story, and the lessons she taught regarding forgiveyounger boys, saying: “Belmont Hill is a slowly poured the coffee out of the cup, describ- ness are applicable to many of our daily lives.☐ tight knit family, community, and overall By Thomas Wolpow Staff Writer

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Belmont Hill sp orts

Boys in the Boat Enjoying Success By Jack Richards Panel Staff The Belmont Hill Crew team has been off to a strong start this season, with boat line-ups finally settling and the boats themselves moving quicker and quicker every day. Escaping down to Orlando, Florida for March Break, the team rowed in near-perfect conditions on the alligatorinhabited Lake Mary Jane (indeed, a baby gator was spotted on several occasions). Developing a good base down south, the team was lucky enough to find the Charles River unfrozen by the time school resumed. Under the leadership of VI Form Captains John Power, Andrew Wilkins, and Jamie Mazzio-Manson, the team is working hard to match and beat the talents of crews such as the ones at Deerfield and Groton. Looking ahead to the culminating NEIRA races, the crew has already enjoyed successes on the water. At the opening race against the Pomfret School, the top six BH 4’s all handily defeated the visiting team. Next, the top 4 boats travelled to Middlesex to race, where each boat gained large margins on the hosting crew; the 1st boat even set the course record! Later that week, the top 6 boats all raced

BBN in the 56th year of the Ducey Cup, one of the oldest high school crew races in New England. Continuing the trend of the last decade or so, Belmont Hill successfully retained the cup in its boathouse. Next, Belmont Hill faced off against Nobles to compete for the Basset Cup, another long-standing race. After all six BH boats defeated Nobles, the Cup stayed for another year in the boat bay. Finally, the team travelled to Lake Quinsigamond for the annual WaylandWeston Regatta, the largest New England high school regatta before NEIRAs. Facing stiff competition in the talented Groton and Deerfield crews, Belmont Hill stayed strong and nearly swept the whole regatta. From the bottom, the fifth and sixth boats both won their races, fourth boat edged out Groton by 0.3 seconds, third boat won by over 5 seconds, second boat took second, and first boat seized first place, 2 seconds ahead of the competition. The encouraging results of the regatta confirmed that the competition will be fierce in the weeks ahead, but Belmont Hill will be right there in the mix. With NEIRAs only a few weeks away, the team is training hard and doing everything it can to stay ahead of the tough competition. ☐

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Lacrosse Team On a Roll By Evan Ricci Panel Staff The 2014-2015 Belmont Hill Varsity lacrosse team is off to a fast start. Currently standing with a record of 9-1, the team is towards the top of the ISL standings as well as being a top contender in New England. The team is playing solid lacrosse, and includes newcomers from the freshman and sophomore class, and features returners from the junior and senior classes. The team’s big wins include a 10-8 victory against St. Sebastian’s, a momentumboosting 8-7 win against Phillips Academy Andover to get the season started, and an impressive 6-3 victory against a talented Roxbury Latin squad. The team’s only loss came against a very talented Governor’s Academy, who sit atop the standings of the ISL with a 10-0 record, and sit comfortably as the 3rd ranked team in New England. Belmont Hill Lacrosse sits as the 10th ranked team in New England and is currently on a 6 game win-streak, including having scored 15 goals in each of their

past two games against Lawrence Academy, and St. George’s. The teams’ roster consists of 2 lines of midfielders, 6 attackers, and 6 defenders. The midfield lines consist of Zach Geddes, WIlliam Stonestreet, and Griffin Gustafsson, while the other line consists of Johnny Hincks, Charlie Durbin, and Matt O’Neal. The attackers include members from Form III through Form VI, while the defenders consist of members from Form IV through Form VI. Many players on the team are also off to college next year to continue their journey, including Princeton, Williams, and Brown. The main goal of this year’s team is, just like every other year, to win the ISL title. The team’s remaining games include matchups against Nobles, Groton, Brooks, and BB&N. A fun game for Belmont Hill this year will be against Rivers under the lights at 6 pm on Saturday May 9 at Danehy Park in Cambridge. However, Belmont Hill’s biggest challenge for the rest of the year will come against a talented Middlesex squad, who are ranked 8th in New England. Good luck to the team as they attempt to bring the ISL title back to Belmont Hill this spring. ☐

Baseball Team Hopes for Title Run By AJ DiFillipo Staff Writer

has been lights out on the mound giving up only one earned run in 29 innings while striking out 36 batters. Up and down the line-up, evWith the halfway point of the season already passed, the varsity eryone is competing, making it tough baseball team is heating up in hopes for even the ISL’s best pitchers to have that it can obtain its fourth straight lasting outings. The junior trio of ISL title. The team boasts an 11-2 re- Austin Masel, Christian Faggas, and AJ cord and still controls its own destiny DiFillipo is also making an impact at for at least a share of the ISL title. The the plate and in the field. Behind the highlight wins so far have been over dish, Robert Caputo has been increda high-powered Worcester Academy, ible while also spraying hits all over Roxbury Latin, St. Seb’s, Milton Acad- the field with the bat, and the same emy, and Lawrence Academy. Led by goes for right fielder Noah Levine and three senior captains, the team is hit- second baseman Robbie Cronin. The Bill Mahoney ting its stride both offensively and de- battle for another ISL championship fensively. Charlie McConnell has an will be extremely difficult as always; Long pole Matt Harrity (Form VI) has been a key contributor to the team this year outstanding 23 stolen bases and has however, the varsity baseball squad yet to be caught stealing. Jack Wil- looks poised to make a serious run hoite leads the team with three home for the four-peat, a testament to the runs including a clutch three-run hard work of the players and coaches to ascertain their goals. The team displayed By DJ Demetri bomb against St. Seb’s. Benny Wanger Grant, Feeley, O’Leary, and Houser.☐ their ability to bounce back as they dominatStaff Writer ed their competition at St. George’s and then Once again the Varsity Track team subsequently defeated Thayer the next week sets their gaze on both the league and New at home. Looking forward, while the second our season thus far.” Two ‘surprise’ key per- England titles. Last year, Belmont Hill fell week loss to Roxbury Latin prompted the By Matt Reppucci formers have been J.P. Champa and Owen short to Thayer in the ISL (ISTA) meet “#BelmontBeat,” the team has proven to be a Panel Staff Greenwood. J.P. has been out for most of the but the resilient team was able to surpass formidable opponent in every aspect of the past two seasons with injuries but this year the rival school at New England’s. Off to sport. Most notably, multitalented captain With an 8-2 record as of Saturday, May has played no. 6 on the ladder and is one a rocky start with a loss to Roxbury Latin, Lucas Ribeiro continues to awe the crowds 2nd (after winning handedly at St. George’s), of the best doubles players as well. Owen this year’s track team, captained by Sultan with his disc jockeying and discus throwing. the Varsity Tennis team has gotten off to a has improved immensely from last year Olusekun, Harry Porter, Lucas Ribeiro, In the second week, at St. George’s, Lucas great start this year, and has serious ambi- in both doubles and singles, and has been and Will Malloy, will be forced to harness shattered his previous New England record tions for the league title as well as a success- a staple in the Top 4 of the lineup all year. the same resilience and hard work needed of 179’1” with a throw of 189’10”. However, ful turnout at New England’s. Captain Ben A moment that Ben describes as the Brazilian Bear was not finLebowitz is “very happy with the season so his favorite is one symbolic of a team growished, he continued his quest to far,” saying, “All our new guys are killing it. ing both in talent and in camaraderie. He the top of the charts as he broke We all practice hard each day, with hitting remembers, “We ran one [beep test], got his own record several weeks and our fitness too, and are getting better yelled at, and were forced to run a second later in a dual meet with Phillips Exeter throwing 193’2”. This each day so it’s hard not to be positive about one. I think each person bettered their throw edged him even closer score from the last run and it was a pretty aweto the number one spot in the some moment for all nation, congratulations Dad! of us to see what we all As the regular season had at the bottom of comes to a close, the Track team the tanks.” Looking forwill attempt to finish their seaward, the whole team son on a high note. Belmont Hill is very optimistic about will host the league (ISTA) track the rest of the season, meet on Saturday, May 9th taking the team’s best two athletes and seem to be hitting in each event. Then the team their stride at the right time: their most rewill head down to Tabor Acadcent win at St. George’s emy for the New England Track marks their fourth Meet on the 16th hoping to finvictory in a row. ☐ Jack Ablon (Form IV) plays #2 on the ladder Lucas Ribeiro (Form VI) broke the NE Shotput Record ish their season with a win.☐

Track and Field Looking Sharp

Tennis Team Hitting Its Stride

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Conigliaro an All-American Matt Reppucci’s 2015 NBA Mock Draft continued from page 1

East and to win a national championship; he knows that his hopes will be difficult up by everyone”; then everything clicked, to fulfill, but he “always sets the bar high”. and he started dominating at a national Conigliaro is not just a stud on the level. At Belmont Hill, Conigliaro did mat; he is also in advanced math and was a not lose a match in the Middle School; class officer this past year. He is also a role however, he knew that the competi- model around campus, exhibiting great tion would be much stiffer come varsity. leadership qualities, such as his humility Before the varsity season, Coni- and grit; he says that “without Coach Leo, gliaro set three goals: to win the Beast Coach Bradley, Coach Davis, and Pete (Teof the East tournament, to win the New desco), I would not be where I am today.” England championships, and to place at Before every match, Conigliaro reminds National Preps. Although Conigliaro did himself that he has worked too hard to not win Beast of the East, he came back lose; it is hard to defeat a wrestler with that with a vengeance the rest of the season, kind of mindset. Conigliaro admits that and crushed the opposition. Conigliaro he doesn’t know how far his career will go; came in fourth at Prep Nationals; about however, he definitely has the potential a month later, he came in third place at to achieve great things. Phil Conigliaro Freshmen Nationals. Conigliaro’s goals has received many accolades in the past; for next season are to win the Beast of the however, he has an even brighter future.☐

Athlete of the Issue: Colton Bradley By Evan Ricci Panel Staff

ly great coach. Colton has qualified for the National Championships every year for the past seven years since he has been eligible. Colton is included amongst some of the best gymnasts in the country. Colton is constantly faced with injury, which has been a challenge he has faced from the start. He has dealt with stress fractures throughout his career. While at the 2015 Blackjack Invitational in Las Vegas, he was recruited to West Point for his rings routine. At Army, Colton looks to keep getting stronger on the rings and be able to compete for the team next year. We wish the best of luck to Colton in his future endeavors on and off the floor.☐

Colton Bradley, a member of the Sixth Form, is a national gymnast. At 7 years old, Colton was an energetic boy who enjoyed climbing and jumping around the house, so his parents decided to put Colton through a gymnastics program at Burlington High School. From then on, Colton fell in love with the sport. A year later, he started the pre-team program at Gymnastics & More, a gym for gymnasts located in Woburn, MA, and then competed in his first meet as a Level 5 when he was 9 years old. Colton described to me that the competition season runs from December to May. These competitions include States, Regionals, and Nationals. Practice is year round for Colton consisting of 5-7 days a week, and 4-5 hours a day. Colton said that too many days off can leave a gymnast out of shape, and the gymnast’s muscle memory could begin to fade. Being a serious, and impressive gymnast, Colton is faced with the task of balancing his school life at Belmont Hill with gymnastics. When asked about this balance, Colton stated that “success in both comes at the expense of an often total lack of free time.” However, managing both has taught Colton to work efficiently on a tight schedule, certainly a characteristic that is desired and hard to achieve. Colton describes the gymnast commureceived a set of 6 new boats, and last nity as awesome, and includes a Colton at Tim Daggett Invitational year’s 6 boats have now been transferred great group of guys, and an equalto Winchester High School’s sailing team. The team’s first race was on April 8, at the Winchester Boat Club on the shore of Mystic Lake, against Dover Sherborn. The sailors braved tough very strong teams. After a tough battle By Maahin Gulati weather conditions which included rain and all three teams going back and forth, Staff Writer and hail, and came back with a very Belmont Hill prevailed. John Lazor was close loss with a score of 2-3. This did As the last of the snow finally the highlight of the day shooting 70 (one not deter the sailors, who went on to melted, the beautiful golf courses around under par). As Mr. Doar very clearly put win their next two races 2-0 and 3-0. the Massachusetts, are finally open. The it, “Deerfield and Taft have some of the The current record of the team is Belmont Hill golf team has started out best golf programs in the area. So for us 2-3, but the team has many a couple more their season with tremendous fire. The to go down there and beat both schools races to sail, and due to the strong nature team has taken Brooks down twice (6-1, shows that we take the Belmont Hill golf of the squad, it is expected that they will 4-3), and defeated Dexter, Taft, Deer- program very seriously and are ready to win. The culminating event of the sail- field, Middlesex, BB&N, St. Sebastian’s, compete.” Led by Captains John Lazor and ing season for the year is the Downeast St. George’s, Milton, and St. Marks. One Joe Lynch the golf team has a successful Regatta. Starting on May 15, a group of of the most impressive wins for the golf record of 11-0. With only 9 matches left sailors will drive up to the Maine coast team was in a tri-match against Taft and till the finale of the season, The Kingman several hours away to have a shot at Deerfield two weeks ago. Six boys trav- Tournament, it will be very interesting to claiming victory for Belmont Hill.☐ eled down to Connecticut to face the two see how the team wraps up the season.☐

Sailing Team Riding the Waves By Armin Thomas Staff Writer As the 2015 spring athletic season starts off, the Belmont Hill Varsity Sailing Team has gotten off to a great start. Captains James Collins ‘16 and Lucas Jurgensen ‘16 are leading the team to places as far away as Tabor Academy on the Cape and St. George’s School in Rhode Island, and bringing back victories for Belmont Hill. There are many returning veterans, such as Spencer Kim ‘16, Jacob Whitney ‘17, Jack Murphy ‘18, and Stephen Pellegrino ‘19. These team members have helped the newer members of the team learn the ropes of sailing. Since the first practice on March 30, the team has gotten much more efficient and better at team racing and roll tackling. This year the sailing team has

Golfers Hope for a Strong Finish

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NBA Season Review and Playoff Predictions By Bhawramaett Broehm and Ranjit Thomas Staff Writers Western Conference Semifinals: Golden State Warriors (1) vs Memphis Grizzlies (5) After a sweeping the Pelicans in the first round of the playoffs, it would seem that the Warriors are ready to carry their regular season success into into the postseason. With one of the best starting fives in the NBA (lead by the high-scoring "splash bros."), it is difficult to predict anything but a series win for Golden State. However, the Grizzlies have proven that they are able to play team basketball with a unique ability to adapt and incorporate a successful playing style to attack any team's weaknesses. With star power from Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph and young talent from Jeff Green, the Grizzlies could win one if not two games. Prediction: Warriors 4-2. Houston Rockets (2) vs LA Clippers (3) BA fans should be excited for yet another exhilarating Western Conference matchup as two of the most offense-oriented teams face off against one another. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are coming off an impressive Game 7 one possession game win, knocking the defending champion Spurs out of the playoffs. The tenacity they have already shown will likely take them far. On the other hand, James Harden has shown that individual talent should not be as underrated as it has been recently. Harden's offensive skill may be the deciding factor in what will likely be an extremely close series. That and Houston's Dwight Howard's

growing prominence in the paint. Prediction Rockets 4-3. Western Conference Finals:

Golden State Warriors (1) vs Houston Rockets (2) Any prediction regarding the outcome of an undecided Western Conference Finals is definitely premature, as all the teams still in the playoffs still have reason to consider themselves contenders. However, if the Warriors and Rockets do square off in the finals, it will be an exciting MVP-candidate standoff. Coincidently, there has recently been much debate over who deserves this prestigious titleSteph Curry of Golden State or James Harden of Houston. Perhaps the argument may be settled in this series. As for what team will come out on top, it is likely that the Warriors' deep roster and their better ability to play team basketball may carry them past the Rockets. Prediction: Warriors 4-2. Eastern Conference Semifinals: Atlanta Hawks (1) vs Washington Wizards (5) The Hawks have a dynamic starting lineup: Jeff Teague is an athletic guard, who can force turnovers, Kyle Korver is one of the best three point shooters in the league, Demarre Carroll plays lock-down defense on the perimeter, and the frontcourt tandem of Al Horford and Paul Millsap can dominate the paint. Although John Wall and Bradley Beal is the most exciting backcourt in the East, Washington fails to run an efficient half-court offense on a consistent basis. Like the Spurs in the West, the Hawks have played excellent team basketball this year. The Wizards may steal a couple games, but the Hawks should win the series within six games. Prediction: Hawks 4-3.

Cleveland Cavaliers (2) vs Chicago Bulls (3) The loss of Kevin Love will hurt the Cavs. Still, Kyrie and Lebron have the ability to take over a game. If Derrick Rose can take care of the ball and Jimmy Butler can consistently shoot the ball well, the Bulls should win two or three games. But, with more rest heading into the series, favorable position matchups, and a solid bench, including top-defender Iman Shumpert, the Cavs should still be in a good position to win this series. Predictions: Cavaliers 4-3. Eastern Conference Finals: Atlanta Hawks (1) vs Cleveland Cavaliers (2) Although the Hawks may have a more wellrounded team, Lebron James knows how to get to the finals. The Hawks pose some problems for the Cavs, as they can force turnovers and protect the rim. However, as teams go deeper into the playoffs, having a reliable superstar becomes increasingly important. While guys may be able to occasionally step up, the Hawks lack a player, like Lebron, who can single-handedly win a game. The Hawks will put up an exciting fight, perhaps pushing the series to seven games, but much to the chagrin of the Eastern Conference, Lebron James will be in the finals once again. Prediction: Cavailers 4-2.☐ Predicted NBA Finals Matchup: Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

2015 MLB Season Preview By Matt Reppucci Panel Staff AL East: This division should be an average one, with all five teams competing closely for the top spot. The Orioles won the division last year, but should expect a drop off after losing Nelson Cruz from the middle of the lineup, and not upgrading their average-at-best starting rotation. The Red Sox retooled and might score the most runs in baseball this season, but if their pitching continues to struggle horrendously, they won’t be going anywhere. The Rays always seem to find young pitchers who perform, and despite losing Matt Moore to Tommy John surgery, they still have Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi. Runs will be hard to come by for the Rays, but they should finish above .500 and fighting for a wild card spot. The Blue Jays and their stacked lineup are always tough to beat, but luckily for opponents their pitching might be worse than that of the Red Sox. The Yankees could surprise if Masahiro Tanaka pitches like an ace and their lineup full of 30+ veterans overachieve, and should be in the hunt into September. Predicted Division Winner: Boston Red Sox AL Central: This one should be a two team race. The Tigers and Royals are the jewels of this division, as the Tigers have a very good rotation led by David Price and an unbelievable lineup (see Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, Ian Kinsler, Yoenis Cespedes, etc.), and the Royals are coming off a World Series berth with an experienced lineup, an above-average pitching staff, and a lights-out bullpen led by Wade Davis and Greg Holland. Although the White Sox added a stud pitcher in Jeff Samardzija, and a solid bat in Adam Laroche to a core of Jose Abreu and Chris Sale, the rest of their team is below average. The Indians just don’t have anyone to carry them, and with a team of platoon players and below-average pitchers, they should finish near the bottom of the league in winning percentage. The same goes for the Twins, although they have a bright future with a plethora of highly-rated prospects in line for promotions at the end of this year and into the next few. Predicted Division Winner: Kansas City Royals AL West: This division was expected to be a close race throughout the year, but none of the teams are off to such great starts. The Angels should perform well again, as they have an above-average lineup led by Mike Trout and Albert Pujols, but their pitching staff is not great, and come the end of the year might have trouble putting them in position to win enough games to take the division. The Athletics are always in the hunt despite a lack

of superstars, and they should be again, as Sonny Gray and Scott Kazmir are very good players who will take them to a lot of regular-season wins. The Astros are off to a hot start (thanks to Dallas Keuchel, Colin McHugh, and Jose Altuve), but their lack of proven talent and strikeout-prone lineup should not hold up throughout the whole season. The Mariners added Nelson Cruz to the middle of a lineup featuring Robinson Cano, but they always seem to go only as far as Felix Hernandez can take them, which, this year, could end up awarding them a wild card spot. The Rangers have no pitching. Their lineup is solid, but again, the Rangers have absolutely no pitching, and should finish last in the division. Predicted Division Winner: Oakland Athletics NL East: The Washington Nationals were favored by many to win the World Series as they have a stacked rotation one-tofive (Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann, Doug Fister, and Gio Gonzalez), but thus far their lineup and as this looks to be an average year for them. The Brewfielding has failed them. They certainly have the potential to ers have the talent, but have underperformed thus far go on a long winning streak and go far in the playoffs, but it and injuries have hurt them, but even at full-strength, takes more than just a list of five names to win baseball games. they lack elite pitching which is needed in the National The Braves are always solid, but should finish at about .500 League, possibly leaving them with a sub .500 season. and seem OK with that thought after trading Craig Kimbrel. Predicted Division Winner: Chicago Cubs The Marlins have lots of young talent, and they might surprise with their lineup, but it does seem like one year too early NL West: for this team since All-Star Jose Fernandez will be out until The Dodgers have some competition this year, mid-June recovering from Tommy John. The Mets have an old but boast a lineup with big names and a rotation led lineup, but have lots of great young pitching (plus 42-year-old by Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke that lend themBartolo Colon) led by Matt Harvey and Jacob DeGrom and selves to a run at the division title. The Padres re-loadcould fight for the division if Washington continues to under- ed and now offer a high-powered lineup led by Matt perform. The Phillies are the only team in this division with- Kemp and James Shields as the ace of their very good out a real bright side, as they have old pitching, old hitting, and staff. They have played well against the Dodgers this no prospects. They will need to trade Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, year, and seem to have the best chance to unseat them and Chase Utley in order to acquire pieces for the future, be- as division champs. The Rockies always seem to have a cause they are sure to finish last in the division either way. good, young lineup, and this year is no different. Troy Predicted Division Winner: Washington Nationals Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez, Nolan Arenado, Charlie Blackmon, and Corey Dickerson could carry this team NL Central: to a strong year, and a push for a Wild Card spot, but The Cardinals have been to the NLCS in three straight their below-average pitching will need to hold up in oryears, and should have the chance to get back there if they ac- der to do so. The Diamondbacks are in a sort of purgacomplish their expected goal of winning the division. They have tory, as they have a superstar in Paul Goldschmidt, but a proven and balanced lineup and a good rotation, although everyone is young or average and just good enough to with the news of Adam Wainwright’s season-ending injury, keep them around .500. They should not expect more they might fall short of their goal this year. The Cubs could be from this season as they wait for their prospects to dea beneficiary of the Wainwright injury, as they have a solid ro- velop for future years. The Giants are defending World tation led by John Lester and a lineup of incredible prospects, Series Champions, but they never seem to play well a most notably Kris Bryant, who could lead their charge for a year after a championship, and seem to be headed down division title. The Pirates are always in the hunt, but Andrew a similar path this year. They will be solid, but should McCutchen will have to return to form if they hope to have a not make the playoffs, as they have lost too many players shot at a Wild Card spot or even the division. The Reds have and the rest will underperform throughout the year.☐ solid pitching and a solid lineup, and might end up trading stud Predicted Division Winner: San Diego Padres Johnny Cueto if they aren’t in the hunt by the trade deadline,

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Jekyll + Hyde By Zac Brown Band

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Piano Trio Works with the Best

zigs and zags in and out of country muBy George Hu sic, and at points completely annihilates Staff Writer what you could ever expect from them. On the warm Saturday evening of The Zac Brown Band currently has Released in March, “Heavy is the Head” is three albums in the top 100 on iTunes, a hard-rock song featuring Chris Cornell. April 11th, 2015, the Belmont Hill Piano two of which are over two years old. Their “Heavy is the Head” currently sits near the Trio performed the fourth movement of new album, Jekyll + Hyde, which was re- top of the charts with good reason, as it is the Brahms Piano Trio in B Major in a leased on April 28, sits at the top of that one of the album’s best, but it is anything masterclass with Ms. Mia Chung Yee, a list with a hefty standing. Jekyll + Hyde is but a country song. Also in the hard-rock professor at the Curtis institute of Philahardly a down home country album; one category, “Junkyard” is over seven minutes delphia, one of the premier music conserwould be hard pressed to label the album of an absolute head-banger of a song, and vatories in the world. Initially assembled under any genre, given the choice. The Zac I love every minute of it; John Driskell as a new extracurricular group before this Brown Band has always been ambitious Hopkins’s deep voice in the background school year, the Trio, whose members inin their albums, pushing the boundaries makes the song. On the recorded songs, clude violinist Austin Kwoun (’18), cellist of country music, but for Jekyll + Hyde, it seems like there is something missing Spencer Kim (’16), and pianist George there are many points when the sound that I feel will come out in a live show. Hu (’16), had attracted Ms. Chung Yee’s completely leaves the country reservation. Crank out the bell-bottoms, be- attention in the fall with their recording In fact, the genres within Jekyll + Hyde cause it’s time for some 70’s easy listening of the first movement of Mendelssohn’s change so much from song to song that with “Loving You Easy.” The song is un- Piano Trio in D minor, and with the help the album loses cohesion: it’s a mess of believably catchy, and the opening guitar of their instructor, Mr. Glenn, the masterjam-band country, rock, gospel, jazz, and riff is impossible to forget once you have class had been arranged in early March. In front of a small audience in the EDM. In a world where individual song heard it. “Beautiful Drug” and “Tomorrow downloads far outweigh album purchases, Never Comes” are two songs that heav- music building, Ms. Chung Yee delivered this genre mashup seems to work fine, ily incorporate EDM elements, and be- a mesmerizing hour of coaching that inbut the album on the whole has no true long on Kiss 108 instead of the Bull: they spired the Piano Trio and audience memidentity or logical progression of songs; might as well be Avicii songs. An acous- bers alike. To the Trio, Ms. Chung Yee enI find myself skipping all around the al- tic version of “Tomorrow Never Comes” thusiastically gave helpful instructions and bum, rather than listening to it in order. is also included, and it is much more of advice on dramatizing and energizing the Released as a single back in a natural Zac Brown feel. “Bittersweet” work through dynamics and artistic exJanuary, “Homegrown” is the closest is a somber tune that makes you want pression. The Trio’s instructor, Mr. Glenn, to what is generally expected from the to reach for the tissues; its lyrics and in- commented, “I think that this masterclass Zac Brown Band: a country jam-band strumental opening are simply beautiful. really reinvigorated the group. While the feel and lyrics like “I’ve got everything “Remedy” takes on a gospel feel and has Trio has always impressed at school, a I need, and nothing that I don’t.” Be- powerful messages with it; it is certainly cause of the sheer love for this traditional the most introspective song on the album. Zac Brown Band sound, “Homegrown” The biggest surprise of the alreached the very top of Billboard in bum is “Mango Tree” with Sara Bareilles, April, and remained there for two weeks. a jazz/big band tune with island-inspired The country and island songs that lyrics. Though the song is catchy and the Zac Brown Band is known for are not a good listen, it would fall flat withotherwise absent from the album. “Wild- out Bareilles, and seems to serve no fire” might be the most country of the purpose on the album, other than to songs on the album, and has a touch of show the musical aptitude of Brown. Eric Church (who co-wrote the song) in Because of the now true establishit; this song has the potential to be a huge ment of the Zac Brown Band as a player in hit. “Castaway” and “I’ll Be Your Man” country music, the band has taken a numprovide a great margaritaville/Jimmy ber of risks that may or may not pay off Buffett feel, though “I’ll Be Your Man” is in the way of a smorgasbord of an album. simply too long; it might as well be over Jekyll + Hyde is certainly a fitting name for about halfway through the song. “One this new album, in that it truly has a split Day” has a wonderful groove to it, and in- personality. This incongruence in personvokes the desire to chair-dance in the lis- ality and genre, however, makes the album tener. “Dress Blues” is a cover of the song feel all-over-the-map, and not always in a by Jason Isbell, and the Zac Brown Band good way. Each of the songs has its own completely outdid him. An emotional merit, and most, if not all, are good listens song about the funeral of a soldier, “Dress when taken individually. The Zac Brown Blues” might be the best on the album. It’s Band kicked off their largest tour yet this a bit too long for radio, so don’t expect to month, and it includes an unprecedented hear it there; spend your $1.29 on this one. three-night-stand at Fenway Park in AuFor the rest of the album, the band gust (limited tickets are still available).☐ By Jake DeCaprio Panel Staff

lesson with one of the best chamber music coaches in the country has definitely pushed the Trio to perform the Brahms at another level of musical expression.” Despite the sophistication of her masterclass musical advice, Ms. Chung Yee remained entertaining and accessible to the audience throughout the session. One student observer noted, “Musically, the class seemed very sophisticated, but I also felt like it was relatively accessible to me as a layperson and fun to watch. I’m so glad I went, because it really was amazing to see someone that passionate and that skilled throw herself into the class and really help these three super talented young musicians.” Overall, the masterclass with Ms. Chung Yee has been a blessing and benefit to the Piano Trio. Incorporating her helpful suggestions, the group has since performed the Brahms at the Corporation Dinner, Spring Concert, and Parents’ Council Evening with the Head of School. One member of the Trio specifically remarked “the Masterclass really helped us. While everyday rehearsal with Mr. Glenn was always productive, being taught by a world-class coach really helped us to play at our maximum level and quality.” The Trio would like to thank the audience, their parents, Mr. Glenn, Mr. Mahoney, Dr. Melvoin, and, of course, Ms. Chung Yee for making the evening possible.☐

Executive Editor Brendan Pulsifer

Editors-in-Chief Jake DeCaprio Jay O’Brien

Arts Editor Alex Afeyan

Copy Editors Ishaan Prasad John Markis

Sports Editor Matt Reppucci Photo Editor John Gosselin

Assistant Editors Gus Lamb Evan Ricci Jack Richards Ben Rush

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Artist of The Issue: Seamus Clair

mus has also performed at seasonal coffeehouses, displaying his singing voice and playing songs with friends. This issue’s Artist of the Issue Another musical talent of Seamus’ is is Seamus Clair of the Fourth Form. the ukulele. The ukulele is his favorThroughout the past four years, Sea- ite instrument, and he has been playmus has been an active member of Bel- ing it frequently for several years. Currently starring as Robby the mont Hill’s music and theatre community. In Middle School, he sang in the Stockfish in the spring show, UrinetGlee Club and performed in several own, a satirical comedy musical with holiday concerts and shows. Seamus Dana Hall School, Seamus has a long is an esteemed member of the B-Flats list of plays on his theatre resume. His and has also acted and sang in numer- first show was Beverly Hillbillies back ous plays and musicals at Belmont in 2011. In 2012, he appeared in FidHill, performed in coffeehouses, and dler on the Roof with several Belmont has a passion for playing the ukulele. Hill and Winsor School students. He A former vocalist of the group also was a cast member of The PajaNot the B’s, Seamus has retained ma Game, Chicago, and Twelve Anhis passion for music in the Upper gr y Jurors. To conclude a year of fanSchool, as he is finishing his first tastic plays and musicals, Urinetown year as an affiliate of the B-Flats. For begins May 15 at Dana Hall School. Sadly, next year Seamus will Seamus, the B-Flats is a way for him to spend time with friends and be a not be continuing his tremendous part of something special while do- music and theatre career at Belmont ing something that he loves. In his Hill. Instead, he will be attending SYA own words, “B-Flats is a great way of China, a high school study abroad making new friends. Ever yone is on a and homestay program. Spending sports team, but it’s great to be able the entire academic year across the to do other things and be a part of ex- globe is an extraordinar y opportutracurriculars. It’s something I really nity, and we wish Seamus the best of enjoy and I would recommend.” Sea- luck in his upcoming adventure!☐ By Augustus Lamb Panel Staff

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Students at the Spring Coffeehouse

An Impressive Show of Talent at Ryles By JP Champa Staff Writer

Faculty Advisors David Hegarty Juliette Zener News Editor Jason Fischman Opinion Editor Mack Perry Online Editor Arnav Prasad

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 2015 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. Printed by the Harvard Crimson, Cambridge, MA 02138.

Sax, Mr. Glenn on alto sax, Armin Thomas on trombone, John Lazor, Benny Wanger and John Paul ChamOn the Friday evening of May pa on trumpet. Playing in both 1, both the Upper School Jazz En- the Combo and Ensemble, Scott semble and the Jazz Combo traveled and Juan Carlos didn’t have much to Ryles Jazz Club in Cambridge for down time between arrangements. a night of music. Under the direction After a short intermission, of Mr. Glenn, the bands performed a both bands played their second and Matt Reppucci variety of both jazz and fusion mu- final sets of the year. The Combo sic. This performance was particularly showed their musical skill with a Above: canoes built by seniors in Mr. Zamore’s Maine Coast Inquiry Course heartfelt, as it was the final concert variety of different songs includfor seniors Eric Dawson, John Lazor, ing Sandu, Nice and Easy, and Work and Benny Wanger. At 7:00p.m., the Song, complemented by fantastic doors opened and parents, friends, solos from all members. The Jazz and teachers filled the room. While Ensemble then played Brick House, dining on BBQ ribs and pulled pork an obvious favorite of the audience, sliders, guests listened to the groups Children of Sanchez, and Take Five. play their best music from the year. The evening ended with Mr. The Jazz Combo kicked off the Glenn thanking the Ryles staff for night with their first set of 3 tunes. the opportunity to play. He also Members included pianist Lucas Jur- expressed his appreciation to Mr. gensen, bassist Juan Carlos Fernandez Patterson for his help both on this del Castillo, guitarist Sean Rayment, night and throughout the year. Lastdrummer Scott Jackson, David Yellen ly, he was grateful to both the parand Jack Richards on alto sax, and Wil- ents and especially the students, liam Weiter and Brian Tanabe on tenor for both their hard work and comsax. They played a variety of jazz clas- mitment to the music program. The sics, including selections by Dizzy Gil- jazz ensemble finished out the night lespie, Grant Green and Miles Davis. with their last rendition of Sticks, After a round of applause, the Jazz an upbeat and energetic song. The Band took the stage to perform their crowd loved it and expressed their first set. It was the first set for guitar- appreciation for all the perforHolly Gettings ist Eric Dawson, Marshall Knight on mances with a standing ovation. Bari Sax, Ethan McIlhenny on Tenor The evening was a huge success.☐ The Jazz Combo at this year’s Spring Coffeehouse

BELMONT HILL OPINION

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The Increasing Value of Language & Classics at Belmont Hill By Arnav Prasad Panel Staff

In recent years, multilingualism has grown to be regarded as a necessary skill rather than a rare talent around the world. Within Belmont Hill, there is a

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“Learning a language, paired with developing an understanding for cultures far different from ours, remains an impressive feat of patience, hard-work, and skill.” at Belmont Hill, it will be important to diversify the options to engage new students. And as for the the Belmont Hill’s language and classics programs, it is clear that students in all forms can benefit from new options for exploration and learning.☐

BELMONT HILL OPINION

Should High School Students Take AP Classes? Yea

Nay

the country take each year. In this exam, nearly 50% of the students who took the test last year achieved By Alex Afeyan a 5, and about 65% achieved a 4 or a By Jack Richards Panel Staff 5. Although a 5 in this subject may Panel Staff not be as outlying or statistically Last year, over two mil- impressive as a top mark in an exam Every year, thousands of lion students took at least one AP with lower standouts, the standard- determined high school students course and exam, including more ized format of the class ensures that enroll in Advanced Placementthan fifty thousand Massachusetts the large number of students who level courses, arguably the most high schoolers. AP tests widely did earn a 5 have a high level of un- challenging courses in the school.

Furthermore, understanding foreign cultures has become increasingly relevant to the Belmont Hill student body and the professional world. common agreement that adaptability, communication, and a mutual understanding are fundamental traits of a contributing member to any team, workforce, or community. Furthermore, understanding foreign cultures has become increasingly relevant to the Belmont Hill student body and the professional world. This spring, an optional survey concerning the opinions on each language was distributed to students of every form at Belmont Hill. After stating which language they are currently (or had been) learning, participating students considered four questions: how much they enjoyed their language (on a scale between 1-10), how difficult/challenging they found their language (on a scale between 1-10), why they chose their language (mark all that apply), and their overall experience with languages at Belmont Hill. Learning a language, paired with developing an understanding for cultures far different from ours, remains an impressive feat of patience, hard-work, and skill. Furthermore, such an accomplishment is increasingly recognized by colleges and employers. With many interested students having addressed the value of being a part of their language and classics departments

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consist of highly regulated courses derstanding of Calculus sufficient At Belmont Hill, many students with uniform curricula throughout to excel in the subject in college. choose an AP class simply bethe United States. These standardThe challenge for schools that cause it is the most difficult; unized exams provide a completely decide to do away with the AP sys- like many other schools, especially unbiased way of comparing the tem is establishing the same value larger and/or public schools, there achievement of students in a given and reputation for an advanced are no honors-level classes for subject. For example, last year over course as defined by the school. subjects such as history, science, two hundred thousand students Although a school like Belmont and some languages - only regufrom across America took AP Bi- Hill has built a high level of trust lar and AP. Although some stuology, an offered class for sopho- with elite colleges like Harvard, dents hope to test their academic mores at Belmont Hill. Of these Yale, Princeton, and Stanford, a skills, often times they choose an national students, just fourteen shift from the AP system to what AP course hoping for a “5” on the thousand (6.6%) achieved a top Belmont Hill defines as “advanced exam, which will look good to score of a 5, clearly separating the courses” would necessitate a sig- colleges and exempt them from standout students, giving an easily nificant amount of evidence in some college classes. Ironically, interpretable statistic to colleges order to prove that the classes of- more and more colleges, such as considering a potential applicant. fered truly match or exceed the Columbia and Brown, no longer Another example occurs difficulty of an AP Exam. The ease accept any AP scores as a means in Calculus BC, an AP usually of comparison provided by AP of testing out of a class, undertaken by Belmont Hill seniors, exams, as well as the assured dif- standing that an impressive exam which over a hundred thousand ficulty of the tests, make the AP grade does not necessarily reflect high school students from across system superior to other options.☐ a student’s talents in the subject.

As students cram shallow, bulk learning over the course of a year for a prescribed exam, they force themselves to ephemerally learn as much as possible; as soon as the exam is over, the relieved students often forget the material which they had spent the year learning. A recent Dartmouth study revealed that 90% of 100+ high school seniors who scored a 5 on the AP Psych exam, expecting to be exempted from the college course, failed an entry-level, APstyle Psych exam the following fall. Since each and every student who participates in these rigorous classes is subject to identical syllabi and exams, teachers across the country are limited in what they can teach. Educators, feeling a growing strain to assure that they do not stray too far from the set material, must curtail fruitful class discussions to adhere to the course guidelines. In addition, the College Board changes the AP syllabus often, restricting teachers in what they can explore in the classroom, as they must spend precious time adapting to the whole new curriculum and exam. Yet another issue presents itself in the form of Belmont Hilloffered AP classes; the school is only able to offer a fraction of the AP courses that are available every year. Although this may be due to the size of the school or other factors, students are limited to choose from only the most essential AP classes, such as chemistry, European and U.S. history, and BC calculus. The school, moreover, has not yet deeply committed itself to the AP curricula due to the small number of APs offered, allowing for a fairly easy and smooth transition to an APfree curriculum. Indeed, some of the original schools to adopt AP’s, such as Andover and Exeter, have questioned the reliability of the system; Exeter and Pomfret School have recently decided to completely drop AP’s, while Andover is only retaining a select few. Clearly there are drawbacks to AP courses that outnumber the benefits. With these considerations, Belmont Hill should consider dropping most or all APs in favor of a BH-specialized, flexible, and equally rigorous level of courses.☐

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Vanilla or Chocolate? 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 subsequent issue along with a brand new talking point. So without further ado, we present the fifth debate—vanilla vs. chocolate

Team Vanilla By Gabe Schmittlein Panel Staff I had avoided this debate for months, because arguing with Jay about taste buds is like debating over who has more luscious hair -- it’s pointless, and I’d win without a doubt. However, as the idea of debating vanilla vs. chocolate brewed in my head for the last few weeks, I realized

that there is merit in debating the topic, for the argument itself transcends simple genetics. I am not a vanilla supporter because I was given some hereditar y gene labeled “you shall like vanilla.” In fact, to dispel the notion that the vanilla vs. chocolate debate could be solved by simply analyzing genetics, I will mention that my dad is actually a zealous chocolate fan. He also likes eating radishes, so can we really trust him? Thus, here I am, about to tell you why vanilla is better than chocolate; let’s begin… Ever ybody knows that when we’re discussing vanilla vs. chocolate, we’re talking mainly in terms of ice cream. Sure, I could do some re-

search and find all the dishes that have vanilla in them and Jay could do the same with chocolate, but that’s not what the people pay to read. The people pay to see the heavy hitters, and there’s no heavier hitter (that’s a double entendre, because ice cream is both world-renowned and a good way to become heavier) than the refreshing delicacy that we call ice cream. For starters, let me

say that plain chocolate ice cream is absolutely Busch League when compared with plain vanilla ice cream. If I wanted to eat something that was unfathomably bitter and had the consistency of a sponge, I’d eat Jay’s side of the debate, because it’s bitter and full of holes. Boom. Roasted. Vanilla, on the other hand, has that smooth texture that is complemented so perfectly by its delicate sweetness. The real value in vanilla ice cream, though, comes with its adaptability. For all you math studs out there, I like to call it the common denominator of the ice cream world. There simply are not any ice cream toppings or alternate ice cream

Team Chocolate flavors that will not mix well with vanilla. At times we may and thinking, “Yikes...This kid has By Jay O’Brien not even notice that vanilla a vanilla cake. Well, the friendship Panel Staff ice cream is the base of so was fun while it lasted…” True many classic flavors, but upon While some people argue story. Chocolate birthday cakes further research the evidence that everyone is entitled to their are simply rich in taste in comis countless. All of Oreo, opinion, in the case of the choco- parison to the vanilla cakes, and Cookies and Cream, Choco- late vs. vanilla, there is only one the same is true for cupcakes. I late Chip Cookie Dough, the correct opinion. Plain and simple. mean, I’ve been on this Earth for Americone Dream, French The clear answer for this outra- 16 years, and I still don’t really Vanilla, and Moose Tracks geous debate is chocolate. There’s know where vanilla comes from. Is are built up from the founda- not even a doubt in my mind. A it a bean like chocolate? Does one tion that is vanilla ice cream. person’s stance on chocolate vs. grow vanilla? If so, how does one Sure, chocolate plays a role in vanilla certainly says a lot about grow vanilla? I would look it up, that individual, where those that but I don’t feel that such a boring are pro-chocolate tend to make flavor deserves my time. Speaking good decisions in life and enjoy of boring flavors, vanilla pudding

taking educated risks (that has is a dishonor to the pudding game, been proven by scientists, look it and I am simply unable to underup). On the other hand, Google stand the thought process behind defines the word vanilla as “hav- buying vanilla pudding over chocing no special or extra features: olate, especially when chocolate standard or ordinary.” Now I don’t pudding tastes as good as it does. know about you, but I absolutely Chocolate has also made a love when the foods that I eat name for itself in the candy induscontain lots and lots of “standard” try, where chocolate has singlewith a touch of “ordinary” (just handedly allowed for the creation several of those flavors, and kidding, that sounds terrible). For of incredible chocolate bars like it is true that I enjoy choco- those who still need convincing, I Crunch, Snickers, and 3 Muslate in small quantities, but feel that it is important to list the keteers. I almost feel bad for the I will embark on a heated abundance of tasty and financially candy companies that try and sell argument with anyone who successful brands of food that con- vanilla forms of their product, such would proclaim chocolate tain chocolate, as well as describe as golden Oreos (yikes). Plus, one to be the main ingredient in the rich taste that has made choco- can eat chocolate in liquid form the aforementioned flavors. late a Hall-of-Fame-caliber flavor. (hot chocolate), syrup form, cookie If a bowl of some arThere are certainly many form, chip form, and even mousse bitrar y ice cream flavor were types of foods that allow people form. Vanilla simply can not keep to be described in Hollywood to choose between vanilla and up with chocolate’s ability to cover terms, chocolate would be chocolate, the main examples be- all of the different spectrums for that forgettable cast member ing cupcakes, birthday cakes, pud- food. Chocolate’s versatility and while vanilla would be Leon- ding, and ice cream. I distinctly overall taste quality creates a wellardo DiCaprio. I don’t neces- remember going to a kids birthday rounded flavor that is clearly supesarily dislike chocolate, I just party back in elementary school, rior to that of vanilla. Debate over.☐ think it’s less important, and so does Leonardo DiCaprio. Just like Leo desperately deser ves to win an Oscar, vanilla undoubtedly deser ves to win this debate. It’s in your hands now. Vote vanilla.☐

Results from Last Debate LOTR - 47

40%

Star Wars - 72

60%

Advantage: Star Wars

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The Mystery of Doc Fast’s Missing Keys

Email 1: Stanndard SOS email here from Doc Fast. He seems to have lost the keys to his Miata. Not sure when or where he lost them. As far as we know, he may have lost them back in 1969 while rocking out to Jimi Hendricks at Woodstock.

Email 2: Veteran move here by Doc, providing us with some specifics as to where or when he might have lost the keys. Woodstock seems unlikely. Spoiler alert - we have a clever bit of foreshadowing when Doc Fast includes that he travelled from “Melvoin AC to my classroom.” Brillliant work by Doc to layer his text with such advanced literary devices.

Email 3: He’s found the keys! Without a doubt enthralling and wellwritten mystery stories I’ve read. YOU’RE WELCOME FOR THE SUPPORT DOC:|:).

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Pats Season Predictions

Bye Week