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Overshadowed by an older sibling?
Don’t Worship the Ivy League pg. 5
pg. 6-7
Volu m e 6 2 , Issu e 4
Nov. 2 6 , 2 0 1 3
A Student Publication of the Belmont Hill School
The Elephant on Campus
Talking Turkey about Teen Drinking Culture By Jacob Pagano Panel Staff When an on-campus EMT from Boston College rose to speak at last week’s gathering of Belmont Hill and NCDS seniors, everyone listened. She was young, pretty, a recent graduate of a local high school, and what she was talking about—her experience dealing with binge drinking on college campuses—felt relevant, even urgent, important to a group of college-bound seniors. Yet the college drinking scene she reported was not the
Form IV Field Day By Jay O’Brien Panel Staff While the majority of the student body sat in class on October 8th, Belmont Hill students of the Fourth Form rushed down to the Jordan Athletic Center to prepare for the Form IV Field Day. The students were separated into different teams based on their advisor groups, and then engaged in a variety of competitions. For every first place finish, a team was awarded 5 points, with the amount of points awarded decreasing by one for each descending standing. Those who placed outside of the top 5 earned no points at all. At the end of the day, the scores were tallied, and the advisor group with the most points was victorious. Field Day began on the tennis courts, where the advisor groups were judged based on their uniforms. The various apparel ranged from the jerseys of Boston sports teams, as seen from Mrs. Sweeney’s group, to bright pink tank tops, worn by Mr. Bradley’s advisees. From there, the competition shifted onto the football field, where the relay and Ultimate Frisbee took place. These Belmont Hill upper-schoolers could be seen sprinting across the football field, almost resembling a group of elementary school students at recess. The following event was a two-person egg toss, with each pair of students representing an advisor group. In the end, the final two pairs were at least 60 feet apart, yet the event surprisingly concluded in a tie between the two teams. continued on page 3
glorious, romanticized party scene you hear about in Katy Perry’s “Last Friday Night,” nor was it the ecstatic utopia you see in “Project X.” We all know about the debauchery that occurs in a college dorm—the EMT was here to tell us about the aftermath, about what happens after that “really crazy night.” I understand why we glamorize our binging culture—and there’s good reason teenagers hold the creed that the more spirit, the better the night. Hanging naked outside of frat houses while striking at a pinata, escap-
ing the reality of adult life in a few hours of euphoria on Saturday night, feeling big and powerful and loquacious for an evening— it’s all really fun. But going too far, too often, as relatively young college students—there’s nothing cool about that. And for the EMT that’s awaiting calls from drunken freshmen, the blackouts are downright frightening. The coeducational event, led by Ms. David and the cohort of Peer Leaders, allowed us to hear from people like the EMT, who depicted the “life of the party” with precision and
honesty. When describing her job as a first-responder at BC, she said “I get many calls on an average Saturday night, and the vast majority of those are from
Learning to indulge without over-indulging. freshman, who are usually reporting blacked-out friends or buddies who have ‘gone way over their limit’...Yes, I tell them, 14 shots in 20 minutes is too much.”
Veteran Meyer Shares His Story By Michael O’Neill Panel Staff This year’s Veterans Day chapel presented the school with an incredibly rare and exciting opportunity. In a very special gathering of the school, everybody had the chance to hear from Mr. Henry H. Meyer, Jr., a graduate of the Class of 1939 and a surviving World War II veteran. Mr. Meyer embodies much of what Belmont Hill students should aspire to be, and it was truly an honor to listen to such a wise and brave American hero. Mr. Meyer shared several of his experiences during the war, while also honoring the memory of his younger brother, Peter, another graduate of the school, who sadly lost his life during the war. Additionally, he recognized two of his fellow classmates who also fought in the war and explained their roles in fighting the Axis powers.
Specifically, Mr. Meyer discussed what it was like to be involved in the German-offensive Battle of the Bulge, during which more US soldiers were killed or wounded than in any other Wo r l d War II
conflict. He expounded, “it (meaning the Battle of the Bulge) caused the loss of thousands of lives of soldiers not much older than the people sitting in the front row.” As the front row was populated with members of the Senior class, these words especially hit home once it was understood that those who died were the same age as many students. American troops like Mr. Meyer and his brother fought off the enemy forces valiantly alongside British allies. “I was fortunate. I came home,” he stated. Tragically, about 19,000 Americans were killed during the month-long assault, Mr. Meyer’s brother being one of them. However, it was not in vain that these men sacrificed themselves for their country, as an Allied victory proved Bill Mahoney to be a decisive turning point in the
She didn’t want to provide us Sixth Form students with an ominous, overly grim view of our college futures, nor did she promote abstinence. She just wanted to let us know this: most college freshmen simply aren’t very good at drinking. They haven’t developed the ability to wade into tipsiness and the enjoyment of a good buzz while still avoiding a cataclysmic tip into crapulent oblivion. Complete, boundless Bacchanal indulgence and the “library grind” stand as the two extremes of freshman existence. continued on page 4
New BH Website By Andrés Fernández del Castillo Panel Staff
These days, the first step towards learning about something new invariably involves the internet. So, when prospective Belmont Hill parents want to learn more about the school, their curiosity will compel them to make a quick google search. To them, the site is representative of the school, and so the goal of the site is to make a spectacular first impression. The old site had performed this task admirably, but things have changed since the site’s creation in 2008: technology has been constantly evolving, making web design elsewhere much slicker. In response to the need for a more modern approach, the old Belmont Hill website has now been overhauled to create a sleeker, more navigable new site. continued on page 3
Looking Ahead: Varsity Hockey By John Sutherland Panel Staff As the temperature drops and athletes begin to migrate off the fields and into the Athletic Center, the varsity hockey team, led by captains Danny Kelly, Matt Melanson and Tyler Granara, is poised to have a strong season in the alwayscompetitive ISL. Despite losing many offensive weapons from an exceptionally strong graduating class, the team returns a strong core group of seniors as well as some tal-
ented and scrappy sophomores and juniors. This year’s team is loaded with talent on both offense and defense, and there are many young players ready to step into those skates left by last spring’s graduates. The ultimate goal for this season is to win the ISL Championship and return to the New England Tournament. This was emphasized by Captain Danny Kelly: “This year we have a great group of returning players. The common goal we’ve all talked about since the end of last year is making it past the
first round of the playoffs. continued on page 11
Courtesy Photo
Belmont Hill News
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Juniors Help Rebuild Generation-Spanning Memorial Park Senate Official By Samuel Porter Greets Students Staff Writer
By Liam Foley On Friday, October 11th, the Form Staff Writer V boys traveled to the Winnbrook Elementary School in Belmont to help rebuild Joey’s Earlier in November, several stuPark. The park was originally built in 1989 dents were given the opportunity to to honor Joey O’Donnell, a young boy who hear from Mr. Alan Frumin, a friend of passed away in 1986 after a long battle with Mr. MacLean’s and the former Parliacystic fibrosis. One of the goals of this project mentarian of the US Senate. For those was to raise money for the Joey Fund, which who do not know, a Senate Parliamenis part of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The tarian’s job is to be an expert on Senate Joey Fund was founded in November 1986, rules and procedures and to be able and since then has raised over $56,000,000 to interpret its by-laws. Mr. Frumin for cystic fibrosis research. Many of Joey’s shared details about his interesting childhood friends led the rebuild, along job and told a number of fascinating with the help of Suffolk Construction Comstories about his endeavors in the uppany. The boys were just a few of the 2,000 per house. He graduated from Colgate plus volunteers who helped keep the cost University in 1968 and later attended of the build as low as possible. The entirety Georgetown University in pursuit of of the project was completed by volunteers a law degree. Mr. Frumin revealed from the community, in a fantastic showthat after graduating from Georgeing of the power of a community effort. town, he simply filled out an appliThe form left immediately following Fifth Formers contribute to reconstruction efforts at Joey’s Park Bill Mahoney cation for a job in the senate and, to the 8:00 chapel, and worked straight through his surprise, was offered the position. the morning. For the building, the boys split supervised by professional workers, as well port a really important cause.” Fifth former Thus, his career in Congress started up into advisor groups, and each group be- as other volunteers with building experience. Noah Levine said that “It feels really good to in 1974 as editor of the Deschler’s ing given a specific task to accomplish. The While the work was tiring, all of the give back to the community, and it feels like Precedents of the House of Repretasks ranged from digging holes, to spread- teachers and students knew how impor- we’re all working together as a school and as sentatives. Due to his skill with and ing wood chips, to pouring concrete. After tant their contribution was to the Belmont a form”. The boys worked hard until the early knowledge of senatorial proceedings a quick lunch and basketball break, they community. Said Mr. Armstrong of the day, afternoon, when the students all returned and precedents as well as the fact that were all out there again working on the park. “It’s a great effort on the community and it’s to school after a hard day’s work, though he had no affiliation to either party, The afternoon was more focused on digging wonderful that our boys could be down here, lifted by the knowledge of their contribu- Mr. Frumin was promoted to the Senholes for the base posts of the playground and faculty too.” He continued, adding, “It’s tion to the community of Belmont, as well ate Parliamentarian’s office in 1977. equipment to be set into. The students were good to help the community and also sup- as toward the research of cystic fibrosis. ☐ The government official worked under Murray Zweben until Zweben was let go in 1981, when Robert Dove took over as his boss. When the Democratic Party gained a Senate majority in 1987, Dove was dismissed and Frumin began his reign By Chip Daley as Parliamentarian. Frumin describes Staff Writer his job as being a “referee” of the SenOnly 8 p.m. Empty gym. No rowdy teen- ate, gifted with the power to decide agers. Just a bunch of tables still lined with full what can or can not be added to cerbeverages and sugary snacks. A very sad state tain bills. Frumin continued to be of affairs as the teacher chaperones and finally chief Parliamentarian until the Rethe D.J packed everything up and headed out publican Party regained control over of the door of one previous Belmont Hill Semi- the senate in 1997 and Robert Dove Formal dance. Since this disastrous occasion, took Frumin’s job, however, just four the student leaders of the upper-school sen- years later, Dove was dismissed yet Bill Mahoney Above: More volunteer work at Joey’s Park ate have often been hesitant to plan a “Semi” again and the Republicans promoted Alumni House Below: The Class of 1939, with Mr. Meyer (front row, far right) in the past couple of years, afraid that theirs Frumin back to chief Parliamentarwould resemble the failure of years past. De- ian. Mr.Frumin jokes that he must spite the fear of another disappointing school be doing something right because he dance, Form V President Evan Chaletzky, Vice became the first person in the hisPresident Alex Santangelo, and Senator James tory of the position to serve as chief Russo were enthusiastic and focused on creat- to both major party after Trent Lott, ing a successful night of music, dancing, and the Republican majority leader that high-school romance. Due to the persistence in 2001, promoted him to chief Parof the committed junior class leadership, Bel- liamentarian. Frumin is also the only mont Hill is excited to announce that we will one of the past three Parliamentarians be hosting a junior-sophomore semi-formal to retire on his own terms, as the prior on Saturday December 14th at 7:30 p.m. “The two had been dismissed. Frumin’s job event of the year,” as said by Evan Chaletzky, is both extremely important as well will take place in the Wadsworth room of the as incredibly interesting; he claims Jordan Athletic Center with the D.J from Dana that if any of our careers are even one Hall’s 2013 prom known as “Pure Energy.” tenth as exciting as his was, we would The students of the junior and sopho- be lucky. I would have to agree. ☐ of several intriguing anecdotes Mr. Meyer more classes have advocated their excitement continued from page 1 shared with us throughout his speech. and zeal towards the “Semi.” As Sophomore Mr. Meyer also detailed life in the Lastly, Mr. Meyer graciously answered student Charlie Greenwood put it, “ I think army between battles, even injecting a good questions from several students, going into its a great idea for the school, especially the deal of humor into his speech, adding some more detail about certain topics and offer- younger high school students. We don’t have revitalizing levity in between some of the ing worldly advice about the future. When prom for our grade, so it’s nice to have a formal sadder tales. He told stories about interact- asked whether Belmont Hill students should dance like this.” One large and nerve-racking ing with civilians, communicating with fam- feel obligated to serve in the military, he part for many students is to bring a date, but ily back home, and dealing with the stresses explained that he was not necessarily advo- when I asked sophomore student Al Zenati, he of war. Precisely, he mentioned an encounter cating joining the armed forces, but made seemed cool and calm stating, “You go for the with a French woman while at Normandy. it clear that we should always be prepared gold. I would strike up a conversation with the “I would get my laundry done by a beauti- for any potential situation that may arise. girl. Once that happens, you’re ‘in’. From that ful young French girl,” he explained. He Hearing from such an esteemed point on you just keep the fingers crossed.” had given her particularly fragrant soap, and respected alumnus was certainly a As the signups will soon be comwhich, according to him, “attracted her fa- unique opportunity for us as a student ing out, the first privilege will be going to vorable attention.” He continued, saying, body, and the takeaways from Mr. Meyer’s the juniors (seniority) and then the sopho“when she gave me my laundry back, there speech are priceless. We were surely gifted mores will have a chance to sign up soon afwas a fresh egg.” Mr. Meyer paused for ef- by Mr. Meyer’s presence, and we sincerely ter. Make sure you write down your name Bill Mahoney fect before adding, “you might call that an thank him not only for speaking to us in because it should be a great night and hopeinvitation,” evoking an uproar of laugh- recognition of Veterans Day but also for fully we will be able to host a successful Senate Parliamentarian Alan Frumin ter from the audience.” This was just one his courageous service to his country. ☐ Semi-Formal dance in the years to come! ☐
BH Semi-Formal Dance Incoming
Meyer, ‘39, Honors Veterans in Chapel
Novemb er 26, 2013
Belmont Hill News
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BH Blood Drive Colossal Success entire human genome. Dr. Willard has also standing of the way things work. He empha-
Sherman Lecture Generates Intrigue in Scientific Studies By Sreehaas Digumarthi Staff Writer
served in important positions for various sci- sized the impact of science on all of our lives, By Michael O’Neill entific societies, organizations, and journals. and how it is thus important to understand it Panel Staff On October 22nd, the entire school filed His current research focuses on the expand- and learn about it. Dr. Willard encouraged all into the Chapel for Belmont Hill’s annual ing role that genetics can play in medicine. of us to stay inquisitive, always ask questions, Sherman Lecture. The Sherman Lecture is a For his speech, Dr. Willard began by and always search for new knowledge. He Last Thursday, on the 14th of series of lectures held every year thanks to the first sharing some of his experiences in the also pointed out that, in the field of science, November, the annual Belmont Hill generosity of the Nalebuff family (whose son field of science. While he outlined some of the there will always be something left unsolved: Blood Drive took place. Spearheaded Barry was a member of the class of 1976) and work that he has done throughout his career, answering one question will open the door to by Seniors Taylor Morris and Duncan named in honor of Mr. Sherman. The lectures he also recalled some of his experiences as a many, many more queries. He reminded us Wheeler and Junior Will Malloy, along always feature a prominent figure in the fields math and science student at Belmont Hill. He that there will never be a day where a scien- with help from several faculty members, of math or science. Now in its fourteenth year, stressed that, while they may tist can clean up his laboratory and the event saw generous students give Belmont Hill was honored to welcome back not seem so intereststate that his work is done because blood to those in need. Donated blood Dr. Huntington Willard, Class of 1971, ing or useful to us there will always be more work to is used in transfusions during emerto speak at this year’s Sherman lecture. right now, m a t h do and more questions left to an- gency situations, and is given to patients Dr. Willard, a graduate of Beland science play a swer. Because of this, he em- receiving serious surgical procedures, mont Hill, is one of the nation’s phasized the importance of such as heart transplants. The program leading researchers in the field science and science educa- is held every year, and is always a popuof genomics and genetic biology. tion in our society as we lar event among members of the school. After graduating from Belmont head into the future. He A sincere thanks to everyone who ran the Hill, Dr. Willard would then go explained that science drive, and to those who gave blood. ☐ on to study at Harvard and Yale, is not just about memoreceiving a Ph. D. in biology. He rizing facts and formuthen completed his postdoctoral las, but it is a search for studies in medical genetics at understanding of the Johns Hopkins University. Curworld around us. Berently, he is the Director of the cause of the effects that continued from page 1 Duke Institute for Genome Sciscience will have on us, ences and Policy and a professor in After a quick lunch break, a more Bill Mahoney our future, and our socigenomics at Duke University. He is Mr. and Mrs. Nalebluff with Dr. Willard and Mr. Sherman ety, Dr. Willard invited us intellectual group of events ensued, conone of the most respected researchall to “…seek and embrace sisting of memory math, trivia, and the ers in the field of genetics, authoring or co-au- huge role, not only in his own work, but also what is the very essence of research: a search always-competitive game of Simon Says. thoring hundreds of scientific papers and even in our own future endeavors. Dr. Willard em- for new knowledge and understanding.” Following these contests was the most one textbook. While he has made many, many phasized that the only way that we can make Overall, Dr. Willard’s Sherman lecture was a important event of the day: the talent contributions to the field of genetics, some of sense of the world around us is through math thoughtful, inspiring, and educating experi- show. The talent show exemplified the his most important work came as a researcher and science because “nature doesn’t speak ence about the importance of gaining an un- many interesting abilities of the Fourth and scientist involved in the Human Genome English.” Unlike English, science and math are derstanding of the world around us and the Form, which included rubix cube solvProject, a global initiative to map out the universal languages that are vital to our under- importance of science in all of our lives. ☐ ing, dancing, singing, and everything in-between. The winner of the contest was Christian Dolan for his rendition of ‘Sunday Morning’ by Maroon 5, representing Ms. Whitney’s advisory. Field Day concluded in the gymnasium, with a three-point shooting contest, as well as pull-ups and pushups. Thanks to a strong finish in the pull-ups and push-ups competition at the end of the day, Mr Martellini’s advisory was crowned champion of the Form IV Field Day. In the words of Chip Daley, a member of Mr. Martellini’s advisory, “The Field Day was a great day overall, and it was good to bring home the win for Mr. Martellini’s advisory. We were clearly an underdog, so it felt even more rewarding to come out on top.” Looking forward, the Form IV Field Day will likely be a part of the tradition at Belmont Hill for many years to come, and thank you to those who made this recent Field Day possible. ☐
Form IV Field Day Won by Team Marto
Redesigned School Site Seeks to Attract Online Visitors with Refreshing Design continued from page 1 the top right corner linking to everything from recent scores to the admissions deThe most noticeable change is the vi- partment. Also added to the bottom are sual design. Everything has been tailored school’s the customary social media links . to impress, from the banner photos to the The student account portals have pastel colors (a common trend these days). likewise been updated, dropping the The design and construction were done en- practically indecipherable clutter from tirely by the independent company Whip- before and replacing it with something a pleHill, the primary goal being to “wow” little easier on the eyes. An ordered ‘activany and all potential viewers. But there’s ity stream’ shows recent news articles, and more to the update than pretty colors and sizeable buttons on the right link to other artsy pictures: the locations of many com- useful sections of the site. In addition, a ponents of the site were changed, reflect- banner on the top provides easy access ing some fairly extensive user accessibility to profile settings and the directory, as testing. For these tests, many charitable well as a search bar to comfort the lost. souls volunteered to plough through the Beyond simply updating previold site looking for a specific feature, be it ous features, there are new things being the score of a recent game, or the sched- pushed, like the addition of embedded ule for the day. Their movement around Youtube videos (rather than simply linkthe site was tracked to see which elements ing to them). While the actually embedweren’t user friendly enough, and as a re- ment of a video might in itself be unsult, desired items should be a bit easier to derwhelming, it’s being creatively used find. For those who know exactly what they for a special segment called “Focus on want, a ‘quicklinks’ bar has been added to the Classroom.” The piece consists of an
actual recording of a class, by which any curious folks can glean an inside look on how a Belmont Hill class is taught. In a similar fashion, a series of “HillCasts,” podcasts of faculty and staff, are
available to “talk about the life of our school.” With these new features, as well as the redesign of the old site, Belmont Hill will make a grand first impression on all who visit the new webpage. ☐
The new page displaying recent activity at the school
Belmont Hill Opinion
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Collegiate Drinking Scene
A difficult question remains parents have successfully taught me fears about drunk driving, and the to be answered—how can we be- how to drink socially, and they have worries of parental responsibility.” The EMT attributed the preva- come prudent drinkers in college prevented the want or need to binge Many Belmont Hill students lence of binging among college fresh- (and in high school), drinkers who drink. More students and parents in refrain from drinking during their our community high school careers. As one Sixth men largely to a long-suppressed can find intoxineed to be open Former explained, the rigorous dedesire to have boundless fun. “They cation, wallow to a casual drink mands of Belmont Hill athletics preare straight from four years of high in it, enjoy it, school, four years where they worked and then return or two, [as] it vent him from drinking: “The fear really hard, so they think ‘Hey, I can home conscious? will only help of letting my teammates down and let loose now.’ The problem is that both the parent diminishing my fitness level that The law they don’t really know how to do doesn’t help: Beland the child in was so hard to come by is enough that.” Some freshmen, she noted, had mont Hill parthe long run.” for me not to engage in even caa redeeming quality—the capacity ents are left with And the role sual drinking.” Others, because of a to take care of a drunken friend, to one legal option models aren’t pounding academic zeal, don’t drink look out for him, bring him home. when it comes to necessarily par- in high school. Some yearn to start Yes, even in a crapulent stupor, alcohol—a crude e n t s — p e r h a p s drinking before college, but simply character persists. Yet though light form of prohibiour older broth- aren’t in with a crowd that allows shined through, the scenes of black- tion. Yet many ers and sisters, them to—you know what I mean. outs she related were utterly dark. parents, many of whom sensYet for others, the experiencSo naturally we ask ourselves, ing the value in are well versed in es the EMT talked about were not are we ready for that environment, learning to drink the social life of news—indeed, many students have for a place brimming with ample responsibly as a college, are best that first (perhaps inevitable) expealcohol, for a venue without the teenager, have alequipped to in- rience with excess drinking in high guiding compass of our parents lowed for social troduce us to the school. The binging culture the EMT and faculty? And if not, how can drinking around drinking world. discussed resonated with us. Some we become better prepared to enter the house rather The Bel- seniors have already abandoned the the world of spiked Kool-Aid and than simply saymont Hill Fac- confines of basements for the excitebinge-drinking and frat houses and ing NO. ulty see virtue in ment of college parties, and itchBUD and “DRINK RESPONSIBLY”? That nuanced approach is a this liberal approach—yet the legal ing to break free from the suffocaOr perhaps we can avoid all good one, many seniors suggested, dilemmas involving underage drink- tion of senioritis, are searching for those questions by simply saying this: for it allows them to develop an un- ing loom large. “It’s a real Catch-22,” the college scenes of unfettered fun. I’ve worked hard for those four years derstanding of alcohol, of their limits says Mr. Bradley, discussing the diffiThe idea that we high school of college, earned them, and have and desires, before they get to a party culty of raising a responsible drinker students will spend our college days gained the right to “go all out,” to environment. Learn to temper, to in- in America today. “On the one hand sipping Scotch like the urbane, genhave a “really crazy night” once in a dulge without over-indulging, and we want our kids to know how to teel characters do in a James Bond while, to binge and enjoy myself. Yet be a more competent drinker later. drink responsibly and socially, but on film is dubious and idealistic. And, what the EMT made clear is that there One Sixth Former said, “I think my the other hand there’s the law—and after all, the recklessness is part of is no dignity or character or respect the fun. Perhaps we should start to or honor or coolness or awesomeness address the issue of binge drinking involved in blacking out and chokby continuing to talk about it. About ing in your own vomit—sure, many why we do it, about why there may freshmen have one negative be an alternative, and about experience with drinking. how we Belmont Hill stu“Everyone knows the state of adoWhat baffled and disdents can become more lescent drinking, but we are content appointed the EMT aware, more consciwith drinking irresponsibly. We are was that they, for entious social creaconditioned to think it’s acceptable to quite some time, tures—now, and make mistakes with drinking and act recklessly in college. ☐ as idiot high school kids.” binge on. continued from page 1
Sixth Formers Reflect on Drinking Culture
“The way people react to their first bad experience with drinking says a good deal about their character. I respect the kids that have decided not to binge again, a good deal more than those who become serial binge drinkers. To be honest these kids puzzle me. No doubt getting drunk is fun but why go so far as to make yourself physically ill?”
“Students are subjected to the timeless rants of abstinence as the only solution, and this type of lecture simply doesn’t work. This “paranoia” surrounding drinking is only further propagated by our societal refusal to discuss this issue… Instead of actively seeking a resolution, we just turn ourselves to the same things we have heard or spoken before: don’t drink. Obviously, this hasn’t worked yet.”
“There are a few of us who have the luxury of drinking at home with our parents, but for the most part, drinking is completely off limits. It is this complete ban of underage drinking that leads to “binge drinking.” Nobody has the opportunity to drink in a casual setting, so when the opportunity to drink arises, students capitalize and go all out.” “Its strange that the law, doesn’t care about underage drinking in college. In high school, the law is very strict, but in college, the police seem to look the other way.”
“It’s difficult to discuss issues like drinking accurately when you have no first-hand experience with alcohol. I don’t advocate drinking large amounts every weekend, but to go around preaching abstinence is wrong. Experience is what leads to better decisions.”
Belmont Hill Opinion
Novemb er 26, 2013
Don’t Let the College Define the Man
Conned by Khan: The Dangers of an Online Education
goals, and ideas. “Hello, my name is Jack, and I go to Columbia” is often conveyed in softer euphemistic language. By John Driscoll From a young age we students are inun- W h e n I stroll through Panel Staff dated with news, facts, statistics, analysis, and B o s ton, sartorial self-exrankings on the subject of college—the Best 377, pression has evaporated, As new resources for students and the didactic “Perfect Essay” manuals, the anecas the students ensure that the teachers become available online, “flipping dotes of glory and success at Ivy League schools. first picture you get of them is a the classroom” has become a trendy method Yet for most of us, the message that where you picture of the institution they attend. of instructing students. Some teachers are spend those four years is vitally important is Great, but who’s behind the Veritas sweaters? now requiring students to watch videos on received subliminally, transmitted If an air of smugness and pride wafts sites such as Khan Academy as a way to learn by a deluge of bumper stickers around discussion of the elite schools, the oppo- material, and class time is often used to do and collegiate sports apparel site is true when we discuss the ones with problems and discuss finer details of the maand Facebook announcements less competitive admission. A terial. While this method of learning may from Sixth Formers eagerly litany of jokes about Commu- work in some environments, it is not a benproclaiming “I got in to----!” We n i t y Colleges abounds, and in eficial teaching method for Belmont Hill. constantly are reveling in our collegiate the senior lounge jests about In a flipped class, a Belmont Hill student pasts or futures in mundane, quotidian ways. the lowness of SAT scores of ac- effectively receives the same education as every Take the Belmont Hill parking lot: every other cepted students at colleges of a lower other student who uses that online resource. car boasts a “Harvard” or “Elon” or “Bowdoin” caliber are ubiquitous. This is dangerous, for A Belmont Hill education is supposed to be a sticker, announc- ing where a parent or sib- it perpetuates an atmosphere of college su- superior education, and this new style of teachling attended, or to which sorority or perciliousness, a sense that a ticket to an elite ing is undermining that goal. This platform for fraternity one belonged. Walk school is also a ticket to intellect and scholarly learning is universal and streamlined across the around Cambridge and prowess, to the con- fines of academia and country. A Belmont Hill student using Khan you’ll know instantly who at- brainpower. It’s not, just as an ac- Academy to learn how to graph polynomial tends MIT or Harvard or Whee- c e p t a n c e to a Community equations, for example, will be learning the same lock: most students are decked in C o l lege or a large State material as a student at a public high school. Adpreppy gear with school insignia and University is not indica- ditionally, the quality of online material is genermottos. We brim with collegiate spirit. tive of lesser, inferior intellec- ally lower than what a talented teacher can offer. Perhaps we paste these stickers out of a tual ability. There are students at Moreover, Belmont Hill prides itself desire to offer a small piece of our identity to your local community college who on having one of the most accomplished and other drivers, to broadcast an ounce of our past are smarter than many at Harvard or Yale. impressive faculties around. When the classto neighbors, friends, and classmates. Where My point is this: who you are as a person, room is flipped, the faculty is not harnessed you attended college, after all, is known as your what you represent and what you’re all about, as effectively. Every teacher at Belmont Hill is “alma mater,” the bounteous place that isn’t encapsulated by where you go or have gone supposed to have mastered the subject matter nourished you. It seems fit- to school. The man is not synonymous with, or that he or she teaches, but that is not always ting to advertise that history. determined by, the college. It is permissible true for the instructors on these sites. AddiIs there any harm in letting every- to be proud of your collegiate accom- tionally, one of the major benefits of attending one be privy to your celebrated colle- p l i s h ments and success, Belmont Hill is the small and friendly class giate record? After all, maybe college is where b u t perhaps you should place size that allows students to get extra help and you shined as an academic or a brawny hockey that past of debauchery, foot- attention from their instructor when needed. stud. Why not blazon that epoch of your life? ball victories, and studly theses in With Khan Academy, the student only reI fear that we are approaching a high the backseat and let another sweater, t- ceives the instructions displayed in the video. point of this college idolatry, viewing the imshirt, or conversation opener do the talking. Flipping the classroom does not bode age of an institution and the education and I write this now, at this point in the au- well with certain students who may learn in a entertainment and erudition it offers tumn, intentionally, at a time when we seniors with a sort of unctuous divin- prepare to embark on our collegiate paths. How ity. The image of the school we define ourselves as a senior class should not trumps the facts and reali- be determined by the prestige of the schools ties of the institution itself. Just to which we are accepted, but rather by our By Matt Ryan think about how we talk about Uni- ability to remain equable and phlegmatic Panel Staff versity, saying things like “I love Brown,” throughout the college process. We ought to or how we hastily broadcast our alma mater, or remember that the man, that the individual Attempting new experiences has where we plan to apply or attend, at the onset you are, is not synonymous with the college. become harder and harder during our of a conversation, as if that little tidbit of infor- Wear the school apparel, but make sure you high school careers due to a combinamation ranks before your interests, passions, have something to show when you take it off. ☐ tion of academic workload, sports, and other extracurricular subjects we all take part in. Doing what we love has become increasingly difficult, and finding time to try new things has almost disappeared. Now more than ever, Global Education is becoming a major topic in the learning processes of schools. At Editor-in-Chief some high schools across the country, Robert Sayegh Executive Editors Copy Editors there exists a sophomore requirement to Matt Czarnecki Cole Durbin spend the year abroad, studying the lanBernardo Pacini George Holderness guage and culture of another country. Two years ago, I was enrolled in CityTerm, an experience based learning Opinion Editor News Editor program that focuses on New York City as Jake Pagano Michael O’Neill Online Editors its learning material. While this wasn’t in John Curtin a different country, New York City was just Taylor Morris Sports Editor Arts Editor as foreign to me, and I came away from the Alex Haigh William Treanor city with a renewed sense of identity. The four month program opened up my mind Assistant Editors to new ideas, and allowed me to think in Photo Editor Faculty Advisors William Blank ways I had never previously done. MakAngus Smith David Hegarty John Driscoll ing the decision to step out of my comJuliette Zener Jay O’Brien fort zone turned out to be the best deciAlexander Richards sion I made during my high school career. Don’t let this be a push for CityTerm, it isn’t. There are many other wonderful opportunities out there for each and every student to pursue that include, 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 School Year Abroad, High Mountain Inbody. We publish articles that are of consequence to the students, as well as the school communities. The views expressed in The Panel belong stitute, Island School, Chewonki, and 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 many other similar programs, all that reserve the right to edit all submissions for length and content. Copyright 2013 The Panel. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of the Editor-in-Chief. Published by the Belmont Printing Co., Belmont, MA 02478. focus on learning outside of a normal classroom environment. Each of these By Jacob Pagano Panel Staff
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different manner. Simply listening to a lecture works for some students, but others prefer a hands-on approach to learning material. While the results have been inconclusive, studies suggest that learning from a screen is less effective than learning from paper or a whiteboard. In addition to alienating students who learn by using a hands-on approach, Khan Academy also undermines the purpose of one of Belmont Hill’s greatest assets, the Harkness table. Harkness tables are designed to foster creative discussion; by moving the place in which the students learn the material to an “athome” setting, this aspect of the table is lost. While Khan Academy can be useful in certain situations, it is not an ideal way for Belmont Hill students to learn material. Not only does it jeopardize some of Belmont Hill’s education trademarks, it also prevents a number of students from learning in the way that they have grown accustomed to and have found is most beneficial to them. ☐
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Advocating for Non-Traditional Learning programs can provide a unique learning experience that no classroom can offer. Another way Belmont Hill offers students ways to learn outside of traditional means is through both exchange programs and group trips to foreign countries. Every student is able to take part in trips to countries like Spain, France, South Africa, China, and the Dominican Republic. In the summer between my freshman and sophomore year, I visited the village of Limonal, D.R, to work on a community service project. Over the course of a week, we built a community center that the entire village could utilize. It sounds cliché to say it, but I think every student on that trip would agree that what we gave to the people of Limonal wasn’t close to the experiences they gave to us. Though the village lacked running water and electricity, everyone in Limonal seemed happy. They could find satisfaction with the bare necessities of life. This trip allowed me to come back home and better appreciate the basics and luxuries we normally take for granted. Ultimately, the idea of non-traditional learning is something you need to seek out and attempt for yourself. Whether it be a semester or year long program, or a service or cultural trip to a foreign country, these experiences will shape the way you think and act in your community, for the better. You will be able to reflect on your past experiences in ways that you wouldn’t have previously. I strongly recommend you look into the various opportunities offered and take advantage of them, because you will not be disappointed. ☐
Pa g e 6
Big brother
Th e Pan el
Older Sisters: a Blessing in Disguise Girls are smarter, more at- classmates and companions extentive, and more adroit than we pect you to do the same—by way males—or at least some say. Thus, of the transitive property. This can it can be difficult to be stuck as also go deeper than academics. In the successor to such a clever in- many scenarios we are expected dividual. I am sure this often oc- to be good at running, simply becurs: a younger brother becomes cause our brother or sister is. What trapped in the pressure to succeed, friends fail to understand is the after his older sister achieves great- important distinction between two ness. Then again, there may also be individuals. Yes, we are a product the case of the boy who out-does of our environment, and having the female elder and faces little or grown up together we may be exno pressure along the way. Some pected to be similar, but this is not may face a more ambiguous situa- always the case. I like engineering, tion: both children are talented—or my sister not necessarily. I have a not talented—at different things, hard time running, my sister loves and do not ever have to compete. it. These differences range from For the purpose of this arti- subtle nuances to great differences, cle, however, we will focus on the but their existence is important to “trapped” younger sibling, floun- recognize—especially for friends dering in the sea of accomplish- who assume a younger brother to ments his older sibling has set be- be identical to an older sibling. fore him. Let me take a moment to This problem recurs also in mention that the scenarios that ap- coed schools that siblings attend. pear in this article in no way reflect Belmont Hill’s interactions with the experiences of a single boy, other schools have led to simibut rather reflect a compilation of lar circumstances. Having had an various opinions on the subject. older sibling work on the Winsor Especially at a school such as side of the Panel, I have received Belmont Hill, this problem can be comments such as “your sister laid greatly exasperated. this page out this way,” or “you sisWe are a school at ter was great at finding mistakes.” which much is ex- These compliments are interestpected. We work ing to retell our sibling, but do not hard both in the pertain to us, the younger children. classroom and on Often teachers and leaders of clubs the field—and or organizations assume that we even beyond will be carbon copies of the siblings that. Comthey knew before us. This is not the p a r i s o n case. Every student is different, with other and should be regarded as such. schools is “Your sister (or brother) not an adeis so smart.” The “chirps” come quate method endlessly and in all forms. of judgment but Siblings with whom we have some things in common become benchmarks for our success and achievet o ments. The moment we don’t permost, the form, adults and friends might differing nature of the schools compare us to our siblings and inis no obstacle to the direct com- form us, as though we didn’t expect parison of grades, extracur- it, that we might not measure up, ricular activities, and the like. and that we should “learn a thing The first pressure is famil- or two from our older siblings.” ial. Not unlike being the younger At Belmont Hill, the scenario brother of another Belmont Hill of living in someone’s shadow does student, one’s work can quickly be exist. With many students having deemed unsatisfactory by parents older siblings at other schools, the and even other siblings, if it is not pressure to succeed is ever-present, up to par with the first child. For and often difficult to handle. Thus all those in this situation, I offer a I encourage everyone, students, piece of advice. Parents, try to rec- parents, and teachers alike, to recognize that each child is different, ognize that siblings aren’t the same and success is relative. As abstract person. What one sister or brother as the fabled “American Dream,” does, shouldn’t predefine what his success for each student depends or her younger brother will do. on his or her interests and intel- Each person has his or her own inlectual pursuits. For students, re- terests and successes, and measurmember that you are not your older ing by direct comparison can hurt. sibling—you are entirely different, Yet there are two sides to this and you should focus on what is issue. Older siblings are an authormeaningful to you. Don’t let your- ity to look to for help, whether acaself slip into what your parents or demic, social, or athletic. They are siblings deem ‘correct’ or ‘better.’ always there if we need someone You are the “little brother.” At to help us move past an obstacle first, you are the “cute” little broth- or if we need a good talk. This is er. But this changes—and quickly phenomenal. Having had an oldat that. Once your sibling starts er sister, the gifts she has given achieving, everyone compares you me, by leading the way and often to him or her—even friends. If he turning around to give me a helpor she got an A+ in AP History, ing hand, have been a blessing. ☐
Following in the the F “Are you as much of a slacker as “little-Mike Smith” or “Little Smith” your older brother?” While many may or “Baby Smith” or “Squeaker Smith”— laud the advantage of having an older this propensity to belittle (literally) brother at Belmont Hill, adverse effects can demean morale and character, can infiltrate this delicate dynamic. In and it can be altogether harmful to addition, although this unique rela- identity. How can a boy define himtionship may only exist for a fraction self when he is consistently referred of students, it can serve as a micro- to in relation to his older brother? cosm for society as a whole: everyone, On the other hand, if an older from the child of a food-pantry leader sibling does not garner as much reto the presumed successor to the CEO spect at the school, the bar may be set of a huge equity firm, is expected to low for the younger sibling, facilitatfill someone else’s shoes. It is antici- ing a drop or weakening in his own acpated that one will fulfill the role of a ademic, athletic, or moral standards. father, mother, sibling friend, or other Instead of being granted the ability familial or professional acquaintance; to chop down their own trees to fashas a result, pressure mounts: pressure ion their own path through the forest, to perform, to exceed, not to let any- younger brothers may enter Belmont one down. I routinely hear many of the Hill and feel limited or think that their following questions or insensitive al- track has already been set in stone. legations thrown around on campus. One middle school student “What college is your wrote, “Although he [my older brotholder brother applying to?” er] serves as a great help in terms of “Did you get more the advice he gives me about classes, points than your older brother?” teachers and homework, I sometimes “You play piano just feel constrained by his accomplishlike your older brother, right? I ments and the decisions he has made. bet you aren’t as good as he is.” He acts as a great example, but occa“How many times has your older sionally I am conflicted with the choice brother bundied you on the ice rink? He of either creating a different path for could probably eat you for breakfast.” myself or living up to his standards.” Younger siblings are often exAnother middle school student pected to perform at or exceed the with an older brother revealed that he level of achievement of their senior initially felt burdened by an enormous siblings. If an older brother has re- amount of pressure to be someone ceived straight A’s for five years, and that he was not. He remarked, “When his younger brother arrives at Belmont I came to Belmont Hill, everyone exHill and receives a B in one class in his pected me to be an amazing athlete first quarter, the community—poten- because my older brother was…Altially his own classmates or classmates though I got better grades than he did, of his brother—will swiftly pounce I felt like I had let people down, and on him for his ‘lesser academic abil- this made me depressed for a while.” ity.’ Instead of entering the school as Anxiety and a heart-wrenching sensa“John Smith,” one quickly becomes tion of neglect rendered this student’s
Novemb er 26, 2013
big brother
Pa g e 7
Parental Pressure: How much is too much?
e Footsteps of a Giant first few months at the school difficult, but because he was so markedly different from his brother, he eventually was able to dismiss this set of expectations. Nowadays, rarely are he and his brother compared to each other because their talents are distinct, and their individual endowments are special. He says, “I now love Belmont Hill because I made it my own.” This case certainly holds true for a select number of younger siblings who have the capability to shape their own path or to overlook expectations set out for them. One student tells an enlightening story. His own father (the oldest sibling) was born as a ‘dream child,’ always inline, always acquiescent, and a straight-A student. When his younger brother was born five years after him, all his family members and friends anticipated that this newborn would obey his parents dutifully just like his brother, receive straight-A’s just like his brother, and live obediently just like his brother. He turned out to be the exact opposite. While the older awed with his grades, the younger awed with his unruliness—he brazenly strode into church one Sunday afternoon as a proud thirteen-year-old wielding a bloody squirrel he had just killed with a rock. Needless to say, the altarservers needed to mop up a few pools of vomit from the sacred floor when
the service had ended. The younger brother realized that he did not need to be the same mold as his older brother; he never felt the pressure because he chose to live his own life. From the other side, older brothers are often thrilled to watch their younger brothers rise up the Belmont Hill echelon. At times, it may seem more paternal than fraternal as older brothers at this school may admonish their siblings for tardiness, for unruly behavior, or for eating too many cookies at Milk and Cookies. Yet, for many, there is a
heartfelt sense of gratification a n d joy in seeing a younger sibling succeed. A current senior says, “It’s cool seeing him follow in my footsteps so to speak, but start to make his own path too—it’s a great way to reminisce about my time here as I look forward for him. His take on the school is totally fresh, and that’s been cool to experience as he gets a hold of what BH is all about.” ☐
Whet her or not you have an older sibling or a younger sibling , a sister or a brot her, e ver y B elmont Hi l l student endures intens e pressure to succe e d f rom his p arents. The vast maj or it y of our p arents have achie ve d success at an incre dibly hig h le vel t hems elves, and exp e c t t heir chi ldren, we B elmont Hi l l students, to match if not sur p ass t heir ow n achie vements. Hig hst ress hous eholds are not uncommon among B elmont Hi l l fami lies, for many re as ons. S ome p arents live t hroug h t heir chi ldren b e c aus e of t heir ow n shor tcomings, gaining a s ens e of accomplishment t hroug h t heir s on’s accomplishments. Parent’s w ho were not ne arly as pr iv i lege d as t he average B elmont Hi l l student is c an a ls o t hr ive on g iv ing t heir chi ldren t he opp or tunit ies t hat t he y were not able to t a ke advant age of t hems elves, t a k ing p ers ona l insu lt w hen t heir chi ld encounters fai lure. Ver y simply, p arents want t he b est for t heir chi ldren. But t he quest ion ar is es: at w hat cost? No doubt, e ver y B elmont Hi l l student aspires for success, b e it ac ademic, at h let ic, s o ci a l, or ext rac ur r ic u l ar. We are at a s cho ol w here e ver yone exp e c ts much of us, b ot h on and of f t he pl ay ing f ield, p arents include d. S omet imes, t hes e aspirat ions are in line w it h t hos e of a student’s p arents, but ot her t imes t he y are not, cre at ing quite a go o d de a l of tension w it hin a family. Ta ke a br i l li ant student, s ome one w it h st raig ht As across t he b o ard, but at h l e t i c a l ly ave r age ) , and put h i m i n a f am i ly w it h t wo t h re e - sp or t v ars it y at h letes w hen t he y were in col lege. In s ome fami lies, t here wou ld surely b e an underst anding and appreci at ion of his ac ademic success, but in most, t hat fe at is overshadowe d by fai lure in t he fami ly t rade: sp or ts. Growing up in a family with two academics, I have always felt the pressure to p er for m in t he cl assro om. Throug hout my chi ld ho o d, I did just t hat, e ar n ing mys elf a pl ace at B elmont Hi l l for hig h s cho ol. Whi le here, howe ver, I dis covere d many ne w p assions t hat I have come to love and have ac t ively pursue d. When I come up shor t, e ver y ot her ext rac ur r ic u l ar accomplishment is ess ent i a l ly ig nore d, as my p arents have t heir ow n pr ior it ies for me: t heir ow n pl an for my f uture. B eing t he eldest or t he on ly chi ld in a fami ly c an incre as e
t his pressure dramat ic a l ly, as p arents fe el li ke you are on ly as go o d as t he y ma ke you and t hat
you are anot her example of t heir success or fai lure. In re a lit y, it is a lmost imp ossible to live up to t he sur re a l exp e c t at ions of many p arents. Thes e exp e c t at ions howe ver change as p arents watch t he imp ac t of t heir inf luence on t heir f irst chi ld’s life. The f irst chi ld is a guine a pig of s or ts, an exp er iment. Neit her t he chi ld nor his p arents k now t he b est cours e of ac t ion. His p arents howe ver le ar n w hat works and w hat do es not f rom watch ing t heir f irst chi ld g row under t heir guid ance. C ons e quent ly, a s e cond or t hird chi ld is t he recipient of more ef fe c t ive p arenting and less unre a list ic pressure. The b ottom line is t hat p arents on ly want t he b est for t heir chi ldren. The y want to s e e t hem succe e d s o much t hat s omet imes t he y b e come overb e ar ing , u lt imately imp osing undue st ress up on t heir chi ld. I must admit, t houg h, t hat s omet imes a litt le pressure in t he
r i g ht dire c t ion c an b e not hing but b enef ici a l. It c an me an t he dif ference b et we en an ac ademic or at h let ic sup erst ar and an average p erfor mer a l l around. Thoug h it may s ound as t houg h I am advo c at ing for a tot a l abs ence of p arent a l guid ance in t he lives of t heir chi ldren, it is quite t he opp osite. Abs ente e p arents are just as har mf u l as t hos e t hat are overb e ar ing . Parents: a litt le push in t he r ig ht dire c t ion, despite s ome b ack l ash f rom your s on, c an b e t he fac tor t hat ke eps him out of t rouble and on t he p at h to success. But rememb er t hat it is t r u ly a f ine line b et we en t hat gent le nudge and a st rong push. F i n d i ng t h at p e r fe c t b a l an c e i s n o e a s y t a s k , but a n o bl e go a l for w h i ch e ve r y f am i ly s h ou l d s t r ive, fo s te r i ng b ot h s u c c e s s an d h appi n e s s . ☐
Belmont Hill Arts
Pa g e 8
Th e Pan el
Fall Instrumental Recitals Bring Down the House The Upper School Jazz Ensemble performed 3 selections by the American Saxophonist Wayne Shorter, including Speak No Evil. During each of the pieces, Although the cheering for athletic students played solos. Soloists includevents at Belmont Hill often eclipses the ed Eric Dawson on guitar, Juan Carlos applause of musical performances, BelFernández del Castillo on piano, and Jeremont Hill is full of artists as well as athmy Welborn on the drums. After the rousletes. Belmont Hill has an excellent muing performance by the jazz ensemble, the sic program which is rapidly growing, as show continued with solo guitar and piamore new student musicians come each no performances by Antonio Ubeda, Juan year. The music program here has over Carlos Fernandez del Castillo, and Jeremy 50 musicians and 6 ensembles, each with Welborn. Anyone who has been in the varying skill levels and genres of music. music building in the mornings has heard Last Friday’s Fall Instrumental Recital Juan Carlos practicing daily. His vigorous truly displayed how many talented mupractice was clearly evident during his sicians are at the school. This year’s Fall performance. With a slight change of proInstrumental featured four of the school’s gram, the show continued with Spencer large performance ensembles as well as Kim, a serious cellist performing the First soloists who study in and out of school. Movement Dvorak Cello Concerto. SpenThe recital opened with the Orchestra, cer has been preparing for the NEC Conled by Robpublican concertmaster Robert certo since this summer and performed Sayegh and orchestra co-president Eric this past Sunday. If he performed as well Angus Smith Orchestra performs their rendition of the theme from Mission: Impossible Kim, which played selections from two as he did at the Belmont Hill concert, it’s major films, The Lord of the Rings and the formance as a Belmont Hill student. Cole- Patterson. The percussion ensemble per- safe to say he did amazingly. The show Theme from Mission: Impossible. The au- man, a violist, played the 4th Movement of formed a traditional African Song, Toro. closed with Middle School Jazz’s playing dience seemed excited to hear the orches- the Telemann concerto for viola. Follow- For now, the group is composed of Myron Miles Davis’ Milestones and Stevie Wontra, a classical ensemble, play selections of ing Coleman’s performance was George Richards, Alex Czarnecki, Philip Bailey, der’s Superstition. It already seems that music so familiar. The show continued, al- Hu’s, a fourth former, who performed and Zach Shpilner, but Mr. Patterson wel- musically, this year is off to a great musiternating between soloists and ensembles. Beethoven’s 14th Sonata. After impressive comes anyone looking to have a good time cal start; certainly, the musicians, faculty, A new musician, Coleman Walsh, of the solo performances, The Percussion En- and gain a new skill. Following the percus- and parents look forward to what promsecond form, performed his first solo per- semble debuted under the leadership of Mr. sion ensemble were a few more soloists. ises to be a fantastic winter concert. ☐ By Didier Lucceus Staff Writer
A Solid Gold Cadillac Comes to the Hill By Colin Ward Staff Writer
Eric Bailey’s “Parallels” Collection in the Landau Gallery
After long rehearsals and tedious hours memorizing countless lines, the members of the Belmont Hill/Winsor upper school play look forward to performing. Their production is the play A Solid Gold Cadillac by Howard Teichmann and George Kaufman, a raucous rendition about a corrupt board of directors at the company General Products. A major stockholder in the company, Laura Partridge, with the help of the former president of the company, tries to foil the greedy board of directors from cheating the helpless stockholders and ruining the company. Charlie Schwartz summarized it as, “a comedy with shady business men, crazy politics and almost romance.” Mr. MacLean, a recently retired veteran of Belmont Hill, staged a comeback as play director. According to actor Brendan Pulsifer, “It’s really funny, and we’ve put in a ton of work practicing it.” Members of the cast include Fifth Formers Charlie Schwartz and Jamie Mazzio-Manson, and a multitude of Fourth Formers including Brendan Pulsifer, WilEric Bailey liam Galligan, and Christian Dolan, in the lead role. Show times are set for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the November 22nd weekend. According to Charlie, “The cast has been working very hard and having a lot of fun. The show is going to be great and everyone should buy a ticket.” ☐
Landau Gallery: A Reflection on Today’s Society and Nature
mixture of his photography and Photoshop two different places and use light drawing to talents, mixing older art mediums with the show them in either the past or future. The new. This feeds into his main goal of cap- landscape images show the potential future The Landau Art Gallery is one of the turing the passage of time in each photo- of undeveloped land. The suburban images most exciting privileges Belmont Hill has to graph. Bailey has two differing sets of pho- show potential scenes into the past, depictoffer its students. With openings every few tos in this exhibit. In the first one, Bailey ing the creatures and plant life that used to months, the gallery offers new and excit- takes photos of various landscapes during inhabit the undeveloped land.” The pieces ing artwork for the whole student body to the nightfall, and through lighting tech- make a strong statement regarding the envisee. The current art pieces on display were niques and exposure, he draws the outline ronment, as Bailey challenges the viewer to created by artist Eric Bailey, and are a part of housing developments. In the second set think of living in areas that preserve wildlife, of his award winning series called, “Paral- of photos he goes the opposite way with the rather than areas that wipe it out to make lels.” The Bridgewater State graduate got his idea, and photographs more developed ar- way for more developments. These powerful artistic start in high school, as he dabbled eas before drawing wildlife into the scenes. art pieces were only in The Landau Gallery in photography and Photoshop. The once Eric Bailey explains his ideas surrounding for a limited time, as the exhibit closed on hobby has now quickly blossomed into the exhibit saying, “The idea behind these Friday, November 15th. Parallels is a must his full career. The art pieces are a creative images is to photograph the present state of see for any and all art fans at Belmont Hill. ☐ By Andres Cordoba Staff Writer
Novemb er 26, 2013
Belmont Hill Sp orts
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1GG: Belmont Hill’s Newest A Capella Group By Charlie Blank, Charlie Durbin, Cam Chiarelli Panel Staff A true gift in rhythm and melody is required to enter the professional music industry. Many of America’s most renowned personalities in other lines of work got their start in music and the arts, namely in the one art that puts all others to shame, a capella. Thus, when one of the most selective acapella groups on the eastern seaboard, Belmont Hill’s own 1GG, announced that there would be tryouts for a small number of openings on the roster, an unprecedented level of competition was inevitable. A few fortunate individuals, marked out by pietas, have been members of the ensemble for a year now. As the group’s founders, each have cemented a spot in the squeaky squad. Seniors Joey “Mom” Laliberte and Fat Max Gustafson, as well as juniors Evan “Peaked in 7th Grade” Chaletzky, Alex “Soaking Wet” Santangelo, Matt “Samwise the Brave” O’Neal, Ryan “Round Mound of Sweet Sound” Kelley, also known as “Big Sexy” and Ian Arthur, who is 6’4” 245 lbs, first string baritone, second string fullback, captain the troops. Known around campus mostly for their devilishly handsome looks and bountiful gifts of athleticism these men also have voices that can make Evan Chaleztky The Captians of 1GG gather around the piano in preparation to sing another hit song even the most ravenous wolverine purr. Upper-schoolers who have expressed pointed group leader, also one of the top Believe it or not, Harry was by no in tryouts. “So if you’re better than any sininterest in the brotherhood known as 1GG 5 point scorers in the ISL) if I could do means the worst performer, however. One gle one of us, you’re not going to make it.” have been nervously awaiting their op- the first audition because I had some work disgruntled student, widely regarded as the In a recent announcement, five new portunity to tryout, always keeping their I needed to finish, but he just suggested worst audition, which featured a squeaky pledges were added to the cool clan after vocal pipes flexed and ready for action. that I audition in a lunch announcement. and unprepared rendition of “Yellow Sub- undergoing the baptism of fire. From the Although the vast majority of auditions I wasn’t going to say ‘no’ to and thus defy marine” that would have the Beatles rolling sixth form, Harry “Clay Aiken” Roberson, took place in the music building at an an- the wishes of one of the Holy Founders. over in their graves (are they dead?), and Drew “Modawg” Morrissey, and Ryan “Just nounced time, some lucky students, such I had memorized ‘Thunder Road,’ but described by Max as “ugly and disgraceful in General Sketchy” Bathon were thrilled as Harry Kraft, have been given the op- I used my phone for lyrics just in case to the holy institution that is acapella”, was about their accomplishment. Additionally, portunity to audition for the classy cult in my nerves got the best of me.” An unof- heard yelling with anguish upon receiving fifth formers James “Traintracks” Russo front of the entire upper school. Kraft de- ficial fan vote following his giggle-filled the sad, yet inevitable, news, “This is the and John “Pig” Wilhoite were welcomed cided to sing Bruce Springsteen’s “Thunder tryout seemed to indicate that Kraft worst mistake they’ve ever made!” Later with open arms to the flashy fraternity. Road,” and, needless to say, Kraft felt the had cracked the squirmy squad (Kraft the auditioner tweeted “#UOENO” in an Be ready to see your favorite singpressure of performing before his peers. only managed to break into the practice attempt to prove that he had something ers in the First Edition of “Hard Knocks: “I was obviously very nervous,” squad), and young Kraft even concluded worthwhile to add to the gorgeous group. Training Camp with 1GG” coming soon. Kraft reported, sporting his trademark his interview with the Panel Staff by triUnfortunately, being a gifted singer Use the hashtag #DoYouEven1GGpurple shirt and New England Patriots umphantly exclaiming, “I made it! I made does not guarantee you a coveted spot on Bro on Twitter and #MirrorSelfieMonday tie. “It’s always been a dream of mine to it,” as nearby librarians attempted to erase the rocking roster. “We don’t like being on Instagram to join the conversation and be a part of 1GG. I asked Evan (self-ap- the jubilance from the adolescent’s tone. overshadowed . . . Sorry DJ,” Max boasted interact with your favorite performers! ☐
Upcoming Events • A Solid Gold Cadillac November 22-24 Belmont Hill, Kraft Theatre • 3LAU November 21th House of Blues, Boston • Blue Man Group November 27th Charles Playhouse, Boston • Bill Cosby November 30th Wilbur Theatre, Boston • Nutcracker December 1st Boston Opera House • Lupe Fiasco December 3rd House of Blues, Boston • Rod Stewart December 4th TD Garden, Boston • Holiday Pops December 7th Boston Symphony Hall
Belmont Hill Sp orts
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Th e Pan el
Belmont Hill Varsity Scoreboard Team
Record
Football Soccer Cross Country
5-3
L 16-10 vs. BB&N (OT) W 38-11 vs. Groton
AJ B. Harry K.
5-7-4*
W 1-0 (L 3-0) vs. BB&N T 0-0 vs. Groton
Tucker H. Will G.
W 33-46 vs. St. george’s L 35-21 vs. Roxbury latin
John P. Cam D.
8-7
Football “I’m extremely proud of our team, and I think we had a great season. We went out on the field every Saturday knowing it was a championship game. We put so much time and effort into the sport, and you can count on our guys to give every last ounce of heart and energy until the final whistle blows. There’s absolutely no quit in this team, which I think we showed perfectly in that last game against Gov’s, even though we lost. The younger guys will do great next year. I know they’ll finish what we started.” – Joey LaLiberte
Notable Results
Captain’s Corner Soccer “The soccer picked up most of its steam in the latter half of the season. We saw a lot of leadership from our seniors—especially from captains Tucker Hallowell and John Curtin. The season seemed to be plagued by injuries, which resulted in constant changing of the lineup, but, overall, the team has a lot to look forward to next year with a lot of talented underclassmen.” – Will Crowley
MVPs
Records are final as of 11/14/2013
Cross-Country “Although the first races of the season did not go as planned, we rebounded from several tough losses and won a few close races to finish the season with a winning record. Guys like John Power and Alex Hall really stepped it up when we needed a big race from someone. The team is excited for next fall as ten out of the top twelve runners will be returning. An ISL Championship is definitely in reach if they put the training in.” – Matt Czarnecki
A Look Back at the Fall Sports Season but then proceeded to bounce back against St. Paul’s and Nobles, and huge Roxbury Latin, but the team’s attitude and beat St. Paul’s rather handily. In wins versus Brooks and Roxbury Latin. remained positive in light of such difthe final game of the season, Belmont Throughout the season, the team played ficulties, coming away with victories Arguably the best part of the re- Hill was defeated by a solid Governor’s hard-fought games that ended in a draw, against St. Paul’s and Brooks later in turn to school each fall is the resump- team. The team closed the season with including the game against Rivers that the season. Matt Czarnecki, veteran tion of the different athletic compe- a record of 5-3. Joe LaLiberte, a senior ended with a score of 1-1. At the time, team member and co-captain, comtitions; from football, soccer, cross member and co-captain of the squad, Rivers was sitting at the top of the league mented on the team’s outlook, saying country, and even to crew, there is discussed what makes this team spe- standings. The team closed the season “When we won some important races always some bustle here on the Hill. cial, saying, “We don’t really have any with a win against Governor’s Acad- later in the season, the wins were that Varsity Football has had an ex- stars. Rather than just having one stud, emy, 1-0 on Gov’s home field. The soc- much more rewarding.” He noted the ceptional season coming off of what we instead have a true team effort. Ev- cer team posted a final record of 5-6-4. challenges and opportunities of runsome would call a disappointing per- ery member of the team has a job to fill, The Varsity Cross Country ning cross country: “a lot of runners formance last fall. To start the season, and each member does his job well.” team had a successful season, finish- looked forward to racing because it the team suffered a crushing overtime Varsity Soccer had a difficult start ing with impressive finishes at both provides an opportunity to test the limdefeat against rival BB&N, but then to the season with the controversial for- the Independent School League and its of physical and mental strength.” went on to a nice four-game win streak, feit to BB&N. However, despite a sour New England races. Despite another All in all, each team during which included an incredibly excit- start that influenced the atmosphere for season that was plagued by injury, this fall season had great success, ing victory over St. Seb’s during their some of the season, the team eventu- the team posted a winning record beginning yet another year of Belhomecoming, with the final score be- ally found its footing. Overall, the sea- of 8-7. The beginning of the season mont Hill’s athletic success, which ing 9-7. Later on, the team dropped son was full of ups and downs for the was characterized by losses to some is sure to continue into the winter a tough game to Lawrence Academy, soccer team, with tough losses coming solid competition against Milton and and through the spring season. ☐ By Sean Fahey Panel Staff
UA Athlete of the Issue This month’s Under Armour Athlete of the Issue is Greg Plumb. Greg, one of the team’s four senior captains, has been integral to the success of the varsity football team this year at Running Back and Middle Linebacker. In the words of co-captain Joe LaLiberte, “Greg was the big dog on the defense, and the alpha male once [fellow captain] Nolan went down.” Greg has consistently shown himself to be a great leader and teammate both on and off the field, and even though he takes a lot of beatings in-game, he’s very reliable with the ball, even carrying defenders with him sometimes. The Panel wishes Greg good luck as he pursues both football and lacrosse at Williams College. ☐
The varsity soccer team huddles up before going to war.
Novemb er 26, 2013
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Belmont Hill Crew Finishes 4th at the Head of the Charles By Alexander Richards Panel Staff A fierce tailwind howled down the Charles River on Saturday, October 19, and then reversed itself into a headwind by Sunday. The Head of the Charles is the biggest fall rowing race in the world and attracts crews from across the globe. Everyone from high school youth to aged masters (some of the competitors who raced were over 90) to physically disabled rowers to mighty Olympians competed over the course of the two-day regatta. The winding 3-mile course starts in the Basin, toward downtown Boston, and finishes a half-mile upstream of the Belmont Hill boathouse. This year marked the 49th Head of the Charles. Along with the twelve Belmont Hill students who rowed, a number of faculty and alumni tested themselves against the world’s fastest rowers. On Saturday, Mr. Richards, Belmont Hill’s head
coach, and his boat not only won their most competitive. The two crews each finished a lot farther back. Both crews event, but also shattered the course re- consisted of five seniors: in one boat was should be proud of themselves for taking cord by an unprecedented 18 seconds. Mr. Mac Manion, Alexander Richards, Matt on the challenge of racing against so many Richards and his crew certainly set a high Ryan, Alex Bailey, and Cole Durbin; the crews who train all summer and fall long. bar for the weekend which the four boats other consisted of Will Crowley, George The final Belmont Hill student with Belmont Hill rowers hoped to reach. Holderness, Henry Dodge, Cam Doug- to row was sophomore Jens OdeOn Sunday, the wind shifted so that las, and Mihir Gulati. The two boats, gard, who rowed in a double with his it was hurting the crews. All the times on which only got to practice a handful of ex-teammate from Fessenden. SciSunday were significantly slower, turning times before the regatta, had impressive ence teacher Mrs. Sweeney was the the sprightly race the crews hoped for into results given their dearth of training. The sole Belmont Hill faculty member to a slog. Jamie Mazzio-Manson, a junior, boat stroked by Mac Manion finished in row in the race. The weekend could was the first rower of the day; he com- fourth place (missing third by just .03 not have gone more smoothly, with peted in the youth single against some seconds) and not only got a fourth place clear skies, great competition, and of the strongest individual youth rowers medal (medals are awarded to the top great support. Thank you to all who in the world. Nonetheless, he had a very five finishers) but also clinched the DCR showed up and supported the rowers respectable finish and showed his oars- trophy, which is awarded to the high- and to the food service for providmanship in a boat that is difficult to row est placing Massachusetts youth crew. ing all the soups and sandwiches to well. Mrs. Sweeney also competed marThe boat stroked by Will Crowley get the rowers and spectators through velously well in these tough conditions. had a bit tougher time dealing with the day. Hope to see you next year! ☐ The second event with Belmont Hill the wind, due to their rowers was the youth four, the lack of training in largest event in the entire the conditions, and regatta and arguably the
Matt Ryan
Mr. Martin Inducted into Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame famous Bruin Bobby Orr, will be inducted into the Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame. After 39 years of coaching varsity hockey at Mr. Martin has deeply loved hockey Belmont Hill, Mr. Martin won a staggering ever since he started shooting pucks in his 707 games, making him the winningest hockparents’ kitchen at the age of two. Before ey coach in Massachusetts’ history. Mr. MarMr. Martin even attended Belmont Hill, tin finished with a 70 percent winning perhe already felt a strong connection to the centage, with an overall record of 707-270-43. The induction is a deserved and speschool. Mr. Martin’s dad was actually the first hockey captain ever at Belmont Hill, cial honor for Mr. Martin, especially since he and both of his uncles also attended and is in the same induction class as Bobby Orr. played hockey at Belmont Hill. After an im- “It is always a great honor to be mentioned pressive athletic career at Belmont Hill, Mr. with Bobby Orr,” Mr. Martin says. “I rememMartin went on to play hockey at Bowdoin ber one time when his sons were at Belmont College. In only three years of varsity hock- Hill, he came out to practice with the team. ey at Bowdoin, Mr. Martin became the first He was an inspiration to the boys, and I was Bowdoin player to ever eclipse the 100-point in compete awe.” When asked about his famark. As a senior captain, Mr. Martin cap- vorite memory from his historic career, Mr. tured the ECAC Most Valuable Player Award Martin simply responded, “I loved every and the New England Hockey Writers Jo- minute of my career…I do not really have one seph Tomasello Award for an Unsung Hero. special moment-of course the New England This November, Mr. Martin will add championships were memorable, but what I another honor to his legendary career. Mr. really enjoy is seeing former players become Martin, along with other hockey legends like successful adults and good family men.” ☐ By John Curtin Panel Staff
Mr. Martin behind the bench in his final season as head coach
Bill Mahoney
Matt Ryan
Looking Forward to Varsity Hockey continued from page 1 We had a great run last year this year and Ryan was all ISL last year and we hope to repeat the regular sea- so he will definitely be one of the most son we had and go even further in the important parts of the team this year.” On the offensive side, the team lost playoffs.” Last year the team’s 23-4-2 season concluded earlier than the play- forwards Mike Najjar, EJ Rauseo, Dan ers would have liked, with a defeat at Doherty and Carl Hesler but returns many the hands of the Westminster School strong offensive players, like seniors Will in the New England Tournament. Golonka, Matt Melanson, Joe Welch, and Although there is a good deal of Danny Seibel. In addition, there are many parity in the league this year, the hock- younger players, like juniors Charley Miey team faces several tough matchups chalowski and Charlie McConnell, espeagainst Lawrence Academy, St. Sebas- cially on the offensive side, who are ready tian’s, and Governor’s Academy, as well to take on more playing time and greater as some out of league games. This year’s responsibility this season. They will rely team, possessing a strong work ethic a lot on this senior leadership and exand the desire to improve every day, is perience to guide them this year. “This up to the challenge. Senior goalie Ryan year we also have great senior leaderMcConnell returns, as does a strong de- ship and the experience of Melanson and fense anchored by senior captains Tyler Welch will help us out a ton on offense.” One game that everyone is lookGranara and Danny Kelly, junior Charlie Barrow, and sophomores David Giunta ing forward to is the Frozen Fenway and Brian Matthews. Captains Kelly and game on January 8 against St. SebasMatt Melanson both said that the defense tian’s. This will be the third Belmont will be one of strongest points of the Hill hockey game held at Fenway, and team this year. Melanson: “Our greatest it should be another exciting contest. strength is our defense/goalie because The Loop may be in full force this winwe return a lot of players and have a lot ter, led by heads Taylor Morris, Ryan of experience there.” Kelly: “I think the Bathon and Tucker Hallowell. The whole backbone of our team will be our de- school is ready as the varsity hockey fense and our goalie. We have almost all team begins another season December returning defensemen coming back for 5th at home against Berwick Academy. ☐
Senior Will Golonka dekes out the Sebs goalie at Frozen Fenway in 2011
Bill Mahoney
L ast L o ok
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Seniors vs. Old People Soccer Game Highlights: 0’ - Joey LaLiberte warns the faculty that the “Pain Train” was coming - no such train ever arrived 14’- Referee Doc Fast calls an offsides in the box from midfield - results of his eye test still pending 22’ - Seniors allow the old people to score 34’ - Joey LaLiberte scores an own goal - perhaps this was the train he was referring to 38’ - Seniors again allow the old people to score 42’ - Andrew Meckel scores on Senor Montoya on a PK, exacting sweet revenge for season spent riding pine 48’ - Mr. Collins absolutely bundles Angus Smith 54’ - Seniors yet again show their charitable nature allowing the Old People to net one more goal 60’ - Alex Haigh scores! Anything is possible!
Look Alikes:
Joey LaLiberte
Chip Daley
Ian Arthur
Tommy Wynn
Phil Dunphy
Nigel Thornberry
Dr. Wachtmeister
Charles Darwin
The Belmont Hill Panel Staff would like to congratulate our classmate in absentia Pedro Ribeiro on his engagement! See you all at the wedding!