October 2015 (64, 3)

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A Student Publication of the Belmont Hill School

Sophomore Ishaan Prasad Attends Elite Developers Meeting BH to Go BYOD heading technological advances for everyday life in this new age of apps. Ishaan’s love for computers Most fifteen year-olds spent started when he was ten, learntheir first week of summer at the ing Scratch and making games. beach, or binge-watching Netflix At 12, he taught himself Objecin recovery from exams. Ishaan tive-C from Youtube videos over Prasad is not an ordinary fifteen March break, releasing his debut year old. In June, Ishaan spent a app Pet Run a few weeks later. week in San Francisco as a per- Now, his focus in apps is on prosonal guest of Apple at their annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), the tech giant’s showcase for their new products and a destination for the world’s top software developers. Ishaan was one of 350 scholars selected to attend WWDC, chosen through a strict application process. The opportunity to go to this coveted conference is new for high schoolers; the scholar program has been around since the Eighties, but was traditionally only available to graduate school students. Four years ago, a then-sixteen-yearold developer applied and was accepted under his dad’s name, prompting Apple to rethink their age policy. Now, the scholarship is available to anyone thirteen years ductivity and education, and he and up. About 100 of the 350 stu- has over 60 thousand downloads. dents were high schoolers, esti- Instead of consisting of the usual mates Ishaan; the rest were in col- “Tell us about yourself…” queslege and graduate school. His week tions, Apple’s atypical application and story was additionally chron- required students to build an inicled in Business Insider in June. teractive resumé app to showcase “There’s an app for that” their developing skills and crehas never been more accurate than ativity. The innovative applicatoday. You can measure your heart tion was announced in Mid-May, rate, stream a movie, and order and applicants are given a week dinner, all with the touch of your to create the app; Ishaan recalls phone. App developing and com- working on the app in addition puter language have both emerged to studying for finals, and receivas vital 21st century skills, with ing an acceptance letter during teenagers and young adults spear- the exams. Part of Apple’s genius By Mack Perry Panel Staff

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Best Burrito in Boston pg 5 Salsa vs. Guac pg 7 Best 2000’s Country Albums pg 9 Deflategate Analysis pg 10

ence’s most anticipated event that would come the next day. Ishaan lined up at 1:30am that morning outside the convention center in hopes of securing a good spot for the Keynote. “I missed the email that said the scholars had VIP access,” laughs Ishaan. His dedication paid off; he was first in line, and there were pictures on Apple’s website to prove it. The Keynote was traditionally held by Steve Jobs, and now features CEO Tim Cook and other Apple executives announcing new products. This year, the

By Ishaan Prasad company premiered Apple MuPanel Staff sic, their response to Spotify and the growing demand for subscription-based music streaming. For years, Belmont Hill has The Weeknd debuted his first hit held steadfast on its device policy, single “Can’t Feel My Face” af- providing students with access to ter Cook’s lecture. This itself was iPads, Chromebooks, and computer awe-inspiring, recalls Ishaan. labs, while also permitting boys to “The Keynote was held in the bring their own devices to campus. biggest room I’ve ever been in”, a In a world increasingly dominated testimate to the tech giant’s gran- by “smart” devices of every size and deur. The scholars sat in a VIP shape, faculty and administrators section at the very front of the on campus began to recognize that room, only feet away from heads the device policy at school was in of the world’s most influential need of a drastic update, in order tech company. After the address, to keep up with the ever-changing Ishaan and his fellow scholars technological world. From Form I were pulled on stage for photos to Form VI, boys are increasingly in front of the crowd. During the requiring a computer to complete conference, Ishaan observed sev- even the most basic assignments. eral strategies of Apple’s, especial- Signs of this new era of technology ly on their PR front. For example, are scattered around campus: from any time there was a photo op, smartboards, to online textbooks, workers would place minorities and even the iLab in the Melvoin and girls (Apple was scorned for Academic Center. After more than not attracting enough women at three years of pilots, testing, and surthe conference) front and center. veys, the Belmont Hill community Tuesday and Wednesday will be embarking on an entirely difwere spent milling around the ferent approach to electronic devices conference center, mingling with on campus next year; students will be fellow software developers, me- required to bring their own device. dia, and Apple executives. Ishaan The basic principles of a BYOD estimates that in addition to the (Bring Your Own Device) policy are 350 scholars, there were around of relative simplicity: from now on, five thousand developers and an- all students will have access to a perother thousand Apple engineers. sonal computer for the entirety of Add the media and Apple work- the day. But what does this policy ers to get approximately seven actually mean for the 441 students thousand conference attendees - and 73 faculty at Belmont Hill? quite the hectic scene. The scholSince 2012, Belmont Hill has ars were given VIP passes that been conducting various tests to see gave them all-access to the con- what policies would work best for the ference; Ishaan’s is autographed school. As a First Former during the by Tim Cook. “There was no sep- iPad Pilot in 2012, I had a firsthand aration or superiority with the top experience in technology through a continued on page 3 continued on page 6

Varsity Soccer Defeats BB&N in a Well-Fought Match showered up, and headed to the mall for some dinner and the 7:30 showing of Black Mass. This overnight experience alThe Varsity Soccer team is off to a lowed the new teammates to grow closer great season start with an overall record and spend some quality time together of 5-0-1 and an in-league record of 3-0-0. off the soccer field. The next morning, After the final round of cuts on September 12th following the preseason jamboree, the team hosted their first regular season game, at home against Bridgton Academy, a New England Class A school. All class A games count towards the team’s overall New England record, meaning, at the end of the season, if they win a certain number of these games, the team qualifies for the New England playoffs. With this in mind, the Belmont Hill Varsity squad came out firing, scoring the first goal and never looking back, going on to a 5-1 win, with goals from Diego Pereira, Al Zenati, Robbie Cronin, Evan Ricci, and George Hu. On that Friday, the team traveled 2 hours down to Barrington, Rhode Island to take on two non-league opponents, following a buffet-style breakfast, all the the Rocky Hill School and St. Andrew’s team members packed up their bags School. Despite having suffered through a and boarded the bus for their 1:30 p.m. two hour bus ride, the Belmont Hill boys game time start. Against St. Andrews, didn’t show any signs of slowing down, the defense had their hands full, as they dominating Rocky Hill School in a 7-1 vic- were facing two Division-1 caliber striktory. The team then returned to their hotel, ers with speed and talent. Going into the By Chip Daley Staff Writer

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here is it forces applicants to learn and master Swift, Apple’s language, therefore popularizing it. WWDC ran from Monday, June 8 to the following Friday at San Francisco’s Moscone Center. On Sunday, the scholars were invited to an orientation at the Four Seasons that mimicked the Keynote address, the confer-

final five minutes, Belmont Hill held the lead 2-1, but yielded a devastating goal with inside 5 minutes left in the game, resulting in a 2-2 tie. However, up to this point, none of the games had mattered in regards to our league standings.

The team ached to play their ultimate rival school in BB&N on Saturday, September 26th, in their first real league game. The week of practice before BB&N included the Circle of Death drill, in which players sprint in a large circle for 1-minute, 30-second, and 15-sec-

ond increments, skill work, push-ups, sit-ups, and formation-style exercises, in order to fully prepare the team for this biggest game of the season. Coach Señor Montoya regarded the BB&N game as a “springboard for our season.” If the team could take down the league rival Knights, it would propel them into a fantastic spot for the rest of the season, giving them the necessary momentum to defeat other league teams. Finally, on Saturday at 12 p.m, the moment finally came to show the league what Belmont Hill soccer is really made of. Just 7 minutes into the game, Evan Ricci tapped the ball in the back of the net, giving the team a 1-0 lead. Unfortunately, Chad Meyers picked up his second yellow card with 15 minutes left in the first half, forcing Belmont Hill to have 10 men for the rest of the game. The team rallied around Chad, and everyone worked a little harder in the second half. The final whistle blew and the team celebrated a huge 1-0 victory against a league rival. The game really exemplified the definition of a team effort, and every player and coach couldn’t be more excited to see what the rest of the season has in store. ☐

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Summer Cuba Trip Creates Lifelong Memories on Previously Isolated Island By John Gosselin Panel Staff Over the summer, a group of twelve students and two teachers went to Havana to learn about Cuba’s culture, and its political, economic, and social systems. Since the 1959 success of Fidel Castro’s Communist revolution, Cuba has been a communist country. The government is required to own at least half of all large-scale firms, and all education and health care is government-operated as well. The Cuban government is currently led by Raul Castro, Fidel’s brother. Because of the philosophical and strategic differences between the United

States and Cuba, the US placed an embargo on all Cuban products. The embargo was first imposed in 1960 and strengthened by acts of Congress, most recently in 1996. It has had an immense effect on the lives of the Cuban people, especially af-

ter the end of Soviet support in 1991. We witnessed the effect of the revolution and the embargo at a few of our stops: a local market in Havana and the several restaurants where we ate. It is remarkable how we could tell the state of the people by looking at their cuisine. The local market, one of many in this city of about two million, sold many basic Cuban staples like sweet potatoes and other root vegetables. There was little to no meat at the outdoor market, as meat is significantly more expensive in Cuba than it is in the US. We used the local Cuban money, which is pegged at 1/24th the value of the US dollar, another acceptable currency. Most establishments, the state-owned ones in particular, take both types of

currency, but some of the restaurants we went to only accept the Cuban Convertible Peso, used for the tourism industry, making these restaurants some of the most expensive in the city. These private restaurants are a new experiment in Cuba, as they are

some of the only businesses that are not government-owned. Fighting heavy regulations and taxes, they are still some of the country’s most successful businesses, and the economy has benefited from them. These restaurants create jobs beyond their four walls; they create work for farmers, produce-shippers, and other logistical support staff necessary to sustain Havana’s many restaurants. This economic change has not helped the entire country, however, and the general Cuban economy has fared poorly since the end of Soviet assistance. Cuba’s culture more than makes up for its economic failings, and as a visitor, I was struck by how friendly the Cuban people were, especially considering the history between the US and Cuba. Cuba’s culture can be admired through its architecture. We toured many sections of Havana and witnessed the city’s incredible architectural history, from its 18th century fort, La Cabana, to the elegant Spanish colonial façades scattered throughout the city. The best-kept

façades had bright paint and pillars that supported the outcropping rooms above, and also provided for shade for the people walking on the sidewalk. All of these beautiful buildings are a product of Spanish colonialism. There was another, less beautiful building as well: the Russian (formerly the Soviet) embassy. This concrete pillar towers nearly 30 stories, making it one of the city’s tallest buildings. We could see it from our hotel, which was at least a few miles away. The Soviet Union was communist Cuba’s biggest supporter from the revolution to Soviet collapse in 1991.

We toured many sections of Havana and witnessed the city’s incredible architectural history, from its 18th century fort, La Cabana, to the elegant Spanish colonial façades scattered throughout the city. Overall, the Cuba trip was a great learning experience for all the Belmont Hill boys who attended, providing insight into the previously shadowed culture of this island so close to the United States. ☐

Boys in the Boat Chapel Provides Insight to the Daniel James Brown’s Book By Jason Fischman Panel Staff This past summer, the B elmont Hill all-school read was The Boys in the Boat, by Daniel Brown, a heroic tale of nine working-class boys and their struggles to overcome adversity to win gold in the 1936 Olympics. Along with the stor y’s crew component, it is a tale of class struggle, the rise of Nazism in Germany, and the economic devastation caused by the Great Depression. The group of young rowers from the University of Washington succeed against the odds in beating their west coast rival, Cal B erkeley, their privileged east coast rivals (including Yale and Penn) and eventually international crews, including the Nazi German shell. To ensure that ever y member of the B elmont Hill community understood these messages, and to encourage discussion about such a meaningful book, the entire school gathered for a long school meeting on a Friday in early September. Mr. Richards, B elmont Hill’s head crew coach and a lifelong rower, started the meeting by outlining the histor y of crew. He explained that crew, as a sport, originated among water taximen on London’s Thames River and became an annual race, starting in the early 1700s. Eventually, crew emerged as a sport associated with elite colleges and schools, at

places such as Oxford and Eton, and later on the American east coast, predominantly at Ivy League and other prestigious schools. But the sport migrated westward, leading to the expansion of crews at western universities like those featured in Daniel Brown’s book. Mr. Richards was followed by Mr. Z amore, who explored the craft of boatbuilding. Mr. Z amore first described the craftsmanship required to construct the crew shells, and then tied the stor y of these vessels to the experience of teaching and obser ving boys as they constructed their own canoes in an Inquir y course last spring. Mr. Z amore’s obser vations on craftsmanship were enhanced by the presence of the two B elmont-Hill owned George Pocock boats on display outside the Chapel; seeing one of these boats in person allowed many B elmont Hill boys who do not row crew to imagine just how impressive the craftsmanship is, and to picture more vividly the Washington University crew’s relationship with their boats. Mr. Leonardis next took the stage to discuss the Great Depression and provide some historical context for the stor y. The Great Depression was an economic collapse throughout the world in the early 1930s, and played a pivotal role in The B oys in the B oat. The Washington University crew team was

composed of working class men, the group of society hit the hardest by the Great Depression; Joe Rantz, the protagonist, was abandoned by his family because they could not afford to feed and house him, and the disadvantaged crew as a whole was constantly working overtime and throughout their summers to overcome economic disparity. Mr. O’Lear y’s presentation on the 1936 B erlin Olympics and the rise of Nazism throughout Germany emphasized Hitler’s intention to showcase Germany’s success to the world. Using photos and quotations, Mr. O’Lear y explored how propaganda was used during the German games to portray the countr y as prosperous, virile, admirable, and to disguise its racist and Anti-Semitic policies. Mr. O’Lear y then screened the University of Washington’s astounding gold-medal race, in which the boys beat back their competitors, the Germans among them, and rowed to their remarkable victor y. Mr. George, also a B elmont Hill crew coach, was last to the podium, and described the historic and ongoing rivalr y between east and west coast crews. The east coast crews had dominated since the rise of crew in America, and were often powered by the children of elites. The west coast crews, on the other hand, were often manned by those from more humble origins, and they did not achieve

the same success until the early 1900s, when west coast crews began consistently beating east coast crews. Eventually, in the 1930s, the west coast crews were consistently favored to beat their east coast counterparts as the west became a dominant power in the crew world. Overall, The B oys in the B oat was a phenomenal stor y of

The school meeting enhanced students’ understanding of the book’s context, in terms of its rowing, along with the Great Depression and rise of Nazi Germany, allowing students to better absorb the book’s core themes. an underdog crew team winning Olympic gold, during a time global economic and political crisis. The school meeting enhanced students’ understanding of the book’s context, in terms of its rowing, along with the Great Depression and rise of Nazi Germany, allowing students to better absorb the book’s core themes. To complement their understanding of the book, all students were required to write an essay comparing The B oys in the B oat to B elmont Hill, and excerpts from the best of these essays are included on page 3. ☐

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Upper School Boys in the Boat Essay Excerpts, Chosen by Each English Teacher Prompt: Our school motto is “Working Together.” How best can we apply what we have learned from this narrative to our collective experience in this community? Be specific. I can connect Joe Rantz’s rowing experience of working together to Belmont Hill, most clearly through my experience on the community service trip in San Diego in 2014. As a very privileged group of boys, with the ability to attend an excellent school such as Belmont Hill, going into a less fortunate community, each and every student had to suppress their ego, staying humble to do the best work we could for these people in need. Without ego, and with a sense of humility, similar to that of Joe and his teammates, we were able to complete projects for a school, such as painting a mural in their schoolyard, installing an irrigation system, and setting up a plot for them to grow produce. Seth Israel, Mr. Curran An important element of the Washington team’s success was the boys’ attitudes; as sons of blue-collar, Depression-era workers, Joe and his teammates shared a deeply ingrained sense of humility. This attitude allowed the crew, as Brown explains, “to subsume their individual egos for the sake of the boat as a whole” (241). Rowing is a sport that requires complete cooperation, and the team’s ability to forge a single, unified mentality proved crucial. While reading about the importance

of humility to the Washington team, I was reminded of a longtime Belmont Hill tradition: waitering. When I first came to t h e school, I was confused by this odd practice; the idea of clearing away my peers’ dirty dishes for four weeks a year seemed both ridiculous and annoying. However, I have begun to see the true value in this job: for one, waiting on others is a humbling experience. And, the fact that everyone waits on each other at different times fosters mutual respect. So, while we may complain about it, waitering brings us students closer together in a unique way. Jack Daley, Dr. Tift During my time at Belmont Hill, I have found a swing with my classmates and teammates a handful of times. At the end of last autumn, eleven of my JV Soccer teammates and I traveled to Winchendon for our last soccer game. To that point, we had gone undefeated, so we all knew the match’s implications: we had the opportunity to make not just the last game, but the final season for our devoted senior players both a special memory and accomplishment. Embracing the numbing cold and muddy field, I knew that this match would require more than just individual skill and athleticism; victory would demand a resolute team effort. Capitalizing on an early corner kick, Winchendon took a 1-0 lead that would last for the first

Mr. English Brings Many Talents to BH By Jay O’Brien Panel Staff After spending a year as a teacher and secondary dormitory parent at the Forman School in Connecticut, Mr. English joins the Belmont Hill science department for his first year of teaching at the school. A 2014 graduate of Bowdoin College, Mr. English teaches Form VI physics, engineering, and Middle School art. The diverse group of classes that Mr. English teaches attests to his array of knowledge and talents, as well as the many different interests that Mr. English has cultivated throughout the years. Growing up in Newton, Pennsylvania, a small town roughly 35 miles north of Philadelphia, Mr. English excelled on the sports field, while also becoming very involved in extracurricular activities throughout his time in high school. He played football all four years, basketball as a Freshman and Sophomore, and lacrosse as a Junior and Senior: “In high school I was also really involved in student government, which was kind of my main focus outside of sports,” added Mr. English, who also enjoyed spending time in several other groups and clubs as well. From there, Mr. English attended Bowdoin College, where he played football for four years. He eventually became very involved in student life starting in his junior year, becoming a member of Ladd House as a Sophomore. Mr. English explained this decision by stating, “Living in a college house was a great experience, but as I moved out of there and was looking for a greater place in the college community, that was when I joined ResLife.” Starting as a first year proctor during his junior year, Mr. English eventually became the head proctor of a firstyear dorm where he was in charge of the dorm operation and activity planning. Mr. English believes that his path towards becoming a teacher started with his time spent in ResLife. Regarding what he planned to do for work after college, Mr. English said “I was really unsure as to what I wanted to do,” but his boss at the time set him up with a job as a teaching assistant for Upward Bound, a program for low income or future first-generation students. His job involved certain responsibilities within the school such as “assisting students in residential life, moni-

half. During halftime, our captain Mike emphasized that we could depend on each other. If the opponent got past a midfielder, the right back would be there to help, and if he faltered, our sweeper and left back would do everything possible to prevent a shot from passing by the goalie. Conversely, the goalie could trust the defenders to clear the ball to the midfielders, who could then share the ball with the strikers. We each had to do our own job and trust one another. We played our best soccer of the season during that second half: whether we were making extra passes, sprinting over to help, or calling out about an oncoming defender, everyone pitched in his best team effort. When the final whistle blew, we had won 3-1. As was the case with Joe and his crew, we had won because we had played our hardest, knowing that our teammates would be there to support us. Bhawramaett Broehm, Dr. Fast These two indispensable values that facilitate productive cooperation can be observed throughout the Belmont Hill community which prides itself on its mantra of “working together”; however, this “swing” is most readily viewed—or more appropriately, heard—within the walls of Prenatt on Mondays after lunch. The Jazz Combo, a

group of individuals with disparate skill levels from beginner to experienced and with a diverse array of instruments ranging from three different types of saxophones to guitar and percussion, harmonizes its different sounds— no one musician overpowering the others—to create divine music. The drums keep the steady beat in the background—spang spang-a-langspang-a-lang—while the saxes swing along to the melody. Playing their part alone, these instruments generate a noise that lacks in richness and fullness of sound; however, the subtle blend and balance between the thumping base, whispering guitar, ringing piano, and bellowing saxes all in overlapping harmony evoke feelings of indescribable exultation for those fortunate enough to listen to borderline jazz perfection. William Weiter, Mr. Leonardis The vessel where each boy learned to blindly trust one another and where eight rowers learned to move as one became an inseverable bond that connected each and every one of them. Unlike the boys on the team, the boat did not age just like the memory of their shared experiences which continued to live on with the boat even as the team grew old. As an object, their boat was a tool used to win the Olympic gold; however, on a metaphorical level, the boat carried the team away from a life of poverty and served as a vehicle which would tie nine boys to one unforgettable achievement in 1936. Cole Nagahama, Mr. Kirby

Ishaan Prasad ‘18 Shines at WDDC

toring students’ progress in science, math, and Continued from Page 1 writing courses, and leading weekend activities.” people at Apple, ever yone After a positive experience at Upward roamed around the conference Bound, Mr. English headed off to teach science f loor, happy to talk with anyone.” at the Forman School in rural Litchfield, Con- There were lectures and worknecticut. However, he wanted to live and work in shops set up for different interaca more metropolitan location. Thus, Mr. English tive labs and sessions for scholars decided to reach out to a network of Bowdoin to attend, and when they were tired football alumni to identify teaching possibili- or needed a break, they could head ties in the Boston area. Mr. English eventually to the scholar lounge. Ishaan met found Mr. Butler and contacted him for more and bonded with many other stuinformation about Belmont Hill, which result- dent developers during the week at ed in a school visit. “Belmont Hill really seemed WWD C. “ They were doing so much like a great fit in terms of everything that I more than I could imagine,” he rewanted out of a professional experience.” Thus marked. One standout peer was Ari far, Mr. English has enjoyed his first month at Weinstein, who is the mastermind the school thanks to the “perfect balance” be- behind Workf low, a productivity tween a wonderful professional environment app that sat at #1 in the App Store and the separation of work and personal life. In our interview, he “The level of support here from faculty and students is tremendous, helping me understand stressed the importance where I need to go, where I need to be, what of coding and developing the expectation level is. It’s all just very clear.” in today’s world, and how Within our very first week of senior year kids our age are playing a physics, certain students within the class had

conference concluded with a concert featuring Walk The Moon to cap off an unforgettable week. Along with his brother, Arnav, and classmate Matt Smith, Ishaan attended Dartmouth’s Hack-

major role in technology and innovation.

for weeks, created when Ari was still a teenager. He left MIT at 19 to continue to work on his projects, sponsored by the Thiel Fellowship. The Fellowship, started by early Facebook investor Peter Thiel, gives grants to young entrepreneurs for use for their startup, given they drop out of school to do so. Ishaan notes one big difference in the edua very interesting discussion with Mr. English cation mentality of E ast versus West about music, in particular Kanye West’s pro- C oast students. “ The idea of schoolcess when creating his last album, Yeezus. It is ing is ver y different,” he remarks. discussions like these that provides a new and “In general, kids over here will go interesting experience for students as they try through college then start their caand familiarize themselves with a new face reers. Out in California, they talk on the Belmont Hill staff. Since Mr. English about dropping out or not going is just one year removed from college, he is at all to work on their companies.” still able to have conversations about topics Ishaan was given the opthat are relevant to the daily lives of many Bel- portunity on Thursday to tour mont Hill students. This connection between the Google and Twitter headquara teacher and his students is very helpful in ters, both located close to each fostering a creative classroom environment.☐ other and to San Francisco. The

a-thon the first weekend of October, where participants spend two days working on a certain project that is reviewed by corporate judges. In our inter view, he stressed the importance of coding and developing in today’s world, and how kids our age are playing a major role in technolog y and innovation. Asked about programming scene at B elmont Hill, Ishaan notes potential in the new clubs starting up this year. “ There are a ton of people in our school and the ISL interested in programming,” he says. “ There’s been a boom of interest. It’s ver y exciting.” C ongrats to Ishaan for this remarkable accomplishment. The future certainly is bright for him. ☐

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Harvard Swimmer Mr. Sundel Joins Faculty Former Student Mr. Davis Returns to Hill

up tomorrow ready to graduate, and it majored in classics at Tufts; however, instead By John Markis was the first day of school all over again.’ of becoming a teacher or professor of his faPanel staff I don’t think I could have done it, to be vorite language, Mr. Davis decided to pursue It seems like Mr. Sundel was always honest. Yeah, it was really, really tough.” Although Mr. Davis is one of the his dream of becoming a professional hockey preparing to find his way to Belmont Hill. Despite his challenging first year, newest teachers on campus, he is also one player. After receiving only one offer from a Hearing about his high school life and col- Mr. Sundel looks back on his days at Fork of the most familiar with the school. As team in the United States, Mr. Davis brought lege years reminded me of parts of my Bel- Union with gratitude: “I had to remem- a 2007 Belmont Hill graduate, he is one of his talents to Germany. He already knew mont Hill life and what a lot of other boys ber I took a gamble going there. While eight alumni working as teachers. Mr. Da- some German from an exchange student his must be experiencing, too. I almost jok- it could be tough, looking back on Fork vis started his Belmont Hill experience in family had previously housed, but the traningly asked if he had crafted some master Union, I’m just so happy I had the chance the fall of 2001 and immediately fell in love sition was definitely a large one. While in plan in elementary school in order to se- to go.” Sundel credits his high school for with the school. Playing football in the fall, Germany, Mr. Davis coached a local youth cure a teaching job here, and I would not making him who he is today and bettering hockey in the winter, and baseball in the team and found his passion for coaching. Afhave been surprised if he whipped out his him in every regard of life. He believes his spring, Mr. Davis quickly made new friends ter one year across the Atlantic Ocean, Mr. laptop and showed me the most updated gamble worked out in every way. Draw- in his early years due to both his easygoing Davis returned home to coach at a school he version. Still, the similarities between his ing on his experience in high school, Mr. nature and obvious athletic ability. Although path to college and those of other students Sundel has some advice to share with the he changed sports a few times, running here at Belmont Hill are striking, and from student body here as well: “If it seems like cross country in ninth and tenth grade and this first-hand experience, he will make Belmont Hill is a tough place, whether rowing from ninth grade until senior year, for a superb teacher, coach, and mentor academically, athletically, or socially, it’s Mr. Davis’s rock remained hockey; he had to Belmont Hill boys for years to come. a place that will mold you and get you started the sport at a very young age and Mr. Sundel grew up in Falls Church, through tough times in life in the fu- started on varsity as an ace defenseman. Virginia, approximately twenty minutes ture, even if you can’t see that right now.” Although Mr. Davis loved hockey, it west of Washington D.C. Since his faWhile we students are allowed cell was definitely not his only passion at Belmont ther despised the local D.C. professional phones, aren’t required to shine our shoes Hill. Mr. Davis’s well roundedness showed teams, Sundel was raised a Philadelphia daily, and don’t need to march around throughout his career at Belmont Hill, as he Eagles fan, growing up in elementary campus, Belmont Hill, like Fork Union, was a part of community service, set tech, school rooting for the “enemy” in the Ea- is an all-boys school with students who and chess club. Mr. Davis was heavily ingles-Redskins rivalry. Thankfully, Sundel take pride in hard work across several fac- volved in the Bread Squad, a club where Midescaped elementary school alive and con- ets of school life. Mr. Sundel advises boys dle Schoolers went down to a nearby Panera tinued to attend schools in the local Falls to remember the value of Type-B fun (as Bread and, after gathering leftover bread from had not been to in five years: Belmont Hill. Church public school system up until the Mr. Leonardis put it a few weeks ago), ac- the day before, delivered loaves to shelters. As the assistant JV hockey coach end of 9th grade. Always motivated, Mr. tivities that have benefits and value will It is impossible to talk about Mr. Da- for two years, Mr. Davis found that he had Sundel understood hard work was nec- reap in future years, not immediately. vis without talking about his Latin career. missed Belmont Hill tremendously while he essary to do well in school: “You’ve got Mr. Sundel is no stranger to in- Taking the language of the Romans for all was away; however, he was only coaching as to sit down and study every single day, tense athletics either, an experience which six years of his Belmont Hill career, Mr. Da- a side job and spent his days as a construcwhether that’s for an hour, two hours, will help him effectively coach Belmont vis had Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Richards as tion worker. The first time that Mr. Davis three hours, or however long it takes.” Hill athletics. He competitively swam teachers, two of the most renowned teachers seriously considered working at Belmont In his 9th grade year at the public and ran track throughout high school, here; he continues to have a strong relation- Hill full-time was when he applied for the school, Mr. Sundel, academically gifted and swimming practices were often ten ship with his former teachers to this day. As job of head JV coach, a position that he and bolstered by a terrific work ethic, times a week, some beginning at 4:45 all classics students at Belmont Hill know, holds to this day. In the summer of 2015, began thinking about applying out of AM in the morning. Sundel also be- the core membership of each class remains Mr. Davis officially got the job as a teacher the school system he had known his en- came very involved in a program at Fork the same year after year, and a strong rela- at Belmont Hill. This year, Mr. Davis only tire life. The following fall, still excited Union in which he mentored younger tionship develops between class members. teaches Latin Alpha and woodworking, for a challenge both academically and boys in middle school, an activity which In Mr. Davis’s class, the same eight stu- but with his strong background in classics, athletically, Mr. Sundel enrolled at Fork lead to his interest in teaching today. dents came back every year, and they cre- he hopes to teach higher levels of Latin as Union Military Academy, an all-boys After growing to love Fork Union by ated a Latin Club at Belmont Hill to both he gains experience in the classroom. Beschool for grades 7-12 in Fork Union, VA. the time he graduated valedictorian of his enhance their skills and have a good time. sides being the JV hockey coach, Mr. DaThe transition was certainly not grade, Sundel went on to Harvard UniverUpon graduation, Mr. Davis did not vis is also leading the First Form soccer a breeze for Mr. Sundel. Already disci- sity, where he also brought his talents to have to buy a plane ticket or board a boat to team. All in all, Mr. Davis has many skills plined, he says his first reaction was “to the Division 1 swimming program. A five- get to college, due to the proximity of Tufts that will enhance the community for years fight the institution.” He endured many time All-American swimmer, Mr. Sundel University in Medford. Mr. Davis played to come, and we are as glad to have him changes and because of the massive tran- swam freestyle and was named Harvard hockey for four years for the Jumbos and back as he is to be here. In his own words, sition, “it was a tough first year.” In an en- team MVP during his senior year. While was elected captain in his senior year. He he “cannot think of a better place to be.” ☐ tirely new environment, Sundel was alone a Harvard swimmer, Sundel also began at a new boarding school, separate from to coach a younger swim team during his summers, in addition to helping mentor students at the Crimson Summer Acadform convened at the campfire for stories. By Thomas Wolpow emy. Possibly his most interesting activity Mr. Kaplan led the way, retelling the sheStaff Writer in college, Mr. Sundel reported for Harvard nanigans that he and his friends partook sports, writing articles about Harvard basEarlier this month, the sixth form in while students at Belmont Hill. Soon, it ketball, and conducting profiles on players. embarked on a senior retreat to Camp was our time to relive the memories of the Mr. Sundel’s involvement in men- Cody, a beautiful lakeside destination in past five years. At around 10:30 PM, we toring led him to believe he would want bucolic Freedom, New Hampshire. The trundled back to our cabins to turn in afto pursue a teaching profession after he trip would last just over 24 hours; never- ter an exhausting day. Mr. Sherman, who graduated college. Last year, after hear- theless, the senior class would forge some likes a good night sleep, was not happy ing Harvard friends speak highly of of its best moments together. When the with the late-night noise that inevitably Belmont Hill, he applied for a teaching buses pulled into camp, Mr. Bradley an- accompanies any cabin full of Belmont position, enticed by the concept of an nounced that the bunks were first-come, Hill boys. After some stern words, we all-boys school similar to his alma mater. first-serve, which resulted in a beeline for gave up talking and went to bed, excited to After receiving, and accepting, a job of- the long wooden cabins tucked into the spend one more morning at Camp Cody. fer, Sundel now feels very “grateful to Dr. woods a few hundred yards from the lake. Come daybreak, another perfect Melvoin and the staff for giving me an The first hour reserved for free-time, blue sky welcomed us out of our cabins. opportunity to come to a place like this.” groups of friends engaged in a myriad Ravenous, we jostled into the dining hall After about a month, Mr. Sundel of activities like Spike ball, football, and for a breakfast that vastly exceeded exloves Belmont Hill, explaining it is a spe- basketball. Others decided to take a short pectations. Pancakes, fresh fruit, bacon, cial place for both students to learn and path to the camp beach, where the fine, and even an omelet bar left us stuffed family, all his friends, and his old comfort- teachers to work. Mr. Sundel teaches white New Hampshire sand gave way into and ready to mess around for another able existence. “Fork Union forced me to Form II English, Af-Am studies, and will a shallow, muddy lake. Chicken fights hour before leaving. Most of the form grow up really fast,” Sundel remarked. “It take on World Issues in the Spring. In ad- ensued, helping all the boys release some decided on more organized activities, was a place that made you work for every dition to teaching and coaching 4th soc- pent-up energy from the long bus ride. like full court basketball and futsal socsingle thing and didn’t hand you anything, cer, Mr. Sundel also works in the Admis- After changing back at the cabins, the cer. Others relaxed on the bleachers, whether that was in the classroom, while sions Office and will coach Varsity track advisors directed us to a meeting house, catching some sun that would soon disyou were marching, or playing sports.” in the Spring. “Very happy” at Belmont where we listened to a brief talk by the appear back in Boston. When Mr. BradThere were no cell phones allowed, no Hill, Sundel sees himself coaching and school’s head psychologist, Dr. Thomp- ley blew his whistle to start loading the iPods, and not even Facebook. Mr. Sun- teaching for a while. Adept at planning son. Next, we broke up into advisor buses, each of us couldn’t help but smile del remembers the last night before the ahead (he’s already learning a sport for groups, and participated in some enjoy- at the great 24 hours the seniors had sophomore graduation that concluded retirement), Mr. Sundel’s forecast for his able team-building exercises. The high- shared together. Every boy will soon his first year at Fork Union: “I was get- professional future is sure to be accurate. light of the trip, however, would come choose a different path to college and ting ready to go to bed and my roommate Belmont Hill will be fortunate to enjoy after a hearty classic camp meal of hot then into life, but on that day, we stuck asked me, ‘Blake, imagine if you woke his presence now and in years to come. ☐ dogs and hamburgers, when the whole together like brothers at Camp Cody. ☐ By William McCormack Staff Writer

Seniors Create Memories at Camp Cody

O c tob er 9th, 2 0 1 5

Belmont Hill Opinions

Pa g e 5

The Trump Card: How Donald’s Campaign Defies Modern Politics By Bennett Rush and Robbie Warming threw countless insults at his detractors. Panel staff What other candidate in history could insult women, immigrants, and As the campaign trudges on, the question in everyone’s mind still remains: How long will Trump last? Donald Trump is leading just about every poll of Republican candidates right now. A Real Clear Politics poll, which averaged five national polls, had Trump at 31% as of September 13th. In every poll, he leads his Republican rivals by double digits. His growth and popularity defy the experts, who have repeatedly predicted his demise. Trump is known for his bold criticism of his competitors and his rash ideas which he claims will “Make America Great Again.” He proposes radical, unresearched, and implausible policies. Even his campaign website, glaringly lacking in political substance, features Trump clothing, custom Solo cups, and pom-poms. Prior to the second debate, the site featured only one meaningful presidential policy: his position on immigration reform. Yet Trump seems to have toned down his characteristic national heroes, only to gain in popubrashness for the recent CNN Republi- larity? Love him or hate him, Trump is can Debate. Though the change in strat- bringing a whole new game into politics: egy could have been an effort to appear speaking his mind no matter the repermore presidential, his usual unapolo- cussions. In the beginning of his camgetic command of the political conver- paign, Trump took the Republican field sation was balanced by his ignorance by storm. Statements that would usually, of crucial information. In addition to and rightly, end a political career left him his unsubstantiated proposals, Trump unscathed. However in the CNN Debate,

Trump was held accountable for his past Trump remains on top, but slipped eight behaviors. We see this in his recent at- points in a CNN/ORC post-debate poll. tacks on Carly Fiorina in Rolling Stone He is not a shoe-in to become the Republican nominee. In fact, Trump’s personality may be beginning to catch up with him. The other Republican candidates, through careful observation of his unorthodox tactics, found ways to leave slight dents in the real estate tycoon’s campaign armor. Plus, Trump has fallen short on raising money, landing him in 13th place among Republican candidates for monetary funds. Despite these facts, Trump continues to draw massive attention without having to spend. There is no doubt that Trump has certainly tapped into the frustration that Americans feel toward politicians. His unapologetic political incorrectness seems to be his campaign’s defining strength. And yet, if Trump’s run survives to the general election, he will have to face an entirely different animal: independents. Yes, Trump may have been only slightly wounded by a more Trump-ready Republican field, but what will happen when he has to square off magazine, when he remarked, “Look at with the Democratic nominee for the (her) face! Would anybody vote for that?” great middle? If the object of the primaDuring the debate, Fiorina responded by ry is to elect a nominee who can defeat simply stating, “I think women all over the Democrats, why choose a man who this country heard very clearly what Mr. has time and time again ostracized the Trump said.” For that, Fiorina drew ar- women and immigrants of this country? guably the debate’s loudest applause. Trump’s populist rants may serve him Trump emerged from this de- well in the Republican primaries, but they bate with a downturn in his popularity. will come back to haunt him in 2016. ☐

Fernandez del Castillo Sets Out to Find The Best Burrito in Boston dry- it had great flavor, but it was tough to use a bar style construction, where they slid painted a bright yellow. The loud mariachi By Juan Carlos Fernandez del Castillo get through it all. Finally, the construction of the tortilla down and I created the burrito music they play constantly is matched only Staff Writer the burrito was both shoddy and problem- as I went, but rather took initiative into by the rapid Spanish spoken by the employIt isn’t often in life that I am able to atic. Not only did it fall apart in my hands, their own hands and just made the bur- ees behind the counter. The burrito I ate was sit down to ponder the real questions: “Are but it was short and squat to begin with, rito for me. This they did in about thirty delicious. One thing Anna’s does well is the double stuff Oreos actually any better?” “If and I rarely tasted more than one ingredient seconds, which was astonishing turnover. toasting of the burrito in oil before filling; I am not for myself, who will be for me?” in one bite. The surly teenager behind the As to the meal itself, there’s a lot to be said this melts the cheese, something which the “Do I have class right now?” Sitting in the counter didn’t help. Mix in an effort, bud. here. Most importantly, the carnitas were bigger chains astonishingly haven’t caught Goodband Commons, inspired by the in- The most expensive option at $8.40 plus tax. unorthodox, surprising, and absolutely de- on to. Frankly, it feels like other restaurants scriptions above me, I had something of Chipotle: 7/10. I’ll admit, I was a little licious. The meat was smoked, rubbed with simply don’t care enough to do this. The salan epiphany. The time had come for me wary of Chipotle going into it. A national some brilliant combination of spices, and sa in my burrito was far and away the best to both set out on my own and seek what chain that advertises freshness, cutesy, or- then stewed, if my taste buds can be trust- I tasted; it was outstandingly fresh and pertruth I could, however I might see fit. ganic slogans on all of their t-shirts, the ed. This sounds sophisticated, but really all fectly balanced; strong flavors such as onIn this spirit, the Common App oddly industrial decor with corrugated steel that mattered was the end result: amazing ion, lime, and cilantro played perfectly off asks us this year to write about a problem hung on the walls… carnitas that of each other. The carnitas here were great we’d like to solve. “It can be an intellec- I was pleasantly surwere well sea- in terms of flavor, but a little dry. This burritual challenge, a research query, an ethi- prised. The chief virsoned and to also exhibited magnificent structural incal dilemma-anything that is of personal tue of this burrito was well cooked. tegrity- every bite included nearly every inimportance, no matter the scale,” it writes. in its freshness; they They, like the gredient, and I can’t say enough about how Well, college, challenge accepted. I am go- don’t lie when they entire burrito, much this does to improve the experience. ing to find the best burrito in Boston, a task claim this. Their salsa had a lot more The rice was flavorful and well cooked, and that falls under each of those categories. was almost as fresh as kick than I these were the best beans I ate throughout A couple of logistical notes: I bought any I’ve ever tastedexpected, and the search; they tasted full and not too salty. the same burrito, as close as I could, at each while excess lime may there was a It wouldn’t surprise me to hear that they eatery. This consisted of: carnitas, brown have enhanced this slight hint were cooked with some of the juice from the rice, brown or pinto beans, pico de gallo/ impression, there’s of sweetness meat, or at least with good spices and onions. mild/tomato salsa (these are all the same no faking good ingredients, and they ex- to them that was unusual and fascinating. If the devil is in the details, then so is the thing), lettuce, cheese, and sour cream. I hibited this. The carnitas were superbly While a purist might label this unauthen- divine. This burrito nailed it in all the little chose carnitas because I figured there’s a lot cooked, with both great moisture content tic, I found that I couldn’t care less. This ways, from the tortilla to the freshness of the more leeway with the stewed pork option and strong, conventional flavor. One thing burrito was unique. As to the rest of the salsa, and that made it great. $7.90 plus tax. than with steak or chicken- the capacity for that disappointed me about this burrito ingredients, the salsa was average, but the So what did I learn? I learned a lot; nuance would expose the worse restaurants was its ratios and proportions; my first six rice and beans both flavorful. The cream first off, that was a lot of burritos to eat in and let the better ones shine. I also chose bites had no sour cream, and my last three was good, but unfortunately the cheese a short amount of time, and I’ll probably not to add guacamole, because, while deli- consisted almost exclusively of it. Occa- (cheddar, if I’m correct) felt a little sharp, avoid that sort of frequency in the future. cious, I thought it would overpower the rest sional bites had mainly rice or lettuce. The and thus out of the place in this burrito. Secondly though, I learned that the quesof the burrito, and I wanted a pure experi- ingredients, while on their own generally The burrito wasn’t well constructed- some tion of “best burrito in Boston” must be ence. Secondly, guacamole is expensive, and excellent, weren’t combined nearly as well bites had exclusively rice, extra tortilla was met by each person individually. This is unnamed members of the administration as they could have been. The burrito tasted folded along one side, and there was a little simply a matter of personal preference. refused to fund this research. I won’t say more like a salad than I would have liked, too much cheese. Overall, this bold burrito For now, I’ll happily go to Anna’s or Bowhether or not they made the right deci- with lots of lime and lettuce. $7.25 plus tax. took risks, and in general they paid huge loco. If you’re looking for my recommension, but I will say that a school that can’t Boloco: 8/10. A large part of me want- dividends. The most unusual and creative dation, I would say that you should go to afford a little research budget in the name ed to give Boloco a 10/10. First off, as soon burrito I ate by a wide margin. Also the Anna’s for the best overall experience. of the greater good should probably reor- as I walked in, I was greeted by a big, smil- cheapest burrito I ate, at $7.20, tax included. But if you’re ever feeling a little adventurganize its priorities or its newspaper staff. ing Mexican guy behind the counter. “How Anna’s: 8/10. Another word here ous, Boloco should stay on your radar. Qdoba: 3/10. Worst first. This bur- can I help you today?”, he asked confidently. about atmosphere; it matters. While the One last note; there’s really no substirito was incredibly uninspired. Overall, it “I’m looking for a burrito.” cute collegiate blonde behind the counter tute for making a burrito on your own. While was cold (read: unpleasant). The tortilla “Well, you’ve come to the right place.” at your local Chipotle arguably conveys an these restaurants are great, the satisfaction to was chewy and covered in a light dusting This was the only restaurant that con- advantage all on her own, there is simply no be had in exercising complete control over of flour, which didn’t help. The meat, while veyed this sort of fun confidence and wel- matching the feeling of walking into An- making your food and then eating it is pretty soaked in liquid, still managed to be a little come. Unlike every other place, they didn’t na’s, lined with colorful Mexican tiles and astonishing. Don’t knock it until you try it. ☐

BELMONT HILL OPINION

Pa g e 6

Why Did We Start So Early This Year?

Th e Pan el

Bring Your Own Device Policy Stresses Importance of Technology in Classroom

lem by completely eliminating the month of June. Starting earlier gives time for more breaks and possible (cont. from page 1) “1 to 1 pro- laptops from carts. With such a high numPulling up to the Belmont Hill snow days throughout the year, and gram,” in which the school technology ber of boys already owning their own lapparking lot on the first day of school, thus more productivity during class. department distributed one device (in tops, it became apparent that a BYOD polI looked at my car thermometer in disYet probably the paramount this case, iPads) to all 53 of the First icy could be the solution to Belmont Hill’s belief: 97 degrees. My car thermometer argument is that, under the new Formers for a year. The iPad was then device problems. As Mr. Trautz and the often overestimates the temperature, calendar, teachers will be able to integrated (somewhat) into the cur- ATC expertly summarized in their Recombut as I looked around, ever y single riculum of many of our classes. I still mendation of the BYOD policy, “while this person wearing a dark blazer and tight remember the excitement we felt when program might represent a change in phinecktie was sweating throughout ori- “Hopefully the new system we received the devices, but I also re- losophy, it will not be a drastic change to entation. As I was having my school will give the faculty more call the myriad of problems that came our student body, families, or even culture.” picture taken, the complaints of nearthe tablets. Besides the numerous With the institution of the policy next days to teach new material with by students were myriad: “Why do we cracked screens the school replaced September, all students will be required to and will give students less and the inevitable gaming that oc- bring either a Windows PC, Apple Mac, have to be in school so early?”; “Public schools don’t start until after Labor stress during their vacation.” curred with the tablets, it soon became or Two-In-One (Tablet/Laptop) to school Day”; “This is just Melvoin getting us evident that iPads just weren’t meant for the entirety of the school year. While back for those snow days, I know it.” for every class on campus. I still had a majority of students (329) own Macs Though it was a bit unprece- teach all the necessar y material be- to carry around several textbooks, and already, Belmont Hill will be requiring dented for school to start two weeks fore standardized tests begin in eventually I even resorted to bringing standard software for both PCs and Macs before Labor Day, we should count the spring. In search of more time my own laptop to school so I could (i.e. Microsoft Office), and will be providourselves lucky ; at least we’re not liv- spent learning in class, Belmont Hill complete my work more effectively. ing student discounts for both platforms. ing in Chandler, Arizona, where the has also changed the midyear exam Despite trying out a subseDespite the establishment of a BYOD school year commenced on July 20th. schedule. Traditionally, Belmont quent Chromebook pilot the next policy, during the 2016-2017 academic That’s right, July. Hill has given midyear assessments year, the school eventually recognized year (and potentially for future years), Believe it or not, starting class- during the second week of Januar y, that maybe a 1 to 1 program was not students will continue to have access to es in July isn’t terribly uncommon but the Academic Policy Commit- the best fit. Last year, students were several of the laptops and tablets owned anymore. It may seem like cruel and tee has been actively researching asked to complete a survey on the by the school (in case of emergencies or unusual punishment to us New Eng- better ways to administer exams. technology they used, both on and printing, etc.), although there will be fewlanders, but many counties in Indi“This year, most students will off campus. Carried out by the Aca- er school devices throughout campuses. ana and Hawaii summoned students have three regular exams before demic Technology Committee (ATC) With significant changes on campus, the to hot classrooms just three weeks af- winter break and two projects due and led by Mr. Trautz, the results from school has already begun updating the ter Independence Day. Schools in At- after the break,” says Mr. Grant, the survey were utterly unexpected. server capabilities on campus, improvlanta, Oklahoma City, and Monterey Dean of Studies. “We used to have While all 431 boys who took ing WiFi connectivity around campus, weren’t far behind, with classes re- almost twenty days dedicated to the survey responded that they have and started planning the logistics of dealsuming on August 5. Students in these review and large assessments - far access to internet at home, what ing with an increase of personal devices areas do get out for summer break too much time outside the class- was truly surprising was that a stag- at school, such as storage and security. earlier than most - just before Me- room. Hopefully the new system will gering 387 of those boys had their Belmont Hill’s newly established morial Day weekend - but is it really give the faculty more days to teach own personal computer (that was BYOD policy is a step in the right direcnew material and will give students not shared amongst their family), tion for the school; this new approach stress during their vacation.” with 349 of those boys owning lap- will foster a sense of spontaneity and pro“ School days are precious. less So maybe starting earlier isn’t tops and 240 boys bringing a laptop ductiveness both in-and-out of the classLast year 192 boys took at so bad after all. “School days are or tablet on a regular basis to school! room, giving boys the chance to choose least one AP exam - We need precious,” says Dr. Melvoin. “Last These unpredicted results the device that works the best with their academic days before early year 192 boys took at least one AP led to both a departmental review of style of studying. As with any program May, and [starting in August] exam - we need academic days be- the technology and the creation of a that involves technology, there will alfore early May, and [starting in Au- separate survey for faculty, before the ways be glitches and bugs, but hopefully gives us a full month in Sep- gust] gives us a full month in Sep- ATC brought the policy to the Aca- the school can use the experiences from tember.” tember…. It seems to some of [the demic Policy Committee and Board previous technology programs to implefaculty] silly to delay school until of Trustees, with all of these events ment this innovative new policy effectively. The willingness of Belmont Hill to Labor Day just because it is ‘a New ultimately culminating with a final worth sacrificing the month of August? England custom’ and especially when faculty vote and discussion in June. innovate in their uses of technology truly A large majority of faculty (71%) illustrates the intrinsic belief at the school While some administrators say it falls as late as it did this year.” yes, many certainly don’t think so. As When looking at the issue through believed that the use of personal com- that a great education is found at the crossI’m sure all Belmont Hill boys know, this lens, perhaps conceding at least puters would benefit their students roads of timeless traditions and pioneering most students in the Northeast re- one week in August would be worth both in-and-out of the classroom, innovations, which, when coupled with turned to classes the week of Septem- a 5 on an AP exam and a homework- while also reducing the amount of ex- a dedicated faculty, produces young men ber 8, just after Labor Day. In Michi- free Memorial Day weekend. ☐ traneous time spent in class retrieving who are ready to take on the world. ☐ gan, Minnesota, and Virginia, schools are actually banned from starting school before Labor Day thanks to tourism laws. After extensive winter and summer breaks in addition to many no-class holidays, it seems that college students hardly go to school. So which system is best? If we look at the histor y of schooling, students around the countr y have enjoyed a June-to-September summer vacation for the past centur y. Before that, however, the academic calendar varied widely from place to place. In rural areas, students had only five months of classes in the summer and winter because they needed to assist their parents on the farm in the spring and autumn seasons. Alternatively, urban districts held schools open for 240 days each year, significantly longer than the public schools’ current 180-day calendar. In 2015, the times seem to be changing once again, and there are many valid reasons to support the new calendar system. In public schools, teachers and students often feel that the month of June is wasted; teaches have already taught the bulk of the curriculum, the weather heats up, and kids are too restless and fatigued to learn. The new calendar solves that probBy Brendan Pulsifer Panel Staff

BELMONT HILL OPINION

O c tob er 9th, 2 0 1 5

Pa g e 7

Salsa or Guacamole? In this issue of The Panel, we are continuing our feature debate between Form VI students Jay O’Brien and Gabe Schmittlein. After The Panel is released, a poll will be sent out to assess the student body’s views on the topic at hand. These results will be published in the subsequent issue along with a brand new talking point. So without further ado, we present the seventh debate—Salsa vs. Guacamole.

Team Salsa

Team Guacamole

french fries and ketchup, oreos and milk, and most important to any party or event, chips and salsa. The duo beAfter boring Team Vanil- tween chips and salsa is just like the la pulled off the shocking upset Brady-Moss connection back in ‘07: against clearly superior Team Choc- absolutely dominant. The two foods olate in the last debate, Gabe some- are a mainstay at any celebration, but how managed to tie the total series they can also ser ve as an excellent late at three a piece. Unfortunately for night snack. In addition, to anyone who him, he made the ill-fated deci- hasn’t eaten the Tostitos salsa, as seen sion of picking Team Guacamole, in the vast majority of grocer y stores, it basically handing himself another is an absolute must tr y. Thank me later. loss. Thus, even though stating my Meanwhile, the guacamole and case in favor of salsa seems un- chips connection is simply inferior, necessar y, I will continue to do so lacking the same exquisite taste as out of respect for my opponent. seen from salsa and chips. First and When listing the most im- foremost, guacamole is an extremely portant people or items to make strange shade of green, which obviits way from Mexico to the United ously has nothing to do with the flaStates, the top three spots on the vor, but it might just be my least falist are clear : Mariachi Bands, Ce- vorite part of this particular food. sar “the Dog Whisperer” Millan Burritos and tacos also improve ex(the man has a gift), and the un- ponentially when salsa is added into disputed top choice, salsa. A typi- the mix, as it provides a delicious cal salsa recipe primarily consists of spice and flare to the neutral tasting chopped tomatoes, seeded peppers, beef and rice; on the other hand, guaand jalepeños, but from there, the camole simply adds nothing positive variations are endless. Flavor, tex- to the group, and instead only offers ture, and spiciness all var y from a strange texture to the Mexican dish. salsa to salsa, but the condiment alIn conclusion, while people can ways works well on a large variety attempt to make the argument in faof foods, a versatility that just isn’t vor of guacamole, the clear choice present within guacamole’s game. within this debate is salsa, but no matWhen thinking of the best ter how many times I can repeat myfood combinations in this day and self, the vote is within your hands. age, the duos that come to mind are Make the right decision: vote salsa. ☐ By Jay O’Brien Panel Staff

By Gabe Schmittlein Panel Staff Salsa is a good condiment. Mike Posner is a good musician. The Buffalo Bills are a good football team. All these statements are true. The point that I’m very subtly trying to make is that salsa is good, and if you stranded me on a desert island and said, “Eat this salsa and you can get off this island,” I’d eat the salsa. However, when was the last time Mike Posner won a Grammy, or the Bills won a Super Bowl? I can say fairly confidently without any fact-checking that the answer to both of the aforementioned questions is never (although “Cooler Than Me” was a jam for sure). The next logical question one might ask is, “Gabe, what’s one word that you tend to associate with guacamole?” Greatness. Nickelback. The New England Patriots. The Lord of The Rings Trilogy. The United States of America. You asked for one word and I gave you seventeen, because that’s how much I respect guacamole. I think that, when some people debate the salsa or guacamole issue, they only consider the application of the condiments on chips. People love both chips and salsa AND chips and guac, but when I consider salsa and guacamole, I prefer to consider whether I enjoy them on a variety of food items. Take burritos, for example: there’s a reason why burrito places charge extra money for guacamole, and it’s nobecause avocados are really expensive

(well it is, but that doesn’t help my argument). Instead, it’s because people are so desperate for guacamole on their burritos that they’re willing to shell out that extra two bucks for some sweet guac. Supply and demand, gentlemen. Salsa doesn’t have that same special appeal. When I’m biting into a burrito, I’m not focusing on that little bit of salsa that’s sloshing around amongst the rice, I’m thinking about the guacamole that I so wisely decided to pay two extra dollars for. It’s not just burritos either, though. I will literally eat guacamole on anything. Several can attest that I was spotted in the dining hall just a couple weeks ago eating guacamole on potatoes. It’s like the grownup version of ketchup. It’s like tartar sauce on fish and chips, if tartar sauce were guacamole and fish and chips were every other food in the entire universe. The buttery avocado flavor brilliantly brightens up any dish, and guacamole even functions effectively as a lone condiment (that’s a term that I believe I’ve just coined), capable of being spread on a piece of bread and providing enough substance and gusto. I’ll say it again: I think that salsa is good. If salsa were going up against pickle relish in this debate, salsa would win. That’s like saying the Bills could beat a JV high school football team. Unfortunately, it’s not going up against pickle relish. It’s going up against guacamole, and guacamole is more than good. It’s great. ☐

Results from Last Debate Vanilla - 112

55%

Chocolate - 92

45%

Advantage: Vanilla

Analyzing the Success and Perceptions of the New Schedule One Year Later for an upcoming test, or simply take a break 2013-2014 school year, to last year’s calen- and it certainly is the easiest and most effrom the daily hassles of high school life; how- dar, with midterms split both before and fective of the recent exam schedule. ☐ ever, as any student can attest, three straight after winter vacation. This shift away from Just two years ago, our school-wide long blocks can make for a very long day, espe- the January midterms was perpetrated by schedule consisted of 40 minute blocks that cially with the extra amount of homework that the fear that students would be spending rotated from day to day, resetting at the often accompany the extended classes. Even too much of their vacation time studying beginning of every week. This rather mun- for teachers, it can be hard to fit 75 minutes and worrying about their upcoming examdane and repetitive cycle was exchanged of material into one class while keeping stu- inations. This year, an even greater step was last year for our current schedule: three dents active and engaged; however, the more taken in this direction with the abolishment classes of 75 minutes every Wednesday and this new schedule is in use, the more students of midterms after winter break. Another Thursday over a two week schedule. Now, and teachers will become adjusted to dealing key factor of this new schedule is the subin year two of the two week schedule, the with these long blocks. The new schedule also traction of two midyear exams. This year, novelty of having only three classes a day ushered in the two week system, which rotated there will only be three midterms instead has worn off, and it is time to take a step the class sequence every Monday and Tuesday. of the regular five, once again reducing back and evaluate the effectiveness of the Although this can occasionally cause some the stress levels of students who otherwise new schedule. The biggest change from the confusion as to which week it is in the cycle, would need to consecutively deal with five old schedule to the new was the transition this allows the time period of classes to shift two-hour marathons. However, classes that from 40 minute blocks to the newer long and provides a slight change from day to day. do not have midterms will likely have work blocks. These 75 minute blocks definitely Overall, the new schedule has several pros and throughout this period, including papers have several upsides, such as longer time to cons, but, provided you can get used to the long and projects that can take up many hours cover more material in fact-heavy classes or blocks, it is an effective change from the mo- reserved for studying. Despite this, the difthe freedom for science classes to complete notonous schedule from two years ago. ferentiation often works out for students, as even the most complicated of labs in only The most notable change with this year’s they have several days to prepare what they one period. Obviously, the 75 minute block schedule is the schedule of the midterm tests. know in a project format instead cramming that has the largest upside for the students Midterms have been a source of great discrep- for a two hour single test. This midterm is the long free block, where one has over ancy over the last couple years, moving from format should make the close of the first an hour to work on some homework, study after the winter break, as was the case in the semester much less hectic for the students, By Matthew Bracken Staff Writer

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MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs)

Fall Movie Preview

By Duncan Grant Staff Writer

By Gavin Colbert Staff Writer

The 32nd installment of the MTV Video Music Awards took place on August 30th, and was one of the most eventful VMAs in recent memory. Miley Cyrus hosted again, and drama was expected. Yet even Miley’s collection of see-through outfits was overshadowed. Nicki Minaj opened the show by performing “Trini Dem Girl.” Nicki was joined later by Taylor Swift to sing Nicki’s “The Night is Still Young” as well as Taylor’s hit song with Kendrick Lamar, “Bad Blood.” This duet marks the end of the feud between Taylor and Nicki that started in July on Twitter, when Nicki Minaj questioned “Bad Blood” for being nominated over “Anaconda” for Best Video of the Year. An hour after ending her beef with Taylor, Nicki called out Miley Cyrus with the famous line “Miley what’s good?” during her acceptance speech for Best Hip-Hop Video. This came after Miley trashed Nicki during an interview with the New York Times a week before the VMAs. Miley was quick to recover, blaming it on the New York Times. Kanye announced his plan to run for President. After accepting the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, Kanye went on a rant about award shows and his mishap with Taylor Swift during the 2009 VMAs before announcing his plan to run for office in 2020. During his speech, Kanye admitted that he was “under the influence.” Kanye’s announcement blew up on social media, and even the official Twitter page of the Democratic Party (@TheDemocrats) welcomed Kanye into the race. Despite being eclipsed by catfights and presidential agendas, the winners of this year’s VMAs are worth mentioning. Nicki Minaj left the VMAs with an award for Best Hip-Hop Video (“Anaconda”), and Fetty Wap received Artist to Watch. “Uptown Funk” won Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson Best Male Video of the Year, and was nominated for another four awards. But if an award show could be won, Taylor Swift would get the ‘W’. Taylor not only ended a fight with the hot-tempered Nicki Minaj, but she also received Best Female Video of the Year and Best Pop Video of the Year for her hit track “Blank Space.” The music video for her song “Bad Blood” featured over twenty female celebrities including Selena Gomez and Ellie Goulding, and won her the most treasured award of the show: Best Video of the Year. And Kanye didn’t even interrupt her during her acceptance speech! Maybe he can handle being President.☐

We are coming to the end of a great year, but we are just at the start of what is shaping up to be an amazing fall movie season. There are so many great movies to choose from but these five movies are set to be some of the best movies not only of the fall, but of the entire year. If you have free time during your busy lives, I truly hope you will check out these wide ranging and hopefully memorable movies.

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Star Wars: Episode VII

The force finally awakens in the long anticipated seventh installment of Star Wars that geeks from every decade in the past forty years have been waiting for. Before dismissing this as just nerdy a Star Wars movie, know that this is going to be one of the most incredible, memorable, and exciting movies of the decade. Yes, decade. Filled with beautiful 2015 computer generation, nostalgic cameos from old characters, and a soccer ball R2-D2, “Star Wars: the Force Awakens” is going to be a truly awesome movie for all. I encourage you to celebrate the sci-fi series that has enthralled and fascinated new generations for the past forty years. And of course: may the force be with you. Rating: PG-13 Release Date: December 18, 2015

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2:

Concussion:

With the current backdrop of ongoIn the final installment of the world- ing head injury studies in the NFL, this wide box office phenomenon, the Hunger intense drama starring Will Smith tells the Games, Katniss attempts to finally destroy incredible true story of Nigerian forensic the Capitol and end the despotic reign of neuropathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu. While President Snow. If you have seen the other studying the autopsy of the late Pittsburg Hunger Games movies, this is bound to be Steeler, Mike Webster, Dr. Omalu discovan awesome conclusion to a riveting se- ers the progressive degenerative disease ries. Even if you haven’t been following the Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), Hunger Games series, I recommend watch- which results from continuous brain trauing this last movie because it will definitely ma due to repeated hits to the head. This have lots of thrilling action scenes, lots movie epically describes the perseverance of Jennifer Lawrence, and lots of explo- and resilience of Dr. Omalu in his efforts to sions that would make Michael Bay proud. share with the world his discovery of CTE Rating: PG-13 in many former NFL players, while the Release Date: November 20, 2015 NFL tries to hide his disturbing and economically devastating reports. A must-see for fans of the NFL and neuropathology. The Walk: Rating: PG-13 Chronicling the most famous Release Date: December 25, 2015 stunt of legendary French high-wire artist Philippe Petit’s career, The Walk dramatically captures Petit’s 1974 tightrope walk between the two Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. With brilliant storytelling and beautiful computer generation that magnificently captures the aura of the World Trade Center in its heyday, The Walk will definitely be worth the watch, but just one thing to remember: don’t look down. Rating: PG-13 Release Date: September 30, 2015

The Martian:

Set in the near future of space exploration, The Martian is a film adaption of Andy Weir’s incredible, New York Times best-selling sci-fi novel about the odyssey home for NASA astronaut, Mark Watney, after being stranded on Mars. If you want to watch Matt Damon get himself stuck on another planet again, this is the perfect movie for you. The Martian is shaping up to be one of the best movies of the year with much social media hype and sci-fi fan enthusiasm. Rating: PG-13 Release Date: October 2, 2015

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

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

Back Page Editor Gabe Schmittlein

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 Belmont Printing Company, Belmont, MA 02478.

O c tob er 9th, 2 0 1 5

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Country Album Rankings: 2000-2010 By Matt Armstrong Staff Writer First off let’s set some ground rules. Only albums from the years 2000-2010 will be eligible for the list. The sweet spot of country music, smack between the traditional but mundane sound of the 90’s and the weird metro/bro/EDM thing that’s going on right now, in which lies the beautiful valley of perfection that is country music from 2000-2010. Also only one album per artist is allowed on the list (As much as I would love to talk about ten Kenny Chesney albums, we like to give the other guys a chance too.) 10) My Kinda Party-Jason Aldean (2010) This is an incredibly controversial way for me to start out the countdown. I worry immensely about sending a congratulatory message to Jason Aldean by giving him a spot with such prestigious comrades. Much of what Aldean stands for, bro country, is an inability to write music and lack of musical creativity and talent. However this album is awesome, strong guitar with steel guitar crying throughout: “My Kinda Party”; “Fly Over States” (I’ll never be able to fly on a plane the same way anymore); “Tattoos on This Town” (the music video made me cry and is worth the watch); “Don’t You Want to Stay”, the most powerful song on the album with Kelly Clarkson; and “Dirt Road Anthem”, perhaps the only country rap song I’ll ever be okay with. But the depth songs, specifically “Texas Was You”, “See You When I See You”, “Just Passing Through” and “Churchpew or Barstool”, are also awesome, a phenomenon noticeably absent among Aldean’s bro-country comrades. 9) Long Trip Alone-Dierks Bentley it is well deserved. Starting the album with (2006) “Something More” and “Baby Girl” is how This album adds a much needed you make a statement as a band, with two grit and toughness factor to the list. Di- sonically impressive and lyrically thoughterks is rough around the edges, as shown ful hits right off the bat. And while the first by songs like “That Don’t Make It Easy two are the highlights, the remainder is conLoving Me”, “Hope for Me Yet”, and “Can’t sistent and diverse. “Hello, Tennessee” and Live It Down”. But while being an outlaw “Fly Away”, are also excellent, demonstratis certainly a theme, Dierks doesn’t let it ing a different facet of Sugarland’s capability. define him at all, as he delivers emotion through “Long Trip Alone” and “Trying 6) Golden Road-Keith Urban (2002) to Stop Your Leaving”. But the best song While Keith is arguably the most on the album by far is “Free and Easy consistent country artist from 2000-presDown the Road I Go”, a truly unique of- ent Golden Road stands out as his finest fering and one that I am proud to call work. The utterly refreshing opening of a country music song, a song that can “Somebody Like You”, into “Who Wouldn’t transport you from your basement to a Want To Be Me”, sets the tone, but Keith desert somewhere in Utah at the press expands from this theme, having fun with of a button. The most impressive part “You Look Good in My Shirt” and porof Long Trip Alone is that Dierks main- traying sadness in “You’ll Think of Me”. It’s tains his energy and skill on every song. all here. Golden Road is the full package. 8) Taylor Swift- Taylor Swift (2006) 5) Chief-Eric Church (2011) Yes, I realize Taylor Swift is on the I think I have a special connection list, and no, that’s not soft because she is with Eric Church as an artist, especially as truly amazing. This first album is proof he contrasts with other mainstream counenough. Honestly, I’m not an expert but try singers of his age. But I can objectively in my opinion Swift belongs in conver- say Chief is an amazing album. Everything sations for best songwriter of all time as that makes Eric great is on display here. she has now easily dominated two genres. More impressive, Taylor Swift (album) 4) Home-The Dixie Chicks (2002) was released when Taylor was 16 and When you listen to Home by the Dixie she has a writing credit on every song. Chicks, you generally get frustrated at their Although you may argue for days as to selfishness; they kept all the good songs whether this is a country record or not, for themselves. The Dixie Chicks channel it’s excellent regardless. Taylor’s melodies a traditional sound, complete with banjo, are amazing, “Tim McGraw”, “Teardrops fiddle, and mandolin, separating them from on My Guitar”, are both excellent, and their rock-driven counterparts. Ultimately “Our Song” is Taylor’s best song to date. however, the songwriting separates this album from the rest: every song with has 7) Twice the Speed of Life-Sugar- a melody that simply cannot be ignored. land (2004) Let me start this by saying I’m a huge 3) 5th Gear- Brad Paisley (2007) fan of Sugarland and some might look at I don’t think there are any other alTwice the Speed of Life at the seven spot bums that can boast the singles that 5th as incredibly generous, but I would argue Gear can. “Ticks”, “Online”, “I’m Still a Guy”,

“Letter to Me”, and “Waiting on a Woman” are five successful singles -- all both individually unique and awesome, but collectively they complete each other. While the rest of the album is relatively average I don’t think a set of five songs from any other album can ever compete with these. 2) You Get What You Give-Zac Brown Band (2010) When you listen to You Get What You Give, you get the sense that Zac Brown Band works with so much more instrumental and songwriting talent than anyone

else in the business. But what makes You Get What You Give special is the fact that Holly Gettings not an ounce of their talent goes to waste. 1) When the Sun Goes Down- Kenny Chesney (2004) The victor in a landslide goes to Kenny Chesney’s masterpiece When the Sun Goes Down. Start to finish, every song sounds like it could be the album’s best song. Literally no other album stands a chance and it’s not their fault really. Seriously, listen to it.

Panel of The Panel By Bennet Morris Staff Writer In June of 1993, a panel depicting Boston’s skyline, the phrase, “Let Us Go Up” and a church steeple prominently placed in the center of the panel was unveiled. Who knew twenty-three years later, a panel article would be written with this graduate as its subject. This was certainly not on Caleb Collins’ mind. Known to us students as Mr. Collins, he lifted the logo off his congregation’s let- ton office. Coincidentally, Evergreen’s terhead in an attempt to complete one offices were located in the old John Hanof his last requirements for graduation. cock building which had also been showToday, however, Mr. Collins reflects that cased as the centerpiece in his panel. it was the right choice for his panel subIn June of 2002, after four years with ject as he has fond memories of being at Evergreen, Mr. Collins, a mathematics mathat church throughout high school. The jor with a desire to teach, took a position phrase etched in the center of the panel in the math department at his alma mater. serves no real significance to Mr. Col- It took no time for Mr. Collins to re-acclilins other than the comparison of him- mate to the school’s dress code, routine, self and peers moving into the real world. and traditions in a role of authority. At After graduating from Bel- present, Mr. Collins teaches mathematics mont Hill, Mr. Collins went on to at- and serves as Director of Community and tend Tuskegee University. In 1998, he Diversity. You may find Mr. Collins’ panel Holly Gettings accepted a position with Evergreen In- outside of Mr. Kaplan’s workshop, and be vestments as a fund analyst in the Bos- sure to compliment him on his work.☐

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Reppucci’s Deflategate Unfiltered

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XC Off to the Races

million, takes away their 2016 1st and 4th team came in second. Before the season By Bobby Jahrling round picks, and suspends Tom Brady for four officially started, the team also ran the Staff Writer games for both his part in Deflategate and his Jog Your Memory 5K charity run for AlHere is a rundown of the “Deflat- lack of cooperation with the investigation by The Cross Country team has got- zheimer’s. This was a great opportunity to egate” facts, in the form of a timeline, from destroying his cell phone, which Gisele most ten off to a great start to the season. have the whole team get a 5K under their an incredibly unbiased point of view: likely told him to do. Just for a point of ref- Some runners put in a lot of work over belt and support the local community. January 10, 2015: erence, the Saints were fined two 2nd round the summer, with Captains Matt ArmThe season opened up with a race Patriots beat the Ravens in an AFC picks for “Bountygate,” in which coaches told strong and William Weiter holding against Middlesex, Governors, and LawDivisional Round matchup and use tackle- players to purposely injure other players, and practices throughout the summer and rence at the team’s new course in Rock eligible plays (100% legal, as defined by domestic violence offenders Ray Rice and boys running in the Dartmouth Run- Meadow on September 26th. The Varsity the rulebook). But, surprise, surprise, the Greg Hardy originally received suspensions ning Camp in August. With this pre- team had a close race with Middlesex fallRavens whine about the Patriots cheating, of two and four games respectively for beat- season training, the team was prepared ing by only one point; however, Middleand Brady justifyingly responds by say- ing up their girlfriends. The New York Daily for their first race, the Martha’s Vineyard sex is perennially a strong competitor and ing the Ravens “should learn the rules.” News passed along some example texts that Invitational. Belmont Hill came third this result was better than past years. VarJanuary 18, 2015: the league hoped to find on Brady’s cell phone: out of 21 teams in the varsity race, led sity beat Governors and Lawrence. JV had Patriots demolish the Colts in the by sophomore John Pappo, who came in a great first race, with boys placing 1st, AFC Championship game, 45-7. At half- -Slim Jimmy … It’s me. My balls felt third. Other notable finishes were Quin 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, and 8th. Hopefully time, the Colts ask the league to test the air great, thx. The Uggs are in your locker. McGaugh who came in 19th and Cam the success from the beginning of this pressure of the 12 Patriots’ footballs. The -OMG, how many times do I have to tell Hall in 20th. More importantly, the JV season will continue for the rest of it.☐ balls were then replaced, and the Patriots you: Don’t let Garoppolo put his hands proceed to outscore the Colts 28-0 in the on my balls!?! second half. Later reports claim that the -Bill, any way we can pin this one on Ravens told the Colts to inform the league Hernandez? about “deflated footballs,” but of course -As long as no one’s filming it, it didn’t both of these parties vehemently deny this. happen. Just ask Coach. January 19, 2015: -Boss ... saw you and Rog before the big The public finds out about the situ- game. Hope you put in a good word for ation. The term Deflategate is born. me. Sportscenter talks about it as much as they -Can you believe this Bill Nye The Scitalk about LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, or ence Guy? Haters gonna hate Peyton Manning. Stephen A. Smith refrains -Rodney ... take it easy on me on NBC. from calling Tom Brady “a dear, dear friend” Tks bud and instead battles the valiant Skip Bay- -Willie ... don’t hit me too hard on NFL less over Brady’s guilt on First Take. Patri- Network bro. ots fans shrug it off as Belichick and Brady -Teddy ... please punch Brunell. How do in their press conference. Just wait.. can he be crying about this? There’s no Rohan Dhir, John Pappo, and Quin McGaugh shown racing against Middlesex runners January 21, 2015: crying in football! ESPN’s Chris Mortensen errone- -Don’t worry guys, Gronk will think of ously reports that 11 of the 12 Patriot foot- something to get us out of this mess. balls were 2.0 PSI underinflated. Over -Can we arrange a sit-down with someseven months later, he deleted the tweet one and air this thing out? Maybe Brian containing the inaccurate information, Williams. yet he has refused to admit its falsehood June 2, 2015: and has hidden from Boston-area radio Roger Goodell decides once again it is school is closely tied to the Head. It continues to By Robbie Warming shows, for fear he will literally be eaten alive. fair for him to play Judge, Jury, and Executionbe a presence in the school’s fall athletic calendar. Staff Writer January 22, 2015: er and announces he will personally be the This year, the crew team looks to provide Bill Belichick holds a press confer- arbiter at Brady’s appeal hearing against the On homecoming weekend, 2,235 boats another strong showing, having an entry in both ence that includes a reference to Mona Lisa punishment that Goodell himself just handed from 779 different clubs will converge onto the the Men’s Youth Fours and Men’s Youth Eights. The Vito from the movie “My Cousin Vinny,” a down. Sources claim that Goodell had only Charles River for one of the fall’s annual highlights. boats this year seem to be, according to head coach long lecture on the weather during the AFC the interest of fairness at play in this decision. The Head of the Charles, now in its 51st install- Mr. Richards, “very promising.” Since crew is not a Championship game, and the ideal gas law June 23, 2015 ment, is a race steeped in rowing tradition. Novice, fall sport, the boats are only able to row once every (PV=nRT) that rivals his analyses of punt Tom Brady appeals his suspension high school, collegiate, and even world champion Sunday. However, despite having much less water coverages. This very same evening, Belmont at a 10 hour hearing in New York City. rowers will wind down the notoriously difficult time compared to other crews, Belmont Hill boats Hill’s own Alex Czarnecki augments BelichJuly 28, 2015 course, which has, over the years, claimed count- have finished in very respectable positions in the past. ick’s argument with an epic 1000+ word Goodell announces that Brady’s less boats. The collisions, screaming coxswains, This year seems to be no exception, as both the eight proof of the ideal gas law, firmly shifting suspension will be upheld, just because. and unpredictable conditions attract over 400,000 and the four are moving very well together. Though public support back into the Patriot’s corner. August 20, 2015 spectators to the banks of the Charles each October. certainly striving for a competitive finish, the oarsJanuary 25, 2015: ESPN apologizes to the Patriots durThe Head of the Charles Regatta arose men look forward to rowing in the august regatta with Incredibly respected children’s sci- ing a live broadcast. Two things though: from humble origins. The idea was first raised some of rowing’s greats. Co-captain Chris Wilkins, entist Bill Nye the Science Guy disputes first, the apology took place during the 2:00 around a dinner table by a handful of Cambridge who is rowing in the four seat this year, said that “it’s inthe argument of Belichick and Czar- AM edition of Sportscenter, obviously in Boat Club members, including Belmont Hill alumni credible to now be in the boat; the Head of the Charles necki on national television, stating that order to maximize the audience, and sec- D’Arcy MacMahon and Larry Cabot. Modeled after is such a staple of Boston’s pastime, and I feel really “it didn’t make any sense,” yet providing ondly the apology was for an incorrect report “head of the river” races in England, yet lacking the fortunate to be a part of this event.” Indeed, simply no reason or evidence for this position. from 2008, regarding a story that the Patri- customary snobbery of British rowing events, the being part of, as Mr. Richards put it in the Boys in the January 26, 2015: ots taped the Ram’s walkthrough before the regatta fundamentally changed American rowing. Boat Chapel, one of the “most prestigious regattas in In Phoenix, at a live press-conference, Superbowl back in 2002, one that has been Crew, which up till then had been only a spring sport the world” is almost something of a divine experience Patriot’s owner Robert Kraft demands an proven false a number of times since then. A in the States, now became a year-round endeavor. for everyone involved: rowers, coaches, and fans alike. apology from the league when all is said round of applause for journalistic integrity. According to Mr. Wood, an alumnus of Belmont Hill Crew will race on Sunday, Octoand done. We are still awaiting word on September 3, 2015 Belmont Hill Crew, the team has rowed in the ber 18 in the Men’s Youth Four at 9:26 am and in the whether Roger Goodell saw this stateUnited States District Court Judge Head since the late seventies, taking part in the Men’s Youth Eight at 10:23 am. The boats always row ment before or after the Ray Rice video. Richard “Superman” Berman overturns race “pretty much every year since then.” Because fasterwhenacrowdcheersthemonand,asalways,BelFebruary 1, 2015: Brady’s four-game suspension, allowing of Belmont Hill’s role in the founding of the Head mont Hill and Winsor will host a joint cookout at the Super Bowl Sunday. Before we get Brady to play Week One against the Steelers. of the Charles and its continued involvement, the boathouse, open to the entire school community. ☐ to the good stuff, a video surfaces of offiSeptember 10, 2015 cials’ locker room attendant Jim McNally Season opener in Foxborough. Roger taking the bag of game balls into a bath- Goodell chickens out and decides to watch room for about a minute and a half on his the game from his basement, instead of at the way to the field while he takes a whiz. Oh stadium like a normal commissioner. Patriyeah, and the Patriots win the Super Bowl. ots handily defeat the Steelers 28-24. After May 6, 2015: the game Steelers’ coach Mike Tomlin tries After 3+ months of charging by to blame the Patriots for malfunctions in the the hour, Ted Wells released his report coaches’ communication equipment, an orabout Deflategate, very assuringly say- deal which some dub as “Headsetgate.” Early ing Brady was “more likely than not” in the week other Patriot haters had come out aware of the deflated footballs due to some and tried to dig up “Spygate” from its 7-year vague text messages about weight loss grave and blame the Patriots for even more and absolutely no hard evidence at all. stuff they didn’t do. It’s going to be a long year… May 11, 2015: The Head of The Charles Regatta is a time-honored tradition for the sport of rowing. Roger Goodell fined the Patriots $1 But you heard it from me first: 19-0 baby!!! By Matt Reppucci Panel Staff

Rowers Preparing for Head of the Charles

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Major L eague Baseball Playoff Preview By Henry Wyett Staff Writer The best part of the Major League Baseball season is finally upon us. Although we Boston fans did not receive the best results from our hometown heroes, there are still plenty of other teams that can beat the Yankees. I will start with a rundown of the American League. The Blue Jays have an incredibly impressive offense, scoring an average of 5.5 runs per game, and I believe they will hold onto first place over the Yankees. In the American League Central, there is no question that the Kansas City Royals will maintain their huge lead over the Twins, and while the American League West is jam-packed with action right now, I think the Rangers will overtake first place from the Astros and win the division by the end of the season. The National League does not present as many close division races as the American League. In the National League East, the Mets have secured the division over the Washington Nationals. As of late, the Mets offense has been red hot, and their pitching has been stellar all season. The Mets are a serious contender for the 2015 World Series. In the National League’s Central Division, the St. Louis Cardinals have clinched the division over the red-hot Pittsburgh Pirates, and will win over 100 games this year. Lastly, in the National League West, the Los Angeles Dodgers will win their division over the defending champion Giants, based on hot bats and stellar pitching from Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw. Based on my predictions, if the American League Wild Card game comes down to the Astros and the Yan-

kees, there is no doubt in my mind that the Astros will win. With Texeira out for the season and not having a stellar pitcher, the Yankees will fall victim to the Astros’ Dallas Keuchel, sending the Astros into the Divisional Series. The National League Wild Card will ultimately come down to the

Mets pitcher Matt Harvey Cubs and the Pirates. Although this game is a toss-up, I believe the Cubs will come out victorious, as Jake Arrieta has been unhittable since the All Star break–the only chance the Pirates have is a near perfect game from Gerrit Cole. In the first round of the playoffs, the Astros will play the Royals. George Springer has rejuvenated the young and talented Astros and will lead them to the American League Championship Series with an upset over the Royals. When the Rangers play the Blue Jays, the Blue Jays will cruise past them

with their bats and superb pitching. On the other hand, in the National League, although they lost the season series against them, the Cubs will come out victorious and upset the Cardinals. The Cubs have an above average pitching staff and exceptional hitting, making for the series to be tight and close. When the Dodgers play the Mets, the Mets will win the series on the backs of their great young pitching and Cuban star Yoenis Cespedes. Although the Dodgers have Greinke and Kershaw, Kershaw often chokes in the postseason, and Greinke cannot carry a whole team through a series. The American League Championship Series matchup of the Blue Jays against the Astros will be very interesting. Both teams are young and talented, with the same amount of pitching talent. Although this could go either way, I think the Blue Jays will take the series eventually, scoring as many runs as possible with their hot bats. In the National League, the Mets will beat the Cubs if they continue on the hot streak they are currently on. If Matt Harvey and the whole pitching staff is healthy, they could easily make the World Series, defeating the likes of Cubs young hitters Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Schwarber. Finally, I anticipate a World Series matchup of the Mets vs the Blue Jays. This series is a toss-up, based on the bats of Cespedes, Conforto, and Uribe against Donaldson, Bautista, and Encarnacion and the strengths of both pitching staffs. Ultimately, the series will be won by the team that can produce the best pitching to shut down the bats. My final prediction for the 2015 World Series winner: New York Mets. ☐

A New Chapter For Varsity Football ing wide receiver. Meanwhile, sneaky Ray Hunt confirmed his lineman days are over, as he has given up the donuts and moved over to tailback With the start of the new 2015-2016 following his debut JV season last year. Finally, school year comes the season one of our most Mr. Curran and Mr. Sullivan’s big boys are set to loved sports: football. 21 of 22 starting posi- hold off defenders as lineman Dan Zakon, Jamie tions were left open by graduated seniors, so Feinberg, Matt O’Leary, Nate Miller, and Drew the team this year is putting the pieces together Bowser have clearly bulked up in the offseason. as players compete for playing time on SaturThe first game of the season had days. The only starter left to help lead the team an electric start as running back and kick is seasoned veteran, captain, and school presi- returner Isaiah Collins brought the opening dent, David Perdoni. Perdoni is playing on both kickoff from New Hampton to the house, sides of the ball, as a tight end on offense and scoring six. However, the team remained middle linebacker on defense. In addition, the quiet until the second half as they allowed young team must also turn toward their other their opponent to run up the score. Deleaders, captains Robert Griffin (safety) and DJ spite the poor showing during the first half, Demetri (middle linebacker), who help anchor Belmont Hill stepped on the field with reBill Mahoney the defense alongside fellow seniors Frank Mc- newed energy and a never-say-die attitude Field (outside linebacker/free safety) and Max which helped them launch their attempted Rudzinsky (defensive tackle). Frank and Robert comeback later in the game. Without quit- Isiah Collins returns the opening kickoff for a score. double as receivers on the offensive side of the ting, they played four hard-hitting quarters ball, providing a lethal, lightweight combination of football which can and will be improved of both speed and heavy-hitting strength. The upon, especially with the goal to give their senior leadership extends further to returning supportive fellow students a good show in players Callen Morris (recovering from a shoul- the coming weeks. Our heroes travel to the der injury) and John Gosselin, both offensive Cambridge lair of BBN’s Wicked Knights on and defensive lineman, and to two new kicking the third of October, followed by another ting the old guys up 1-0. Freshman forward By Chip Daley phenoms, Greg Katz and Griffin Gustafsson. rivalry match against St. Sebastian’s in NeedDiego demonstrated his skill too, adding a Staff Writer With this young team representing our ham. Looking ahead, our Homecoming goal of his own for the varsity squad just minschool, it is only fair to introduce the underclass- takes place on October 17 as Belmont Hill On a beautiful, sunny morning, the utes after to tie the game up 1-1. Mr. Holland, men ready and willing to step up onto the grid- football will square off against sworn en- Belmont Hill varsity soccer team was set the varsity team’s assistant coach, also played iron. At the helm of the offense is the quick and emy, Roxbury Latin at 2:00pm. There must to face the alumni as part of the September for the alumni and successfully slide-tackled shifty quarterback, Zachary Geddes. When not be a massive crowd for this game in order 12th jamboree. The team met for warm-ups almost every player on his own team. Both looking to take the ball up the field on his own, for our Homecoming to truly show our at 9:30 in preparation to play Belmont Hill teams played an aggressive first half, resulting he often targets sophomore stud Jake Bobo, play- pride for our school and varsity squad. ☐ Alumni of all ages. Despite the scrimmage in a 2-2 tie game after the first 45 minutes. Yet having zero significance in terms of the young men’s bodies can sustain more physical season, everyone could feel the competitive activity for a longer time than old men’s can, spirit buffeting over the grass field. The var- even if they’re coaches. The second half demsity players looked over to the alumni squad, onstrated this fact as the alumni struggled for pointing out who looked talented, who had air, constantly substituting players and turnspeed, and who seemed slow and could be ing the ball over. The game ended in a 5-4 win attacked on a breakaway. The game also pro- for the Belmont Hill varsity team, who I am vided for an interesting father-son matchup sure would all say they weren’t even trying with Warren Cross ‘17 playing against his their hardest. As much as all the young playfather, class of ‘83. As the 10:00 whistle blew, ers doubted the alumni, they sure did provide Diego Pereira tapped the ball to Evan Ricci a competitive atmosphere for a friendly Satand the game began. The varsity passed the urday morning match. Following the game, ball around leisurely, doubting the speed and both teams shook hands and enjoyed lunch talent of the alumni team and paid the price on the hill outside of the music building. Seeearly in the game. A quick counter attack ing all the alumni come out for the game illusspurred from a varsity team turnover, and a trated to the current varsity players how much former college striker/Belmont Hill graduate their soccer career would mean to them when Captains David Perdoni, DJ Demetri, and Robert Griffin lead the team onto the field. ripped a shot into the back of the net, put- they look back at their years on the Hill. ☐ By DJ Demetri Staff Writer

Alumni Take on Varsity in Annual Soccer Game

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Back Page: Political Edition

With the 2016 Presidential Election looming very large on the horizon, here’s the Back Page’s guide to the candidates. As an added bonus, I’ve included predictions for primary results and general election results at the end, which are really things I should be making you pay for. Special thanks to Harrison Rohrer, Juan Carlos Fernandez del Castillo, Matt Armstrong, Jay O’Brien, and David Yellen for help in writing this article. Also, please understand that the intention of this piece is not to single out any candidate or any particular party as the butt of a joke, but rather to make fun of all the candidates evenly. One final note -- I’ve only included candidates that are either doing well in the polls or are really easy to make fun of, which would explain the inclusion of someone like Rand Paul, who is pretty much a beacon for jokes, ahead of someone like John Kasich, who is from Ohio.

Democrats:

Republicans:

Hillary “Bill” Clinton Strengths: Learned how to whip/nae nae, which absolutely rejuvenated her campaign and definitely didn’t come off as awkward and forced. Is totally a part of the middle class. Weaknesses: It’d be kinda weird moving back to a home you used to live in like in all seriousness it doesn’t happen that much. Emailing.

Donald “Dolla Dolla Bill Y’all” Trump Strengths: I’m fairly sure he watches Game of Thrones. Doesn’t have to make an attempt to get any minority votes because he has already lost all of them. Nobody knows where his hair ends so he has the element of surprise there. Tom Brady. Weaknesses: Too likeable. Going to struggle to raise the necessary funds to make a real run at the presidency (the great sarcasm rears its ferocious head again).

Joe “The Senatorial Sledgehammer” Biden Strengths: Well rested. Swears in front of senate on the regular (once), which is pretty cool and down-to-earth if you ask me. Weaknesses: From Delaware, which is sort of a turn off because, you know, it’s Delaware. Bernie “The Nor’easter” Sanders Strengths: Doesn’t have to worry about people complaining that he’s a socialist (ah, sarcasm). Windproof Hair. Weaknesses: No more private prisons means no more Death Race, which is a fairly obscure movie and thus a reference that maybe a quarter of the Belmont Hill population will understand. Kanye “Yeezy” West Strengths: Ability to interrupt. Has diabolical debate comebacks like “What’s the name of your clothing line? We don’t know” or just a simple “YOU AIN’T GOT THE ANSWERS.” “For me to be saying I’m not a genius I’d be lying to you and to myself ” -- Kanye West (this isn’t a strength or weakness just a quote really, but a good quote). Weaknesses: Isn’t actually running…….. Yet. Doesn’t believe in an executive branch of government -- “no one man should have all that power.”

Predictions:

Republican Nominee -- A Hologram of Ronald Reagan Nobody has gained more publicity from the first two debates than Ronald Reagan who will, soon enough, go all 2Pac on us and start showing up to future debates, speeches, and fundraisers in hologram form. His Republican candidates will continue to praise him and his policies even once he formally joins the race. Reagan’s popular campaign slogan becomes “let’s take it back to the 80’s,” and, to be fair, Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard came out in the eighties and that’s a great song and More Than a Feeling by Boston came out in the seventies which are almost the eighties and that’s a great song too. Maybe going back to the eighties wouldn’t be such a bad thing. Democratic Nominee -- Joe Biden Biden narrowly edges Kanye West in a two-horse race between two candidates who haven’t even declared yet (Clinton drops out after it is revealed to the public that in one of her emails she claimed to like DC Comics more than Marvel Comics. Sanders exits the race because Death Race 2 is in the works and the production couldn’t go forward without private prisons. Ugh, can’t believe I made another Death Race reference). How exciting is that! The final round of debates was just a series of diss tracks sent back and forth… Modern politics, am I right? In the end, Kanye just couldn’t hang with Biden’s immaculate flow, chill beats, and clever rhymes. Independent Candidate -- Rand Paul Paul Rand breaks up with the Republican Party in an effort to keep his parallels to NSYNC Justin Timberlake intact. Unfortunately, people liked JT when he broke off to pursue a solo career and it’s unclear whether any significant demographic actually likes Mr. Rand. Not even frosted tips would be enough to save this presidential bid, and that’s saying a lot. General Election -- Joe Biden Being the only living candidate in the election (Paul is most certainly dead after Trump murdered him in the last debate) certainly is an advantage, but that’s not to say that the campaign was easy, as Reagan’s hologram puts up quite a fight. In the end, though, the fact that Biden still has blood pumping through his body and some amount of synapses working in his brain will carry him to victory. Congrats, Joe, you sort of deserved it.

Ted “Angry Elf ” Cruz Strengths: Really nasally voice that is quite funny to listen to. Managed to memorize the Constitution without understanding any of it (pew pew). Weaknesses: Always looks like he’s about to cry. Has a suspicious amount of Maple Syrup. Rand “Maceroni Hair” Paul Strengths: Has one first name and one last name, which is good, even if they are in the wrong order. Got onto a stage he had no business on. Weaknesses: Looks like Justin Timberlake when he was a member of NSYNC. Probably going to show up to the next debate with frosted tips (maybe a strength though cause I hear frosted tips are coming back, will keep you guys posted). Marco “The Flamin’ Floridian” Rubio Strengths: Large earlobes make him a good listener. Jokes about droughts and other disasters, which are totally hilarious things to joke about. Weaknesses: Sweats like Kevin Garnett taking a sauna break mid-way through game seven of the NBA finals. Water bills in the White House would cost taxpayers millions. Jeb “Bad Boy” Bush Strengths: He’s taller than you. Awkward high fives are right up his alley. Weaknesses: Who wants to have a beer with this guy? Might take up the entire next debate trying to convince Trump to apologize to his wife, which, to be fair, would be pretty entertaining. Carly “Cold War” Fiorina Strengths: Really good at gesticulating. Proud of business Record. Weaknesses: Terrible business record. Sort of scares me when she starts talking about the military, but I was scared by the TV show Courage the Cowardly Dog when I was young so maybe I’m just a little scare-sensitive (I still think Courage the Cowardly Dog was on the horror movie level, at least shows like CatDog and Ed, Edd n Eddy threw in some laughs along with the creepy stuff) (also, while we’re on this tangent, anybody who wants to be CatDog for Halloween with me just let me know). Chris “The Jersey Jackhammer” Christie Strengths: Hasn’t dropped out of the race yet. Bridge management. Weaknesses: Shook Obama’s hand, which is a big time no-no. Is a Cowboys fan but lives in New Jersey, so he clearly has no loyalty and is a dirty bandwagon fan. Ben “Silent But Deadly” Carson Strengths: Doesn’t talk a lot. When he does talk he talks quietly so that nobody has to listen to his policy ideas Claims to be a neurosurgeon. Weaknesses: You’re trying to tell me he doesn’t believe in evolution?? And he’s a neurosurgeon?? You’d think that in the application to be a neurosurgeon there’d be a box to check next to some statement like “I do indeed believe in evolution” (read a book for me one time Dr. Carson).