The Pulse - November 2025

THE PULSE | NOVEMBER 2025 ISSUE

NEW BUILDING BRIDGES PAST AND FUTURE ON THE HARVEY CAMPUS

When students turn off Route 22 and onto the Harvey campus, they are now welcomed by a modern complex of red-painted wooden buildings linked by a glass walkway, replacing what was once a 19th century house and barn. Approved by the board of trustees and managed by Head of School Mr Knauer and Director of Finance and Operations Mr. Brooks-Barr, the project creates new administrative offices on the Harvey campus for the advancement, business, admissions, and marketing and communications teams

The Weil House and Barn project has been in development for nearly a decade, with the idea growing out of surveys and focus groups from the school community The COVID-19 pandemic halted progress, but ground officially broke at Homecoming Oct. 21, 2023, and Harvey opened the space with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept 4, 2025

The property has an extensive history, originally owned by the proprietors of Wells Fargo before being purchased by the Weil family in 1929 In 1959, when Harvey was forced to vacate its Hawthorne facilities to make way for a new highway interchange, alumnus Frank Weil ’44 offered a portion of the land to the school. Former Head of School Barry Fenstermacher resided in the Weil farmhouse for 30 years, though the building’s failure to meet local standards later prevented his successor, Mr Knauer, from taking residence there

“We wanted to remain historical but also be forward facing to the future,” Mr Knauer said, elaborating on the objectives for the project’s design. He credited project architect Robert Siegel P’22 with helping to create a modern aesthetic while preserving the building’s original framework. He also pointed to the town of Katonah’s involvement, noting that local zoning, wetlands, and preservation committees all reviewed the project before it could move forward

By Logan Kreisberg

Despite its fresh coat of paint, the complex retains traces of the Weil family’s days inhabiting the property, with barn wood, cow-shaped cupola, and original hand-hewn wooden beam remaining intact Still, it has been modernized with ADA-compliant elevators and a glass connector, which Mr. Brooks-Barr refers to as an “administrative breezeway "

Mr. Knauer said that because of its distance from the main campus, the complex will not be used by students on a daily basis but will instead host scheduled events, such as the grade-wide meetings introduced in September These larger gatherings will take place in the Alumni Barn, a room on the far end of the walkway, equipped with semi-theatrical lighting, movable seating, and plans for a sound system.

“We’re imagining it as a place of gathering,” Mr. Knauer said. “A place for alumni, parents, art exhibits, presentations, readings, maybe even a theater workshop ”

The relocation of administrative offices will make more space available for student use on the main campus, Mr. Knauer adds. While some administrators plan on maintaining satellite offices, areas such as the former admissions suite in Sylvan Hall will now be open for student use during the academic day

The Weil House and Barn will now serve as the first landmark prospective students encounter upon arriving on the Harvey campus. Families visiting for tours and interviews will pass through the Maury Leone Welcome Center, named in honor of the late Harvey board of trustees member.

Paraphrasing the words of the late Frank Weil, Mr Knauer said that where crops and livestock used to flourish, students now grow Once the center of agricultural life during Weil's residency, the space has been revitalized to welcome future Harvey students as they begin their own journeys of growth

EDITORIAL

THE PULSE |

NOVEMBER 2025

ISSUE

OP-ED: DRINK COFFEE!

Dear Cavaliers,

Picture a beautiful glass jar with perfect cubes of ice, the brown extract from the coffee beans marbled with a creamy pour of milk Is your mouth watering? You might have been told several negative things about coffee. But what if I informed you that it has health and social benefits? For this reason, you should drink coffee

Coffee, when indulged in moderation, can positively affect your health. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine’s official website, coffee offers over nine benefits including ones for your liver, colon, and DNA There is even a decrease to your risk of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The website states, “women aged 65 and older who drank two to three cups of coffee a day were less likely to develop dementia in general.”

Along with the wonderful disease preventions, coffee increases your likelihood of having a good day Researchers from the University of Warwick and Bielefeld University in Germany studied the effects of morning coffee on hundreds of young adults In a press release, “They found that caffeinedrinkers regularly report a better mood after a cup of coffee or tea in the first 2 5 hours of the day as compared to later in the day ” This was recorded from 28,000 mood reports in the month-long experiment.

The research team also reported, “Caffeine works by blocking adenosine receptors, which can increase dopamine activity in key brain regions ” For Harvey students, going to House at 8:05 a m with a cup of coffee will automatically uplift you.

By Tory Janush

If you have not done so already, please throw out your energy drink Heroes Rise Coffee Company says that coffee, a natural beverage, is full of antioxidants and free of both preservatives and synthetic substances, which can be found in your Monster, Red Bull, and Celsius drinks Antioxidants protect human cells from damage that could lead to chronic diseases that were stated previously

In fact, Heroes Rise Coffee also reports, “Excessive sugar intake, for example, is linked to increased risk of heart disease, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes,” which goes along with a lack of natural antioxidants due to synthetic chemicals

Aside from the health benefits, coffee opens the doors for new experiences, including but not limited to: meeting with a friend(s) at a coffee shop, taking a walk with a coffee in hand, participating in coffee tours and tastings, and working a job as a barista! Riannah Wallach ’24 gained a ton of experience working at LMNOP Bakery in Katonah as a barista Rihanna, when asked about her work experience, said that the bakery was very family-oriented, and it was named after one owner’s daughter, who used to refer to the alphabet as “LMNOP.”

She also shared that children would come after school and run under the table to eat cookies; the cafe was part of their everyday life Separately, Rihanna said that coffee aided her in her freshman year of college, where she found herself routinely with friends getting ready for class with a cup of coffee in hand

The social benefits apply to adults, as well The Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee informs readers that, “In many countries, the social aspects of the coffee house have evolved to include the home, where individuals will host coffee mornings for friends and family to gather and converse.” They extend this notion to senior living facilities, which provides the residents with an opportunity to socialize

If you are new to The Harvey School community and want to grab a local cup of coffee, I highly recommend LMNOP Bakery. However, if you are like me and appreciate making an inexpensive drink at home, run out to your local supermarket and pick up milk, creamer, and coffee beans. My favorite coffee brand is Starbucks

There are many misconceptions as well as clear benefits for your overall health and well-being about drinking coffee I give credit to coffee for keeping me awake and active in my early classes, and I foresee it being a big part of my college experience If you don’t do so already, drink coffee.

SPORTS NEWS

THE PULSE | NOVEMBER 2025 ISSUE

CAVALIERS FIND SUCCESS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD

By Logan Kreisberg

Coming off their most successful NEPSAC season yet, The Harvey School’s varsity football team is once again building on that momentum with a rewarding year After losing three all-NEPSSC players to graduation last June, this year’s team is rebuilding their roster while continuing to dominate on the field

The Cavaliers set the tone early in the 2025 season, defeating Pomfret School with a 26-6 victory The team started a winning streak after an away game against Hebron Academy, where the Cavs won 44-6.

The 36-man roster, which includes senior captains Jordan Falk, Wyatt Bland, and Sean Jakobson of Wooster School, is filled with skill.

“We’ve got a lot of talent, but most importantly, we’ve got heart,” coach Rob Griffin said. “These guys are learning fast, and I think we’re going to surprise some people.”

After losing former captain Jackson Saccomanno ’25, the team has not officially found a new quarterback. As of the third week of the season, Wyatt, Danyaal Hussain ’27, and Landon Gray ’28 have led the offense in what Mr Griffin calls a “three-headed monster” approach

The Cavaliers’ defense has also been a standout this year, holding opponents to single digits in their opening games Their strong defensive line and aggressive tackling have been key in shutting down opponents early

After every school day, the team hits the field to prepare for their weekly weekend games. Practices are intense but upbeat, with coaches Delaney, O’Connell, and Smith leading drills and technique corrections.

“We work through the offense and defense, tightening up our weak points,” quarterback Danyaal said.

Coach Griffin predicted Trey Sutter of Wooster as a potential breakout player, noting his catches and yardage in the season’s opening game He also praised Wyatt for his smooth transition from receiver to quarterback

Additionally, Mr Griffin said that new members of the team show great promise, explaining that while some are still “green,” they are developing their skills in preparation for more playing time

In terms of strategy, the team has leaned on a facedpaced defensive system, forcing turnovers early so the offense can maximize racking up points

“We have fostered a hard-working and serious playing style,” Jordan said, providing some tactical insights

With several games left in the regular season, the Cavaliers are focused on maintaining their momentum and pushing for another strong finish in the NEPSAC competition

“We’ve made some mistakes, but we’re learning fast,” Coach Griffin said “I think it’s going to be a rebuilding year. Still, if things click, we could be pretty good.”

Despite the challenges of adjusting to new roles and refining their game plan, the Cavaliers have shown steady improvement each week.

Jordan said, “Working with my team, we have been able to witness and partake in great growth, and I can’t wait to see where that takes us in years to come.”

Logan Kreisberg

Writers: Jordan Collins

Ana Failla

Tory Janush Aiden Tarpey

Faculty Advisor: Ms. Holmes

Special Thanks: Mr. Del Campo Mr. Knauer

Mr. Brooks-Barr

SPORTS NEWS

THE PULSE | NOVEMBER 2025 ISSUE

The Harvey School’s varsity girls volleyball team, led by head coach Denis Arnautovic, his assistant Kyle Groff, and senior captains Casey Kelly, Maeve Lazzaro, and Sara Strnad, is off to a strong start in their season. The past two seasons, the volleyball team achieved great success, being HVAL and NEPSAC semifinalists, and they hope to reach an even higher level of play this year.

As of Nov 5, the team has played 15 games, winning 12 of them. According to Coach Arnautovic, the team's strongest aspect is the chemistry between the players, as each understands the role they have to contribute to a supportive and competitive team

Playing in the HVAL this season, the team’s focus is to beat their opponent, Christian Heritage, and win the league. Coach Arnautovic said, “Every year, we try to take a step up ” Senior Maeve Lazzaro believes this year's team has the passion and the drive, saying, “With this year's talent and energy, we hope to achieve that longstanding goal ”

The team's atmosphere is described by Coach Arnautovic as encouraging and positive. Sara describes the team dynamic as energetic, saying they try to be their own “biggest supporters ” Sara says her favorite part of being on the team is the environment; she enjoys working toward goals together with her teammates who share the same passions.

A large part of playing a team sport is creating a fun atmosphere that fosters a cooperative team dynamic. One player who helps bring this spirit is senior Peyton Forde, who Coach Arnautovic says is a positive teammate who brings joy and enthusiasm to every practice

BUMP, SET, SPIKE INTO VOLLEYBALL SEASON

By Ana Failla

The team creates camaraderie through developing cheers that have become the foundation of a well-bonded team One cheer, brought about by Coach Arnautovic, is made up of two Croatian words, “Kikiriki’ (peanuts) and “Zajedno” (together), which have become a staple of the varsity volleyball team for years Coach Arnautovic says the girls look forward to saying this cheer at games, as it has become a fun ritual for them

Coach Arnautovic said he believes the most important part of his role is to give space to grow He says he understands the pressure that goes along with playing a sport at the varsity level, and he creates an environment where it is “OK to make mistakes and not be perfect all the time.”

Seeing some of his players move from middle school volleyball to the varsity level, Coach Arnautovic remarks that players remember the celebrations, team memories, and certain games as their most unforgettable moments Whether it is a big win, the ride back from a game, or everyday practice, the team is creating memories and learning lessons that will serve them well beyond the court.

One player who has been a part of Harvey volleyball since middle school is Maeve, who has played since sixth grade and has been a part of the varsity team since her sophomore year Maeve says she loves how the team pushes her to work harder. She also emphasizes the uplifting atmosphere of the team, saying they are “very encouraging and full of life ”

Casey explains that almost everyone on the team this year can play multiple positions, giving them an edge that they did not have last season. She says this ability will support them in reaching their goal of winning the HVAL championship

Also, Casey said that she is grateful for her position, as it has allowed her to have the opportunity to make the sport more fun and less nerve-wracking She says that this season, the team has had the best “chemistry” she has seen in her Harvey years

Being on the team for three years has helped Casey make friends across grades and learn valuable lessons in leadership and time management. Taking on such a role has allowed her to hone skills that will serve her well beyond high school

Fostering a team where every young person can take chances at the high-school level is one of the most important parts of being a coach, says Coach Arnautovic, believing you never know if you can do something until you try

The success of this team is built on the foundation of hard work, community, and leadership, and The Pulse looks forward to seeing what they accomplish this year and beyond

SPORTS NEWS

THE PULSE | NOVEMBER 2025 ISSUE

SEASON OF SUCCESS FROM VARSITY BOYS SOCCER

Coached by history teacher Alex Morse and science teacher Simon Leibovic, The Harvey School’s boys varsity soccer squad remains a formidable team throughout the 2025 season With last year’s seniors gone, many new players have emerged. The question remains: Will they win the HVAL for a second year in a row?

Harvey’s varsity boys soccer team is a part of the Hudson Valley Athletic League (HVAL) Last season, they defeated Wooster in the championship game after losing to the Generals for years This season, they are stronger than ever

With three new captains, Evan Vasile, Jack Muns, and Thomas Schiwek, the team’s communication and chemistry thrive. One of the team’s key strengths is opening up space on the field, especially through the contributions of senior midfielders, like Micah Berni, Ryan Dey, and Jordan Collins

This season’s defense has greatly refined throughout the season, with senior Piotr Pawel Pajewski in the outside back position with junior Ben Shaw and sophomore Nicolas Mena, senior captain Evan Vasile in the center back position, alongside junior Jake Gershon The team has definitely bettered in possessing the ball and playing it to their teammates, rather than just aimlessly clearing it

The Pulse interviewed Coach Morse to discuss the season so far It’s clear the team is the strongest they’ve ever been on the road up to this point. Coach Morse noted how they are “improving as the season goes along ” He continued on, saying that the team should “never be satisfied that we won the championship last year ” They should always be asking: “How do we perform and how do we improve?”

By Jordan Collins

The team’s focus and communication are very important characteristics that they utilize powerfully Coach Morse says that the most vital thing players can take away from being on this team is “team camaraderie” as well as “being a part of a group of people trying to achieve something ”

When discussing the team’s biggest rival, Coach Morse stated the obvious answer: “Wooster.” He followed with, “We’ve played them four straight years in the finals of the HVAL We were lucky enough to beat them last year in the finals and this season on the road ” On Sept 12, Harvey beat Wooster with a nail-biting win, with the final score being 3-2.

Seniors Micah Berni and Ryan Dey on the wings set the stage at the Sept 20 away game against Forman, scoring the first two goals of the first half That game definitely opened the eyes of its players, allowing them to now utilize their “wide guys” with confidence

On the topic of rising star players, Coach Morse mentioned Ruggero Franchetti, the new senior from Italy, experimenting in the midfield and forward positions. He also mentioned Marcus Espitia and the other “young, athletic talent” the freshmen bring to the varsity level

When asked about the new goalie, Patrick Lonergan, Coach Morse said, “He has acclimated to his position well. He isn’t afraid to dive, he is athletic, and he has a good concept of angles and when to challenge.” It is safe to say that so far, the team couldn’t have been this successful on the road without Patrick

This year, the captains definitely set a standard for the team, striving to be role models, whether it’s on or off the field Senior captain Jack Muns said, “I’d like to be a leader for the younger players on the team.” All the captains take the initiative to lift up their teammates and make sure that it is a standard for everyone on the team The team’s favorite breakaway after huddles is “family ”

Starting off this season, the team has won three out of five away games This is a very strong and impactful start to this season, as in the previous seasons, they have not been the best when it comes to away games This is a definite morale boost for the team

As the Cavaliers push forward in their season, the Harvey boys varsity soccer team continues to build on their momentum and team chemistry. With determined leadership, rising young talent, and a clear vision for success, they are ready to face every challenge that comes their way. The future looks bright for Harvey soccer, and The Pulse wishes them the very best as they chase another championship.

REPORTS

THE PULSE | NOVEMBER 2025 ISSUE

MEASLES, BACK FROM THE DEAD

In the year 2000, measles was considered eliminated in the United States. But recently, it has been on the rise, with an outbreak of around 800 cases in Texas, and as of Sept 12, 2025, there are 1,431 cases of measles across America that lasted from late January to early August

Adam Ratner, director of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases division at New York and Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital, states, “The anti-vaccine movement or vaccine hesitancy has been around for as long as there have been vaccines. And so that part isn’t surprising. But what I think has happened is we’ve gone from a time where people realized that it was worth small amounts of risk for big amounts of gain, and the big amounts of gain were protection against these diseases ”

Over half of the measles cases during the Texas outbreak occurred in Gaines County, where 414 people became sick, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) 718 of the infected people in Texas were either confirmed to have not been vaccinated, or they did not have a documented measles vaccine There has not been an outbreak this bad since 1992, in which there were 2,126 cases, eight years before measles was deemed eliminated.

Nathan Lo, M D , Ph D , assistant professor of infectious diseases at Stanford Medicine, said, “Measles is one of the most infectious diseases that exists, so the number of people who have to be immune to prevent it from spreading is extremely high ” He continued,“Polio, diphtheria and rubella are still far more infectious than COVID-19, for example, but measles is in a different ballpark, with one person infecting up to 20 others (though our model took a conservative estimate of 12) in a fully susceptible population ”

By Aiden Tarpey

Hundreds of thousands of children are at risk of catching measles, with the yearly kindergarten vaccination rates dropping from 95 2% in the 2019-2020 school year, to 92 5% during the 2024-2025 school year, as stated by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) According to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 95% is widely considered to be the threshold for a strong herd immunity, with 90% being the bare minimum before a community becomes much more susceptible to an outbreak.

Herd immunity occurs when even the unvaccinated part of the community are safe from these diseases as a result from all of the vaccinated members of said community Without vaccines, herd immunity threshold would have to be reached to protect the unvaccinated Outbreaks happen when someone from outside of America flies into the country, unknowingly being contaminated The CDC states that the symptoms for measles begin one to two weeks after the initial infection. This is how people are unaware of measles when they come back to the country, as they feel healthy despite having the virus in their system.

There are telltale signs of having measles after the first seven to 14 days. These symptoms include a dry cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, which is having red, watering eyes, and the deadliest symptom is a fever that can reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit, or 40 6 Celcius, according to the Mayo Clinic.

There are telltale signs of having measles after the first seven to 14 days. These symptoms include a dry cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, which is having red, watering eyes, and the deadliest symptom is a fever that can reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit, or 40 6 Celcius, according to the Mayo Clinic

In terms of fighting back against measles, Patsy Stinchfield, former senior director of infection prevention and control at Children’s Minnesota said, “If you were to take the MMR vaccine to ‘Shark Tank,’ you would win. Number one, it’s safe Number two, it’s really effective ” She went on, “With one dose you’ll prevent measles 93%, with two doses, 97% So okay, it’s not a hundred percent, but 97% chance of this working really well, like that’s a product you want to buy on Shark Tank.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has stated that before the measles vaccines had been introduced, around three to four million people became infected with measles each year, and that after it was released, the amount of cases have been reduced by 99%.

Measles recently hit its largest number of cases in 33 years, and although the last outbreak has ended, it could come back

REPORTS

THE PULSE | NOVEMBER 2025 ISSUE

BAD BUNNY RESIDENCY: MORE THAN JUST A CONCERT

Bad Bunny’s residency sparked records and made history through its message and strong sense of unity Bad Bunny’s residency in Puerto Rico was titled “No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí,” which translates to “I Don’t Want to Leave Here ” It fostered cultural pride and boosted the economy

Pamela Avila of USA Today writes, “This time, Bad Bunny didn't need to travel the globe to make history or break records – he just needed Puerto Rico and his community to make an impact ”

As reported by Biography com, Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is a Puerto Rican musician who primarily writes and sings in Spanish Three-time Grammy winner Bad Bunny’s music often holds conscious messages that focus on cultural unity Bad Bunny often addresses topics of hardship such as the devastation of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.

According to USA Today, Bad Bunny’s residency served as an homage to his homeland and a message to the many who have been forced to leave due to aspects such as natural disasters, ongoing economic hardships, rising cost of living, and gentrification.

With an estimated 600,000 attendees, and a total of 31 shows, the first nine of Bad Bunny’s shows tickets were only sold to Puerto Rico residents The residency was a love letter to his homeland with the goal of fostering cultural pride, providing economic opportunities on the island, and celebrating his homeland and its people.

People flew many miles to attend one of his shows, while others watched excitedly from TikTok livestreams. One of Harvey’s teachers, Ms. Katherine Munoz, attended the concert in early September and described the show as “more of an event that highlighted the richness of Puerto Rican culture and heritage "

By Ana Failla

Ms Munoz explained how one of the stages, “La Casita,” represented the traditional home in Puerto Rico. This stage was used to perform his “party music,” creating the feeling of being at a house party.

Ms Munoz remarked how Bad Bunny’s residency boosted Puerto Rico’s economy, bringing in over $700 million, and creating many jobs According to Ms Munoz, Bad Bunny’s shows created a strong feeling of belonging and togetherness, and she said, “Bad Bunny’s concert allowed his fans to feel feelings of nostalgia, belonging, healing, and unity. For me, the experience reminded me of how beautiful Latino culture is and why I am proud to be a Latina.”

Harvey School junior Aidan Garcia, who attended the concert in late August, said the main point of the residency was culture and unity Aidan emphasized that every artist performing was either Puerto Rican or of Puerto Rican descent He also remarked how the whole stage and production was a representation of Puerto Rico and its culture; as an example, Aidan also explained the “Casasita,” which was a representation of a common Puerto Rican house.

Aidan stated, “My favorite part of the experience was how he organized the music. He started with slow music, and then he transitioned to fast hype music ” Aidan explained that the overall atmosphere of the concert was a unifying experience filled with Puerto Rican culture and pride

Breaking attendance and sales records, Bad Bunny’s residency became one of the most powerful economic boosts the island had ever seen. The Associated Press reported the shows brought in around half a million people, generating an estimated $733 million for Puerto Rico.

Looking to the future, Bad Bunny has announced a new world tour for his album titled “DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS ” Bad Bunny plans on hitting Columbia, Peru, Australia, United Kingdom, France, among many more

Bad Bunny will be performing at this year's National Football League Super Bowl halftime show; he will be the first Latino artist to do so. According to ABC News, Bad Bunny said, "It's for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown this is for my people, my culture, and our history Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL "

Even beyond Bad Bunny’s residency, he is still continuing his work in supporting his homeland’s culture through his work Bad Bunny uses his platform for more than just music; he uses his talents to bolster Puerto Rican pride

REPORTS

THE PULSE | NOVEMBER 2025 ISSUE

WHAT IS CRYPTOCURRENCY?

Cryptocurrency, commonly known as “crypto,” is “a digital asset/credit/unit within the system [blockchain network], which is cryptographically sent from one blockchain network user to another,” as defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology A blockchain is an online registry that documents all transactions associated with online currencies, and, according to Georgetown University, it is the foundational technology for most cryptocurrencies.

This article will provide the basic knowledge that Pulse readers need to know about cryptocurrency, a transaction separate from the government and banks. Disclaimer: you must be 18 to legally open a cryptocurrency account

The most known cryptocurrency type is Bitcoin (BTC). However, data from CoinMarketCap records that as of September 2025, there are more than 10,000 types of cryptocurrencies Some of the most known types include: Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Binance Coin (BNB), Tether (USDT), and USD Coin (USDC). Each currency represents different technical capabilities, and Ethereum specifically has the ability to be programmed, as stated by Georgetown’s Cybersecurity Program

Cryptocurrency is ever growing, yet it has several risks According to Connecticut’s official website for the Department of Banking, these specific payments do not come with legal protections. Unlike a credit or debit card, this method of payment does not offer fraud protection; if something goes wrong, your money cannot be recovered and is likely an irreversible payment

By Tory Janush

The department also indicates that payment receipts to and from recipients are not always anonymous, as many think. Every transaction can be recorded on the public ledger or blockchain mentioned previously

However, the Dark Web has very different rules in contrast to the Surface Web, the public server. In the article taken from ScienceDirect, Stefan Scharnowski cites Cronin, stating that the FBI and other government agencies are not fans of the anonymity that the dark web provides for cryptocurrency, since criminal activities are significantly harder to detect on the Dark Web.

Scharnowski also states, “While the nature of the dark web and of privacy coins make it difficult to ascertain what exactly a given cryptocurrency transaction relates to, the overall results are consistent with privacy coins being used not only to pay for illegal purchases on DNMs, but also to circumvent government restrictions and sanctions ” DNMs are darknet markets, commonly known as black markets, where illicit activities thrive.

At Southeastern Oklahoma State University, more than 250 college students and 750 parents responded to a questionnaire on their beliefs of when and how cryptocurrency should be taught. 93% of parents indicated that they would like their children to learn about both blockchain and cryptocurrency in their education, starting at age 15.

The Pulse reached out to Ms. Falcon, Chair of the History Department The economics teacher said that “digital currency is very volatile,” and it does not have a stable value if it were to be considered a currency. Ms. Falcon also asserted that she teaches her students about cryptocurrency in the money unit of her standard economics class

In general, Ms. Falcon believes that the most important lesson for high school students to know about this currency is that it is not backed by the government Ms Falcon also said, “I would be wary, because if stolen or misplaced, the government cannot support you That said, it is relatively safe ”

Once you are of age to invest in cryptocurrency, make sure you do further research to understand where your money is going so that your information is in as secure of a place as possible. The Pulse anticipates that cryptocurrency will become a bigger part of our lives in the near future, and having a background in the field will do you no harm

REVIEWS

THE PULSE | NOVEMBER 2025 ISSUE

THE DOPAMINE EXPERIENCE

By Jordan Collins

On Saturday, Sept 27, American rapper Lil Tecca hosted a concert in the Hammerstein Ballroom at Manhattan Center in New York City It began at 8 p m

According to the last fm website, Lil Tecca’s real name is Tyler-Justin Anthony Sharpe. He was born Aug. 26, 2002 in Queens, New York, and he currently lives in Cedarhurst on Long Island He is 23 years old, and his fame is continuing to rise as the years go by

The Hammerstein Ballroom itself was huge However, it still didn’t feel like enough space to fit all the people inside The lighting was dim until songs were performed When fellow Harvey students Henry He, Ryan Dey, and I arrived, we were sectioned into lines to go through security Before the main floor, there was a merchandise stand with highly overpriced clothing and a beverage bar Around the main floor were two sets of balconies filled with people. Some parts of the balconies had seating

During the performances of the songs, there were many different lights and colors and stage equipment being used Whenever a song would come to an impactful point, smoke was shot out from two sides of the stage All the house lights would also be off, creating a dark atmosphere everywhere but the main floor and stage I remember seeing vivid colors like purple, green, blue, white, and yellow being casted across the ballroom.

Once we stepped onto the main floor, we were in the middle of the openers The tour opened with FFawty, and then Hardrock, and closed with Ian. Typically, the beginning performances are for new and upcoming rappers or singers who are attempting to rise into fame. Ian is already a well-known rapper, most notably from his song “Magic Johnson.” In his performance, he wowed the audience with his song song “3 5 ”

Throughout the concert, Lil Tecca performed 22 hit songs. He performed “Dopamine Warning Intro,” “On Your Own,” “One Night,” “Dead or Alive,” “Fell in Love,” “Tic Tac Toe,” “Dark Thoughts,” “Never Left,” “Did It Again,” “Love Me,” “Diva” - (The Kid LAROI cover), “I CAN'T LET GO,” “CHOPPA SHOOT THE LOUDEST,” “BAD TIME,” “Boys Don’t Cry,” “Out of Love,” “OWA OWA,” “HVN ON EARTH,” “REPEAT IT,” “LOT OF ME,” “500lbs,” and “Ransom,” which made the crowd the loudest

Before “Ransom” came on, Lil Tecca said it was “the song that changed his life ” It gave the crowd a big hint on what the song would be, as “Ransom” was Lil Tecca’s most popular song. “Ransom” was also the most streamed song in the U S on Spotify in 2019.

What I didn’t enjoy was the amount of people crammed onto that floor Everyone was pressed against each other most of the time, especially when mosh pits were opening up There was a lot of pushing, and everyone was sweaty. However, the excitement from the songs took the attention away from it There was also an interesting feeling that I’ve never experienced before where it seemed like the floor was bouncing up and down like a trampoline as everyone was jumping in unison

When asked about the ambience of the concert, Ryan Dey said, “It was a very energetic atmosphere and an amazing experience.” He also “enjoyed being on the floor after only having seated tickets for the previous concerts.”

Since it was my first concert, I definitely had high expectations They were met perfectly, to say the least. The atmosphere was surreal. I loved the entire crowd cheering and yelling as the songs went by Everyone was so excited the moment Lil Tecca was introduced onto the stage

If Lil Tecca comes back to the New York area, or you are able to attend his concert in a different location, I would highly recommend going, especially to people who enjoy music, particularly rap His shows are a must-see.

Ms. Holmes Pumpkin Pie

Logan Kreisberg Sweet Potatoes w/ Marshmallows

Tory Janush Deep-fried Turkey

Jordan Collins Baked Mac & Cheese

Ana Failla Family Stuffing Recipe

Aiden Tarpey Mashed Potatoes

REVIEWS

THE PULSE | NOVEMBER 2025 ISSUE

DININ’ AT THE DINER

The Mt. Kisco Diner is one of my favorite places to eat It has good food, a relaxing atmosphere, and quality service The diner was founded by Harry Georgiou and is located at 252 Main Street in Mount Kisco, New York

The diner has a wide variety of options on its menu The diner serves straightforward foods like a cheeseburger, all the way to complex selections like the triple-decker club, a sandwich made with toasted turkey, bacon, lettuce, and tomato with mayo between three slices of toasted bread

A Yelp review by Curtis P. states that “Mt Kisco Diner has a huge menu with something for everyone – from diner classics to creative, over-the-top dishes. The food is consistently tasty and portions are generous Service is usually friendly and quick, though it can get very busy, especially on weekends, which means longer waits and a loud atmosphere Overall, a fun spot if you're looking for variety and big flavors.”

My personal favorite dish is a classic grilled cheese, as I enjoy the simple yet savory taste, though my brother prefers more elaborate foods like the diner’s Philly cheesesteak. On the rare occasions when I go there in the morning, the chocolate chip pancakes are my go-to selection

Former Pulse Co-Editor Benji Cutler ‘25 said, “It’s heaven My pick is the Chicken Caesar Wrap with sweet potato fries When I was younger, I used to order the Chunky Monkey Pancakes, which are pancakes with bananas and Nutella They have a diverse menu that can satisfy all ages.”

By Aiden Tarpey

While the diner is known for them, the mega milkshakes are not recommended Yes, they do look both impressive and delicious, but most of the time, whoever gets the shake isn’t even able to eat all of the toppings, let alone drink the actual beverage part The mega milkshakes also cost $18, with some costing $19, according to Seamless, although that price could be slightly higher than if the drink were ordered in the restaurant due to delivery fees

One of the larger issues I have with the establishment is that its menu items can generally be considered overpriced. Although a favorite, something as small as mozzarella sticks cost $16, which is slightly more expensive than a standard grilled cheese

A user on Trip Advisor, Kevin A., writes, “Horrible service and horrible food We will never return Bill was not that of a diner either Most expensive diner bill I have ever had. This is a restaurant not a diner ”

However, I personally believe the service that the Mt Kisco Diner offers is strong, yet there are still some areas where it can improve. It usually does not take long for food to arrive, but there have been days where it has taken a surprisingly prolonged period of time to receive our meals, despite the building not being filled with customers The servers are respectful, and we’ve never dealt with one being rude or impolite.

The Mt Kisco Diner is generally a clean establishment, as there’s a lack of stains on both the furniture and floors Occasionally, you may see a fly or two buzzing around, but they are usually not a bother.

As for the noise level, it heavily depends on the time and day. Going on a Saturday at noon will most likely result in a loud environment, while a Monday around 2 p.m. will probably be almost dead silent except for the music

Ultimately, I recommend checking the diner out While going every week is not suggested due to the inflated prices, it's a good place to go for a celebration of any kind or a meal with friends or family.

The Birthday Mega Milkshake - Image Credit: Mt Kisco Coach Diner / Instagram