Spectrum Newspaper March 2022

the

SPECTRUM

“Your Voice in Print”

blakespectrum.org

Thursday | March 10 | 2022

Issue V

The Blake School

Relatable, Touching Musical ‘The Theory of Relativity’ Debuts Tomorrow Musical’s production has bonded cast members Ainsley Pflaum | Staff Writer

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he spring musical, “The Theory of Relativity,” debuts Friday, March 11 at 7:30pm. The play tells the distinct yet intertwined stories of several characters finding their passions and working through hardships amid their own unique circumstances.

Rather than having a linear plot, the play depicts individual stories that are only tied together at the end by one character. Because of the play’s unique format, there is not a lead role, rather there are about 13 characters that the play focuses on individually with an ensemble of 16 characters.

The characters include Mira, who grieves the death of her only significant family member, Catherine, the daughter of immigrants and an extreme germaphobe, Oliver, who is shy and struggles with his identity, among others. The cast has been making progress on the produc-

tion for the last month and a half in preparation for their three shows on March 11, 12, and 13.

Kai Capistrant ‘25, who plays Oliver in the musical, says, “There are definitely a lot of good people in the musical this year, and it’s been a lot of fun rehearsing and getting to know the people as well. It’s been a fun time.”

In correspondence to the scientific theory the play is named after, the cast has strong cohesion that shows in their performance.

“I think we have really good chemistry. We interact with one another well and it translates into our characters just as well. It’s a really cool cast,” remarks Kimora Collins ‘23, who portrays Julie.

Theater teacher and musical director Taous Khazem says, “The music is really fun, I think also there’s moments that are really funny, there are moments that are tearjerkers, and there are moments that are very touching.”

While the musical is a thoroughly entertaining depiction of various stories, there is also much that the audience will take away from it,

Betsy Fries

Declan O’Connell ‘23 sings on set. At first, rehearsals were held at the Upper School JNA, but as time neared closer to opening night, thespians rehearsed at the Middle School auditorium, the MPAC, to become more acquainted with their set.

specifically high schoolers.

Khazem explains, “[The musical] is really this important thought of taking this idea from physics, ‘The Theory of Relativity,’ and how

we’re all moving together on earth as one, and there is something for everybody to relate to in all the stories of the characters. I think [the musical] is really going to resonate with

high school students.

The characters are all mainly just out of high school or college.”

Tickets for the musical are sold at blake. booktix.com. “The Theory of Relativity” is an

opportunity for students to enjoy a personal yet revelatory production and support Blake Theater. As Khazem puts it, “Folks get to come and celebrate the artistry of their classmates.”

Game of the Week Increases School Spirit, Pride for all Athletic Teams Sponsored by SIAC, Forum in light of athletic attendance crisis Cleo Kilpatrick | Sports Editor

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hat happened to the school spirit at sporting events?

Why are people not going to games? These are the questions being asked by students. SIAC and Forum have heard these questions and are teaming up with a plan to solve the problem.

They’re creating Game of the Week. Senior Dean Maggie Bowman

explains, “Every week there’s going to be one game or event or performance that is the event of the week and this is going to encourage students to go to that particular game.” The bottom line of this plan is to just get more people involved in the community outside of school.

Justin Krelitz ‘23, Forum member, says, “One of the things we were planning on doing was to create this event of the week just to break the feedback loop of people not going to these sporting events just because their friends aren’t going and then their friends

aren’t going because they’re not going.”

A big reason people aren’t attending these events is because of the

uncertainty of who’s going or who’s not going.

Carly Shoemate ‘22, SIAC member, says, “Hopefully [Game of

Cleo Kilpatrick

Students watch the Boys’ Hockey Team play against Hill Murray on Feb. 12. The Bears ultimately lost this game 1-6, but still had many fans to cheer them on. This game was the first “Game of the Week” sponsored by SIACS and Forum.

the Week] will become a norm so people can plan [to attend games].”

If it becomes a wellknown tradition, then people won’t be stuck with uncertainty. Krelitz added, “[What] I think is probably more important is just word of mouth, because [on] SIAC there’s 20 people and [on] forum there’s 15 and through those channels it’s much easier to actually increase attendance.”

Just by talking about it, people will be more interested and aware.

This plan is not only to increase attendance but also, Shoemate says,

Interestingly enough, large quantities of steps each day don’t just stimulate and improve the body but also provide benefits to the brain.

In recent years, tattoos have become more widely accepted, especially in terms of younger people getting them.

Adding fun decorations to your cupcakes makes them look more appetizing and festive.

Sci-Tech: Page 3

In-Depth: Page 8-9

Food: Page 14

to help “Sport events that usually get no spectators like swimming or like fencing, we were thinking it would be fun to build community and really show up for those athletes that don’t get a lot of attention from the school.” There are many sports at Blake that people know of but don’t know much about. So increasing attendance at these events would build a stronger community and support system for those sports.

Krelitz states, “Sports that are easy to watch like girls basketball don’t have the attendance they deserve.”

STAFF

STUDENT NEWS | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | MARCH 10, 2022 | 2

History Looks to Future

Issue 5 March 10, 2022 Bernadette Whitely: Editor-In-Chief, In-depth Editor Rowan Wallin: Managing Editor, Front Page Editor Allyson Jay: Managing Editor, Features Editor, Games and Ads Editor Zoey Ueland: News Section Editor Amelia Bush: Arts and Culture Editor Cleo Kilpatrick: Sports Editor Sofia Perlman: Science and Technology Editor, Persepctives Editor Evan Vezmar: Opinions Editor

Cleo Kilpatrick, Rowan Wallin, Zoey Ueland

Charlotte Opp: Food Editor Julia Zhang: Buisness Manager James Prince: Online Editor Editor Emerti: Noor Nasear, Maggie Seidel, Emily Rotenburg, Sage Marmet, Will Rosenblum Anna Reid: Adviser STAFF WRITERS: Kaylee Chen, Ahan Devgun, Ali Hecker, Mackenzie Higgins, Mallika Malaviya, Gabi Marmet, Ainsley Pflaum, Kate Rekas, Jason Rotenburg, Max Yousha, Yoni Zacks STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Elena Gill, Oscar Walsh STAFF ARTISTS: Julia Everett, Melody Lee, Zoe Florida

BECOME A STAFF MEMBER: Contribute to the paper three times consecutively to be promoted to a staff writer!

JOIN SPECTRUM: Spectrum meets in room 351 during both lunches every Thursday. Please come if you are interested in writing, drawing, designing, or taking pictures for the newspaper.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Disagree with something that’s in the paper? Have an opinion you want to share? Like to draw editorial cartoons? Take a stand and speak out. E-mail letters or editorial cartoons to spectrum@blakeschool. org or deliver them to room 351. Please limit letters to 400 words.

MISSION STATEMENT: The primary purpose of the Blake School Spectrum is to report news and to explain its meaning and significance to our readers and the community.

We hope to inform, entertain and provide a school forum for the unrestricted exchange of ideas and opinions.

STYLE STATEMENT: Spectrum uses Associated Press (AP) Styles as of the February 2020 issue.

Corrections for January Issue

Page 2: Sofia Perlman’s name is spelled wrong Page 3: Christiana Howell’s first name spelled incorrectly in photo credit. Melody Lee should be credited for “Don’t Look Up” graphic. Ava Carroll’s name should be Aveline Carroll Page 5: Teh Tarik is Malaysian drink not Turkish, drink is Teh Tarik not Salep

Top left: Students sit attentively in a math classroom, a department that will potentially be expanding. Top right: Students walk down upper school math hallway. Bottom left: Students discus in AP Euro. Bottom right: APUSH students Leighton Pittman ‘24 and Lola Palestrini ‘24 participate in a socratic seminar.

Computer Science Opens New Doors Program faces potential expansion, mixed opinions Ahan Devgun Writer

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Staff

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ue to a growing number of computer science classes throughout Blake’s campuses, administrators decided to create a computer science department. While not currently a graduation requirement, it could possibly become one.

The decision was made due to the middle school

changing from a seven period to an eight period schedule. Math Chair Chris Robinson explains, “There was an opportunity to expand [the computer science program], and it’s been a goal of [Head of School] Anne Stavney for a while now.” He adds that while “There aren’t any current graduation requirements [for computer science] right now, [he] doesn’t know what will happen five years from now.” Furthermore, he adds that “[Computer science] is an important and growing field, so being able to offer these things to students even if they are

not required, is important.”

As for student opinion, Chizo Nwokocha ‘25 is fine with a computer science department but doesn’t love the idea of taking a required class, as she states that she “Doesn’t care about computer science.” However, Robinson explains, “The skills people learn in computer science classes can be applied outside of it.” He shockingly adds, “Minnesota is the worst state for computer science education… if you look at other parts of the country, the access is there… those graduation requirements are there.”

Students Weigh In: Backpack v. Lockers Students’ preferences examined Sam Tomczik | Contributing Writer

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he majority of students choose to not use their lockers. While most students express that they find their lockers impractical, some locker users cite their convenience as a driving factor in their choice.

“All 9th graders are assigned lockers,” explains 9th grade Dean Jen Vance, “We want 9th graders to have that space from the beginning, from there on lockers are by request.” However, out of the 399 students grades 10th through 12th, only four students this year

“I chose to wear a mask becuase I want to protect the safety of others especially the ones that are immunocompromised.”

- Jonathan Wu ‘22

have requested to have a locker, a stark contrast from the middle school where locker use is mandatory. Audrey Friedell ‘24 attributes this usage drop to the difference in rules, “there’s no need [to use a locker] now that we are allowed to carry our backpacks to class.”

However, some students, such as Rania Abdullahi ‘25 find convenience in using their locker. She says, “I think it’s definitely a nice advantage [to using a locker], you can feel freer and not have to have so much weight on your back.”

Many students choose to use the equipment shelves and hooks by the lunchroom in lieu of a personal locker. Abdullahi is not concerned about a

lack of security, however, she acknowledges a lack of sympathy shown by the student body, noting, “Sometimes my bag has been thrown on the ground by others.” Despite this, Vance still promotes the usage of this area saying, “backpacks aren’t allowed in the lunchroom, there are the shelves.”

Elena GIll

Students choose to store extra equipment atop equipement shelves rather than in lockers.

“I chose not to wear a mask because I’m already fully vaccinated and I just feel safe, I feel like I’m protected.”

- Malika Chebaclo ‘25

he social studies curriculum will alter classes for next year, and in the years to come, a big change. A process of over three years, this transition of the social studies curriculum includes new classes for tenth grade, and it also shifts U.S. History classes up to eleventh grade.

The extensive process involved the social studies department researching other independent schools’ courses t o help de-

cide what w a s best for students going forward.

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Uel an

Max Yousha | Staff Writer The Blake School 511 Kenwood Pkwy

zenship and the Nation. As students get closer to voting age, this robust civics course will help students learn more about the politics of our current day and age.

The other class for tenth graders is a class on colonialism and post-colonialism, which incorporates modern world history into the course. In this second semester course, students will complete a research project or paper. Calderone and the social studies department hope to create more exhibitions for these assignments, including project nights and presentations of research.

The shift in the tenth grade classes will push U.S. History up to eleventh grade.

T h e eleventh

Zoe y

New curriculum introduced for coming years

grade classes w i l l now include an AP U.S.

Haya Fine ‘22 passes by posters outlining various electives the Social Studies Department is offering for next year including “Power and Place: Twin Cities Histories” and “Advanced Topic Research.”

Beth Calderone, chair of the social studies department, comments on a big factor in the decision, saying “we looked deeply at the kinds of things we think that social studies students need, and one of them that we [the social studies department] think that has been lacking this last couple of years … is robust research paper experiences.”

The change in the curriculum for rising ninth graders includes the addition of more research components to help develop research based thinking. The ninth grade history class will still be a full year class, World History, a combination of the prior two classes Ancient Roots and Modern World History.

The biggest impact will be on the tenth grade courses.

Two semester-long courses will be offered; one is a civics based class called Citi-

History course and a nonAP option, titled American Identity.

As for the students’ opinions on the shift in classes, Ethan Klaiman ‘25 thinks, “you don’t really need to spend that much time on things like colonialism because I feel like it could be incorporated into the civics class.” Students like Klaiman acknowledge the pros and cons to this change such as the minimization of choice in social studies classes.

Overall, this change allows for different requirements that Calderone and the social studies department think are important in students’ education rather than taking them as electives.

These classes also provide more research-based learning, a goal that the social studies department envisioned as part of their curriculum.

“I chose to wear a mask because I’m still not so sure it’s safe enough to not wear a mask yet and I live with my old grandpa.”

- Lulu Rosenberg ‘25

SCI-TECH | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | MARCH 10, 2022 | 3

Games Capture Large Audience Is 10,000 Steps Each Day Necessary?

Wordle, computer games, provide distraction, fun Will Mairs | Contributing Writer

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omputer and phone games have been students’ pastime for many years, but in recent times it seems like certain games such as

enon, with it even being acquired by the New York Times for millions of dollars.

David Carlson ‘23 highlights why Wordle has become so popular.

He claims that he initially found out about Wordle because he was “surrounded by people playing it” and when he joined in, he became hooked. “You don’t get tired of it. You only get to play it [Wordle]

mouth.

Ryan Thrasher ‘23 notes that he started playing Geoguessr after “hearing a fellow student talking about it.”

One common thread between both Wordle and Geoguessr is that both allow you to show off your knowledge, whether it be your vocabulary or geography. Thrasher notes that Geoguessr allows you to “test your geography knowledge”

Most Popular Games Wordle 2048 Geoguessr Flappy Golf Doodle Jump Crosswords Sodoku

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50

100

140

Students (197 total) Sofia Perlman

Wordle and Geoguessr have spread among the school community in an unprecedented way.

Wordle, which originally started as a game made by a single software developer for their friends, has now grown into a national phenom-

once a day.” Carlson notes that the once-aday model has helped cement Wordle into the daily routines among many students.

Geoguessr has not been as popular, but it has still spread among the student body, primarily through word of

while Carlson believes that Wordle’s six guess system “allows for one’s English skills to shine.”

While most phone and computer games seem to come and go, the student body has shown that games like Wordle and Geoguessr are here to stay.

Astrology, Zodiac App Offers Insight CO-Star provides users isnightful, helpful daily guidance

are neatly presented in an aesthetically pleasing chart. Users are reminded to check their charts and predictions through daily “Your Day at a Glance”

cessible than other forms of astrology, but it feels more personal and less vague than other horoscopes. Astrology is still largely considered a pseu-

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n a JAMA Internal Medical study, Dr. I-Min-Lee, a professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, looked at the effects of taking 10,000 steps a day.

The number originally originated in 1965 as part of a marketing campaign and has since become the default setting in many fitness trackers. The main findings from the study stimulated that women who averaged 4,400 steps a day reduced mortality by 41% as compared to the average step count of a sedentary woman: 2,700.

However, these vast mortality improvements ended at 7,500 steps a day.

Interestingly enough, large quantities of steps each day don’t just stimulate and improve the body but also provide benefits to the brain. As science teacher Jim Arnold explains, “Exercise goes beyond heart, muscles, all that other stuff.” Indeed exercise is extremely important for not only lowering mortality but also for improving memory. Arnold continues, “[The hippocampus in the brain] is responsible for memory and that study supports the idea that moderate aerobic exercise walking in adults over 55 improved their memory and they can measure the sides of the hippocampus to docu-

Melody Lee

those over 55, but students too.

Maggie Bowman, grade dean and coach of both Blake’s cross country and track teams, finds, “I’ve heard a lot of students talk about the fact that they don’t feel like they could leave school at 3 o’clock and go home and immediately start their homework, they need a break to do something different they need to have an outlet… I think a lot of athletes appreciate and express their appreciation of that time after school to do something different… some sort of movement or activity than a break that doesn’t include those things.”

In terms of the stringently noted 10,000 steps rule, Bowman finds, “If the very widely known rule about ‘take 10,000 steps a day’ if that encourages people to do something active every day then I think that rule is great [be]cause it’s something that’s widely known and encourages healthy habits.

Do I think the specificity of 10,000 steps a day? No I don’t, I don’t think that

courages people to take care of themselves, yes as far as hitting that number ‘eh’ I think it’s just sort of widely known.”

Arnold agrees, noting, “I think it’s about getting exercise [rather than taking 10,000 steps]” While 10,000 steps was created as a simple marketing strategy, getting anywhere from 4,400 to 7,500 steps a day not only makes you a stronger healthier person but grows your hippocampus and reduces mortality rates.

In terms of managing to get steps throughout school days, Bowman explains, “Because we know often the default is sedentariness just be intentional about just saying ‘I’m going to do something active for 30 minutes’ and it doesn’t mean that it has to be walking or running or whatever, I think it could be yoga or if people are into lifting weights or taking classes or whatever it is, being intentional about it is helpful because otherwise we don’t think about the fact that we don’t just do it naturally.”

Melody Lee

Telescope Advances Space Knowledge

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doscience, but in recent years, more people have been losing more traditional religious beliefs and instead turning towards astrology and other spiritual beliefs to add significance and meaning to their lives.

is necessary or a perfect number by any means...

To the extent that it en-

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Gunnar Johnson | Contributing Writer

push notifications. CoStar’s predictions are often inspiring and insightful but also sometimes rude and blunt. Co-Star’s oddly specific horoscopes set them apart from other forms of astrology. Not only is Co-Star more ac-

ment that.”

However, getting more steps isn’t just critical for

Zoey Ueland | Student News Editor

Discovery allows for clearer picture of the beginning of space

Mackenzie Higgins | Staff Writer he astrology app CoStar has a cult-like following with 5.3 million users as of 2019. The app provides users with ultra-personal horoscopes based off of an algorithm that combines exact birth dates and location of its users with NASA data and information from human astrologers. The app claims to “algorithmically generate insights about your personality and your future.” Co-Star examines nine different aspects of your life such as senses of responsibility, philosophies of life, and intellect and communication.

Everyday, users are provided with an over arching horoscope or statement for the day, question and answers to compare to friends, a list of do’s and don’ts, and many other types of predictions, all of which

Well-known number should not be taken literally, but as a guide

he James Webb Space Telescope has been successfully launched into orbit and has just captured its first photos. The 10 billion dollar telescope has 18 golden mirrors that help it achieve incredible view distances. Unlike the Hubble Telescope, which blasted up in 1990 and orbits the earth, the Webb Telescope will orbit the Sun about one million miles away. Unfortunately, we cannot view the pictures yet because astronomers need to fine-tune the telescope. The telescope’s construction can capture the universe’s early days and penetrate

dust clouds. To achieve this, the infrared sensors in the telescope will be at temperatures close to -389ºF, with one being at -447ºF. Specifically, the telescope is

ally, the telescope will serve as a platform for astronomers to test their theories.

Before the James Webb Telescope, The Hubble Telescope helped astronomers fig-

“[The telescope is] an important collaboration between countries for a common goal.”

- Jeff Trinh designed to see infrared light, which is why the instruments need to be so cold.

Physics teacher Jeff Trinh describes the telescope’s success as “an important collaboration between countries for a common goal” and “to provide a better understanding of the start of the universe.” Addition-

ure out the universe’s rate of expansion. Trinh also sees the telescope as “The James Webb Telescope is the bigger and better successor to the Hubble telescope, which, according to NASA, can provide information about habitable planets and other unknown things about the universe.

ARTS & CULTURE | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | MARCH 10, 2022 | 4

Fitting In: The Fashion Culture In MN Vs. In France Fashion trends differ through countries .

Eva Stegic | Columnist

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s I packed my bags for France, there was one idea that kept coming to me, and it forced me to change what I put into my luggage, and ultimately what I would wear for the coming four months.

This idea is something that everyone asks themselves at one point, how can I fit in? And more specifically for me, how can I blend into French culture? My name is Eva Stegic, and last semester I spent four months in Rennes, France in the northwestern region of Brittany. Choosing a set closet that I would have to wear for the next four months was a challenge, especially considering I was going to a place where I had never spent a consecutive amount of time. The question of how to fit in is relevant and often a subconscious decision we make based

Charlotte Opp

Submitted by: Eva Stegic

on the people and environment around us.

Going to France, I packed lightly, about three jeans, some tshirts, and a couple of sweatshirts, but nothing that would make me

stick out or show that I was a foreigner. Although, I subconsciously conformed to this idea of not waiting to stick out, anticipating that I would change my closet and sense of style based on

what people were wearing in France. Frida Laux ‘22, my friend in France, also said the same thing, “Wanting to fit in is hard, but almost impossible not to do.” Frida also changed her closet based on what people were wearing in Rennes. She continues “There are so many puffer vests here, it’s bizarre! You barely see those in America.

The same goes for tote bags, that is all they use here. Everyone bought a tote bag the first week they arrived.” The use of tote bags in France is prominent, and there is a movement in France to stop using plastic bags in order to be more ecofriendly. There are arguments that canvas can be

Charlotte Opp

worse than plastic in the long term, but the movement across France is so large that if you don’t own a tote bag, you don’t fit in.

At Blake, and in America in general, tote bags are not as popular. At Blake it’s the same idea, that there is one item that has guided what people choose to buy. Precious Jones ‘22 says that “fashion at Blake is very influenced by [the] community.”

Students often wear certain items that everyone owns, creating fashion that has been influenced by the people around them. She goes on to mention popular items such as Lululemon leggings, mom jeans, crop

Submitted by: Eva Stegic

tops, and puffer coats, which are prevalent at Blake. Even though there is this immense weight to fit in and wear what is considered to be normal, Jones says that she “expresses herself without hesitation at school”, setting an example for others to follow and slowly changing the norm. Being able to fit into a community means instant acceptance into a group of people, and by dressing similarly, this can be accomplished.

Far Left: Chloe Lipham ‘23 in an outfit she wore in France.

Middle Left: Ella Deignan ‘22 sports trendy mom jeans Middle Right: Atreyus Bhavsar ‘22 wears a blue puffer coat Far Right: A tote bag hanging

Seniors Leaving Flash Magazine, Possibility of Change Despite large senior presence, club will continue due to large amounts of newcomers Gabi Marmet | Staff Writer Gabi Marmet

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lash Magazine is one of the many clubs that instill an amazing sense of community throughout The Blake School. Flash is an organizational club where the members take in student art, in a low stakes environment, that gets submitted by anyone, including people studying abroad. The artwork that people can submit are photos, drawings, paintings, ceramics, writing, poems, and many other forms of art as well. There is an e-mail account, flash@

Elena Gill ‘22 explains a slideshow to the members of Flash Magazine during their Wednesday meeting at 7:45 in the photography room.

blakeschool.org, where students are able to submit their art and its title. The club especially enjoys when the artwork is meaningfully titled as it can provide depth into the piece. An explanation for the art is not required but is allowed and encouraged.

Flash meets during Wednesday mornings starting at 7:45 in the photography room. Frederick Loew ‘22, one of the leaders of

the club, explains, “We go through and curate this art, we vote on a submission and discuss each one. And then we pair the submissions together and design the pages, and ultimately produce one magazine every year.” Once the magazines are printed, they get set out all around the school.

Flash has continued to grow every year, Loew mentions when he came to Flash as a freshman there

were only four kids, now this year there are around 10 people. This year many newcomers have flooded in, and people believe that the club will be staying around for at least a couple of years. Although the club is predominately seniors, many members believe that the younger students of the club won’t let it disappear when the seniors graduate.

If the club were to die it would cause a lot of

sadness within the community because it has provided many amazing memories and a great creative outlet for many people. Most of the members of Flash are friends, and have similar interests. Regardless of if the members know each other in the beginning, they will eventually get to know each other. Maia Schifman ‘22, explains, “It’s definitely been a great outlet for me, and… it’s just like a fun thing to do every week with people that you might not normally talk to.”

Although the members of Flash may not be the ones creating the art, they still get to do visual art by designing the pages and formatting the magazine. Flash is very different from what some are used to. Anika Rodriguez ‘23, who has been on Flash for two years, explains the major impacts of Flash to her, “I’m very much involved in the per-

forming arts sides of like extracurricular’s at Blake, so this gives me an opportunity to like see some of the visual arts aspects... walking down hallways you get to see all these paintings and works on the walls, but this is like another really cool way to get to see what else is going on at Blake in terms of visual arts.”

Flash has also affected how the members see others and their own art. Zoë Nutsford ‘22 mentions, “I never really thought like I would curate art as part of a school club, so that has just influenced the way that I interpret and look at other art. And also what kind of things I wanna include in my own art.”

In total, Flash is an amazing club that not only focuses on putting students produced artwork into a magazine, but also positively impacts each student in different ways.

Quick Get To Know Janet Williams, Jesse Williams Favorite Actor

Best Summer Activity

Go-To Breakfast

Best Movie Candy

Dream Vacation

Favorite Board Game

Biggest Phobia

Harrison Ford

Traveling

Buttered Toast

Sugar Daddy

Cairo, Egypt

Scrabble

Heights

Matthew McConaughey

Kayaking

Bruegger’s Bagels

Junior Mints

Hawaii

Andrew RichardCleo Kilpatrick son | Janet Williams Contributing Writer

Mackenzie Higgens

Jesse Williams

The Game of Life Claustrophobia

ARTS & CULTURE | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | MARCH 10, 2022 | 5

Make More Playlists, Organize Your Music, Expand Your Taste Playlists moods, ships

impact friend-

.

Siena Pradhan | C ontributing Writer

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’ve always been a playlist enthusiast.

Music can provide us a well needed escape from the world, whether from the chaotic life we lead as overachieving high school students or from the confusing world politics that always seem to be taking place. My solutions to all these problems are playlists.

I obsessively create playlists for different moods, social settings, months, and people. As daunting as it sounds to

create so many playlists, there are benefits to it.

I attempt to make every playlist have unique and different songs to discourage repetitiveness in my music taste. With such a wide array of archived playlists from different genres and times in my life, there is always a playlist for any mood. I can look back through the playlists that got me through the rough patches and the best moments of my life.

Taara Verma ‘24 says, “Music gives you entertainment. Depending on the music it can either get me hype or calm me down.” Music can also bond people together, with inside jokes and playlist shared between

friends.

Petra Ekstrom ‘24 describes it best, “ For me personally, my friends and I like to listen to music when we’re together, especially in car rides.

We are all listening to a good song that everyone knows and we’re blasting it and everyone’s just singing or rapping along and I feel like it brings everyone closer together and it makes for more good memories that we all can share.”

A great way to start creating some playlists is based on different moods. Calmer artists such as Frank Ocean, Baby Keem, Conan Gray and FINNEAS are great to calm down after a chaotic day. For pregame hype up songs,

I would suggest Kanye West (Ye), Maclemore, Drake or even Doja Cat. Maybe you are looking for those nostalgic 2010’s songs with One Direction, early Taylor Swift, Pitbull, Britney Spears and Coldplay. Taylor Swift, with her many albums, is a great nostalgic choice. She also has a lot of variety singing pop, country, and alternative music.

My personal favorite recent playlist I made is called “wholesome songs,” complete with Jason Mraz, Beabadoobee, and The Beatles. No matter what, playlists can be an awesome way to bond with friends and organize your songs in meaning-

Amelia Bush

‘Euphoria’: How Aesthetic Can Glamorize Abuse HBO Max show proves to be popular among Gen Z, social media Ali Hecker | Staff Writer

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very Sunday at 8 p.m. CST., millions of viewers tune in to watch the newest episode of Euphoria. Following the season two premiere in mid-January, Euphoria viewership has nearly doubled since the last season in 2019, giving the show it’s highest-ratings yet.

The teen drama series portrays a group of high school students dealing with serious is-

sues surrounding identity, substance abuse, addiction, friendships, love, and more.

Euphoria is highly known for its “aesthetic”: a mix of “Y2K” and nos-

it, “I feel like more people know Euphoria for its aesthetic than actually for the show.” Euphoria’s distinct style and soundtrack has affected trends on social media platforms like Insta-

ethereal ambience, Euphoria portrays many mature themes such as substance abuse, drug addiction, body shaming, and sexual assault.

Although the show’s

in their thirties portraying characters the same age as many viewers. The show often portrays serious subjects without touching on the harms or downsides of them, like drug abuse.

talgic nineties fashion, glittery makeup, and a color palette of hazy lavenders, blues, and pinks.

As Eleanor Loew ‘24 puts

gram and TikTok, starting trends like bold makeup looks, neon clothing, body jewels, and much more.

Despite the show’s

characters are written as high school students, there has been much conversation about the potential harms of having actors

Taara Verma ‘24 says, “For teenagers it sends the message that [sexual assault, drug addiction, etc. is] not that big of a deal

“I feel like more people know ‘Euphoria’ for its aesthetic than actually for the show” - Eleanor Loew ‘24

even though it is and I think the show doesn’t always do a good job of showing that.” With that being said, many viewers appreciate that the second season has started to depict the true harms of drug abuse.

Verma continues, “At first, they definitely glamorized [drug addiction] more in the first season.

In the second season you kind of start to see the ugly part more than the first season… it shows the bad parts, when Rue’s in withdrawal and you see how it affects her relationships… I think [the show] does a pretty good job of showing the larger picture.”

Book Recommendations to Get You Interested in Reading Start reading to embrace new perspectives and worlds .

Uma Bhardwaj | Contributing Writer

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a romance novel instead of that Karen Armstrong chapter that’s due tomorrow), but, according to Upper School librarian Lizz Buchanan, reading “allows you to experience things that are different than your lived experience i n a

he idea of picking up a new book on top of school work, ext racurricw a y ulars, that is a n d accesj u s t sible to having a ever yone.” life might So, whether seem a litUma Bhardwaj you want to get tle daunting. out of your own world, But reading outside of what’s assigned to you or look deeper into it, is way more gratifying books provide a great than you might think. hobby.

Here are some good Not only will you feel smart and productive books to start with: (even if you’re reading “Poison for Breakfast”

by Lemony Snicket: The blurb on the back of this short but sweet hardcover begins by asking, “[a]re you confused? Do

you have any idea what is going on? Of course you are, and of course you don’t.” Half mystery, half philosophy, this startlingly self-aware investigation into breakfast foods, creepy notes, and the nature of human life will have you knee deep in a new world-view before you even know what hit you.

“Poison for Break-

fast” is a compelling and enjoyable read.

“The House in the Cerulean Sea” by T.J. Klune: A book about a tired,

midd l e aged man who goes to investigate a magical, wonderful orphanage with magical, wonderful children might seem basic. But combined with kind, loving characters and a fun setting, the predictable plot only adds to the sense of comfort you’ll get reading this book. It’s lovely, cozy, and oh-so-sweet.

“The Immortalists”

by Chloe Benjamin: After being told the date of their deaths by a fortune teller, ”The Immortalists” follows four siblings, one at a time, as they grow u p .

Each of their stories gives us a different slice of culture in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, along with a deeply personal story of family, loss, and destiny.

“The 57 Bus” by Dashka Slater: This is truly one of the most interesting nonfiction books I have ever read.

This fast paced novel follows the story of two teenagers: a non-binary teen whose skirt was set

on fire on a bus, and the boy who set the fire. By examining queer identity, our juvenile justice system, and the limits o f

forgiveness, this book takes a seemingly concrete case of right vs. wrong and complicates it.

Each of these books are amazing, and I would highly recommend them for any kind of reader, even if you are just starting your reading journey.

As Buchanan puts it: “Books are great, people should read.”

SPORTS | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | MARCH 10, 2022 | 6

Girls’ Alpine Ski Team Make Historic Run at State Ski team goes to state for first time in five years Noor Nasser | Editor Emertius

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he Girls’ Alpine Ski Team just capped off a historic season.

Not only were they conference champions, but they also got second place at sections and advanced to the state tournament as a team for the first time in five years, culminating in a third place finish.

Ava Pihlstrom ‘22, a captain and member

of the team since her freshman year, reflects on why the team found such success this season saying, “I think towards the end of the season, we really started…coming together, and we were bonding more, and I think that really helped for the team race just because we supported each other and knew what we were capable of, and were confident in our team.”

She also adds that having races at Wild Mountain, which is where the sections race took place, helped build people’s confidence. “[Last year at sec-

Elena Gill

Submitted by: Mackenzie Higgins

Pictured: Girls Alpine state team and coaches: Robbie Massie ‘03, Betsy Strachota and Chris Girk.

Girls placed 3rd as a team and individually, Ava Pihlstrom ‘22 was fifth, Vivien Pihlstrom ‘25 was eighth, Mackenzie Higgins ‘24 placed 34th, Kate Rekas ‘23 was 52nd, Hughes was 66th, and Lily Erlandson ‘23 fell and wasn’t able to finish.

Elena Gill

tions,] a lot of people fell and had a harder race, but we had races at Wild every week, so it helped people prepare more, so I think people were more confident in their skiing.”

Regarding the reasons for the team’s success this season, Zoe Edinburgh ‘23 also adds that “We took it really seriously this year. We definitely had

less people because of COVID-19 restrictions, so we didn’t have a csquad or developmental team, so we were able to get more runs in, so I think that really helped us.”

Individually, Vivien Pihlstrom ‘25 reflects on her season saying, “Top ten is pretty exciting. Also considering I got— I think it was like 34— last year, that

was a really big improvement for me,” and shares that next season, her “personal goal is top five at state.”

In the words of Martha Hughes ‘24, she says this season “was so fun.” Despite the imminent loss of Ava Pihlstrom, the team is looking to hopefully make it to state again next season and keep up the fun atmosphere.

Uniform Selection Examined Elena Gill

Elena Gill

Top Left: The girls team anxiously waiting for their section resutls. Top Right: Mackenzie Higgins is getting ready to take her second run at sections. Bottom left: Lily Erlandson is pushing out of the start gate for her first run. Bottom right, Kate Rekas is reaching for the finish.

Athletes share opinions on say in uniform Ali Hecker | Staff Writer

March’s Mystery Athlete R

Evan Vezmar | Opinions Editor

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his month’s mystery athlete has been playing hockey since the age of 3. He has played defense his entire life and enjoys playing that position because, “you really get to see the whole play in front of you and see everything develop and you can decide the pace almost at times.”

One of his proudest accomplishments is getting third at the state tournament in his sophomore year. Teammate William Matzke ‘22, who has played with him for four years states that, “he pushes me to get better. I think because of his skill in hockey, he pushes me to work on my abilities and try to use them to my advantage in the same way he does.”

He’s a captain this year, and has also been helping the underclassmen players to improve.

Matzke explains that “I think he helps take the

underclassmen under his wing, especially the defensemen… by just talking to them and being very personable.”

Matzke adds, “I think he values leadership well.

He’s not a vocal leader but he just leads by example which everyone looks up to and admires him for that.”

This month’s athlete also loves hockey for its team aspect, and explains, “I really like

having the whole team support you. Everyone’s excited for each other’s accomplishments.”

His hopes for the remainder of the season include, “making the state tournament… it’s a tough section that we’re in though so it’s a tough goal but we’re hoping to go on a run here.”

He plans to continue to play junior hockey before hopefully playing in college.

Cleo Kilpatrick & Rowan Wallin

ecently, sports uniforms have been a large topic of conversation in the community.

Many students feel that allowing athletes to have a say in designing their own uniforms leads to more athletes being satisfied with them.

Varsity Boys Hockey captain, Jake Svendall ‘22, explains, “We had a little bit of say [in the design process], we got to choose from a few different design choices, which I guess is probably why I like them more.” Associate Director of Athletics, Jamie Steinberg, explains the uniform design process.

He says, “We go through a specific supplier, and that’s all predetermined who we’re going to go through, the name is BSN. They have a design portion in their business where we can go on and we can add logos, delete logos, add graphics, whatever we want, and we can kind of play around in there

with what we want to put on shirts, shorts, jerseys, whatever it is we’re looking to get.”

He includes that the design process is a group effort and that every four years or so, students are given the opportunity to voice their preferences on a uniform design. Steinberg says, “We take in, obviously, opinions of the coaching staff. The coaching staff takes some opinions of the players. And so it’s kind of a collaborative effort where it starts with the coaching staff and the players, and then they come to us with any kind of thoughts about what they want.” Steinberg believes, for many uniforms, design gives teams a creative and cohesive look.

Payton Smith ‘24, a player on the Girls Varsity Hockey Team says, “I like how the mascot is on the front and how the bright colors contrast the white for the home jerseys.”

Many athletes feel that students should be given more of an opportunity to help design their own uniforms. As Smith says, “I think it would be fun if you could pick what you want on your jersey because I mean—you’re the ones wearing it.”

Submitted by: Greta Wattson

Blake Ultimate Frisbee team uniform.

Submitted by: Macy Gregor

Blake girls’ varsity basketball uniform.

Cleo Kilpatrick

Back of boys varsity hockey jersey.

SPORTS | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | MARCH 10, 2022 | 7

Bearstangs Ranks #2 in the Nation Bearstangs win sections, teammates reflect on team atmosphere Amelia Bush | Arts and Culture Editor

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earstangs crush it at class A state with 495.5 points. The team is ranked second in the nation with six seniors and two Olympic trial swimmers on their team. The team dynamic is supportive and encouraging or as Cayden Liao ‘24 describes it, “Everyone on the team is really connected, we’re all like a big group of friends and everyone talks to everyone.

Whenever someone races, everyone that’s on the team goes behind the lane and cheers for them”.

Elliot Kollat ‘23 agrees and states “When it comes to swimming everyone takes it very seriously.

I think other people find it helpful to have people cheering you on. My favorite part of the team is probably cheering people on.”

The swim team has had an undefeated season so far. Liao spoke on the pressure by stating, “I don’t [feel pressure being ranked 2nd in the nation]. I didn’t even know that until our coach told us and even after he told us I don’t think any of us really cared.” James Pan, a senior at Breck, also confirmed that this was the general outlook the team had on being ranked 2nd in the nation.

Liao also stated that “Next year if we get moved up to AA it might be tough because we’re losing a lot of good seniors this year and I don’t know how well we’re going to perform without them.”

As for how the season has been going, Kollat comments, “The season has been fun and entertaining.

TEAM RESULTS 629.5

There have been plenty of ups and downs with practices.”

Liao finishes by stating “My favorite part of being

on the team are the races and the people. I think the people are really fun to talk to and just the sport itself is really fun.”

A

Cleo Kilpatrick

Members from the Bearstangs standing togehter talking afer their cool down from their races at section prelims.

This is what teammates supporting teammates looks like .

INDIVIDUAL RESULTS 200 YARD FREESTYLE 1

Charlie Egeland

1:41.44

2

Henry Webb

1:42.32

3

Josiah March

1:47.35

200 YARD IM 1

James Pan

1:50.68

3

Cayden Liao

1:58.71

Bearstangs

2

Orono

349

2

Lucio Bollettieri

52.94

3

Delano - Watertown-Mayer

288

3

Nam Troung

53.39

Section finals results of team scores. Bearstangs were the section 2A champions .

1

100 YARD BUTTERFLY

100 YARD FREESTYLE Henry Webb

46.37

500 YARD FREESTYLE 1

Josiah March

4:46.35

2

Lucio Bollettieri

4:52.39

3

Cayden Liao

4:57.35

100 YARD FREESTYLE 4

Spencer Okoronkwo

54.09

Wyatt Dayhoff ‘22 and Liao getting ready for the 200 IM at 5 Nam Truong 55.49 section prelims. Liao finished 3rd at section finals with a time Section final individual results of Blake swimmers who qualified of 1:58.71 seconds which qualified for state! for state.

Athletes’ Interesting Pregame Rituals Athletes share what they do before a game or meet Jason Rotenberg | Staff Writer

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any students at Blake play sports, whether it is for the athletic requirement or for pure enjoyment.

Many of the teams are very successful.

Some success might come from within the time period of the game, or it might come from what the athletes do before the game.

So, what rituals do some of these athletes partake in before competing to help their performance?

Wyatt Dayhoff ‘22, swimmer for the Bearstangs, says that before every match he “jump[s] up and down and slap[s] [his] chest and stuff to get [his] muscles all ac-

tivated.” Dayhoff also mentioned that the team listens to “hype up music” on the bus ride to the meet. In particular, Dayhoff likes to listen to “upbeat music,” a lot of [the] time like classic rock, you know ACDC, Eagles, that kind of thing.

Most of the time high energy music gets [him] pumped up.”

Suzy Higuchi ‘23 varsity hockey player, “tend[s] to listen to the same mu-

Jason Rotenberg

Dayhoff expresses his love for music, “I’ve been listening to hype-up songs for sports events since I was like 10 years old probably. Even before baseball games.”

Opinions from two Blake coaches, their idea of how they coach Yoni Zacks | Staff Writer

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Cleo Kilpatrick

Coaching Philosophies

Cleo Kilpatrick

Gregor expalins the girls basketball team,“Sometimes, the day before game-day, we have pasta dinner...we don’t do that consistently, that is just every once in a while.”

sic playlist” before each game. She usually listens to “[her] own music for the most part. [she] just listens to a lot of Japanese music.” Higuchi also said that she always “tie[s] her right skate first every single time” before a game. Higuchi said by tying her right skate first it helps her “get in the right mindset”.

Macy Gregor ‘24 varsity basketball player, says

that the team always does “theme [days] on game days” at school because it gets “[them] all really excited for the game.”

Gregor also mentioned that the team’s pregame meal is Panera, but occasionally Chick-Fil-A. The team also always has “a good playlist to get [them] hype” which consists of “all rap” music. This ritual is similar to Dayhoff and Higuchi.

Jason Rotenberg

Higuchi explains that upperclassmen, “usually try to go to like Applebees or grab food afterward, especially if we win.”

Rob McClanahan, head coach for Blake boys hockey, also has his philosophies. “I want unselfish play, I want people to move the puck quickly.

I want people to be in shape, that’s a big deal. I also want short shifts because that’s when players are most effective.”

school sports team is nothing without its players, but another big part of that is the coach who devises strategies that will help their team achieve the Submitted by: Sophia Vezmar most sucBowman is giving advice to the girls cross cess, and country team before their first race of the Blake’s 2021 season at Orono Middle School. coaches are no excepAll of those are key tion.

Maggie Bowman, parts to playing hockey. class of 2022 grade McClanahan puts a lot dean, is the head coach of emphasis on the imof Blake’s cross coun- portance of team play. try team and an assistant “I was lucky enough to coach for track and field. play on some really good Like all coaches, she has teams, and I was fortua favorite part (or two) nate enough to play in the of coaching: “First is NHL… the success that I definitely getting to know had was not just because students outside the class- I worked hard, but beroom. And my second cause I had great teamfavorite part is watch- mates. I had some really ing athletes do something strong teammates. What’s they didn’t know or be- lost in today’s world is how to be a good teamlieve they could do.”

Bowman also has mate. The power of we a key philosophy she is so much stronger than follows: “I want to cre- the power of me. I can’t ate a team atmosphere emphasize that enough.”

Bowman views a where athletes who want strong team as one with a great attitude.

“The attitude of everyone on the team is Cleo Kilpatrick the most imporMcClanahan coaching during the section quatertant thing. final game against Holy Angels.

Whether to compete both at the it’s your fastest, slowest, highest level and athletes oldest, or youngest runwho want to have fun, ner, their attitude at combe social, and do fitness, petitions influences anyone else.” have their needs met.”

For McClanahan, Success is a key part of being an athlete. Bow- a strong team is an unman has two definitions of selfish one: “Players who

“The power of we is so much stronger than the power of me.”

- Rob McClanahan success, “If I’m defining success as performance and athletic achievement, then success is competing at a high level and improving on your personal best. But if I’m defining success on [a] broader level, then success is everyone achieving what they wanted to before the season.”

don’t care who scores, unselfish players who respect their teammates and treat everyone as if they’re the most important, making your weakest player feel like he’s a part of the team.”

Success, teamwork, and attitude are key points for these winning coaches.

INDEPTH | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | MARCH 10, 2022 | 8

Bernadette Whitely

Five community members explain meaning, significance behind tattoos Kate Rekas | Staff Writer

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embers of the Blake community with tattoos share their insights and opinions on the permanent art form. Mira Sutherland ‘23 explains that for her sweet sixteen, she and her mom got matching vines of flowers on their ribs profesSubmitted by: Mira Sutherland sionally done by a tattoo artist. Sutherland says she got the tattoo because, “I’ve always wanted one, I want to get more, I just thought it was pretty and my mom got the same one, and it was kind of heartwarming and nice.” Commenting on the general culture around tattoos, she shares her insights saying, “I think a lot of people get them to mean something or to represent a feeling or incident, or for looks, like an aesthetic. I think in our generation, people idolize when they’re really well-formatted on your body.”

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nglish teacher, Anil Chandiramani has several tattoos as he reflects on the reasons behind getting them and what they mean to him now. He shares, “Probably all of my tattoos I’ve gotten for aesthetic value rather than any other significance, I suppose. Most of them I just thought would look cool at a particular time in my life. Do I think they look cool now? Eh, questionable. I got them not because they have a deep, profound meaning, for reasons of art, I suppose.” Chan-

Submitted by: Anil Chandiramani

The tattoo above is Hindi for “to read” or “reading.”

diramani also comments on the permanence of tattoos and how they have become a marker of his own personal growth. “I hear a lot of people who are reluctant to get tattoos say that the tattoo might not mean the same thing to them 10 years from now, and I guess in a way I kind of think of the tattoos on my body as a reminder of who I was and what I was thinking five years ago, 10 years ago, even though I see the tattoo now that is hideous... it reminds me what I was thinking and where I was a decade or two ago. It’s like a track of how I’ve evolved or grown. I guess the permanence of tattoos hasn’t really bothered me.”

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Submitted by: Olivia Sackor

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Sackor has two tattoos on her leg and shoulder, both featuring flowers. The tattoo on her leg has green and purple accents for her great-grandmother.

livia Sackor ‘24 has two tattoos, both of which are flowers, one on her leg and the other on her shoulder. Both of these tattoos hold profound meaning along with aesthetic purposes. Sackor explains the tattoos along with their meanings, stating: “I have two, one is on my leg and I found it on Pinterest, I got it in Vegas when we were driving back from California, and I decided ‘why not?’ [I have another] flower, and I got it in Denver when I was at a wrestling meet. It’s a memorial piece for my great-grandma, she really liked purple flowers, so I was like, ‘why not?’ It’d be kinda cool.”

Reflecting on how she views her tattoos now, Sackor says, “I think I was in very different times in my life like something was happening when I got it so I could kind of look back on it and be like ‘that’s cool.’” Sackor goes on and describes that while her tattoos hold a significant meaning, she also enjoys they way they look.

n anonymous student shares they have a stick and poke tattoo of a heart on their lower back that they got in mid-September. “I just kind of wanted one for a while, and it didn’t feel like a big deal for me. I thought a heart was always cute. My friends did it for me.

It hurt a lot, but it was worth it. I like it.” They go on, stating: “I definitely would [get another tattoo]. I have like a whole Pinterest board of tattoos... I like the look of the really thin ones, so I do like stick and poke.” Continuing, they state: “I think it’s kind up to the person, for me I feel like it’s kind of like both [getting a tattoo with meaning and for aesthetic purposes]. I would always kind of want them to like a tiny bit of a deeper meaning but I kind of love when people get random stuff.” However, they do express that the stigma of tattoos has shifted as they have gotten older, “When you’re younger, I think tattoos are kind of taboo but less so than they used to be.”

INDEPTH | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | MARCH 10, 2022 | 9

Bernadette Whitely

Tattoos Allow for Self-Expression, Individuality Body art provides outlet for creativity Sofia Perlman | Sci-tech & Perspectives Editor

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Melody Lee

ften the source of controversy and creativity, tattoos remain popular among young people. Tattoos are utilized as a form of protest, self-expression, or simply for aesthetic purposes. While some believe tattoos need to have a deeper meaning to be worth putting on one’s body permanently, others simply get tattoos because of the image itself.

Violet Odden ‘22 states, “I know a lot of people like to say... ‘make sure when you do get tattoos that it has meaning and it is important to you.’ I don’t really think it has to, and it definitely depends on the person. If you want something that has meaning, but you’re just getting something to look cool, then you might end up regretting it. So I do think it’s important to have thought about it, but I don’t think every single thing you put

on your body needs to have meaning, not every shirt you wear has meaning you might just think it looks cool.” Tattoos won’t always have a specific meaning, and they don’t necessarily have to. Amanda Minoff, English teacher and college counseling liaison, adds,

tattoos.”

Tattoos are particularly appealing to young people, as they are a way to express things they might not be able to say otherwise.

However, there is a certain risk with getting a tattoo early in life, and later regretting that choice. Odden

“Getting those types of tattoos, the ones that signify that you’ve survived through something, are really important... and empowering.”

- Violet Odden ‘22

“I think they can just be beautiful, and that is reason enough to get one.”

In recent years, tattoos have become more widely accepted, especially in terms of younger people getting them. Minoff says that “I do think that the stigma of if you have a tattoo, that means you’re a really tough person... has diminished in recent years as tattoos have become more popular and there have been more styles of

notes, “I think it’s more accepted, but people definitely need to think about what that might affect them going into the future.” Tattoos can affect future employment, even though they are slowly becoming more accepted. As people grow and change, they could also outgrow a tattoo from when they were younger.

Although, this process is not necessarily a negative outcome. Minoff presents the idea of tattoos as a

way to reflect on the past and says, “I think it’s wise to consider how your tattoo will grow with you, but I also think it’s kind of cool to have a tattoo that marks who you are at a certain stage in your life and to be able to look back on that and remember who you were even if it’s not a tattoo you would’ve gotten in the present day... I think it’s cool to see how you’ve changed since that moment.”

For young people, tattoos are often used as a way to represent their lived experiences. Odden believes that “Getting those types of tattoos, the ones that signify that you’ve survived through something, are really important to the person getting them and really empowering.” Tattoos are a creative outlet and a form of self expression. Minoff states “[I]t’s a means of expression, just like writing is, just like any sort of art.

I think it carries a different significance when it’s on your body and it’s going to be there forever.”

Z

oe Goodwin ‘24, another student who has two stick and poke tattoos, discusses their meaning. She has two eyes on her hand right above her thumb, and when she moves her thumb, it appears as though her hand is talking. She says, “It’s just like a reminder of how far I’ve come since [middle school].” She also has another on her stomach, with her sister’s first initial and a heart next to it. Goodwin got this tattoo as a tribute to her relationship with her sister, Goodwin states, “She means a lot to me, she’s just my best friend, she’s always been there, it’s just a reminder of who’s there.” Speaking about the experience of actually getting the tattoo done, Goodwin states, “For me, it wasn’t painful, I just have a high pain tolerance, like I’ve pierced my own ears.”

Submitted by: Zoe Goodwin

Goodwin has two stick and poke tattoos, one on her finger and one on her stomach. Tattooed on her finger are two dots for eyes, and when she moves thumb, it gives the appearance as though her hand is talking. On her stomach, she has her sister’s initial with a heart next to it.

Bernadette Whitely

OPINIONS | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | MARCH 10, 2022 | 10

Awareness and Rules 70 Minute Classes Hurt More Than They Help !"#$%&"'& ()%&*(+''

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or the last decade or so, the Olympics have been controversial due to doping scandals found in its athletes. The Olympics should have more universal rules regarding drug use for its athletes. In Dec. 2021, Kamila Valieva of Russia, a fifteen year-old figure skater, tested positive for multiple banned substances which help strengthen stamina. Valieva competed in the 2022 Beijing Olympics but was not allowed to have a medal ceremony.

This issue was reminiscent of Sha’Carri Richardson’s doping scandal. Richardson, an American track and field sprinter, was banned from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics because she used marijuana, a banned substance, which would more likely slow her down as a runner rather than improve her performance.

The treatments of these two athletes were very different even though they both tested positive for their drug tests which may have been due to their countries’ reputations. Team USA has a reputation of following IOC rules, while Russia is willing to violate rules in order to win. As an American, Richardson

accepted her punishment and was restricted from the Olympic games. As a Russian, Valieva continued to compete even after drug use. Valieva’s excuse? She accidentally mixed up her grandfather’s angina pills with her own. Richardson’s reason was that her mother had just died, and she looked for a stress reliever like marijuana and she even apologized later for her actions.

In addition to Russian tall tales, Russia didn’t even compete in the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Russia was banned from this year’s Olympics because their country has engaged in a state-sponsored doping program for their athletes since the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) competed in the 2022 Beijing Olympics instead. Drug use in Russian athletes is becoming permissible now, yet they still compete.

The Spectrum editorial team, believe that the Olympics should treat all athletes who violate Olympic rules equally and with the same punishments.

They did not uphold this intent with the Valieva and Richardson scandals. For the Blake community, we suggest being skeptical of idolizing athletes and uphold universal rules and consequences.

Long classes lead to attention loss, health detriments Aidan Krush | Contributing Writer

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ames Levine, a doctor at The Mayo Clinic, coined the well-known phrase “Sitting is the New Smoking.”

If that were true, I’d have smoked two packs and a blue raspberry hot dog vape by second lunch. Sitting down for 70 straight minutes is bad enough, but enduring through five 70 minute classes a day is detrimental for your health.

According to the Mayo Clinic, sitting down for long periods of time severely increases your risk of cancer, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and many more side effects that Cris Larson, Health teacher “would be happy to share with you.” The reality of our school atmosphere is that no one stands and there aren’t real opportunities to stand in class.

Shortening the class period length would allow for more movement throughout the day. This would prevent you from suffering through every class, every day.

In addition, shorter class periods would allow you to see more people throughout the day. From online

school to social distancing, COVID-19 has prevented us from maintaining our normal social lives. As a community, we should be doing anything we can to keep our school connected.

More classes during the day would only further connect us to each of our fellow classmates and teachers.

One of the biggest problems with long class periods is the great inefficiency they hold. Much of my day consists of purposeless work handed to me because there is too much extra time wasted during the class period. A shorter class time forces students to pay attention during class instead of superstaring every level of flappy bird, taking a ten-minute break halfway through class, or just falling asleep.

According to Professor Neil Bradbury of Rosalind Franklin University, “there is a decline in students’ attention 10-15 minutes into lectures.” There is a full hour of class left after the average high school student

Amelia Bush | Arts and Culture Editor

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ith spring break seeming so far away, stress is the only thing on my mind, and when I get stressed, I get distracted. Recently, these distractions have been focused on nostalgia, specifically nostalgia for my childhood. Even in high school, elements of middle and lower school should still be incorporated into our day to day lives. For starters, middlers. The last time I had a middler in a class was in 7th grade. A middler is a fun 2 minute game you play in class.

These games can range from Pictionary to trivia.

I always loved middlers because they reminded me of playground games in elementary school and I always found myself focused more after the game than before.

Another aspect of life I miss is recess.

Now, I’ll admit in my lower and middle school days, I hated recess.

Well, technically I hated going outside for recess.

to talk with my friends in the library or play games. In middle school when we were allowed to stay inside, I would play games like Apples to Apples, read a book, or

my attic at night. I go back to these moments because they are when I feel most relaxed and it seems as though there is no stress and nothing to worry about. When I

My nostalgia is only growing and the only solution I can see is trying to come to terms with the fact that I am (sadly) no longer a kid make paper cranes with friends. Recess is when I made the most memories in middle school and lower school and I still remember the concepts of the make-believe games we played.

Even the childlike spirit around holidays has been fading. Valentine’s Day and Easter don’t have the same spark as they used to and what used to feel like magic now only feels like another day we might get school off for. Recently I’ve even been nostalgic for last year and do-

go back to the moments of doing art in my attic, I remember a time when I allowed myself to just get lost in something that wasn’t related to school.

My nostalgia is only growing and the only solution I can see is trying to come to terms with the fact that I am (sadly) no longer a kid. But that doesn’t mean that I still can’t have fun. So ask your teachers to add middlers to their classes to have some fun and take a much needed break because let’s be real, we all deserve it.

has lost focus! Shortening class length would allow students to grasp a better understanding of a lesson simply by spreading class time over more days.

The Blake School prides itself on adapting in any way possible to students with learning disabilities, but longer classes are anything but helpful to a student with an attention deficit problem. Although all students would benefit from shortening classes throughout the day, students with learning disabilities would gain the most. Al-

lowing everyone to succeed in the classroom should be Blake’s number one priority.

All in all, as a school, Dr. Ruggiero as well as other Blake School Administrative Leadership should try to put our students and educators in the best position to succeed. Shortening the class period length from 70 minutes to 45 minutes is the best way for our community to learn. We would all reap the benefits of having more classes during the day. Let’s stop the suffering and shorten the classes.

Why LGBTQ+ Education Matters Changing narratives, curriculum necessary for inclusion Bernadette Whitely | Editor-in-Chief

“safe space” stickNostalgia for the Fun of Childhood From ers on classroom doors, I always liked being able ing art projects alone in the large pride flag dis-

Looking back fondly on younger years

Julia Everett

played directly across from the science wing entrance, to the multitude of LGBTQ+ affinity groups, our community has made efforts to make school a safe space for LGBTQ+ folks.

Despite these efforts, there continues to be a distinct lack of comprehensive education surrounding LBGTQ+ topics as it is rarely woven through various course curriculums.

For instance, Florida’s House of Representatives passed HB 1557, also called the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which would legally ban all LGBTQ discussions in schools and prohibit students from speaking about LGBTQ family members.

Moreover, if a student comes out to a teacher, they would be required to tell the student’s parents.

As a result, there no opportunity for queer folks to learn about their identities in school and it puts vulnerable children at an even greater risk.

This creates an educational environment that excludes queer youth while censoring topics that students both need and deserve access to. This legislation is borne from politicians with ideals that are often embedded within the broader context of con-

servative, religious movements that uphold the stigmatization of LGBTQ+ youth.

The first step in emphasizing the importance of LGBTQ+ education in school is understanding that LGBTQ+ history is inextricably connected to American history and should not be overlooked or separated into a single unit out of an entire semester. It seems nearly impossible to ensure that queer students feel

of learning about diverse historical figures in efforts to make content more engaging and relevant: “[W] e study figures who might have done something really great in their career but... when all [their] identities happen to be a white man, that sends a message about the impact people have and who gets remembered in history. Even if that message isn’t explicitly stated, the implicit, subconscious messaging is equally im-

The importance of LGBTQ+ education in school is understanding that LGBTQ+ history is inextricably connected to American history and should not be overlooked. seen and represented when their identities are pushed to the side.

Cris Larson, Health teacher, articulates the importance of LGBTQ+ education, “I think that representation matters... it is super important for the well-being of the individual to feel like they matter and... that they are equally deserving of finding out about their health.”

Similarly, Lora McManus-Graham, the Equity and Instruction Chair, echoes Larson’s emphasis on representation, stating, “[I]t is really important for students of all ages to see themselves reflected in the curriculum that they study and... for students to think that they can... do anything because they see somebody like themselves.”

Continuing, Graham explains the importance

portant.”

Subconscious societal attitudes that assume straight and cisgender identities result in the treatment of queer identities as seperate from our lives as students. “[I]dentity is a real part of who we are... so we can’t isolate who you are as a student from who you are in your gender identity [or] sexual identity,” says Graham.

Although it can feel overwhelming to tackle an entire education system, starting with an increased awareness surrounding language used in everyday conversations to ensure that it does not reinforce heternormative views of identity is crucial. Working to integrate LGBTQ+ history and courses will allow students to grow up knowing that their identities are seen and valued.

OPINIONS | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | MARCH 10, 2022 | 11

Things I Wish I Understood When Registering for Courses To Say What Taking the courses you enjoy benefits learning more Sage Marmet | Editor Emeritus o set the record straight, I am happy with the classes that I’ve taken at the Upper School. I have been challenged, interested, and pushed in each of my classes, growing me into the learner and individual that I am today. However, if I had received more advice about registration I do truly believe that I would have made different decisions about the way that I registered for courses, and I think that I would have enjoyed each of my classes so much more.

First and foremost, I strongly disagree with the way that so many individuals view APs, especially at Blake. We are each fortunate enough to

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attend a school where every class is considered “college preparatory” level, meaning that even “regular” classes are considered more challenging than “regular” classes at other public high schools.

Yet, AP-level does not mean a class is necessarily more challenging than other elective courses that aren’t AP. That

everyone has to pay for out of pocket by the way, usually around $100 a test) an individual may receive college credit. I am emphasizing the word may because, in reality, how could a class that you decided to take your sophomore year of high school be the same level as a college-level course of the same subject?

Well, it’s not, and col-

You are in control of the courses that you take: you will be the one to suffer through a class that you take because you succumbed to the pressure. is the biggest misconception with courses at the Upper School. AP is a specific curriculum that is nationally controlled and supposedly with certain test scores (which

leges don’t award much credit for many APs because of this. In some cases, colleges will give a miscellaneous credit for a score of four or five on an AP, but this

credit does not help toward college graduation, the only fruit of your labors being a slightly earlier course registration date in college.

This raises the question: if you are taking APs for college, is it really worth it? This is a question I wished I had asked myself much earlier on in my Upper School career. While it is true that many APs attract a certain type of student, making the class as a whole potentially more driven and fasterpaced, at the end of the day it comes down to what you really want.

I wish that I had taken electives that I was truly interested in; I wish that I hadn’t caved to the pressure of feeling like I need to challenge myself to the breaking point; I wish that I didn’t need a pandemic to teach me that I was trying to do

too much.

Please, please, if not for heeding my advice, do it for your own sanity. Take classes that you are actually interested in. Challenge yourself to think deeply and critically about the things that you enjoy. Take classes that will benefit you as an individual––physically and mentally––after all, you are the one that will have to suffer through a lecture that you do not find interesting and, therefore, don’t really care about. At the end of the day, it’s all about having a positive growth mindset: take something because you’re intrigued, take something because you are passionate, take something because it is out of your comfort zone. You are at school to become a lifelong learner, to discover your passions, and to grow into a global citizen.

Rants and Raves Zoey Ueland | Student News Editor

Rave: Breakfast is thought to be the most important meal of the day. However, the frantic rush to get out of the door every morning leaves me to eat a quick breakfast. Lunch last month offered relief. The salty veggie sausage and sweet French toast proved to be the perfect mix and extremely filling lunch. I’m looking forward to the next breakfast for lunch option.

Rant:

Each morning as I open my computer I am met with a not so smiling face, a loading symbol, two dead x’s for eyes and a note saying that I can’t reach the website that I would like to. I can’t help feeling frustrated that despite Blake’s vast amount of resources it takes me a while to access my Canvas page in the morning, creating unnecessary wait times. In all fairness this is 100% a first world problem, nonetheless I remain frustrated at this inconvenience.

Rant:

Fall offers bright leaves and pretty sunsets. Summer: blue skies, the chirping of birds and warm weather.

Winter brings pretty snowflakes in the shapes of intricately spun stars and warm drinks. Spring: the sound of melting snow pouring into gutters and budding trees. However, the time between the end of winter and early spring is terrible.

The gray skies, brown snow and absence of color is uninspiring. Rather than being energized by the sun whether it be cold or warm, I only see vast spots of gloom. At least we can forget about it with the extra snow we get at the end of April, every. single. year.

Rave: Following a long day of school, 70 minute classes, swim practice and other extracurriculars, I need a bit of rest between the activities and beginning my homework. The perfect time for me is around 40 minutes. Even though it is undoubtedly time consuming, I need a solid amount of time to re-energize to take on my nightly activities. Thus, my favorite show, Madam Secretary which stars Teà Leoni as a former CIA-agent turned Madam Secretary, is the perfect boost. I have been obsessed with it since spring break of 2021. It is stimulating and fast paced, suspenseful without being scary, funny and so interesting. If you are a history and social studies lover like me, I highly recommend it.

Social Media Apps Copy Each Other, Create Repetition Original ideas lost through rehashed media Cleo Kilpatrick | Sports Editor

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as Instagram become the new Tik Tok with its feature, Reels? This feature gives people the option to post short videos on their account and other people can like and comment on them. Doesn’t this feature sound familiar? It’s just like another popular social media, Tik Tok. Tik Tok’s whole platform is based off of people posting short

videos. It seems repetitive to have two apps that do almost the same thing. Are social media apps really just copying each other?

These apps are always in competition with each other. Instagram added its Reel feature to compete with Tik Tok because with videos people will spend more time on the app. From what users of Tik Tok have said is, when you watch one video you want to keep scrolling too see what the next one will be and next thing you know two hours have passed by. Comments

like that are intriguing to the creators of Instagram because their main goal, like other social media apps, is to be the most popular. Now when peo-

Julia Everett

ple want to pass time, they’re more interested in watching videos then looking at photos. Videos are typically more lively then photos which may be the addicting factor of Tik Tok. Another idea of why Instagram created its Reel feature is that Instagram wants to make the app appealing to multiple age groups.

Many Instagram users are from younger generations in which they have grown up with Tik Tok and it can make Instagram’s structure of just posting photos people for people to like seem bor-

ing and bland. By adding reels this gives the app more diversity.

The Reel feature is basically just copying Tik Tok but Tik Tok’s structure is not an original idea. Their idea comes from an app that is no longer available for download and was popular in the early 2000s, Vine. Vine was one of the first social media platforms to have this idea of posting short 15 second videos for people to watch. Social media apps are just copying each other, where did all the new and original new ideas go?

The Law Is

-John Marshall

Dispute on affirmative action rages Kevin Bizily | Law Columnist

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ffirmative action, introduced by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965 to alleviate racial inequality caused by segregation, will be reevaluated by the Supreme Court. Recently, a coalition of Asian-American students sued Harvard University over affirmative action policies that led to discriminatory admission decisions. Next term, the Supreme Court will reconsider the legality of racebased affirmative action in Students for Fair Admissions v.

Harvard.

In 1973 and 1974, Allan Bakke, a retired marine, was rejected from UC Davis School of Medicine despite scoring well on the school’s admissions rubric. With good marks and the knowledge that 16% of the class was reserved for minorities, Bakke sued, alleging racial discrimination. The Court turned to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act: “No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color or national origin, be excluded from... any program... receiving Federal financial assistance.” Four justices voted that Davis’ quota system had violated Title VI and another four voted that since quotas were necessary to remedy past discrimination, they were permissible. Justice Lewis Powell broke the tie, banning strict quotas and permitting discretionary forms of affirmative action.

Writing for the Court, Justice Powell asserted that the Civil Rights Act extended fair treatment guarantees from states to federally funded programs including most universities. Powell applied strict scrutiny, a doctrine which prohibits infringement of fundamental constitutional rights, such as the right to freedom of speech, unless it is “narrowly tailored” to meet a “compelling interest.” Narrow tailored policies must be the “least restrictive” method of achieving the interest.

I believe the Court’s ruling in Students v. Harvard will be predicted by their application of strict scrutiny in a 2007 case, Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1. In this case, the Court barred racial affirmative action in allocating students to Seattle’s public school districts. Chief Justice John Roberts’ plurality opinion argued that a desired racial composition was not a compelling interest. Roberts concluded, “The way to stop discriminating on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.”

OPINIONS | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | MARCH 10, 2022 | 12

School’s Pluralistic Shortcomings Revamp Grab ‘N’ Go Option at Lunch School norms accomodate echo chamber Rowan Wallin | Managing Editor

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ur school prides itself on its commitment to pluralism and diverse culture. Unfortunatey, Blake fails to genuinely succeed in upholding pluralism and diversity because of its strong rejection of alternate ideas.

The Blake School Family Handbook reads on its first page, “Blake seeks and values students, families and employees with a wide range of backgrounds, identities and life experiences. Individually and collectively, we strive for understanding across differences in an inclusive environment where everyone can belong, contribute and thrive.”

However, the Blake community does not accept diverse thoughts and opinions.

In Nov. 2016, following President Donald Trump’s election, our school designated an en-

very enabling for drama and for students to feel anxious. It didn’t need to be that way. It could have been short and sweet, just how we always do [when observing the election].”

Conversely, following the 2020 election of President Joe Biden, our school carried on quite normally. Petra Ekstrom ‘24 recalls, “A lot of teachers were really excited. Anyone who was upset [about the results] eventually just stayed quiet. There were a lot of people being like ‘Yay Biden.’”

These two scenarios display Blake’s lack of pluralism and rejection of unconforming ideas. Our school’s reaction was blatantly different to the elections of a Republican president and that of a Democratic one.

On Nov. 18 this past fall, Chad Woerner ‘22 delivered a speech about the exclusivity of affinity groups. Prior to Woerner’s speech, the audience was given a trigger warning due to its content.

Woerner says, “The trigger warning thing was frustrating for me. I also thought

Blake is a mere microcosm of ideas tire wall for students to write on to voice their thoughts about the election. Samantha Monahan ‘18, a Blake student from kindergarten through twelfth grade and who had witnessed both of President Barack Obama’s inaugurations, says, “Looking back, [the wall exercise] was

they shouldn’t have invited students to share their support for affinity groups on a board.

[Blake] definitely catered to one side of the topic.” Directly after Woerner’s speech, a meeting in the Small Dining room was held called “Why does Blake have Affinity Groups?”

Furthermore, two school days following Woerner’s speech, Lisa Sackreiter sent an email to the Upper School to reject the speech. Her email read, “The white board wall in the Carlson Commons will be available for your comments about what it means to be an ally and why affinity groups are important at Blake and beyond.”

Sackreiter’s intention was “to promote open and respectful dialogue [surrounding affinity groups].”

Sadly, Sackreiter’s broad question, “Why affinity groups are important at Blake,” can only yield thoughts for support of affinity groups, not for real debate or “open dialogue” between students.

Blake needs to be more receptive to alternate ideas that don’t usually fit the mold of what students feel comfortable talking about.

Woerner boldly shared his honest opinion, and Blake organized an event to counteract his speech. When President Trump was elected, Blake set up exercises to enable instability in their students. Challenge yourself to broaden your perception of the world.

As a now-college student, Monahan says, “Blake is a bubble in terms of social and political beliefs.” The topics and ideas that Blake values are not at all what the rest of the world values. Blake is a mere microcosm of ideas, and I hope you notice this. Blake purports to be a place where diversity and pluralism thrives, but in truth it is repellent and intolerant of alternatively diverse thoughts.

Grab ‘N’ Go lessens wait in line, among other benefits for eaters Charlotte Opp | Food Editor

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hile trying to minimize the amount of people in the lunchroom earlier this year, the cafeteria made one of the best decisions they’ve ever made: incorporating a grab and go system. As COVID-19 concerns lessened throughout the year, the lunch room has gone back to its normal routine with no more grab and go area set up. This has directly led to the aggravating traffic in the lunchroom. This crowdedness in the lunch room creates even more problems like not having enough time to eat lunch, overpopulated lunch tables, and the cafeteria running out of certain meals, which leaves you with less desirable options.

When the grab and go set up was first introduced in the fall of 2020, everyone thought it was a fantastic idea. There were many more food options

such as vegetable cups with celery and carrots, string cheese, the meal of the day, and chocolate pudding cups. This way, if the meal being served by Taher doesn’t sound good to you, you’ll always have a backup choice that is a more universally enjoyed meal. This main meal can range anywhere from a turkey sandwich to pasta with some meat and red sauce. Not only did the grab and go provide more options, it also made the typical hassle of going to lunch much less grueling.

Instead of having to wait

Rowan Wallin

Although Grab ‘N’ Go is still part of lunch everyday, there is usually only one option.

in the long line every day when you’re hungry and tired, you can go to the set up area and grab your meal whenever you want.

This way you not only avoid the line, but also get to grab the amount of food

you want without having it served to you.

Sometimes, the line can be so long that you’ll find yourself running out of time to eat which is a big problem. Food is vital to our performance as students and is the fuel we need to get through long school days. The compostable or plastic containers make it easy to carry your meal with you if you have any extra studying to do or if there aren’t any places to sit in the crowded lunchroom. The grab and go proves to be a versatile option for whatever situation you find yourself in.

The portable lunch option also allows for people to spread out which will help reduce the congestion in the lunchroom. The amount of people in the lunchroom is a concern to many since this is a time when people are close together with their masks off. Who knew that our saving grace could be a portable lunch option?

Now, the only thing left to do is find a way to bring back this ingenious setup. I suggest reaching out to our Taher staff via email or in person and kindly inquire about bringing back this system.

In honor of Student Press Freedom Day, the Spectrum editors’ monthly challenge for this cycle was to “Unmute Yourself” by writing an opinion article pertaining to a subject important to them in order to limit censorship and self-censorship in the media.

Taylor Swift’s Evolution As Singer, Writer Garners Fans’ Support Taylor Swift’s uniquely diverse career Sofia Perlman | Sci-Tech & Perspectives Editor

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aylor Swift is one, if not the, best musician of our time. Beginning with her debut album in 2006, when she was just 16, to “evermore” in 2020, listeners have been able to grow up as Swift did through her albums.

Most artists remain confined to one genre, yet Swift has been able to span through many different genres of music.

Her debut album “Taylor Swift” as well as her iconic album “Fearless” are mainly coun-

Rowan Wallin

Swift’s “Red” album included personal lyrics, something fans hadn’t experienced from her before.

try albums. In “Speak Now,” arguably Swift’s best album, she sticks to her country roots but incorporates some pop as well. Through “Red” Swift explores alternative styles, although it is still catego-

rized as Country Pop. “1989” brings a unique era to Swift’s career, as this album is solely pop music. The release of “1989” is a pivotal point. Not only does it mark a shift from country, but brought new

fame to Swift’s music.

After “1989,” Swift took a two-year hiatus and completely removed herself from the public eye for three years.

The release of “reputation” marked her pivotal return to the spot-

light. “reputation” was entirely different from any of Swift’s previous albums. “Lover” was completely opposite from reputation, though it was just as successful. Sister albums “evermore” and “folklore” fall under the folk/alternative genre.

Taylor Swift’s ability to shift between genres and styles showcases her unique versatility. Swift has a song for every situation, feeling, and person. Everyone can find a song that they like because of the variety between her albums.

The most common criticism of Swift is that she only sings about her past relationships.

This simply perpetuates the double standard for

men and women that is prevalent in the music industry. Countless male singers constantly objectify women in their music, yet they often remain uncriticized. Regardless, this argument comes from a misunderstanding of Swift’s songs. Rather, her discography presents her evolution from a teenage girl writing songs about love on “Taylor Swift,” “Fearless,” and “Speak Now,” to an adult woman explaining the deeper concepts of relationships and life in “Red,” “evermore,” and “folklore.”

Overall, Swift is truly one of the best artists of our time, as is clearly proven through her nuanced ideas, versatility, and technical brilliance.

PERSPECTIVES | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | MARCH 10, 2022 | 13

Should Senior Speech Topics be Regulated?

Speech Impact Needs Consideration Necessary mindfulness regarding audience Bernadette Whitely | Editor-in-Chief

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iving a senior speech is often thought of as a rite of passage for many seniors as it an opportunity to speak about something you are passionate about or raise awareness around a particular issue. However, although well-intentioned, the approval process for senior speeches is unclear to the community and at times, not extensive

enough especially given the possibility for highly controversial and offensive speech topics.

For those who are not in the Senior Seminar class, it is difficult to understand the ways different speech topics are moderated and approved. Sandy Berkowitz, Communications and Senior Seminar teacher, explains that, “The goal is for people to come up with a speech that they want to give.

So there is no preapproved list of topics or anything like that. It is really about what do people want to give, within the

idea that you want to make it a persuasive speech.”

Berkowitz goes on to emphasize that it is not about limiting senior speech topics, rather, “it is really about how we treat a topic.”

Allowing seniors the chance to give their speech on a topic that is important to them is a key part of the approval process, however, there needs to be greater awareness surrounding the impact of various speeches.

Madison Swenson ‘22 shares her thoughts surrounding the moderation of senior speech topics, “I think that if [the

Oscar Walsh

Drew Shapiro ‘22 spoke on how talking to strangers encourages growth and provides new learning opportunities. His speech also described the positive outcomes of stepping outside of your comfort zone to interact with new people.

senior] feels comfortable giving the speech and they feel like prepared for whatever backlash there is, then yes [they should be able to give their speech on any topic] as long as it doesn’t offend any specific group. What I mean by that is like Molly [Liston ‘22] gave a speech on people who enforce gender binaries onto a genderless bathroom and I think that is something that needs to be catered towards a specific group of people and kind of criticizing that group isn’t something that is offensive... it is just simply constructive

criticism so I think as long as it falls into that category of criticism, it’s fine.”

Being conscious of the effect that different topics will have on the audience, including any backlash or emotional distress that arises, is crucial when approaching controversial speeches.

Berkowitz highlights the importance of the audience’s role, explaining, “[Y]ou might be really passionate about a particular issue but you have to keep in mind the audience and what you want from them...

[It is about] providing the student the op-

portunity to give the speech that they want but at the same time have them consider the importance of the role of the audience and how we speak to the audience.”

The chance to learn how to present controversial topics to a diverse audience is a key skill. However, it is important to understand that the impact of someone’s speech has a wide reach, therefore affecting people differently. We need to allow for discourse while ensuring that our community does not give blatantly offensive speeches a platform.

Oscar Walsh

Sophia Vezmar ‘22 spoke on gullibility for her speech. She highlighted the unseen benefits of being gullible and warned against thinking of gullible people negatively.

Freedom of Choice Must be Upheld Senior speeches translate to larger importance James Prince | Online Editor

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Oscar Walsh

Stephanie Brunstein ‘22 called out the history curriculums’ neglect to educate students on Asian and African history in her speech. She also encouraged students to find ways to learn about these topics on their own time.

ith more and more speeches that have been deemed as controversial by a majority of the student body appearing in the senior speeches, there is no doubt there have been conversations about significantly censoring or even giving speakers administration-selected speeches. The thought of this has sparked widespread concern from both seniors and younger grade levels.

Not only would senior speeches defeat the purpose of the speeches, to give graduating students’ an opportunity to voice their parting thoughts to the whole student body, it would also directly conflict

with the school’s mission. The school prides itself in academic courage. This means to have one’s words and ideas challenged, and have the ability to challenge others. By trying to censor students’ voices, peers will leave the school lacking in academic courage. English teacher Anil Chandiramani states that “It seems like one of the central features of the senior speech is precisely to allow seniors to explore a topic that is of importance to them and hold the floor and speak on that specific topic.”

Outside of these walls, the so-called real world does not provide a space for people to hide from thoughts they may personally disagree with. This is most likely one of the reasons Blake decided to prioritize academic courage and insert it into its mission statement.

The hundreds of successful politicians, busi-

ness people, and other professionals who have graduated from this school apply the skills of listening to and engaging with contradictory viewpoints daily.

Defending this right for seniors to voice their unique opinions on a myriad of issues is also rooted in the fundamental ideas of what it means to be an American. The colonists were silenced by King George reaching across the sea, and since then America has been a long standing beacon for the oppressed and silenced from around the globe who want to be free.

While a senior speech is not as monumental as those examples, teaching the next generation of Americans that they can’t voice their reasonable opinions would be an insult to the lives that countless Americans from all backgrounds gave up in honor of defending that sacred right.

FOOD | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | MARCH 10, 2022 | 14

Maggie Seidel

H a i l e y B i e b e r R e b ra n d s B r u s c h etta A s P i z za To a s t Maggie Seidel | Editor Emeritus

Hailey Bieber has reinvented pizza for us all to enjoy per her Directions: for recent TikTok video that featured “Pizza Toast.” Videos of Toast your sourdough bread of recreations of this recipe have filled the app since her post, then butter. and I enjoyed taking inspiration from Bieber’s recipe to creyour toast with marinara ate this simplified version of Pizza Toast which can serve Top 2 slices of sourdough bread sauce and then sprinkle mozzaas a tasty and warm after-school snack or an appetizer. rella cheese on top.

1-2 tablespoon(s) of butter Ingredients two pieces Pizza Toast:

dash of Himalayan pink salt Place fresh basil and tomatoes on toast, and add a dash of salt and pepper.

¼ cup Rao’s tomato basil marinara Fresh basil & tomatoes

Bake toast on a pan for approximately six minutes at 350º.

Drizzle of olive oil ¼ cup mozzarella cheese Shredded Parmesan cheese to garnish Maggie Seidel

Once warmed and the cheese melts, take out of oven, add basil, seasonings, and Parmesan cheese to enjoy!

Strawberry Frosting Cupcakes Prove To Be Cupid’s Perfect Treat Easy, delicious Valentine’s Day themed frosting

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting Recipe:

Cleo Kilpatrick | Sports Editor

Ingredients: 12oz strawberries ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon salt 4-5 cups powdered sugar 1 cup (2 sticks) room temp unsalted butter

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irst rinse your strawberries and cut the tops off. Then stick them in a food processor or blender. Blend the strawberries until smooth. Next strain the strawberries into a bowl to remove the seeds from the mixture.

Then put your butter in a bowl and use a mixer to beat the butter until fluffy with no clumps. Next add in vanilla extract and salt, mix together.

Then add in small amounts strawberry puree. After, add small amounts of powdered sugar. Beat on low until

Cleo Kilpatrick Cupcakes can be enjoyed for any time of the year, but are especially fitting for Valentine’s Day!

thick and smooth. Make sure your have cupcakes cooled for about an hour before frosting. After frosting put

chocolate covered strawberries on top add a couple shakes of sprinkles and volila your cupcakes are ready to eat!

Decorations: ½ cup semi sweet chocolate chips Strawberries Sprinkles

Multiple Popular Bubble Tea Shops Put To Ultimate Review Test Tea tested from Sencha, Kung Fu Tea, Tiger Sugar Allyson Jay & Lilly Anderson | Managing Editor & Contributing Writer

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ith the rise of boba tea and boba shops, we wanted to explore the most popular ones in the Twin Cities: Tiger Sugar, Sencha, and Kung Fu Tea. We tried a milk tea or a fruit tea from each shop and

Allyson Jay Four different kinds of tea and milk tea from Sencha, Kung Fu Tea, Chatime and Tiger Sugar were tested. Visit Blakespectrum.org online to see the full review of all the drinks captured.

compared the flavor of the drink and the tapioca pearls. All drinks were ordered in the smallest size offered and at 30% sweetness.

First, we tried the newest location, Tiger Sugar. Starting with their signature milk tea named “Black Sugar Boba + Pearl Milk with Cream Mousse”. It earned a well deserved 10/10. The flavor of the tea was similar to a milkshake and had the decadent creaminess of most coffee drinks and a sweet hint of caramelization. The tapioca pearls were soft, flavorful, and smaller than typical, enhancing the drink from a 9/10 to a 10/10. The only note we have is that with drinks with brown sugar and extra cream, it can become a bit rich, but we still definitely recommend trying this drink.

Next, we sampled a Blake classic: Sencha. We tried the royal tea latte and mango green tea. The royal tea latte was very bland

and the tapioca pearls were flavorless and rough compared to the very smooth pearls at Tiger Sugar. To clarify, the milk teas from each shop except for Tiger Sugar were regular milk teas without extra toppings or brown sugar flavoring or syrup. Taking that into consideration, Sencha’s royal tea latte earned a 5/10. On the other hand, the Sencha mango green tea was excellent and got a 8/10. This is due to its pleasant mango flavor and refreshing taste, but like the royal latte, the pearls were only mediocre.

Finally, we tried the Kung Fu Tea mango green tea and signature milk tea. The mango green tea was our second favorite, receiving an 8/10, because of its vibrant mango flavor, right amount of sweetness, wonderful balance of the green tea and mango, and the softness and chewiness of the tapioca pearls.

Continued on Blakespectrum.org

GAMES & ADS | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | MARCH 10, 2022 | 15

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Zoe Florida | Staff Artist

ACROSS: 2. day and night during equinox 4. when spring will come if the groundhog does not see his shadow 8. person with excessive fondness for flowers 11. celebration the start of spring corresponds with 13. scallions aka 14. vernal meaning 15. ancient building facing where the sun rises on the first day of spring DOWN: 1. spring allergies cause 3. first season of the month until the 16th century 5. goddess of spring 6. what makes day longer than night in spring 7. start of spring below the equator 9. natural disaster more prevalent in spring 10. Japanese Blossoms 12. North American bird associated with spring

MARCH WUZZLES Allyson Jay | Managing Editor

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FEATURES | THE SPECTRUM NEWSPAPER | MARCH 10, 2022 | 16

MS. MÅÇ: Å jøürñëÿ øf ËXPLØRÅTÏØÑ Mackenzie McIlmail shares family background, heritage

Julia Zhang | Business Manager

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urrently, Mackenzie McIlmail teaches Gender Studies, AP European History, and AP U.S. History. McIlmail’s mother’s side of the family is from Sicily and Portugal. One line on her mother’s side goes back about 500 years in the United States, primarily around Rhode Island. Her father’s side of the family has roots from Northern Ireland and Scotland.

She also identifies as Jewish, which is also another important aspect of her identity.

McIlmail comes from an Irish family in which women did not graduate high school, but men were allowed to. Her grandmother had to quit school after tenth grade. McIlmail remarks, “ironically, now my job is teaching tenth graders. I think about that a lot, that I am doing what my grandmother and my mother could not have imagined at my age.”

Growing up in a

the people who serve in those conflicts are faceless and nameless. And these people have families that pay a real price for that. When I read about historical events, it is easier for them to come to life. I exist in a world in which historical events have shaped my life. The First Gulf War, the Iraq War, and 9/11 have profoundly shaped who I am as a person.”

McIlmail also observed that growing up in different places introduced her to a variety of perspectives and life skills. “Growing up in a military family makes you flexible; I feel more comfortable meeting new people and I feel comfortable having to figure out my way in a foreign country. One of the nice things to say about the U.S. military is that it is incredibly diverse. I grew up in areas in which I was not the prominent identity. I was lucky that I got to meet people from around the world and get diverse perspectives at a very young age. It helped me recognize my own privilege and at the same time be empathetic to people who don’t have the same privilege.”

Submitted by: Mackenzie McIlmail

McIlmail traveled to The Israel Museum in Jerusalem, Israel. She elaborates, “I am standing in front of a miniature version of Second Temple Jerusalem. I travelled to Israel as part of an educational trip and then had the opportunity to meet some of my husband’s extended family.”

a city that had a thriving Jewish population with three synagogues. It had the friendliest, most down to earth, outgoing people and it was more progressive than I thought it was going to be.” Addition-

research, McIlmail was able to trace her family from Ireland to Scotland.

She explained, “[a] lot of Irish people didn’t have tangible skills, so they would move to Scotland to work on textile mills.

I had the street address where my family lived in Scotland, the address of a factory. I had death records, birth records, marriage records.” During her trip, McIlmail took

her. She noted that “[a] s a historian, it was difficult to walk through the country and not constantly have this microfiche run through my head of all the histories that I knew. I’m seeing architecture and thinking about what time periods and I’m seeing food and thinking about the influences of other countries.”

McIlmail pointed out that what stuck out to her was

McIlmail’s identity itself shapes her worldview: “As a Jewish woman I tend to see the living impact of history.

It feels ever-present in Jewish rituals, holidays, and memories. It still has very real ramifications for the way I interact with the world and the way I interact with my students. That can be a positive or a negative. There’s a famous

Submitted by: Mackenzie McIlmail

McIlmail takes a selfie in Ashton Lane in Glasgow, Scotland. McIlmail describes it as “a cobblestoned backstreet in the West End of Glasgow. It is full of pubs and restaurants.”

military family, McIlmail moved very often, primarily around the United States. She has been to almost every single state and attended many different schools. When asked to elaborate on her experience as being part of a military family, McIlmail reflected, “[g] rowing up in a military family gives a perspective about the real world ramifications of political decisions politicians make. I think students sit and read a history text about a war and

These experiences did not stop after McIlmail’s childhood. Before McIlmail came to Blake, she lived in Greensboro, North Carolina, where she taught at an international boarding school.

McIlmail recalls that initially, “I was very skeptical. I had moved from Brooklyn, New York, to this sleepy town. Only thing I knew were the civil rights sit-ins.” However, she “found a city that had multiple HBCUs, historical black colleges and universities. I found

ally, McIlmail added that living in Brooklyn “had a huge impact as well” with its energy, diversity, and culture.

Parts of McIlmails’ heritage have influenced her travels. Specifically, she mentioned her trip to Scotland, explaining, “When I went to Scotland a few years ago, the idea was to visit family and do some sightseeing. I had done an extensive amount of genealogical research going back to 1700 in Ireland.” As a result of her

Submitted by: Mackenzie McIlmail

McIlmail overlooks Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, Scotland from the terrace of an apartment.

McIlmail shares, “The pipes burst in our bed and breakfast that we had booked, and so the owners generously let us stay in this gorgeous apartment overlooking Arthur’s Seat.”

a train from Glasgow to a small town her great grandfather had emigrated from and was the first McIlmail to go back.

McIlmail also brought up her trip to Israel, where she met her husband’s Israeli family. Her studies of Israel influenced the way she took in everything around

how long the history is.

“It’s not even year zero, it’s millenia upon millenia, which we really only have some knowledge of.

I think it expanded my worldview in terms of how complicated history is.”

Aside from living in a military family and studying history,

quote from James Joyce, ‘History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake,’ where you are just being haunted by it.”

Her Jewish identity and to a certain extent her Irish identity has such an emphasis on social justice and learning from history, which is what motivated her to pursue teaching.