May 2018 (67, 1)

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B elmont Hill Opinions

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Guns and Black Lives Matter: An Op-Ed

By Donavan Payne ‘ Staff writer Though our nation has made much progress in its treatment of African American citizens, much work remains. The same can be said for Belmont Hill. As a student of color at this school, I have been subjected to countless microaggressions that have criminalized my blackness. From a teacher insinuating that I, a twelve-year old student, was involved in a gang, to having my employment at a prestigious institution questioned: “They let you work there?” Though these moments were intended to be humorous

“As a student of color at this school, I have been subjected to countless microaggressions that have criminalized my blackness.” rather than harmful, they stemmed from a negative unconscious connection of my skin color with crime and lawlessness. This dangerous bias is what resulted in the deaths of Trayvon Martin and countless others. This thinking enables officers to shoot first and ask questions later.

Unlearning these biases does not happen overnight. We must be alert to recognizing how we think and respond to images of blackness and strive every day to respond to each other as humans. Although we can’t solve our nation’s problems singlehandedly, we can tackle the ones that permeate our community. Mapping Police Violence, which tracks statistics and police shootings in America, reports that, in 2017, police officers killed 1,129 people. Of that number, 64% of victims killed were suspects in nonviolent crimes, such as traffic or auto violations. 13% of victims were unarmed and of this amount, 37% were black. Despite making up just 13% of the U.S. population, black people comprised 37% of unarmed police killings. Most disheartening is that, of the officers who committed these murders, just 1% were charged with a crime. These statistics represent only one year and continue to rise with each year. Each year, we have more Sandra Blands, more Philando Castiles, and

Infographic from policeviolencereport.org

more Michael Browns. Our society, our school, even black people such as myself, have become so desensitized to this violence that these lives and deaths have been minimized to hashtags and numbers.

About two weeks ago, I attended a rally against police brutality outside of the Boston Police headquarters in Roxbury Crossing. I had just gotten off work at the MFA, and as the protest was on the way to my home in Roxbury, I decided to stop and listen. The modestly sized crowd, equipped with picket signs and posters, gathered in a semi-circle around a man with a microphone. He led the chants and the audience repeated: “Black Lives Matter” and “No Justice, No Peace.” Their voices commanded that street corner. Stuck at red lights, drivers peered out of their cars, curious about the commotion.

A few minutes later, a car stopped next to the other gatherers and me. Stepping out of the car was Hope Coleman, mother of 31-year-old Terrence Coleman.

Gingerly making her way through the crowd, she was greeted by an encouraging round of applause from the demonstrators but when she was handed the microphone, the atmosphere grew silent. Holding back tears, Hope Coleman recounted the series of events that resulted in the murder of her son at the hands of Boston Police officer Garrett Boyle. Hope’s son, Terrence, suffered from schizophrenic paranoia and, according to his mother, he had “good days and bad days.” October 30th, 2016 was a bad day. Hope called for an ambulance to take her son to the hospital to get him help after

“In order to make progress towards positive change, we must engage in discussion and explore a variety of lived experiences and perspectives” noticing him exhibiting signs of strange behavior. Two EMT responders and a few police officers reported to the scene, attempting to subdue the agitated Terrence. An altercation ensued, and Coleman ended up dead. According to the police report, Terrence Coleman threatened the officers with a knife; however, his mother insisted that

Image of March for our Lives Protest in Boston from Wikimedia Commons her son was unarmed and deadly force was not necessary. She said that all she wanted was help for her son, and instead the helpers killed him.

In 2012, following the murder of Trayvon Martin at the hands of George Zimmerman, the Black Lives Matter movement was formed as an all-inclusive organization committed to “building local power and intervening in violence on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.” The movement has been criticized for its tactics when advocating against police brutality, often accused of resorting to violence and dividing our country further. Some have adopted another slogan, All Lives Matter, which aims to include those it claims Black Lives Matter has overlooked. A common misconception about Black Lives Matter is that it implies that black lives matter more.

However, Black Lives Matter is not a declaration of racial superiority. It is a reminder. The statistics show that Black lives are being lost to police brutality at an alarming rate. Black people are three times more likely to be killed by police than white people! We all can agree that the life of every American, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, etc. matters, but...this ideal is not carried out by law enforcement officials or in our courts. All Lives Matter misunderstands the fundamental assertion of Black Lives Matter. It does not acknowledge the 99% of officers don’t face charges for their crimes. It does not acknowledge that black parents in this country have to sit their young boys down to discuss how to make themselves appear less threatening in order to survive an interaction with law enforcement. All Lives Matter, in short, does not acknowledge that Black Lives Matter.

The devastating shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that claimed the lives of 17 students last February has reignited the ongoing debate about gun control and gun violence in America.

As we engage in this conversation, it is important to remind ourselves of who is affected and how. It is disappointing that our nation has approached this conversation urgently only now when an affluent, predominantly white neighborhood, like Parkland, is the victim. Black students from the same high school have recently stated that they feel like their voices and concerns are not being represented in the media, unlike those of their (now nationally recognized) white classmates. The fact is that communities of color, especially black communities, have been victimized by gun violence for decades, so why isn’t there comparable outrage for them? The Journal of Pediatrics recently released 2017 data from the Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention; African Americans have the highest rates of firearm mortality and that black children are 10 times more likely than white children to be killed by guns.

My goal is not to pit the March For Our Lives or Black Lives Matter movements against each other or have one movement co-opt the other, but rather to show how they’re very similar. Both advocate for stricter gun laws to secure the safety of all Americans. As Belmont Hill grapples with how or whether we participate in student activism, I encourage all to look at this issue more broadly and inclusively, with a lens of intersectionality, and include all communities on which gun violence has had an impact. In order to make progress towards positive change, we must engage in discussion and explore a variety of lived experiences and perspectives that add to our understanding of how these issues affect a diversity of people. ☐

Do you feel that your opinions aren’t heard? Or do you just have something you want to say? Come write for The Panel! We plan multiple opinions pieces per issue and are very open to different article ideas. Plus, we always appreciate the extra help in providing Belmont Hill students with timely and relevant content.

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B elmont HIll opinions

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Debate of the Issue: Modern Languages vs. Latin In this issue of The Panel, we are continue our featured debate series between two students with opposing beliefs. For rising third formers who are still on the fence regarding their language selections for next year, we are dedicating this “Debate of the Issue” to a question which has plagued Belmont Hill students for generations: Modern Languages or Latin? While Thomas McEvoy ‘19 and Chetan Shukla ‘20 will serve as interim writers for this article, The Panel is still searching for regular writers for “The Debate of the Issue.”

Pro Modern Languages

By Thomas McEvoy ‘ Panel Staff As rising Third Formers finalize their language selections, the hotly-contested debate of Latin vs modern languages has never been more relevant; however, in a rapidly diversifying, exceedingly interconnected world, the correct choice has never been more clear. The ability to meet new people through traveling abroad, enhance one’s career prospects, and achieve cognitive benefits all make modern languages far and away the better selection.

This past summer, I traveled to Costa Rica, where I participated in a three week language and community service trip. A large part of why I found the experience so enjoyable was my capable knowledge of the Spanish language, and subsequent ability to freely communicate with anyone

“With the removal of a vocabulary section from the SAT, the lone element of practicality to studying Latin has vanished” I happened to meet. Beyond just Costa Rica, speaking a modern language opens up an entire world of travel opportunities.

In contrast, very few nations have sturdy ties to the Latin language and culture; furthermore, most countries where Latin was once -a long, long, long time ago- spoken can be enjoyed without understanding of the language .

With the removal of a vocabulary section from the SAT, the lone element of practicality to studying Latin has vanished, while the value of speaking Spanish, French, or Chinese has only increased. Recent studies by The Economist have found that those who have achieved proficiency in a modern language will make, on aver-

age, $70,000 more than those who have not.

BRIC Language Systems offers an even more generous figure, suggesting that bilingualism can resulted in 15% greater income in 2014, while noting that the statistic applied to only a select few languages, including Chinese. Latin was not mentioned. Meanwhile, Classics Club has invested thousands of school dollars in ancient, inconsequential coins. Spanish Club, on the other hand, led by senior Gavin Colbert and Duncan Grant, enjoys priceless Spanish films, along with appropriately priced chips and salsa.

Even health and mental fortitude have been mentioned amid advocacy for modern languages, citing enhanced m e m o ry, sharper problem-solving skills, superior multitasking, and even longer lifespan. It’s true, speaking more than one language, ideally on a regular basis, which becomes exponentially more difficult when the language is hardly spoken at all (Latin), has been proven to push the average onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s back by over four years.

All in all, social, economic, and cognitive benefits propel modern languages well past the aged, fruitless, albeit neat Latin. ☐

Pro Latin

By Chetan Shukla ‘ Panel Staff Latin, the language of intellectual discourse for centuries, fosters excellence by contributing to students’ vocabulary, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of history.Take the vocabulary aspect for instance. As one learns to translate Latin, they memorize hundreds, or even thousands, of vocabulary words. While they help in terms of translating, their importance stretches beyond just the Latin classroom. These vocabulary words can now be found across the w o r l d’s languages dubbed Latin derivatives. Some of these Latin derived languages include Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, French, Spanish, and, most importantly, English.

For instance, in English, words like microbiology stem from Latin; “micro”(meaning “small”), “bio”(meaning “life”), and “ology”(meaning “study of ”). Learning Latin allows one to systematically divide words into their latin roots, creating greater understanding of a word. Furthermore, knowing these Latin roots also allows one to recognize the general meaning of a previously unknown word without the need for a dictionary. Modern language speakers may know the vocabulary of their own language very well, but knowing Latin

vocabulary allows you to know the majority of words from many languages. On account of this, knowing Latin alleviates the difficulty of learning a new language. While Latin has not been spoken for centuries, we have writings from the ancient world that we translate on a daily basis. Acting as portals to the past, these transcriptions provide us a lense to view what life was like in Ancient Rome or even 1200s AD Great Britain. While this may seem boring, imagine yourself reading about the conquests of Gaul (modern-day France) from the perspective of debatably the greatest general to ever live, Julius Caesar. Furthermore, learning what British monks thought of animals through the Aberdeen Bestiary provides insight and humor.

Especially in the polarized political world we live in today, being able to look back into the similarly designed governmental system of Ancient Rome gives one a chance to view how they dealt with similar problems. As many people have said, “History repeats itself ”, making it imperative to be able to look into the past so we do not make the same mistakes they did. Translating Latin transcripts of Cicero’s Catilinarian Conspiracy is one such example. While translating, we learned of the overall tension during the speech through minuscule nuances in the text and the outcome for the culprit. For example, one line stated that no one would sit in the same row as the man on trial. While you can find many translations online, it is very challenging to find trustworthy, high caliber translation that catch all the nuances an intricate text provides such as this one. Furthermore, there are many interesting texts lacking translations, just waiting to tell their stories. Overall, learning Latin expands one’s vocabularial boundaries, teaches one of historical importance, and at least no classics teachers wear extremely tight bike shorts. ☐

Which Season of the Loop is the Strongest?

By Charles Mullaney ‘ Panel Staff Everyone knows about the Loop.

It’s been around for many years, and has supported BH athletics through thick and thin. Whether it’s on the football fields, hockey rink, or even TD Garden, you can bet on the Loop being there and supporting their competing teammates. But throughout its time at BH, the question has always lingered. In which athletic season, Fall, Winter, or Spring, is the Loop at its strongest?

Many would say that because of football, the fall Loop is the best. Every Homecoming, the Jordan and sidelines are packed with spectators, including students, alumni, and parents, all coming to see their favorite team play. While this is great and all, the end zones are where the real magic happens. And that is where, when things get rough, the Loop gets rowdy. Every touchdown is met by a massive cheer and celebration. Every opponent’s penalty, a “you can’t do that” chant, and with every big win, a massive wave of students rush the field in celebration. This

display of school spirit would bring a Loop helped to literally pack the Fritz with tear to any red-blooded Belmont Hill al- more fans than the bleachers could handle. um’s eye, something that soccer and cross Couple the crowd with the scores of stucountry just can’t replicate. Yes, those dents rocking Hawaiian shirts as well -- it sports have their fair share of drama, but was a sight that gave many BH opponents they just don’t evoke that football level of night terrors. It was already game over fan enthusiasm. before the Nobles’ team stepped foot into With so many sports to choose the gym. This winter, hockey had a harder from, only two really make it onto the time cultivating the same level of support.

Winter Loop’s packed schedule: Hockey With a rough season and a refrigerated and Basketball. It would be hard to say seating section for fans, it was no wonwhich sport receives more support, since der that the Loop just couldn’t turn out it varies from year to year. For example, for Hockey quite like it did for Basketball. this past How e v e r, winter, a there’s alpowerful ways next campaign, year! With known to Connor many as H o p k i n’s “Pack the eminent Fritz”, rose re tu r n up from from the the Varsisemi-proty basketfessionball squad. al limeWith this light and simple sloa young gan, the squad feaMembers of the Loop cheer on the Football team in Fall of 2017

turing new talent, the pendulum may switch back to hockey next year.

Finally, there is the spring season.

There seems to be a spring break among BH fans, as many games go unattended by the Loop. With so many things going on in the academic world this time of the year, and the seniors virtually not present during senior spring as well, it is hard to raise the same kind spirit the other two seasons seem to do so well. One reason for this could be how many students are actually playing sports. There are more than twice as many sports in the Spring than in the Fall, and many more students are engaged on a Saturday, leaving little time to root for their peers.

While lacrosse may have some big tilts against opponents and the baseball team plays at exciting venues like Fenway Park, students may show up for a game or two, but when the fans are also on the field, it’s hard to muster the same spirit.

For the final verdict, I would say that the Loop is strongest in the Fall and football season. There is still time to prove me wrong though, as another month remains in the school year and many victories await! ☐

Be lmont Hill Opinions/News

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T he Panel

Should BH Require Computer-Oriented Course? ented course. However, not every student and up can try Comp-Sci as a class, but I still feels that the course should be required. We think it is their choice and they may want to spoke to third former Henry Harrison, who choose other electives”. People may not like is currently in Comp-Sci one. He answered computer science, but it is becoming an esthe question by saying, “No, although I do sential skill. Computer science teacher, Mr. In a world where our future will unbelieve it is a really fun and great course. I Tiberi, offered his thoughts on the subject: doubtedly be technological, a question seems believe it fits well as an elective for 9th grad- “Computer science should be mandatory in evident: “Should every Belmont Hill student ers. I think it is important that 9th graders a school in the 21st century. It is hard to see be required to take a computer-oriented course?” As former Belmont Hill Comp-Sci one students, we believe that the class really helped us better understand how a computer and website works. The first couple weeks of the course focused on Scratch, a “block” code designed by MIT to help people get introduced to programming. After completing a final Scratch project, we moved onto Python which we focused on for the majority of the semester. We ended the semester learning HTML and CSS, and we had a final project in which we could make anything we wanted with any of the coding languages, as long as it was not too easy. Some people created websites while other people made Scratch projects. Throughout the semester we learned the code better through practice problems that we completed both in and out of class. Due to the subject’s usefulness, we believe that every student at Belmont Hill should take a computer-ori- Photo of Belmont Hill student coding in Melvoin Commons taken by Abe Tolkoff ‘20

By Streetej Digumarthi ‘, Henry Moses ‘, and Yazeed Dahleh ‘ Panel Staff

some math being taught as a requirement and not computer science, because they are both extremely important in our society.

We have requirements for two years of Latin and I could argue that two years of Python will be more useful than two years of Latin down the road. Both of them formulate thinking, but computer science does a great job at teaching problem solving and critical thinking because it is a problem-solving oriented course. So, yes, it should be mandatory, not just at Belmont Hill, but also nationwide just to allow people to have experience with computer science”. Mr. Tiberi makes some good, if controversial, points. He makes the good point that not everyone is interested in Latin, and it might not be as an important of a skill than computer science, yet it is required for two years. Although, making computer science mandatory has its cons, such as hiring more computer science teachers and reducing choice in course selection, nevertheless, we believe the pros outweigh the cons. These pros include the increasing overall importance of computer literacy, that it fosters strong problem solving skills (helpful in other classes as well), and most importantly, the reality that our world is increasingly tech and computer science based. ☐

One Year Out...ish: Checking In With Mr. Mooney his interest in diversity programs stems Knowing that I would have no idea from his experience being taught 7th grade what he is talking about, Mr. Mooney kindEnglish by the legendary lyricist and playwright, Lin Manuel Miranda – yep, that Lin In this edition of One Year Out, I Manuel Miranda. chatted with Mr. Mooney. Whether you Despite being disappointed by the know Mr. Mooney from his participation lack of an anthropomorphic mascot, Mr. in S.A.F.E, middle school sports, short sto- Mooney is an unabashed fan of life on the ry club, or perhaps his enthusiastic embrace Hill. He celebrates the good things and taof literature, you will surely have benefited bles the things we have left to work on. “Belfrom his first two years at Belmont Hill. mont Hill is a special place bordering on In the vain hope of having him “dish the unique,” he suggests while urging us to do dirt” on Belmont Hill, I asked Mr. Mooney better: “it seems to me that we Belmont Hill “What is the worst thing about Belmont citizens must before all else be good: caring Hill?” With an acute sense of self-preser- and compassionate, patient and prudent, vation and, of course, literary genius, Mr. wise and worldly alike.”

Mooney quoted the English poet Andrew With Commencement on many Marvell, “At my back I always hear, time’s minds, Mr. Mooney reminds me that Dawinged chariot hurrying near” – “especial- vid Foster Wallace opened his commencely around here” he adds perhaps believing ment speech at Kenyon College in 2005 with that our time at Belmont Hill goes by too the following anecdote: “There are these quickly. Polite sophomore that I am, I re- two young fish swimming along, and they Bennett Morris ‘18meet an older fish swimming sisted the temptation to point out that the happen Bennett Morris to ‘18 poem was addressed to a coy mistress. the other way, who nods at them and says, Mr. Mooney has been an active par- ‘Morning, boys, how’s the water?’ And the Photo taken by Abe Tolkoff ‘20 ticipant in our community, often offering two young fish swim on for a bit, and evenhis expertise to Belmont Hill’s S.A.F.E. dis- tually one of them looks over at the other ly interprets: “As a boys school, I hope we cussions and also on Diversity Day. Perhaps and goes, ‘What the hell is water?” are constantly attentive to the water all

By Charlie Booth ‘ Panel Staff

around us. At Belmont Hill, the water might well be mineral-infused and full of health benefits, but it is not and should not be assumed as the norm.” Mr. Mooney recognizes that us “guppies” have an important role to play but warns us that we could quickly become “fried fish” if we are unaware of the bigger picture. He urges the student body to act in a way similar to that of John Markis and “help desalinate our world, hopefully doing so with respectful, rigorous concern for others rather than ourselves, in turn helping our shared humanity.”

In his characteristically modest manner, Mr.Mooney harbors thoughts of improvements to the advisor system, “devoting more time and attention to ongoing programming while simply having the chance to discuss issues including and beyond the academic, co-curricular, and social standing of each student.” He echoes the thoughts of many of us in hoping that the school can bring excellent diversity, citizenship and social justice initiatives into the mainstream of our school. “Diversity is much more than a day and far beyond the SAFE Dance, though those are worthy celebrations of its centrality to our community.” ☐

Party With A Purpose Proves Huge Success For The Kids

By Abe tolkoff‘ Panel Staff On April 21st, Belmont Hill hosted arguably the largest and most anticipated event of the year: Party with a Purpose. After a multitude of announcements, emails, and a wave of baby blue “Hoodies with a Purpose,” the entire school prepared for a night of live music, courtesy of Jason and Jacob Sibi-Okumu, inflatable games, food (from Comella’s, Panera Bread, J.P. Licks, Insomnia Cookies, and many others), and fun. And while on its surface the Party represents a new multischool extravaganza, it is important to consider the hardships of those to whom the event was dedicated. For the kids, FTK, seemingly a simple, clean slogan, comes with a multitude of feelings. For

the average student, it is the phrase we bling the core group of schools inhave heard for the last few months, but volved. From the original four, includfor the families whose children have ing Dana Hall, Winsor, and NCDS, this been through so much, it means more, year’s Party included students from Noas the night offers both a youthful re- bles, Roxbury Latin, Beaver Country prieve from life’s challenges and a de- Day, and BB&N. Not only has the numserved celebration of the children’s tri- ber of schools involved doubled, but umphs. the fundAf ter raising a night of goal for success in this Par2017, all ty was a involved w hopping vowed to $50,000! expand Achievand being this come more goal has inclusive sparked for 2018. new adThis proditions to cess began the Party, Photo of celebration at Party with a Purpose by Adam Richins by douinclud-

ing a raffle featuring a BH Basketball TD Garden Jersey, a signed Tuukka Rask 2011 Stanley Cup Finals Jersey, a signed Terry Rozier Picture, and a $100 Chick-Fil-A gift basket.

The Party can only really be described as a spectacular show of school spirit and community support.

To bring the entire experience full circle, a multitude of past and current Boston Children’s Hospital patients attended the event with their families.

Their inclusion represents the overall beneficiary of the event, Boston Children’s Hospital.

With the culmination of this year’s Party, the PWAP team, including Thomas Ryan, Colin Vallis, Maahin Gulati, Luca Pontone, Bobby Mannion, and Lawson Morris, begins to set its sights on PWAP 2019, planning to raise even more money. ☐

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B elmont HIll News

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Shane Rockett’s Junto Takes BH Community By Storm

By Thomas McEvoy ‘ Panel staff On February 7th, 2018, Fifth Former Shane Rockett began a movement. “Junto,” a club meeting each Thursday at 2:15, welcomes all upper schoolers to the chapel basement, where, free of faculty supervision, they discuss a truly vast range of intellectually stimulating topics.

In a recent interview, I had the privilege of sitting down with our soon-to-be President of the School to hear him speak about his tremendously successful innovation. Before long, it became clear that Shane owns a genuine passion for Belmont Hill’s Junto as his zeal is on full display for all who participate in the meetings’ spirited discussions.

When asked about his motivation in spearheading the club’s creation, Shane delivered a thoughtful response, referencing iterations of Junto dating as far back as the 18th century: “I read the unfinished autobiography of Benjamin Franklin and it was excellent.

He was the type of guy where knowledge was his lifeblood. He had a hunger for knowledge such that whatever he was doing he would try to be learning. He was constantly reading.”

“By the time he was in his early twenties, he already owned one of the largest printing shops in Philadelphia. With his great success, he started getting clout around the Philadelphia area, which he used to create a club that he called ‘the Junto.’” Comparing Benjamin Franklin’s Junto to Belmont Hill’s own, Shane revealed, “It was a lot smaller than our Junto here at Belmont Hill … What

is was was a book club for philosophy. They human life sacred?” “Is animal life sacred?” would write essays. They wuld write poems. “Should Massachusetts make use of the The essence of Junto, at least in Franklin’s time, came from the name Junto itself, coming from the Latin word junctus, meaning together. It was a union of minds.”

Among other intriguing features, the chapel basement serves as Junto’s regular meeting location, turning heads and raising eyebrows all across the student body. To the club’s founder, however, the chapel basement makes perfect sense: “The chapel basement is a very intimate setting. Privacy, I think, is part of it. It gives the members of Junto comfort and helps them know that they can share whatever they want. The chapel basement is also a place of very great historical significance in the scheme of Belmont Hill. The panels, which I Jack McHugh ‘20 contributes to Junto discussion think date all the way back to ‘23, are a great death penalty?” and finally “Which panel do source of inspiration.” you least like?” The club has also discussed I myself have attended two Junto potential changes or adjustments Belmont meetings, and I offer wholehearted advo- Hill could make, such as the addition of a cacy for the club. Each meeting featured a Student Center. I could not pass up the opfascinating series of debates, including: “Is portunity to find out Shane’s favorite topic,

and he did not disappoint: “My favorite discussion all year I think was, ‘Is human life sacred,’ I think we went very deep on that one and everyone really shared something valuable. That’s what it’s all about, we want everyone to be sharing something valuable and moving towards enlightenment.”

For those of you who had doubts about the club’s longevity, take a deep breath. When asked whether he will continue to lead Junto into his senior year, Shane declared, “Absolutely. 100%. I hope as well that more younger students would consider joining.” However, even as Junto progresses, spontaneity will continue to be a key element of the club’s future: “Junto is an interesting club in the sense that we have no agenda until the meeting itself begins, so there is no need to secure a room or anything like that. The club is its members, and it’s not greater than its members, and so, as far as plans for the future, I only hope that more people will become interested and that the younger grades learn to appreciate it.”

To conclude our interview, I asked Shane what he believes Junto adds to the Belmont Hill community, and the overwhelming response was that Junto offers a place of freedom: “I believe Junto adds to the Belmont Hill community a place free of adult supervision for students to speak their minds in the truest sense, but also a place free of judgement from other students who might not be interested in the same things, where students can learn about themselves … to learn about the world, and to share their knowledge, like Benjamin Franklin.” ☐

Students in Parkland Forum Take Charge on School Safety

By Nicholas Daley ‘ Panel staff On February 14th of this year, a 19-year-old gunman killed seventeen people and injured sixteen others at his former high school in Parkland, Florida. It was a headline that had become all too familiar in America, this time affecting a community considered one of the safest in the state of Florida, at a school not unlike Belmont Hill. The sudden reminder of how far the reach of gun violence had extended shook many in the Belmont Hill community.

America experienced 133 mass shootings in public places from 2000 to 2014, while the next country on the list had only six. Since 2011, a mass shooting has occurred every 64 days in America, up from every 200 days before 2011.

For many at Belmont Hill, no longer was gun violence a distant thought, easy to ignore; the prospect of staring down the barrel of a weapon had crept into the consciousness of the entire school.

As a wave of student activism swept across the country and approached the Hill, many in the community felt an obligation to act. A number of Boston-area private schools, including Milton, St. Mark’s, and Winsor, had walked out in support of gun control in recent weeks, and others had organized letter-writing campaigns to members of Congress throughout the country.

In their own consideration, the school senate was forced to straddle a tight line. The Belmont Hill student body is politically diverse, and class officers worried a concrete position could risk alienating a large portion of students.

Any response to the shooting would be a step into new territory for a school that had traditionally stayed away from displays of activism; as the school

raised the question of possible action, one sixth former, “Why would more many longstanding teachers remarked guns be the answer to gun deaths?” that never in their tenure had the school Many supported some form of gun taken an organized stance for any issue. control, with Massachusetts’ tight regStudent leaders also understood that ulations touted as a prime example, but apathy could foil any plan to speak out, still others worried that, in the words of especially in a state with some of the strictest gun laws in the nation. “With such a difficult issue, it’s easy to put your head in the sand,” said one fifth former, “to accept that ignorance is bliss and not think about it.”

Still conflicted, the Senate decided to ask the school for input. School President Will McCormack organized a forum to, in his words, “exchange ideas and opinions” on reactions and responses to Parkland and to “start conversations that will be continued.”

A room of 40 to 50 students and faculty in MacPherson Image from Wikimedia Commons processed the tragedy and discussed one attendee, “no matter what you can solutions to the layered problem of gun get a gun.” Towards the end of the sesviolence. “When I grew up, school and sion, the forum turned to the question church were two places that were con- of how Belmont Hill’s campus could be sidered safe,” Mr. Patterson solemnly better prepared in the event of an atreflected. “It has to end. It’s just awful.” tack, through lockdown drills and othAround the room, many nodded their er methods. Stepping in, Dr. Melvoin heads in agreement, admitting that delivered the uncomfortable truth: they did, at times, feel unsafe in what metal detectors, remote-locking doors, should be a nurturing space. The fo- and drills “may just provide the illusion rum was divided, however, on how to of safety,” the headmaster reported. address the issue. A number of students A week later, the Senate held a said they would feel safer with metal second forum to try to come to a condetectors and armed guards, but many clusion on a response, this time invitbalked at changes they saw as more be- ing exclusively students, wanting any fitting of a “prison” than a learning en- action to be student-led and organic. vironment. The relatively more discrete The approximately 30 boys expressed proposal to arm teachers, a popular fix concern that nothing they decided to among gun advocates since Parkland, do could have any real impact, agreeing was too met with a mix of support and that walking out in suburban Belmont hesitation. While some saw the weap- would be nothing more than a self-conons as the only way to stop a shooter on gratulatory symbol, and pointing out campus, others were wary of the con- that writing letters against gun control stant presence of deadly force. Asked to the congressional representatives in

their districts would just be “preaching to the choir.” The idea of a corporate-focused letter writing campaign to pressure gun manufacturers and vendors, however, gained traction as a way Massachusetts residents could get involved locally. One of the biggest gun manufacturers in the US, Smith & Wesson, is headquartered in Springfield, MA, and Bass Pro Shops sells weapons to minors under the age of 21 in stores around the state. The idea came to fruition on Friday, April 20, the 19th anniversary of the Columbine shooting, when students wrote to CEOs of retailers and banks as well as politicians.

The enormity of the issue weighed heavily on the second forum. Students shared their discouragement about the complicated issue of gun violence, from the feeling of helplessness to the realization that school shootings comprise only a small percentage of the overall problem, with suicides and homicides in less privileged areas not receiving the same coverage as the same type of tragedy in affluent, majority white communities. “It often feels there is nothing we can do,” lamented one sixth former. But still, hope remained among the students, especially in the fact that a generation of young people determined to address gun violence would soon be able to vote. Referring back to Dr. Melvoin’s comments that the school could not implement any effective safety measures, the forum was forced to consider a scary proposition, but students were determined to show that their safety is not out of their control. ☐

B elmont Hill News

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T he Panel

Let Them Eat Steak: Inside Shane Rockett’s Lunch Surveys the complaints, suggestions I got from the grade, that was definitely the most prevalent, so it was just my responsibility to do something about it and so the food survey was the manifestation of that.” Thus, as a fed up student body called for change, a young and eager Rockett attempted to enact that change

By Matt Smith ‘ Panel staff On Monday, April 9th, 2018, the Class of 2019 elected unopposed candidate Shane Rockett as the Belmont Hill School president for next year.

Though a perpetually jovial presence around campus, Shane has had a serious impact on Belmont Hill’s student senate as well as the community as a whole. From a public speaking requirement for seniors, which he thankfully postponed until the Class of 2020, to Thursday morning weight room sessions, he has pumped out quality school policy during his four years as a class president. Among these achievements, however, none are more notable than his efforts to improve the Belmont Hill dining experience.

Started in the winter of his fourth form year, Shane Rockett’s initiative to improve lunches began out of recognition of students’ general dissatisfaction with food on campus. In a recent interview which I had with Rockett, he candidly stated, “With respect to the food staff themselves, I don’t think the food service here is very good. Out of

“With a quickness of reform which even FDR would envy, a fitting trait for a history buff who spends most of his time in Mr. Smith’s classroom, he introduced the food surveys which would soon become iconic in the BH community” single-handedly through a simple and democratic solution. With a quickness of reform which even FDR would envy, a fitting trait for a history buff who spends most of his time in Mr. Smith’s classroom, he introduced the food surveys which would soon become iconic in the BH community. Unbeholden to the approval of the Senate or a teacher, Rockett immediately began to meticulously record the contents of ev-

ery day’s lunch, which he would then typically aggregate into surveys which asked students to rate the meals on a scale of 1-5. After the results of such surveys had been tallied, Rockett would share them with head chef Denis Gagne, who says he applies the feedback to the upcoming menu two weeks later. An ambitious but pensive leader, Rockett set realistic expectations for his project: “I want the food service, the food staff to know which meals are popular and which meals are not….. this is an empirical way to measure how people feel about the food, each specific meal.” Over the course of nearly two years, his mission has garnered overwhelming popularity, leading others to take up the cause alongside him. By the vice-presidential elections for the Class of 2019 last week, improving Belmont Hill’s dining experience had become a necessary element of the platform for any senate hopefuls, with all four candidates mentioning it frequently in their speeches. While Shane Rockett’s lunch surveys are clearly well intentioned and well supported, however, the question remains: have they actually achieved what they set out to do?

After an astounding number of

The number of responses each survey has received in 2018

The February 2nd Lunch Survey surveys, twelve in 2018 alone, it seems that they have achieved moderate success. Visibly, Denis Gagne’s public support for the surveys as well as the phasing out of Taco Tuesdays, which Shane Rockett touted as his crowning achievement in his presidential speech, serve as prime examples of progress towards better lunches and greater acknowledgement of students’ likes and dislikes. From conversations with my classmates, I have also witnessed a growing contentment with BH food and Dennis Gagne, a likely indicator that the surveys are doing their job.

Nevertheless, almost every lunch assuredly leaves some students unsatisfied and many asking what more they can do.

For students and faculty, the answer is not much. With an average of 195.42 responses per survey in 2018, Shane Rockett collects comments on school lunches from a large portion Continued on Page 7

In Case You Missed It...

Mar. 28, 2018

Thomas McEvoy ‘19, Matthew Smith ‘19, and Nicholas Daley ‘19 were selected as the top three editors for Volume 67 of The Panel.

Thanks to the Volume 66 editors Will, Ishaan, and Arnav!

Apr. 3, 2018

Belmont Hill unveiled a new campus map, drawn by Gary Torrisi. The new colored recreation includes the wind orchid and a suspicious amount of parking spots.

Looking Ahead

Apr. 16, 2018

Matthew McGaffigan ‘18 completed the 2018 Boston Marathon. Months of training culminated in a grueling run through freezing temperatures and pouring rain, some of the worst conditions in the race’s 122-year history.

Apr. 17, 2018

Belmont Hill held the annual Fishbowl for third formers and their parents. Upper school peer leaders spoke with students and adults about alcohol consumption, stress management, and the transition to the upper school.

Today

Katie Murphy of International Rescue Committee and Nada Elattar of Sesame Street speak to the school about their communal efforts to bring education to refugee chldren.

Apr. 18, 2018

Belmont Hill’s baseball team played against St. Sebastian’s at Fenway Park, losing in heartbreaking fashion after surrendering the go-ahead runs in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Apr. 20, 2018

May 7, 2018

Scott Gieselman ‘81, former BC and Patriots football player and current energy exectuive at private equity firm NGP, spoke to boys on Tuesday at X block on the future of energy in the US.

Apr. 29, 2018

Dr. Sarah Lewis, Assistant Professor of History of Art and Architecture and African and African American Studies at Harvard, spoke at Chapel about the importance of taking risks and recovering from failure.

Nationwide Advanced Placement Exams begin their two-week period, beginning with Chemistry

Apr. 24, 2018

Richard “Dewey” Jarvis (Belmont Hill ‘13 and Brown University ‘18) signed a free agent contract to play linebacker for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons

Soon

The Belmont Hill Senate begins a program allowing Belmont Hill students to access their grades through their online student portal.

May 4 , 2 0 1 8

B elmont HIll News

Pa g e 7

Shane Rockett ‘19 Hungry to Improve Oft-Maligned Lunches Continued from Page 6 of the student and faculty body.

And he is satisfied with that outcome: “We are getting enough responses…. and on top of that, everyone has been really mature and really responsible about not writing anything goofy.” The sad truth remains, however, that over half the school can’t find time to fill out a two-minute questionnaire; before writing this article, I was even one of those people. But, as I have come to recognize and appreciate more and more, the lunch surveys are of vital importance. They uniquely serve not only as an outlet for the frustrations for boys at BH but as a one of few activities on campus (other than Junto) which hinge directly and almost solely on those students. Both Rockett and Gagne are aware of the role of the student in their reforms and want to see greater contributions. Just as Rockett

“It will be interesting to see whether Rockett’s recent election will allow him and others pushing for lunch reform to double down on their stance and maybe (finally) bring peace of mind to the culmination of generations of discontented Belmont Hill boys.” says that “it would always be better to get more [responses],” Gagne also affirms, “Foremost, keep the communication coming.”

Though this may be a shock to many students skeptical of the kitchen staff, they too bear little to no fault

dents not the kitchen staff have significantly hindered the achievements from the lunch surveys, what has?

Unfortunately, it is perhaps the two aspects of life at Belmont Hill over which students have the least influence: tradition and the school budget. In our aforementioned interview, Shane Rockett points out these limitations to me: “I recognize that we do have limitations with our sit down lunches and two lunch periods, the fact that for two times during the day an entire set of meals has to be prepared and then ready to eat at that moment as opposed to a rolling lunch system….if I controlled everything, which I absolutely don’t, I would put more money into school lunches. Follow up question is where would that money come from?

I don’t know. That’s the problem….

That’s a bigger question than me.”

When asked if he would abolish family style lunches given the choice, Rockett answered with a resounding no: “I think sit down lunches are a valuable part of the Belmont Hill experience. I know for some people they don’t like the whole part of that part, but it’s a good chance to meet other students, to talk to your teachers and, again, it does set us apart from other schools. I think we need to find a better way to work with that system.” Denis Gagne, however, would argue differently, noting “the challenges a family style set up presents” as restricting factor with regards to his goal “to give students a variety of options during their lunch.” And it seems that Belmont Hill may be trending towards Gagne’s sentiment. In early April, Colin Braun ‘19, one of the heads of the Belmont Hill Sustainability club,

Responses to the Wednesday top round in the February 2nd survey in the failings of the surveys. Not only does Dennis Gagne admire Shane Rockett’s efforts, but he strives to aid them in any way he can. In my recent email correspondence with him, he thoughtfully writes, “The end goal is to make everyone as happy as possible while keeping a variety of foods on the plate. So that’s been a journey. I’ve been here now four years and we have worked to add a quality to the program that we felt was really important. We have transitioned to a more of scratch cooking process while adjusting depending on student feedback.” Among other things, Gagne cites a return to the classic BH popcorn chicken and the addition of a milk station as examples of his consideration and application of student feedback. Shane also seems to think that Gagne is listening to the criticism: “I would say they have been appreciative, they have been grateful. I think it’s a given that this helps them. It gives them an easy way to know which meals are good” But if neither the stu-

with permission from Mr. Bradley and the kitchen staff, implemented a new structure for lunch, which combines the seating of family style with food retrieval of walkthroughs. An ardent supporter of walkthrough lunches every day for their greater sustainability, Braun represents a burgeoning wave of students moving away from the hallowed customs of the past and towards a more efficient future for lunches. Ultimately, however, both issues go straight to the top of the Belmont Hill administration, which Rockett says does not place an emphasis on lunches, and one can only wait for and anticipate those authority figures to make adjustments to the flawed lunch system. Hopefully, they will come to understand the importance of satisfying lunches as Rockett has: “Belmont Hill is a school of athletes. It’s a school of academics and it’s a school of athletes, but every student is both by requirement. Nutrition is essential to athleticism. Without a doubt, the most important part of an athlete’s

day is what he eats and how much he eats and so providing our students, our teammates with healthy, good food is paramount. It is one of the most important things that the school should do.”

“ ‘Belmont Hill is...a school of academics and it’s a school of athletes...Nutrition is essential to athleticism. Without a doubt, the most important part of an athlete’s day is what he eats and how much he eats and so providing our students, our teammates with healthy, good food is paramount.’ ” Luckily, the Belmont Hill can definitively look forward to many other changes to come regarding its dining.

One plan which both Shane Rockett and Denis Gagne are clearly excited about is the meal suggestion survey, which Rockett created on April 2, 2018.

Unlike past surveys, which merely ask

for evaluations of preexisting meals, the meal suggestions survey innovatively provides students with the opportunity to propose new meals. For a dining experience centered around a few core meals, like pasta, grilled cheese, and General Tso’s chicken, this undertaking represents a nice change of pace. Also near the forefront of Gagne’s mind is the food committee, which Abe Tolkoff ‘21 has worked to put together for next school year. Cooperate directly with the kitchen staff, the food committee will only further entwine the BH dining experience with the will of the students.

It will be interesting to see whether Rockett’s recent election will allow him and others pushing for lunch reform to double down on their stance and maybe (finally) bring peace of mind to the culmination of generations of discontented Belmont Hill boys. ☐

Election Results Senate 2018-2019

belmont hill sp orts

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BELMONT HILL VARSITY SCOREBOARD TEAM

W

L

MAIN RIVALS

BASEBALL

9

3

ST. SEBASTIAN'S BROOKS

TRACK & FIELD

10

1

ROXBURY LATIN THAYER

SAILING

3

2

TABOR ST. JOHN'S PREP

CREW

3

0

DEERFIELD GROTON

TENNIS

5

2

ST. SEBASTIAN'S BB&N

GOLF

7

2

ST. SEBASTIAN'S BB&N

LACROSSE

6

2

ST. SEBASTIAN'S RIVERS

Belmont Hill’s Most Grueling Spring Workouts

the crew team crawling off the machines from the pure physical strain. Whether long distance, intervals, or time trials, time For many sports at Belmont Hill, on the ergometer is sure to be both diffithere is always that workout. The workout cult and important for the team’s success. that brings one to their limit physically, and Painful, yet ultimately worthwhile, erging then some. The workout that, when ath- stands out as one of the hardest workouts letes hear that practice will involve it, they that Belmont Hill sports have to offer. #2: Track Running is the paragon groan in despair. However, the pain of the workout pays off later in the season and in- of endurance sports, and track condenses evitably gives Belmont Hill teams that extra all the pain of long-distance running into competitive edge against their opponents. single sprints that test an athlete’s ability to Such hard work pays off; Mr. Leonardis aptly exert himself to his limit. While running, calls it “putting money in the bank” during a track athlete has to go all out, with many wrestling season. However, in the heat of the events requiring less pacing and more of an workout, that reward may seem ever so dis- ability to fight back the pain as one pushes tant, and the pain can be nearly overwhelm- himself as hard as he can. According to the ing. There is no shortage of such workouts in team’s Charlie Richards, hurdles seem to be the spring season; however, the efforts of, say, one of the sport’s most challenging workthe sailing team, might serve best for a dif- outs. Jumping while at a sprint demands ferent kind of article. Few exercises reach the strength, endurance, and immense focus so physical strain that accompanies those that as not to not knock over a hurdle. Recently, follow, which some could argue are indeed the Belmont Hill hurdlers performed an the three hardest of the spring. These are the 8x300 meter hurdle workout, with each three sports that can claim to have Belmont 300 clocking in at under 55 seconds. With Hill’s most excruciating spring workouts. a mere two minutes of rest in between, the #1: Crew The infamous ergometer. conditioning from such hurdle intervals alA raw test of an oarsman’s strength, perse- lows the Belmont Hill track team to stand verance, and pacing ability, “the ergometer out in the ISL. #3: Tennis Endurance is imporsimulates the physical demands of rowing, packaging the pains with none of the ame- tant in a tennis match, and the tennis team nities that make it worthwhile.” (Stephen has no shortage of exercises to build it up.

Kiesling) While a race on the water may in- Named for British tennis player Andy Murdeed be painful, the movement of the boat, ray, the hardest physical workout that the tennis team performs competitive spirit, and is a set of interval support from your laps around the track. fellow oarsmen help With five laps in total, transcend the pain and each 400-meter run make the experience must be completed worthwhile and even in under 70 seconds, enjoyable. The erg not with little rest in beonly strips away the tween. The repetition pleasure of rowing and of concentrated runserves as a much more ning without much focused and intense down-time simulates exercise. So far this the high intensity and season the crew team quick pace of a tennis has pulled several chalmatch. “Andy Murlenging workouts on rays” are vital to buildthe ergs, including a ing stamina, and suc26.2 mile (42,195 mecess, for Belmont Hill’s ters), 3-man piece on tennis squad. ☐ Marathon Monday. Erg practices often leave Henry Thomas ‘18 collapses after 2016 2K

Th e Pan el

Connor Hopkins ‘19 Returns from USHL Stint

By Payton Privitera ‘ Panel Staff Mere days before being officially named The Panel’s Athlete of the Issue, Connor Hopkins ’19 told close friends that within the next 24 hours he would be boarding a plane to Nebraska to play Junior Hockey with the USHL’s Tri-City Storm. By the time word spread around campus, Belmont Hill’s star goaltender and Yale hockey commit was already on his way to the Midwest. The community was shocked by Connor’s sudden

“Though his time in the USHL was short, for Hopkins, that “experience of a lifetime” is only the beginning.” departure, but excited by the prospect of one of their own playing in a league many consider a stepping stone to the NHL. The significance of the call-up was not lost on Connor, but he was not intimidated by the stage. “It was such an

also what it takes to play at the next level.”

While playing for the Storm, Connor sported a number 35 black and purple jersey in five games, posting a win in his first career start and a tight shootout loss in his second. With the new team, Connor retained his school pride, keeping his familiar Belmont Hill-colored white, blue, and cranberry pads, glove, and blocker as well as his signature off-white helmet, featuring pictures of a Sextant, the Chapel, and other school-related symbols. Though he is now back in the Northeast, Connor has not lost touch with his new teammates, and hopes to reconnect with the Storm soon.

“All the guys were great,” Hopkins says.

“I’m excited to see what the future holds.”

While hockey consumed a large portion of his time in Nebraska, Connor managed to stay current with his school work.

As Connor’s mother explained, while he was out of state, the school treated his absence as if he were a student studying abroad, sending him school work to be completed within reasonable deadlines and working with him on extensions and postponements for larger class projects. He even took his SATs between practices at a high

By Jack Weldon ‘ PAnel Staff

Connor Hopkins ‘19 prepares to save a shot against US Juniors Team awesome experience going out there,” Connor reflected, “With that being said, once you get past all the lights and intros and big arenas, you are still just playing hockey.” From the time he stepped into the 5,500-seat Viaero Center, he knew he was a long way from the quiet Wednesday night games of the ISL. “My first start was against Des Moines and the crowd was pretty hostile. I’ve never experienced thousands of people yelling your last name before so in a way it was really cool.” Everything, from his living situation to constant team commutes, was a new experience. “When I was out there I stayed with a host family and they were incredibly nice. The travel out there is long, so that was something you have to get used to. The longest trip we had during the month I was out there was to Chicago which was about a 10-hour bus ride.” When asked about his adjustment to the Semi-Pro Hockey culture in the Midwest and the USHL, he commented, “The lifestyle out there was definitely different, and it took a few days/weeks to get used to. I mean, your life completely revolves around hockey. So for the first time, I was playing the sport like it was my job, and that is exactly how you have to treat it out there. It was a good taste to see not only what it is like but

school in Nebraska on March 10th, just as many Belmont Hill students took theirs.

In the late days of March, the Belmont Hill hockey team and junior class were pleasantly surprised by their two-year starter’s unannounced return to Massachusetts and to classes on campus. After returning from Nebraska, “Hop” is eager to play his third season of Belmont Hill Varsity

“The significance of the callup was not lost on Connor, but he was not intimidated by the stage. ‘It was such an awesome experience going out there,’ Connor ref lected, ‘With that being said, once you get past all the lights and intros and big arenas, you are still just playing hockey.’ ” Baseball at catcher and hopefully lead the team to an ISL title. Though his time in the USHL was short, for Hopkins, that “experience of a lifetime” is only the beginning. ☐

May 4, 2018

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Athlete of the Issue: Evan Sleight ‘19

By James Markis ‘ Panel Staff On August 6th, 2016, Evan Sleight verbally committed to play baseball for the University of Virginia.

The future UVA center fielder had not even entered his sophomore year when

he gave his word to one of the most prestigious schools in the country, both on and off the field; UVA baseball has advanced to 2 straight College World Series championship games and is annually in contention for the title. In addition to their major success in sports -- the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament ex-

Evan Sleight ‘19 loads up for a pitch against Governors Academy

cluded -- UVA also offers a very rigorous academic setting. Regarding his decision to choose UVA, Evan said, “My mom and I both wanted a school which offered a great team along with a great academic environment.”

“Harboring aspirations of playing in the MLB, Evan decided to forgo the tantalizing option of signing with a professional team directly out of high school” Evan also chose UVA because of the bond he formed with Coach Brian O’Connor, the longtime coach of the Cavaliers’ baseball team. Harboring aspirations of playing in the MLB, Evan decided to forgo the tantalizing option of signing with a professional team directly out of high school in large part due to O’Connor’s mentorship, knowing that gaining experience under such a successful coach will serve him well in the future. Evan believes that Coach O’Connor has leadership qualities similar to Belmont Hill’s Coach Grant, and he trusts that both coaches will prepare him for his future in baseball.

While Evan was being recruited, he was approached by Virginia’s scout for

the Northeast region, Coach McMullin, whose upfront style made Evan’s decision easy. The commitment process is rigorous and difficult, but Coach McMullin, along with Coach O’Connor, made Evan feel welcomed on the UVA campus, and their efforts in part convinced Evan to commit to the Cavaliers.

However exciting Evan’s future at UVA may be, dreams of winning a College World Series are on hold for the next two years; for the present, Evan is focused on competing for an ISL baseball championship: “You can’t get your High School experience back, and I want to try my best to win us a championship.” He knows that the competition will be tough, but he aspires to lead the team that returns the ISL trophy to Belmont Hill, who has come close the past few years but last won the league title in 2014, the third year of three consecutive championships. Evan is one of the best high school baseball players in America, and the whole Belmont Hill community supports him as he attempts to fulfill his dreams through his hard work and dedication on and off the field. ☐

Other Teams Should Take Note of BH Crew’s Trip to Sarasota

By John Gaudian ‘ Panel Staff During the second week of March break, Varsity Crew traveled to Sarasota, Florida for a weeklong training trip. A welcome contrast to last year’s March practice -- 30-degree weather with freezing rain and snow -- the warm Florida sun proved a nice upgrade and was much appreciated by rowers and coaches alike. Alas, the wind often proved a problem; the morning before a tornado was forecast to sweep through, and one boat was actually picked up off the rack, flipped and tossed onto the ground. This meteorological entertainment

“Coach Richards often repeats how the spring season is only about 10 weeks, but the week spent in Florida has made the team feel as if it’s been together for months.” did not, however, keep the team from hard work. The coaches orchestrated a grueling and effective training program that maximized the time available. Waking up at 7:00 am, the team ate breakfast courtesy

of Dayspring Conference Center and then headed down to the former Rowing World Championships course for an early practice.

With few other boats out on the water, the team moved swiftly and could race up and down the lake without disruption. After the two-hour practice, the team traveled back to the Episcopal Center Reservation to enjoy lunch and some much-needed downtime before afternoon practice. On the first day the boys did not foresee the need to conserve energy for the afternoon and partook in a little basketball and swimming. They soon learned their lesson and, after that, almost everyone spent the few hours between practices sprawled out on their beds. Then, around 1:00 pm, the team hopped back into vans to go down to the lake. Another two hour practice full of two-thirds, three-quarter and full pressure pieces awaited them.

For those who don’t row, the difference between two-third pressure and full pressure is miniscule. After the second practice, the team returned to home base for dinner and fun team bonding watching March Madness basketball, Netflix, and an Irish documentary about their first Olympic rowers.

Though practices were certainly difficult, the team found time for enjoyment with visits to Siesta Key Beach and a go-karting

Crew Team Speeds by Nathan Benderson Park Tower in Sarasota

Crew Team Speeds by Nathan Benderson Park Tower in Sarasota arena. Even Coach Richards joined in on the fun! The trip proved to boost both athletic improvement and team bonding.

Some other Belmont Hill teams have found the same benefits in trips at the beginning of the season. Two Fall teams found those gains in August: part of the Cross Country team went to the Dartmouth Gold Medal running camp and the Soccer team traveled down to Costa Rica. Matthew Goguen, future Cross Country Captain for the 2018 season, extolled his time at Dartmouth: “It gave me the mindset of continuously working hard day in and day out. Although 14 miles of running may seem daunting,

it honestly helped me in the long run. Plus, three hours of spike ball a day was pretty fun.” Clearly, the crew excursion isn’t an anomaly in the perks of pre-season trips.

Other teams should take note of the effects of such intense trips at the beginning of a season. Coach Richards often repeats how the spring season is only about 10 weeks, but the week spent in Florida has made the team feel as if it’s been together for months despite the racing season just beginning. If more teams adopt for pre-season trips, Mr. Tahan may have even more trouble finding space in the already overflowing Jordan trophy case. ☐

Belmont Hill Arts

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Th e Pan el

Spotify Playist of the Issue: April 2018

By Matt Smith ‘ and Matt Goguen ‘ Panel Staff Since its first appearance in The Panel almost two years ago, “The Playlist of the Issue” has become a customary article for the print publication. Not only does it provide a great opportunity for Panel staffers to write about their favorite songs, but it also exposes Belmont Hill students to new music genres. For those reading The Panel for the first time, “The Playlist of the Issue” features two authors who each pick five songs which they feel deserve recognition and write about them. For Volume 67 of The Panel, Matt ‘Goot’ Goguen ‘19 and Matt ‘Smoot’ Smith ‘19 will be taking over from Arnav Prasad ‘18 and Seth Israel ‘18 as curators of “The Playlist of the Issue.” As The Panel increases its online presence in the near future, Goot and Smoot may post weekly playlists to The Panel Online.

Smoot’s Picks: Freaky Friday - Lil Dicky ft. Chris Brown Who would have thought that a song featuring Kylie Jenner would be such a hit? In this one-time collaboration between badboy musician Chris Brown and comedic rapper Lil Dicky, the two artists, along with DJ Khaled, Ed Sheeran, and the aforementioned Kardashian, rap, sing, and act (yes, act….they also released a must-see music video) about a hilariously wacky and made up scenario in which they switch bodies. Though not taken seriously as a legitimate performer and often considered a joke, Lil Dicky delivers an upbeat and energetic banger which definitely could be this summer’s anthem (if Drake hasn’t already beat him to the punch with “God’s Plan” or “Nice for What”).

A Good Night - John Legend ft. BloodPop®

Goot’s Picks:

In his latest single, John Legend produces yet another emotional chart topper. Unlike

Lost It - Rich the Kid ft. Quavo & Offset

classics like “All of Me” and “Love Me Now,” which are rife with drama and inten-

With his much-anticipated release of his album The World is Yours, Rich the Kid offers

sity, however, the equally heartfelt lyrics of “A Good Night” are far more celebratory.

us more than a glimpse of his musical talents. A collaboration with Quavo and Offset,

Produced by BloodPop®, this funky, disco-esque jam will liven up anyone’s chill playlist

“Lost It” is one of the best songs on this album. Although his songs are known to be

and have you nodding your head from start to finish.

repetitive, Rich the Kid with Quavo and Offset provide a complex song that adds to his

Sick Boy - The Chainsmokers

critically-acclaimed album.

These former favorites of radio hosts everywhere get deep in their three song EP entitled

Moonlight - XXXTENTACION

“Sick Boy….Everybody Hates Me.” After over a year since their last single release in I’m not the biggest XXXTENTACION fan as his songs sometimes seem abstract to me. the summer of 2017, Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart attempt to display their intelligence But, Moonlight is one of his best songs on his new album. It’s a slow song but XXX and well-roundness as artists with this dark and varied track which blends belting piano always seems to nail these pieces. He is starting to grow on me, and I wouldn’t be sur-

chords and riffs with a standard pop backdrop. Intentionally chagey and vague about

prised if more of his songs make the cut in the future.

the message behind their song, one thing’s for certain, The Chainsmokers will leave you

Winter - Khalid

guessing what they mean by “Sick Boy.”

Taking the world by storm after the release of his album American Teen, Khalid has

LOGOUT - Saba ft. Chance the Rapper

grown a large following of loyal fans, including me. His unique voice and emotional

For an artist whose biggest break may have been his role in Coloring Book’s lead single

songs relate to all young, dumb, and broke high school kids. “Winter” is a slower song

“Angels,” reuniting with Chance the Rapper was only inevitable. Together, these talented

on his album, but artistically captures Khalid’s style and way of life.

MC’s from Chitown indict the internet and its addictivity on top of a tender and cozy

Bennie and the Jets - Elton John

rhythm. But what’s most exciting about “LOGOUT” isn’t the killer chemistry between Although many would consider placing “Rocket Man” or “Tiny Dancer” on this list, this Saba and Chance or its seemingly self-righteousness, but the seamless and frequent Elton John classic deserves some credibility (those who watch The Office know that it’s transitions between the quick, percussive tempo of Saba’s chorus and the slow meanderone of Andy’s favorites). The song is a bit repetitive, as the line, “B-B-B-Bennie and the ing of his and Chance’s lackadaisical verses. This categorically chill rap song will keep Jets” repeats over and over. Yet it is a very catchy song and many dads will be apprecia- listeners as alert and engaged as many pump ups would. tive of this classic making the cut this week.

Rich Girl - Daryl Hall and John Oates

The Middle - Zedd, Maren Morris, & Grey

This is a throwback you don’t just play on Thursdays. In their first number-one single,

I was highly considering taking this song of the list, but it’s acquired enough popularity

Hall & Oates strum out the infectious melodies of this 70s soft rock classic, a genre

to remain. Although it seems as if the song is playing on every radio station, the unique

which has found re-emerging popularity in recent years. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear

pairing of Country and EDM makes the song somehow amazing. It seems like today

“Rich Girl” on the soundtrack for the next Guardians of the Galaxy movie. I can guaran-

many artists are pairing up with Zedd to create these “mash-ups.”

tee it will leave you dancing like Groot.

Dr. Melvoin’s Final Coffee House: A Moment to Remember

By Andrew Jinhee Lee ‘ Panel Staff Filled with laughter, applause, and music, the 2017-2018 Coffee House was a night to remember. The two emcees, Gavin Colbert and Will Misciagna (aka Shaggy), opened with humorous remarks, setting a casual atmosphere in the Prenatt Theater. Following the comedians, Theo Why and Donavan Payne performed a beautiful duet of Ed Sheeran’s song “Perfect,” a soothing and melodic start to the show, followed by Austin Kwoun on violin and David Paine on guitar playing, performing an original composition. Moreover, Dr. Melvoin’s act captured the hearts of the audience. He first sang the Eagles’ “Take It Easy” with Mr. Sherman, David Paine, and Owen Grady, and later performed a duet of Simon and Garfunkel’s “America” with Mr. Sherman.

To everyone’s delight, Dr. Melvoin sang an unannounced encore -- James Taylor’s cover of “Oh, Susanna” -- captivating audience ears and hearts with his final Coffee House performance. David Paine’s solo of “Crawling,’ followed by the Upper School Rock Band’s performance of the Black Crowes’ “Hard to Handle” livened up the audience and impressed all with the quality of music. The Jazz Combo’s version of “Killer Joe” was followed up by the Middle School Rock Band’s performance of the Beatles classic, reminding everyone that despite the many musical seniors, there’s still plenty of upcoming talent in the music department. Henry Vettel and Jordan Sclar enchanted the crowd with a perfectly harmonized, beautiful rendition of “Little Talks”” by Of Monsters and Men. The next song, U2’s “Bloody Sunday,” performed by Henry, Owen Pickette, Austin and Theo, closed with an unexpected surprise when

Owen dedicated the performance to his girlfriend, and asked her to prom. The theater echoed with “oohs” and “aahs” at this charming promposal. Last, and certainly not least, the traditional Senior Only closing act featured David Paine, Henry Vettel, Alex Ackerman, Theo, Austin, and Mr. Tiberi performing The Modern Electric’s “As Sharp As Knives” -- a perfect way to wrap up the night. The Spring Coffee House did not disappoint and, as always, inspired younger audience members to participate in the future. This bodes well for Coffee Houses to come. Looking forward, we cannot wait for plenty more breathtaking Coffee Houses . . . or can we?

Although the Coffee House is one of BH’s most cherished events, the popularity of the Coffee House has steadily decreased over the past few years. At its peak, the Coffee House included many talented acts of all varieties. There would be a variety of different musicians who perfected

each of their pieces and played in perfect harmony. Looking towards the present, the quality of each piece remains intact; however, the number of musicians has declined significantly. Every year, there have been fewer and fewer musicians willing to participate. This may be a consequence of Belmont Hill’s rigorous investment in academics and athletics. With the musically talented senior class graduating, the future of the Coffee House may be in jeopardy. Many throughout the Belmont Hill community would love to see the Coffee House continue; however, it needs more musicians and a bigger audience. Gavin Colbert noted, “I MC’d the last coffee house and the audience was definitely engaged and excited and loved the musical talent that was displayed on stage. I just wish more of the school was there to see.”

To continue the glamorous tradition of the Coffee House, there must be many enthusiastic students eager to participate. ☐

May 4, 2018

Belmont Hill Arts

Pa g e 1 1

Artists of the Issue: Donavan Payne ‘ 18

By Jackson Riffe ‘ Panel Staff On April 5th, Donavan Payne, a talented senior photographer, musician, and actor, unveiled his new work, entitled Fashion Forward, upstairs in Morse. Photographing friends in the Boston area on multiple occasions, he compiled a set of remarkable images for this intriguing project.

In his work, Donavan elects to highlight his friends’ choices of clothing and appearances to further express their individuality. Although the project had no predetermined goal, Donavan views it as a means to inspire and influence others to leave their comfort zones and try something new. He brings a similar awareness to Belmont Hill, a community where all students are restricted to relatively similar dress. He admires his subjects’ confidence to express themselves through their choice of outfits.

Outside of his individual work, Donavan is an integral member of the Teen Arts Council at the Museum of Fine Arts. Along with nine other enthusiastic

teenagers, Donavan works to organize multiple events, workshops, and programs for the public. Essentially, Donavan acts as a liaison between the MFA and area teenagers. He works with the MFA to increase teenage engagement and visitation by actively launching events such as coffee houses, exhibitions featuring teenage art, and an art workshop on MLK day. Through his work in the MFA, Donavan continues to achieve his goal of encouraging younger teenage artists.

Over his six years at Belmont Hill, Donavan has been a powerhouse in the theatre community. He has sung and taken leads in many plays and musicals, including Damn Yankees, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, Antigone, Lion King, Sister Act, Guys and Dolls, Raisin, and is currently in rehearsal for Dana Hall’s spring performance of LinManuel Miranda’s musical Bring It On. Beginning in the 9th grade, Donavan embarked on a new journey himself. Inspired by his older brother’s work as a photographer, he signed up to take a photography class with Mrs.

Though he plans to major in nonarts topics, Donavan is committed to continuing his extracurricular commitGettings. Through his early experiences, ments to theater and photography next he learned to love the class so much that year while at Tufts. We look forward to photography became increasingly im- seeing his work in the years to come. ☐ portant in his daily life. As a sophomore, Donavan took another photography class, and for the past two years has pursued an independent study in photography.

Fashion Forward, Donavan’s current show now on display in Morse, reflects his unique approach to projects. With no specific intent going into the shoots, he begins taking photos while out with friends.

Retrospectively, he reviews his photos to find patterns. He then curates them to reflect a particular story. Donavan uses his pictures to highlight his friends’ confidence and audacity to express themselves openly in our society today.

For those of you who have not already done so, I encourage you to view Donavan’s awe-inspiring work, Fashion Forward; it reflects his art, his social insights, and is an important catalyst for conversation for our community. Artists whose work challenges norms, inspires us to ask new questions and see the world differently, are vital to democracy. Photograph from Donavan Payne’s ‘18 FashDonavan’s work is part of this tradition. ion Forward series

Incorporating Sustainability in Art Classes: A Proposal

By Matt Smith ‘ Panel Staff

In recent years, Belmont Hill has seen a surge in demand for and popularity of environmentally-conscious classes.

From the consistent enrollment of seniors in AP Environmental Science to the creation of a new senior inquiry, “Energy: Economy, Environment, and National Security,” taught by Dr. Buckley, it seems many departments have made strides to include the environment in their curriculum. This is not true of the arts, however. Although students are only required to take one semester of participatory arts from Forms III to VI, these classes serve a unique role in BH students’ academic careers – they are among the first oppor-

tunities to take an elective course – and that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Essentially, ambassadors for the arts at Belmont Hill as well as for the larger selection of electives available on campus, participatory art classes may weigh heavily on students’ course selection process. If students see these courses as just another hoop to jump through in order to graduate, the future does not bode well for the Art Department and, by extension, other departments with electives. Instead of actively engaging and participating in electives with interest and enthusiasm, students will probably try to coast through a course with minimal effort and, given the choice, may even seek to avoid electives in the future. Thus, it is in the best interest of the Art Department to adapt to the chang-

ing times and to include environmentally-focused classes in their curriculum.

Creating art through upcycling could be a great basis for the flagship course in the arts emphasizing environmentalism.

Upcycling is the act of reusing discarded objects to create a product of higher quality or value. In art, that would like using trash or recyclable materials to create sculptures, clothes, etc. The benefit of a class centered around this premise would be two-fold. For one, the art department would be able to attract environmentalists

Executive Editor Thomas McEvoy ‘19 Arts Editor Andrew Jo Lee ‘20 Sports Editor John Gaudian ‘19 Photo Editor Abe Tolkoff ‘21 Layout Editor Charlie Donahue ‘20 Back Page Editors Lawson Morris ‘19 Leighton Dolan ‘19

Illustration by Elias Hyde ‘20

in the student body to take more classes or to take a greater interest in an art requirement. Furthermore, by introducing an upcycling course, the Art Department would promote much needed sustainability on the Belmont Hill campus and could even help to significantly reduce the school’s environmental footprint, something which I am sure the Sustainability Club would appreciate. I really hope the Art Department will consider such an addition to their offerings. I know I would be in Robsham more because of it. ☐

Editors-in-Chief Nicholas Daley ‘19 Matt Smith ‘19

Faculty Advisors Liz Gray Juliette Zener

Copy Editor Matt Goguen ‘19

News Editor Charlie Booth ‘20

Assistant Editors William Lafarge ‘19 Tyler Forg ‘21 Sreetej Digumarthi ‘21

Henry Moses ‘21 Jackson Riffe ‘20 Josh Fairman ‘19 Yazeed Dahleh ‘21

Opinion Editor Chetan Shukla ‘20 Online Editor Jack Weldon ‘20 Graphics Editor Elias Hyde ‘20 Social Media Editor Charles Mullaney ‘20

The Panel, founded in 1953, is the official school newspaper of the Belmont Hill and Winsor schools. The Panel is the voice of the student body. We publish articles that are of consequence to the students, as well as the school communities. The views expressed in The Panel belong solely to the authors and editors and do not necessarily represent the student body, faculty or administration of either school. Any comment about the content should be addressed directly to the editors. The Panel encourages responsible opinion in the form of Letters to the Editor. We reserve the right to edit all submissions for length and content. Copyright 2013 The Panel. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of the Editor-in-Chief. Published by the Belmont Printing Co., Belmont, MA 02478.