The Hill 2021-2022 Issue #3 by Belmont Hill School

March 26, 2022

Issue #3

A Student Publication of the Belmont Hill School

Mental Health During the Pandemic By Ezra Lee ’25 In the spring of 2020, we became excited as we heard the opportunity to have an even longer break awaiting us, not knowing what was yet to come. Quickly, our smiles turned to frowns as we learned what was awaiting us, and before our eyes, the rest of our spring drifted away.

Flew in the first Covid summer, the fear, worry, and hopelessness that so many parents felt; the boredom, loneliness, and anger that so many children felt. It was a summer of risks and daydreams, and for many, the first summer where kids were looking forward to going back to school. The return to school appeared in many different fashions for all, but the light at the end of the tunnel was still far away. We returned semi-remote, excited to see all of our friends, and for brief moments, Covid seemed to go away. Things almost started to return to normal, and the school year, while the days were long and painful for many, seemed to fly by. By May, people were getting excited about the chance of a normal summer, but soon, their dreams were dashed. Our summer was almost a repeat of the previous one, but everyone was just a little more fed up and more willing to take risks this time. We came back this year, and the highs and lows have been highlighted through Covid tests and masks, joking that one day this will be something to look back on and laugh about, ignoring the problem at hand, mental health.

Worldwide, at least 13% of people between the ages of 10 and 19 live with a diagnosed mental health disorder, according to the State of the World’s Children report, published less than a year ago by the United Nations children’s charity UNICEF. It reveals that adolescent mental health is highly complex, understudied — and underfunded. Sadly, psychological distress among young people seems to be rising. One study found that rates of depression among a nationally representative sample of US adolescents (aged 12 to 17) increased from 8.5% of young adults to 13.2% between 2005 and 2017. There’s also initial evidence that the coronavirus pandemic exacerbates this trend in some countries. For example, in a nationwide study from Iceland, adolescents (aged 13–18) reported significantly more symptoms of mental ill-health during the pandemic than before it. Although most mental-health disorders arise during adolescence, UNICEF says that only onethird of investment in mental health research is targeted towards young people. Moreover, the research itself suffers from fragmentation — scientists involved tend to work inside some key disciplines, such as psychiatry, pediatrics, psychology,

and epidemiology, and the links between research and health-care services are often poor. This means that effective forms of prevention and treatment are limited, and there is a lack of solid understanding of what works, in which context, and why. The results of the mental health survey sent around school fall perfectly in line with what was previously stated. The middle school reported only 32% of students saying the pandemic has negatively impacted their mental health.

For high schoolers, over 64% of students reported Covid-19 negatively impacting their mental health.

For teachers, 75% agreed that the pandemic was not good for their mental health.

This goes to show that the issue of mental health only worsens as we grow older. This is not an unfortunate unchangeable problem however. Belmont Hill, during our three-day weekend in February, had an entire day devoted to teaching teachers how to help students with stress and anxiety on campus, but is it enough? At times it seems like nothing will ever be enough, and an all-boys school doesn’t necessarily make it easier to talk about one’s feelings with their peers; but allowing oneself to become vulnerable is, in fact, one of the best solutions. Middle schoolers who elaborated on the question wrote about how it was a nice break to the business of everyday life but also how it became harder to get outside, and how both their physical health and mental health paid the price. When asked about their most difficult experiences, many wrote about the difficulty of limited social interaction and the amount of time in front of the screen. “My mom locked my family down during most of 2020 because we were responsible for helping and taking care of my grandmother. My siblings each had a significant other that was allowed into our bubble, but I did not. That time period got extremely lonely and I felt helpless for a lot of it. I could text people all I want but it’s hard not being able to hang out in person.” Another high schooler reflected on his overall experience throughout the pandemic noting, “I think adults focus on the physical health of students or adults regarding the pandemic and not the

mental health aspect. If there is another quarantine, or a season canceled, a certain activity canceled, etc. I know that the pandemic is extremely dangerous to a small number of people, but you can’t shut down kids’ lives to protect that small group honestly. As high schoolers we only have 4 years of this experience, and then it’s done forever. In college you only have 4 years of that experience and then it’s done forever. People have to take that into account.” Teachers, who haven’t gotten enough credit for all they have done throughout the pandemic, did not have it easy, having to take care of life at home (many with kids), their students, and foremost, themselves. “Like so many others, I felt isolated, worried, certain, at times hopeless. My job as a teacher got both harder and less rewarding. I felt terrible for my students and my own children and all they were missing out on. I felt terrible for others around the world who faced sickness, death, poverty, and more because of covid.” or “It’s been a stressful time to be an educator. Still, at the same time, it’s forced me to bring more technology into my teaching practice and to be appreciative for what I have. COVID is certainly draining, but I feel grateful to not have had it nearly as bad as many, many others.” and “I am in a happy home with a nice family and all of us have bonded and enjoyed our time together. I have also been reminded how lucky I am over this time. I have a job I love and that I have been able to do with some adjustment.”

The fantastic thing about all of these comments is that even though the pandemic has been challenging for them and everyone around them, they still reflect on how so many people worldwide have it so much worse than ourselves. When asked if there was anything else they would like to add, many teachers expressed their gratitude towards Belmont Hill for making this as easy as they possibly could. Still, others expressed concern about our opening up model back in February and specifically when we went back to the dining hall as a school, saying, “I am very nervous to be in the dining hall with the students next week as we will be unmasked. The numbers might be better yet there was never a poll with faculty to see how we might feel about the idea of this concept for lunches.” Another teacher reflected upon our past teaching model and noted that the pandemic might change the way we look at our academic structure and priorities, writing, “My sense at this moment is that we are in for a long term recovery. Perhaps recovery is the wrong word as I sense the last 1.5 years has created a sense of doubt as to whether the past academic structure and priorities at BHS is a lasting model.” This pandemic has brought so much change and has come with countless hours of thought regarding our way of life before the pandemic. Once this pandemic is finally over, there will be a lot of reflection on how we want to return to normal and what normal will even mean.

Community COMMUNITY

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The Bell Hill The

Spring Break School Trips By Thomas Folan ’24

Over March Break there are 3 trips that you can go on. The Utah/Arizona/Nevada hiking trip, California service trip, and New York City history/culture trip. Varsity Crew will also be going to Florida. To go on these trips, you had to sign up in the Fall of this year (2021/22). Many students did not sign up for the trip because of Covid concerns while many others blindly hoped for the best. Fortunately, the trips will be happening, and here is a brief breakdown of the trips. Utah/Arizona/Nevada Hiking Trip: 30 participants will explore three magnificent national parks (Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Grand Canyon) as well as several state parks in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. In these incredible locations, students will hike, raft, and explore with knowledgeable guides who

will share stories of the land and the histories of the people who live there. New York History Trip: 14 students will have the opportunity to expand on their knowledge of American history and culture from their humanities and art classes on the trip to New York City. The trip will focus on cultural landmarks, such as a Broadway musical and walking around Harlem, and historical experiences that highlight various eras and experiences in American history, such as Ellis Island, tenement housing, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the United Nations. The trip will center around expanding student horizons and contextualizing the development of American society through a variety of lenses.

California Community Service Trip: The Belmont Hill community service trip has a long tradition of exposing boys to different parts of our country, interacting with locals, and contributing to the strengthening of communities through service. This trip offers 51 students the chance to travel to Chico in northern California to witness first-hand the devastation wrought by California’s fires. Working alongside fire survivors and AmeriCorps volunteers, boys will hear stories of tragedy, resilience, and hope. They will work hard, but have ample opportunities to enjoy California’s natural beauty, while deepening their relationships with each other. Workgroups mix boys across forms, providing opportunities for leadership and learning that will make them better students back on campus. “Building men of character by working together”.

Spring at Belmont Hill by Alex Tosi ‘24

I went around Belmont Hill and asked people questions about this spring at Belmont hill, and these were the best and most popular answers.

What are you most looking forward to at Belmont Hill this spring?

What sport do you think will do the best this spring?

Spring Sports

Most popular answer: Lacrosse

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SPORTS OPINIONS

The The Hill Bell

2022 MLB Strike

by Alex Tosi ‘25

The MLB is currently in the first work stoppage since the 1994-1995 strike. The strike in the preseason is causing many players, Coaches, and fans to worry if the 2022 MLB season will begin on March 31, 2022, but why is the MLB on strike, and why are players and coaches still stuck negotiating this close to the beginning of the season? On December 2, 2021, the strike began when players argued that in rebuilding for teams, players are limited payroll with the cuts made. Players also believe that young players are getting unfair treatment for two reasons. One because less and less low tier players aren’t getting paid enough in their prime years, and so young players want salaries to increase before a team can send them off to free agency after years of playing. Younger players and older players trying 2 make it into the major league out of the minor league also argue that it is unfair for the MLB to hold them in the minor league for an extended period so that their MLB playing time is shortened. But unfortunately, if you are a rookie, free agent, or any other player or person in service of the MLB who wants to get training and the season going, the whole league has completely stopped in its tracks. But when will the MLB strike stop? Although there have been few signs of progress in the negotiations in the MLB. In an interview three days ago , commissioner of Major League Baseball. Robert D. Manfred, Jr. said, “I believe we will have an agreement in time to play our regular schedule” and that “Missing games would be a disastrous outcome” And while the strong beliefs in starting on time by the league commissioner are a good sign, many other people within the MLB don’t think this way. When Manfred was asked whether the MLB did have a plan if the strike doesn’t end in time, he said that there are plans, but he hopes not to resort to using them as they could hurt the league harshly. Until further notice, it looks like rooting for your favorite team to win their first game this year won’t be the biggest worry, but it will be if your team even touches the field. So keep your fingers crossed for hopefully another great season of MLB baseball. Editors’ Note: Since going to publication, a new collective bargaining agreement was reached between the MLB and the Players Association. Among the major changes are an expanded postseason, higher minimum salaries, a draft lottery, a universal DH, the restriction of the defensive shift, and an increase in salaries for those in arbitration. The new CBA will last for the next five years.

Tom Brady Retirement? by Christopher McEvoy ‘25

After a long and luxurious 22 year long career with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Junior has finally retired-and then unretired-from the NFL. Considered by most the greatest football player to ever step on the field Tom Brady’s football career has been nothing short of spectacular. Over the course of his 22-year career, Tom Brady has accumulated 243 regular-season wins, 624 regular-season touchdown passes, 84,520 regular-season passing yards, 35 playoff wins, 86 playoff touchdown passes, 13,049 playoff passing yards, won seven super bowls, and been named Superbowl MVP five times. Thomas Brady achieved all this after starting as the 199th pick in the NFL draft. Brady announced his retirement on February 1, but questions were soon raised around the manner of the retirement and its ability to stick. The rumors were confirmed on March 13, when Brady announced his return to the Buccanners. How much more he can add to his already all-time resume remains to be seen.

Sports

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The Hill

The Comeback of Joe Burrow

Stafford on a Winning Team?

After being carted off the field with both a torn ACL and MCL, the rookie hotshot Joe Burrow, the first-overall-pick supposed savior of the Bengals franchise, was out for the season. After a rather disappointing 2020 rookie season, many questions were asked about his performance in 2021. With Brandon Allen finishing out the season for the failing Bengals franchise, the Bengals ended with an awful 4-11-1 record. There were many high expectations for the Bengals during the offseason. The offensive line was horrendous in 2020, letting Joe Burrow be sacked 32 times before his ACL injury. Because of their low number of wins, the Bengals were given a 5th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. With Joe Burrow’s excellent chemistry with Rookie WR Ja’Marr Chase, they have quickly became a dynamic duo. They have undoubtedly shown their connection by demonstrating their ability to effortlessly make important drives and game winning connections. Together, Joe Burrow and his line of wide receivers have become a nightmare for opposing defenses. As they have finally reached the Super Bowl, it is key that Joe Burrow keeps his chemistry with his teammates and trusts his offensive line. He should also make sure that he is able to consistently make good completions to his wide array of options. These two key components combined will make the Bengals unstoppable on offense and will lead them to if not 1, then 2, or even 3 Super Bowls. Heading into week 1, the Bengals were highly expected go last in the AFC North, missing the expanded playoffs entirely. Defying expectations, the Bengals ended the season 10 and 7, winning the AFC North. In the wild card round, Joe Burrow took home a 26-19 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. In that game, Joe completed 24 of 34 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns. In the divisional round, Burrow and the Bengals took down the 1st seed Tenesee Titans with a last second field goal by Evan McPherson. Burrow completed 28/37 passes for 347 yards and an interception, but also took 9 sacks, the most by any game-winning QB in playoff history. In the AFC conference championship, the Bengals overcame a 21-3 first half deficit to win with yet another Evan McPherson field goal in overtime. In this thrilling comeback, Burrow completed 23 out of 38 passes for 250 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception. In the Super Bowl, Joe Burrow’s Bengals fell short of the Los Angeles Rams in a crushing defeat. Joe Burrow went 22 for 33, throwing for 263 yards and a touchdown. He also used his legs, rushing 15 times for 72 yards.

With the Los Angeles Rams winning the Super Bowl this year, Matt Stafford deserves to have some light shed on his career and his transition from his old team to his current. Matt Stafford was drafted with the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft coming out of the University of Georgia. He was the highest QB prospect, with a college career 57.1 completion percentage and 7.8 yards per completion. Despite being the #1 overall pick, he was not able to accomplish much, making the playoffs only 3 times in the 12 seasons he played with the team, not winning a single one of those games. He went 74-90-1 in his 12-year stint with the Lions, completing 3898 passes for 45109 yards. Some might say that he was underrated, maintaining a good stat line despite not having the greatest surrounding pieces. In his 2014 Pro Bowl season, he had a 60.3 completion percentage and threw for 4257 yards and 22 touchdowns. Apparently, those people were right, because all it took was for Stafford to get traded to a decent team, and in his first season with the Los Angeles Rams, he led them to a Super Bowl appearance, and not only that, he won the Super Bowl. Despite having a couple of troublesome games in the regular season, Matt Stafford and the Rams have had an outstanding season and played phenomenal in the postseason as well. They finished 12-5 in the regular season and then went on to beat the Arizona Cardinals 34-11 in the Wild Card round. In that game, Stafford only threw 4 incompletions, throwing for roughly 200 yards and 2 touchdowns. The next week he went on to beat Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where Stafford yet again had a great game. Despite his defense almost blowing a 27-3 lead, he dialed up the launch codes and threw a laser to Cooper Kupp with 3 seconds left to set up the game-winning field goal. The Rams went on to the NFC Championship game against their division rivals, the San Francisco 49ers. They had beat the Rams the last 6 games they had played, including an OT victory in week 18. The Rams nearly hung on, winning by 3 points to lead them to the Super Bowl against the Cincinnati Bengals. They won the game by 3 points, with a late touchdown to Cooper Kupp in the back of the end zone. Although, Aaron Donald’s late efforts are not to be unmentioned, as he broke through the struggling Cincinnati O-Line on 4th down and sacked Joe Burrow.

by Ethan Xie ’26 and Nathan Zhang ’26

by Jack Hurley ’27

SPORTS Entertainment

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The Hill The Bell

Upcoming Belmont Hill and Winsor Productions by Stephen Agular ‘25 It’s a Wonderful Life, a joint performance between Winsor and Belmont Hill was originally going to be a live performance held in the Kraft Theater. However, after the first couple of rehearsals, Omicron hit and director Mr. Conway made the tough decision to turn the performance into an online radio play. The actors have been recording their lines which will then be edited by Mr. Conway. The actors are also making the sound effects using foly art which is a method using random objects around you which will be imported into the soundtrack. To go along with the soundtrack of the play, there was a photoshoot of the actors which will be turned into a slideshow. The radio play is expected to be released sometimes this week. Looking forward to after Spring break directed by Mr. DiResta, Shrek the Musical, another performance with Winsor will be a live performance held in the Kraft Theatre. The star of the play Shrek, is none other than Tommy Folan, also known as one of the editor in chiefs of The Hill. There are also many teachers who will be preforming in the musical including, Mr. Cofield, Ms. Hamilton, Madame Montanoro and more. The musical is still in early production but the dress rehearsal open to the entire school we be on Thursday, May 19, opening night on Friday, May 20, and closing night on Saturday, May 21.

Jurassic Park Series Review by William Achtmeyer ‘26

With the Jurassic World: Dominion trailer finally out, fans are getting ready to see the final chapter in one of the most classic movie sagas of all time. But what are the preceding movies like? Let’s start with the first movie. Jurassic Park is an instant classic and one of Stephen Spielberg’s best films. The effects are amazing for its time and still hold up today. Additionally, the acting, writing and directing are all superb and without a doubt make Jurassic Park the best in its series. However, the movie’s best quality is likely being able to convey so many thought provoking ideas in such an entertaining way. While the plot may seem somewhat irreverent (Dinosaurs break loose while investors/endorsers are touring the bio-engineered Dinosaur island site), the film is able to keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time, while also providing some food for thought. The second movie is, well, not as good (to say the least). The Lost World: Jurassic Park does a good job of explaining why people are going back to the doomed dinosaur islands, but has a hard time achieving the level of suspense and thrill that the first movie did. This is not to say that this movie had no thrill (the first half was very good). However, especially towards the end, the movie dissolved into utter chaos. A teenage girl does gymnastics in a run down garage and kills a velociraptor. A ginormous T-Rex in a cage on a transport ship somehow kills each individual crew member without leaving the cage or destroying anything on the ship… and then it goes into a city… and… there’s more, but I won’t get into it. Fast forward 13 years and we come to Jurassic World, which is widely considered to be the second best by many fans and for good reason. After two OK Jurassic Park movies that didn’t really meet expectations, Jurassic World provides a worthy sequel to the first movie.

It, like the other sequels, sets up a very nice and reasonable plot. Unlike the other sequels, however, it actually carries out the plot well. We find ourselves committed to the characters, while also seeing some very exciting sequences. While this movie may not be better than the first, it sets up a nice path for future sequels while also doing justice to the first film. Finally, we come to Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. I find it unfair to compare this movie with its predecessor and frankly with any of the other Jurassic Park movies. The first 45 minutes are similar to the other films, but after that, the movie takes a very different vibe. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is much darker than the other films, taking place at a large mansion where people are illegally selling dinosaurs that were taken from the erupting island on which they used to reside. This movie could have been absolutely horrible, but the writers, directors and actors (except for the, “IT WAS A LIE!!!” moment) largely benefit the movie’s quality. It looks awesome and is an excitement to watch. I would definitely put it up as one of the best and even possibly the second best Jurassic Park movies along with Jurassic World. Final Rankings: 1. Jurassic Park

2. Jurassic World and Jurasic World: Fallen Kingdom (tie)

3. The Lost World: Jurasic Park

4. Jurasic Park 3

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The Back Page

The Hill

Crossword and Look Alikes by Tommy Folan ’25

Look Alikes

The Hill

Mr Calloway

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alex Laidlaw ’25 and Thomas Folan ’25 EDITORS Stephen Agular ’25, Adam Shaff ’25, Chris McEvoy ’25, Jaiden Lee ’26, Benjamin Gong ’26 STAFF WRITERS Teddy Stonestreet ’25, Alex Tosi ’25, CJ Collins ’25, Gabe Umlas ’25, William Achtmeyer ’26, Ethan Xie ’26, Brandon Li ’26, Tyler Grossman ’27, Jack Hurley ’27, and EG Goel from Winsor Faculty Advisor Mr. Conway

Simon Pegg