the
PHARCYDE
THE BENJAMIN SCHOOL NEWSPAPER
@thepharcyde_tbs
4875 Grandiflora Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
4 November 2022
@thepharcyde_tbs
Volume 44
Issue 02
For 14-Year Club, Homecoming Ends With Halloween Parade Matt Marasco Sports Editor On Halloween, the Fourteen-Year Club visited the Lower School with a wide variety of costumes for the annual Halloween Parade. The Halloween Parade features Lower School students dressed in their Halloween costumes and walking around the football field with their classmates as they are led by the Upper Schoolers. Dean of the Senior Class Dr. John Perrugia organized the high schoolers’ involvement in the parade and valued the importance of tradition. “The tradition of the Fourteen-Year Club has existed since the beginning of the school, and it is always nice to incorporate the high schoolers in the parade,” he said. Arriving at the lower school at 7:45, Dr. Perrugia made sure that the Fourteen-Year Club had plenty of time for photos before they split up into their individual classrooms. The pictures will be a key memory for many of the high schoolers. “Taking the pictures in front of the Banyan tree reminded me of all of my years at the Lower School. Even though it’s been about seven years since I was at those trees, it was a great feeling to be back to a place where I spent so much time when I was younger,” said Fourteen-Year Club Charlie Spungin.
Lower School teacher Mrs. Anne Kearns believes the parade gives high schoolers a chance to connect with the younger generation as well as revisit their roots and see what they used to look like when they were younger. “Soon, these students will be saying goodbye to Benjamin for good, as they start new chapters in their lives. Revisiting their happy childhood memories is vital as they move forward into their futures. Also, it gives us, their old teachers, a chance to hug them once more, tell them how proud we are, wish them well, and let them know we believe in them and love them,” said Mrs. Kearns.
It’s like going back home but everything has shrunk while you were away. -Charlie Spungin It is an important event for the Lower School students as well as the Fourteen-Year Club since many of the high schoolers are happy to be able to provide some joy to the Lower Schoolers. “My favorite part of the parade is seeing all the excitement from
Ten members of the Class of 2023 have called Benjamin home for their entire school lives. As is tradition, the members of the 14-year club help lead the annual Halloween Parade. Before the event, they gather before the Banyans for a group picture. (Photo by Jeremy Ferris)
the Lower School and how happy Halloween makes the students and teachers at Benjamin. It allowed me to go back to where I grew up for 14 years and see the teachers who helped shape me,” said Fourteen-Year Club member Nicole Nicklaus. During the actual parade, the homerooms were led by their teach-
ers and one high school student as they marched around the football field. The parade consisted of two complete laps around Kennerley Field. Fourteen-Year Club member Hailey Ende’s favorite part of the parade was walking with the students. “My favorite part was seeing all of the younger kids dressed up. So
many of the kids had such creative costumes,” said Ende. Not only is the parade a core memory for the high schoolers, but many of the Lower School students also love being able to see the high school students as it gives them a chance to engage with students who were once in their shoes.
Homecoming 2023: A Royal Honor Moffit, Marx Crowned King and Queen, Underclassmen Elected to Court
A Spectacle for the Ages Showcase Highlights Singers, Musicians, Dancers On Mon., Oct. 24, underclassmen showed off their talents under the bright lights of Benjamin Hall. First, Performing Arts Department Chair Mrs. Sara Salivar introduced the Showcase. She thought that Benjamin Hall was like the “Field of Dreams” for the students to perform in. “We had beautiful talent displayed,” said Salivar. “We really have some incredibly talented students and the fact that they were able to perform in Benjamin Hall was great.” First in the showcase was freshman Catalina Sánchez, who danced to “Dance of the Bridesmaid.” Then, sophomore Sage Sorensen sang “Before it’s over,” while sophomore Vhibav Kartik played “Day Tripper” on his guitar. Freshman RJ Pierman followed with “In a Sentimental Mood” on saxophone, and Han Tang with “Aragonise” on the piano. After, Junior Asia Cohen danced to “Ashes.” Freshman Alina Zheng performed “Nocturne”
on the piano. Finally, junior Skyler Hoben danced to “Barracuda.” Music teacher Mrs. Kirkland Austin loved how the showcase went. “The underclassmen showcase was really amazing,” said Austin. “We had a great display of talent with all the different kinds of art represented, with visual arts in the lobby and vocal arts on stage. It was a really great showing of Benjamin’s artistic talent.”
This year’s Homecoming Court brought about its usual excitement when announced at the football games and Dance on Oct. 28 and Oct. 29, respectively. The student population, as always, voted for their class representatives. A change from prior years was the elimination of couples, as those on the Court were voted for individually. This change, according to Student Council Advisor Mrs. Anne Franzen, was something that she had seen other schools execute. “I learned that people in school were using the Homecoming Court as an opportunity to pair people together who had either broken up or didn’t like each other,” Mrs. Franzen said. “It was kind of a way to pick on people, and that was unacceptable to me.” During halftime of the football game on Oct. 28, the representatives were announced. For the freshman class, Terrion Ivy-Akins was the sole representative. Easley Hughes and Giancarlo DiLeo represented the sophomores, and Gianna Demerski and Luke Wise represented the juniors. The six seniors who were in the running for Homecoming king and queen were announced at halftime as well. The three boys were Andrew Moffitt, Leo Bryne, and Jackson Brindise, and the girls were Sophie Marx, Riley MacDermott, and Alexa Beriro. The winners, announced at the end of the Oct. 29 Dance, were Andrew Moffit and Sophie Marx. “It was very cool to be elected Homecoming King,” Moffitt said. “It was definitely something I never expected, and it was definitely an honor.”
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The Pharcyde
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Dress Your Age Onesies, Track Suits, Maternity Wear, and Sweater Vests Highlight Generations Day Spirit Wear Upper School Students jumped through time on the first day of Spirit week. On Mon., Oct. 24, the School hosted “Generations Day,” when each grade dressed up as members from different generations. The freshman dressed up as babies, the sophomores were college students, the juniors were mothers/fathers, and the seniors were grandparents. Many freshmen came dressed in costumes, determined to help the Class send a message to the rest of the Upper School: 2026 has spirit! Freshman Tatum Little discussed what it was like to be part of the excitement. “I think it’s really fun because some people have pacifiers and wear onesies. I wore a onesie and crocs with all my friends,” shared Little.
Chase Odom, the older, wiser, and more spirited sophomore, came dressed up as a college student. “I think it is cool because everyone can dress up as what they think a college student looks like. Also, for the other grades everyone can come together and it would make a family which I think is funny” adds Odom. Odom’s look consisted of a light green and white colorful button down shirt with light blue shorts. Senior Carter Smith talked about what made Gemerations Day special. “It was really funny to dress up as an old grandma with my friends, and I walked around with a cane,” said Smith. From babies to old ladies, the first day of spirit week was a good old time.
Bikers & Beach Bums Leather and Leis Dominate Day Two The second day of Homecoming featured the theme of Hawaiians v. Bikers, where the freshman and sophomores were paired as Hawaiians and the juniors and seniors as Bikers. There were many great costumes all around campus including biker tattoos and Hawaiian leis. One sophomore, Sage Sorenson, went all out on Tuesday to dress up in her best Hawaiian attire. Her outfit included a rash guard, a Hawaiian shirt, a lace bracelet, and a fitting hat. “I planned my outfits for Homecoming week in advance. My best dressed day was probably Tuesday since it was my favorite theme. I made sure to research Hawaiian ideas
CLASS OF 2025 DOMINATES DODGE BALL
During his four years at Benjamin, Brett Salach has always fully participated in Homecoming activities. Whether being lifted on the shoulders of Owen Gruner and Carter Smith as a Freedom Freshman, rocking his PJs as a Sleepy Sophomore, or running around the football field in a tutu and neon wig as a Jumpman Junior, Brett’s been an integral part of the Homecoming memories of many. “This spirit week is different for me because I am a senior and I want to go all out. I do not care what people think about me, so I am just gonna do and wear what I want. I love participating in Benjamin’s activities and embracing the school spirit.”
The first day of Spirit Week came to a rousing conclusion with a series of dodgeball matches in the gym. The first battles saw the freshmen faced off against the juniors while sophomores faced off against the seniors. The freshman started off winning early in the match, but quickly shed players once the junior bleachers came alive with chants of support. It came down to a tough battle between Junior Brendan Matz and Freshman Gary Mann. Matz got Mann out after Mann tried catching one of the balls Matz threw, but dropped it. “It got crazy at the end and I almost won but the ball tipped off my fingertips,” reflected Mann. The sophomores took on the seniors in an intensely balanced match. Seniors dropped like flies as the sophomores pulled off an upset to advance to a final championship round against their eastern-bleacher foes. In the finals, the sophomores took down the Juniors as the match came down to sophomore Angelina Townsend against Ava Schulties. “I did not expect to be the last one, but it was really fun and I got the winning out” exclaimed Townshend. Competitive dodgeball was a great start to spirit week.
and compile them to make my outfit the best it could possibly be,” said Sorenson. Although the sophomores were very spirited, the juniors and seniors made sure they did their best too, including junior Christian Smith. “I liked the biker day since I was finally able to use this helmet I have been holding on to. I thought it was pretty cool that the grades were paired together,” said Smith. Overall, the Biker and Hawaiian day showcased many amazing outfits with some of the best props of the week with featured helmets, mohawks, lulus, and lots of swimwear.
Out of My Way! Obstacle Course Sets US Students Racing The second Homecoming activity was an obstacle course. Located in the gym, the freshman came out victorious. The first activity included each grade having to sprint to the other side of the gym to pop a balloon with their teammate without hands. “My favorite part of the obstacle course was the balloon popping. I think it was funny seeing all the attempts and failures,” said junior J.P Walsh. The second part of the obstacle course was a math problem that included multiplication and division, but there were many mixed reviews. Many students would like to see these activities include more brawn than brains. “I liked the Homecoming activities this year, but I don’t know why there wasn’t something more fun in the obstacle course than a math problem,” said senior Gavin Aydelotte. The last part of the obstacle course featured students running in a big red bubble. The gym was energetic during this event as many students bumped into each other. Although the obstacle course had mixed reviews, it featured wide participation throughout the many activities and was a very fun way to end the second day of Homecoming.
Humans of
After his sophomore year, junior Joshua Luiz wanted to focus more on school spirit than he had in his last two years of high school. So, this year, his main focus during Homecoming week was to participate in the themes and have a good time.
“I love homecoming week because it gives everyone a chance to show school spirit and have fun with friends. My favorite day was Tuesday since I thought being dressed up as a biker was pretty cool,” said Luiz.
Humans of
T h e B e nj a m i n U p p e r S c h o o l
Monday’s content is brought to you by freshmen staff writer Jackson Zetner, making a scary face for the camera.
Tuesday’s content is brought to you by junior sports editor Matt Marasco, pictured making ahere scary taking BeReal. face fora the camera.
T h e B e nj a m i n U p p e r S c h o o l
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The Pharcyde
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There’s No Better Friday Night: Bucs Shutout SLAM!, Increase Team Morale The Friday night lights were on once again on Oct. 28 for this year’s Homecoming football game, as the Bucs hosted and defeated SLAM! Palm Beach High School 85-0. The Bucs entered the game with a 3-4 record, coming off a hard-fought overtime win at Calvary Christian the week prior. The game against SLAM! opened in dominant fashion. By the end of the first quarter, the Bucs had already jumped to a 36-0 lead. This
was largely in part due to junior running back Chauncey Bowens tallied two touchdowns within the opening quarter. The superiority over SLAM! that the Bucs showed early in the game was not only as a result of the team’s talent, but also the game plan. “We came in with a game plan and executed just how we wrote it,” senior Micah Mays said. “It felt good when we scored about three or four
touchdowns in the 1st quarter.” Those in the student section felt like the result in the Homecoming game was the cherry on top for an excellent week. “I think it’s a good way to bring it home. I think it’s good to get the school population excited, especially after a really action packed spirit week, to take it home with a win,” senior Owen Nutter said. “It’s just a good feeling.”
Record Attendance Marks First Homecoming Dance Since COVID
the
PHARCYDE
Founded in 1980 as The Spectator 04 November 2022
Volume 44, Issue 2
The Benjamin School 4875 Grandiflora Road Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33418 Contact Information Phone: 561-472-5998, ext. 2119 Fax: 561-691-8823
EDITORIAL BOARD Charles Spungin, Editor-in-Chief
Joey Tomassetti, Managing Editor Eclaire Solano, Photography Editor Matt Marasco, Sports Editor
STAFF WRITERS Cameron Bitove Atticus Fasnakis-Nosal Reid Waxman Jackson Zentner
Advisor Dr. John Peruggia john.peruggia@thebenjaminschool.org Advisor Emeritus Mr. Kendall Didsbury Media Consultants Mr. and Mrs. Tim Burke
MISSION STATEMENT
GENERAL
The Pharcyde, the Upper School newspaper of The Benjamin School, is published approximately seven times a year. Copies of The Pharcyde are distributed to 473 students and 75 faculty members and are available electronically at thepharcyte.com or by request to the paper’s faculty advisor, john.peruggia@thebenjaminschool.org The Pharcyde encourages submission of Letters to the Editor. Send your feedback, criticism, or outside opinions in 150 words or fewer to joseph.tomassetti24@thebenjaminschool.org or charles.spungin23@ thebenjaminschool.org.
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OPINION
The opinion articles in this paper are the opinion of the writer or the majority opinion of The Pharcyde Editorial Board. They are not the opinion of The Benjamin School or our advertisers.
QUOTATION POLICY
Anyone interviewed by The Pharcyde will have the chance to correct and edit their quotations before the paper goes to press. If they would like to change their interview before the quote confirmations get sent out, they can contact the student who interviewed them and ask to redo the interview.
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The Pharcyde is a member of the Florida Scholastic Press Association, American Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association.
The Pharcyde reserves the right to edit all letters for length, grammar, and clarity.
The Pharcyde is a student newspaper produced to foster an open dialogue about topics that relate to The Benjamin School. The issues that appear throughout our pages may be light-hearted or serious, but regardless we aim to reflect the diversity of opinion within our school that we value so deeply.
Photos via photoboyz, courtesy of Mrs. Franzen
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The Pharcyde
4 November 2022
Togas Galore
The Pharcyde
4 November 2022
Gentlemen, Spider-Men, and More
“Dressings” Day Covers US in Cheer
Classes Vote Own Themes to Wrap Up Spirit Week
Every Homecoming week, the seniors get to partake in one of the Upper School’s most prestigious traditions: wearing togas. On Thurs., Oct. 27, the Homecoming theme was salad dressings. Freshmen were “French” dressing, meaning they could dress like they were from France. Sophomores were “Italian” hence their Italian attire. Juniors were “Ranch” dressing, dressing like the Wild West. Finally, the seniors were “Caesar” dressing, meaning they could dress like they were from Rome during the reign of Julius Caesar. The toga tradition is a special privilege given to the senior class, separating their experience from all the other grades. Togas symbolize
All throughout Homecoming week, students and teachers dressed up according to their theme for that day. Friday was special because the students got to wear their gradethemed shirts. The freshman had the choices of Film Freshman, Funky Freshman, Festive Freshman, and Fancy Freshmen to choose from. They ultimately decided to choose Fancy Freshmen as their theme. The sophomores had the choices of Supreme Sophomores, Superior Sophomores, Savage Sophomores, and Sendy Sophomores to choose from. They ultimately decided to choose Sendy Sophomores as their theme.
how special senior year is. Senior Luke Egizio explains the importance of wearing togas to the seniors. “I think it’s cool to have the opportunity to dress differently than everyone else. It’s kind of like a special thing just for us,” said Egizio. Junior Zach Neidoff expresses his excitement to wear a toga next year. “I think it’s a great senior tradition. I’m looking forward to finally getting the opportunity to participate in this tradition next year,” said Neidoff. It is obvious that “Toga Day” is beloved by the seniors, so it should stay a Homecoming tradition for the foreseeable future.
Junior Luciano Curioni participated in every event during Homecoming week, showing his true Buccaneer spirit. “I wanted to go out and show my school spirit. We only have four years in high school, so I want to enjoy it,” said Curioni. When asked about his performance in the events, he said, “I think I contribute my effort to our grade well. Although we didn’t win the events, I put my heart into it and tried my best.” Curioni is a great example of someone who gets involved in the community.
The juniors had the choices of Joshin’ Juniors, Joe Juniors, and Jersey Shore Juniors to choose from. They ultimately decided to choose Jersey Shore Juniors as their theme. The seniors had the choices of Skater Seniors, Sailor Seniors, Sporty Seniors, and Superhero Seniors to choose from. They ultimately decided to choose Superhero Seniors as their theme. Students either got to wear their class shirts for that day or could dress up accordingly to their theme. Sophomore Johnathan Vidal thought that it was cool that the students could pick their theme. “The different grades were able to choose which theme they wanted
Junior Grace Havlicek really showed out for this theme. “I personally liked this theme because it was different than any we have ever seen or done before,” said Havlicek, “Usually, the juniors do “Jacked Juniors” or “Junkyard Juniors”. It was fun to do something different because it is usually very repetitive.” Havlicek loved the theme this year since she thought it was unique and different. “My idea came from the show “Jersey Shore” and the character Snooki. I love dressing up and going all out in theme so I looked up some inspiration online and found a funny outfit. Spirit week is my favorite part of the year so I think it’s funny and exciting to go all out.”
T h e B e nj a m i n U p p e r S c h o o l
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Male Cheerleaders Don’t Jiggle Jiggle, They Fold Class of ‘26 Claims Crown In Entertaining Upset, Sophomores Skip Event selves. Junior JP Walsh detailed the highs and lows of their performance. “I think we did the best we could. We felt pretty organized as a group. One thing we might need to work on for next time is adding different formations to our routine instead of being in a line the whole time,” said
and were able to perfectly execute the creative shirt,” said Vidal, “I thought each grade represented their theme well.” Starting off the day after the first period, there was a pep rally where senior and Student Council President Owen Nutter began by leading a scavenger hunt with the seniors winning. Then, the students played musical stairs, and senior Bella Garaj took home the win for the seniors. After that, Athletic Director Ryan Smith acknowledged all of the fall sports teams. The dazzlers then performed a dance for the school, then it ended with Student Council Vice President and senior Leo Byrne leading the school in a chant.
Humans of
Humans of
Another year of Homecoming at the Upper School means another year of Male Cheer. On Thurs., Oct. 27, each grade level, minus the sophomores, competed for the title of “Best Male Cheer Team.” The freshmen were the first to perform. Being the youngest in the Upper School, they used their boundless energy to their advantage. Freshman Julian Luiz, one of the stars of the freshmen Male Cheer team, described the roller-coaster of emotions he went through during their performance. “In the beginning, it was scary because you’re out in front of the whole school. But once we started dancing, I became less nervous and had a lot of fun,” said Luiz. The juniors were up next, and they put on a solid performance them-
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Walsh. The seniors were the last to perform. They put on an eventful show, but ultimately came up short. The freshmen came into the day as underdogs, but they were the clear winners when it was all said and done.
Girl Power
Lady Bucs Clash in Powderpuff Matches
The event that took place on Friday was Powderpuff, which is when the girls play football and the boys coach the girls. First, the freshman and sophomores played. The freshman came out on top with an overtime win, that took them to the championship. After that, the juniors and seniors played. The juniors won
Thursday’s contentisisbrought brought Tuesday’s content to you by freshman Reid Waxjunior sports editor man Friday’s is courtesy of Matt and Marasco, making a scary junior Joey face for theTomassetti. camera.
in overtime against the senior class, sending them to the championship to play against the freshman. In the championship, the freshman won 10-7 and went home victorious. Freshman Avery Grande thoruoughly enjoyed winning the championship alongside her peers. “I thought that it was fun since I loved the environment of the gym on that Friday,” said Grande, “It was funny that the girls were playing a sport that they didn’t play.” The way that powderpuff is so unique is how the girls play football and the boys coach their players. This aspect is quite unique to the sport and entertaining for those who watch it. Sophomore Ford Cash enjoyed coaching the girl’s football games. “I had fun coaching the girls since I love football,” said Cash, “I blame the loss to the freshman on me and my coaching staff.”
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