The Blackfriar Chronicle - November-December 2016

EDITORIAL:

FR. REILLY, THIS IS MALVERN

What we want Fr. Reilly to know about Malvern students as he starts his term.

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PROM HITS DELAWARE RIVER AGAIN

With five months to go, students are already getting excited for the festive event.

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EXAMINING MALVERN'S MILITARY CONNECTION

According to college counselors, applying for service academies is "like early decision, but on steroids."

BARBARIAN SPORT OR BEST SPORT?

Senior Michael Bradley makes a case for the best sport at Malvern Prep.

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November/December 2016

ON THE ROAD: STORIES OF MALVERN'S MISHAPS Tips for students stepping behind the wheel for the first time.

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Volume 17, No. 3

Brady Era comes to abrupt end With a 7-3 season and a share of the Inter-Ac title, Aaron Brady resigned from his position prior to the team’s final game.

Patrick Ferraiolo ‘17, Henry Malone ‘17 SPORTS EDITORS hile Malvern Football will bid farewell to their graduating senior class after this season, they bid an abrupt farewell to their head coach.

On November 18, Head of School Christian Talbot sent an email to Malvern parents, faculty and staff, and the Board of Trustees to announce the resignation of Brady in both of his roles as Head Football Coach and Director of Experiential Learning.

"While this is a challenging time for transition, I respect his decision,” the email stated.

On November 19, word began to spread around the Malvern community that Aaron Brady had coached his last game for the Friars.

On November 23, he walked onto the field one last time to view the game from the pressbox.

“It was definitely very emotional,” Brady said. “I was really proud of what these seniors did the last three years, and I wanted to see them in their last game.”

According to Athletic Director, Kurt Ruch, his resignation was a personal decision of Brady’s.

“From the school’s standpoint, [his resignation] is a personal matter, and we do not deal with personal issues or personal standpoints like that,” Ruch said. “If [the students] want to find out, they can talk to Coach Brady and have him explain it.”

Brady, after much consideration, decided to leave Malvern in pursuit of a future in college football.

“I really wanted to pursue college football and go into that direction,” Brady said. “I coached in college before, and I really wanted to get back to that level.”

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Chorus performance at Melania Trump rally scheduled, cancelled Administration said they chose to cancel performance to avoid the appearance of endorsing a candidate.

Tyler Pizzico ’17 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ew Head of School Fr. Don Reilly O.S.A looks forward to interacting with students, acting as both a teacher and a student, and talking about his favorite movie: “The Godfather.”

Seriously, make sure to see that movie. He takes personal offense if you never have.

Reilly certainly fits his name. In Spanish, “Don” translates to gift or a gift from God. As Malvern’s next Head of School, Reilly is looking to hopefully make his presence a gift to us here on campus.

Malvern is a close-knit community that’s essence stems from the idea of Truth, Unity, and Love. Having a Head of School who has grown up and embraced those core values his entire life is reassuring.

“I’m from the area and I feel my whole life has been in the presence of the Augustinian mission. I went to Grammar School at St. Philomena’s in Lansdowne, then I went to Monsignor Bonner high school which of course is also an Augustinian school,” Reilly said.

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Rowan Cabahug-Almonte ’20, Brian Szipszky ’20 CONTRIBUTOR, REPORTER ess than one week before the 2016 Presidential Election, Malvern’s Men’s Chorus prepared to take a national stage at a local presidential rally. That opportunity abruptly changed to disappointment for some students when the performance was cancelled less than 24 hours before the event.

Music teacher Mr. Ed Liga informed students about their invitation to sing the National Anthem at Melania Trump’s November 3 election rally at the Main Line Sports Center in Berwyn, and shared the news with the school community on

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OPINION

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EDITORIAL

Blackfriar

Chronicle

New Head of School commits to Augustinian values Dear Malvern Prep Community,

As we get to know new Head of School Fr. Don Reilly, he must also get to know the student body.

Editorial Board equal chance to succeed. r. Reilly: We’ve come to learn you’re a man who loves Even though we are a close-knit community that is classical music and “The Godfather.” Most of us bonded together by Truth, Unity, and Love, each student are guys who rap songs in the hall and binge-watch is completely different. We suggest getting to know as Netflix shows. How will we get along? Just fine, we’re many students as you can, because you will hear a unique sure. Acceptance is what Malvern is all about. Compared story from each individual. There are football players to other schools, there is something intrinsically different in liturgical music, varsity captains starring in the play, about Malvern Prep and its students. honor roll students in the jazz ensemble, students that At some schools, the student body is known for their spend two hours in car or train to reach school everyday, athletes and contributions to the sports teams. At other students working hard to overcome family and personal schools, students dedicate their time to creating an excep- difficulties, and an infinite amount of other extraordinary tional academic environment. Malvern students empha- combinations. size both of these things; however, neither of them are of Students also become cynical at times when they paramount importance. aren’t asked for their opinions. They feel Despite being an excellent school acaas though they have great ideas that could The goal isn’t to demically, students sometimes feel they greatly benefit the school experience of stuproduce the best aren’t challenged enough. Perhaps chalathletes or writers, or dents, yet sometimes they are not given a lenged is not the right word. Students feel students, or musicians, chance to act on them or to pass them onto the coursework can be rigorous, yet they administrators. This is yet another reason to or actors, but to do not feel like they can actually fail. They produce an environment get to know as many people on campus as feel that teachers have safety nets to assure possible. This aligns with the Augustinian where each person that each students at least passes the class. idea of Malvern students being both stucan become the best Often, this may lead to the grade on the dents and teachers. version of himself report card not accurately representing the For a school that has undergone so and is prepared “for student’s ability. much change in the last few years, it is hard a life of integrity In college, complete independence is to pinpoint exactly what the Malvern tradiand courageous required, especially with studying. We feel tion is right now. We’ve had four different leadership.” as though there should be a paradigm shift schedules in the past four years, we’ve had at Malvern. The environment should be one three different homework websites in the where failure is possible and perhaps usual. As long as past three years, and we’ve even gotten rid of our library. students have the opportunity and resources to learn from Malvern is a school that places a large emphasis on those mistakes, this will be a good thing. It will be better tradition. These traditions are important because a stuto get those hiccups out of the way in high school before dent’s Malvern experience would be incomplete without we venture off to all corners of the globe. them. Things like MECO, the junior year service trip, the In a similar vein of excellence, Malvern places a great various clubs and sports students join, or belting out “No, deal of emphasis on sports – as it should. However, win- nay, never!” at the talent show intangibly define a student’s ning championships isn’t the main goal of Malvern, not Malvern experience, while a math course or SAT score is even for the athletes. just another number on the transcript.

Malvern is a multidimensional school with a someThe essence of Malvern can not be found within a times intangible goal in mind. building on campus, a sports field, or our website. It can At our school, that life of integrity only be found in the hearts of the students and courage begins with a foundation of whose freedom to pursue their passions At our school, that brotherhood. allow them to become the best possible life of integrity and We are teenage boys, so of course there version of themselves and teachers who courage begins with will be disagreement and times when we dedicate their time to the betterment of a foundation of push boundaries of how we treat each other. their students. brotherhood.

At Malvern, this never lasts long. Even if The best calculus teacher in the couna brother is not our best friend, or even try wouldn’t fit in at Malvern if he or she if a student makes a mistake, we have guidelines in our didn’t have these selfless values. The bonds students have Augustinian values on how to recover. with teachers transcend the classroom. We understand the This idea of inclusion - or Unitas - is something we are changes you must make to make Malvern the best institusure you experience at St. Augustine’s so we are happy to tion it can be, but please don’t sacrifice the traditions; it’s promise that same ideal at your new home. what makes Malvern Malvern. The Malvern of old might However, despite this sense of community, the idea not even recognize the Malvern of new. The classes are of brotherhood – our school’s defining factor – doesn’t different, the facilities are different, and the school address become truly tangible until senior year, at MECO. even changed in 1922.

The seniors and MECO leaders on the editorial However, the graduates of 175 years ago should still board agree that after four years with their peers and this be able to identify with this year’s senior class. unforgettable experience, their classmates are truly their We hope our staff has successfully represented the brothers for life. Mr. Algeo always says when we go to school body at large. We hope you, Fr. Reilly, take these college, we won’t find a better fraternity than the Malvern things into consideration and use them to make the combrotherhood. ing years the best they can possibly be for you and the When our underclassmen spoke about brotherhood, community. Malvern has gone through a lot of changes in they didn’t feel the same sense of meaning. They didn’t recent years, with more buzzwords and changes in direcassociate the word with their Malvern experience like the tion than we could fit in any one article. Although it is seniors did. attempting to keep up with many changes in our world, For a community so bound together, it was astound- Malvern should never change for the sake of trends or of ing to see how two different classes could see something change itself. so differently.

Central to Malvern is the brotherhood and our We suggest that you stress the sense of brotherhood Augustinian values. Our alumni want to see that current immediately upon coming onto campus. If the school is students are centered in those values, and our students to move forward with its 21st century style of education, want to feel as though they are part of more than just an it must first convince its students to buy into learning as experiment. a community, not as individuals. For this to work, each Fr. Reilly, we look forward to entering into this new person must feel like they have a spot at the table and an chapter of Malvern’s story with you. ◊

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have been asked to write a letter introducing myself to you in this period of transition in leadership. I welcome the opportunity. I am grateful to the Augustinians, Malvern’s Board of Trustees, Christian Talbot and the Transition Team for affording me the honor of being part of the school community and for arranging occasions in the coming months during which I am able to meet people with whom I will live and work on and off campus.

Malvern is celebrating one hundred seventy-five years of outstanding Independent, Augustinian, Catholic education for young men. The history of the school parallels the origin and presence of the Augustinian Order in our country. It is a special place for the friars, the alumni, and their families. The development and evolution of the school over these years has placed Malvern in a coveted position of being among those schools offering a premier education steeped in a culture of Augustinian spirituality and pedagogy My own Augustinian education at Msgr. Bonner High School and Villanova University in the 1960’s introduced me to the importance and value of community. I experienced learning within a community of learners. My education was not a single endeavor but a communal activity in which the exchange of ideas, the importance of living one’s faith, and the expectation to care for others through service solidified a perspective on life that continually challenges me to grow.

It is this wonderful integration of knowledge, character development, and spiritual growth within community that epitomizes an Augustinian education. How fortunate are we to have St. Augustine, a towering figure and seminal thinker in Christianity who captured the spiritual values of Truth, Unity and Love as signposts of an educated person, as our inspiration and guide. It is philosophy of education and his unique spiritual journey that I treasure and commit myself to living and sharing with the Malvern Community.

Having begun spending Fridays on campus before I assume my new position on July 1, 2017 and getting accustomed to my life at Malvern, I am struck by the embodiment of Augustine’s spirit of Brotherhood and the deep desire of the community to love and serve one another. Learning with others is an exciting opportunity for growing in knowledge while forming lifelong friendship precisely what Augustine recommends.

I look forward to being part of the Malvern Community and, as Augustine says: “...being of one mind and heart intent upon God.”

Fr. Donald F. Reilly, O.S.A.,D. Min. ◊

What it means to be a leader in diversity After a meaningful experience, I reflect on my experience at the Student Diversity Leadership Conference Nick Li ’17 REPORTER he true essence of diversity is that NICK LI '17 every person, no matter what he Member of Diversity Club, represented or she looks like, believes in, or Malvern at Student identifies as, has his or her own unique Diversity Leadership Conference story.

From Dec. 8-10, senior Andy Ritter, junior Zamir Shelton, sophomore Jordan Wright, and I had the opportunity to represent Malvern Prep at the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) and People of Color Conference (PoCC) in Atlanta, Georgia. What ensued was a weekend of learning, listening, and loving.

There was a combined total of over 5,000 students, teachers, and administrators representing independent schools from across the country at SDLC and PoCC. The breakdown was about 1,600 students and about 3,400 teachers and administrators, with the students participating in the SDLC and the teachers and administrators participating in the PoCC. The collection of students was the most diverse group of individuals that I have ever been surrounded by -- not only in terms of race and ethnicity, but also gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, ability, and family.

The stories that each student shared were unique, powerful, and moving.

I was extremely surprised at my ability to connect to many of these stories, especially those of the Asian affinity group. The feelings and experiences that the students of Asian ethnicity shared were so similar to those of my own. It was the first time that I had been able to connect to people on such a deep emotional level; it was a little unsettling. Then again, their stories differed greatly from my own as well. And that speaks to essence of diversity: every

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Blackfriar

Chronicle

is a monthly student-run publication at Malvern Preparatory School. Its online affiliate is the Friar’s Lantern (www. mpfriarslantern.com).

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Malvern creates new format for quarterly honors assemblies New interactive format receives mixed feedback from students.

Mission Statement

Tommy Wolters ’17

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Editorial Policy

Submissions

Letters to the editor are encouraged, and may be submitted to Tyler Pizzico (tpizzico70@malvernprep.org), Tommy Pero (tpero70@malvernprep.org) or adviser Kate Plows (kplows@malvernprep.org).

Anonymous letters will not be published.

Editors reserve the right to contact writers or edit submissions for reasons of space or clarity. Our staff also welcomes feedback in the comments section of The Friar’s Lantern online, or via our social media. Each comment is subject to review by a moderator or an Editorin-Chief of the Black Friar Chronicle/ Friar’s Lantern. Commenter’s email addresses must be verified, and comments are reviewed for defamation, profanity, obscenity, libel, and invasion of privacy. Not all comments are published.

Joining our staff

New contributors are welcome throughout the school year. The Blackfriar Chronicle staff meets Monday and Friday each week at 7:45 AM in Duffy 118. Please contact any member of the staff listed below for the most up-to-date meeting schedule.

Editors in Chief Tyler Pizzico ’17 Tommy Pero ’17

Managing Editors

Print: Ethan Rowley ’18 Online: Jack Magargee ’18

Art Director

Chase Bennett '19

Public Relations Editor Jack McClatchy ’17

Investigative Reporter Dan Malloy ’18

Section Editors

Friar Life Michael Harrington ’19 Kyle Leonard ’19 Sports Henry Malone ’17 Patrick Ferraiolo ’17 Media & Culture Dan King '19 Local/World News -TBAJack McClatchy ’17 Social Media Editor Eric McLaughlin ’18

EDITORIAL BOARD

All editors Member(s) of Class of ’20 Aidan White Aidan Gallary Member(s) of Diversity Club -TBA-

Prom hits Delaware River again Malvern gets ready for another great prom

The Blackfriar Chronicle and The Friar’s Lantern are the student-run publications of Malvern Prep. The principal goals of the publications are to provide accurate and relevant information to the Malvern community and to offer a forum for intelligent dialogue on all things Malvern.

The reporting for these student publications is conducted thoroughly and edited by student leaders to ensure this accuracy to the best of our ability. In order to fairly provide all points of view, contributions from all members of the Malvern community are welcomed and encouraged through letters of opinion, student reporting, and respectful commentary.

The unsigned editorial represents the consensus of the entire Editorial Board.

As a team, we agree and stand behind every word. The Editorial Board is a group of students composed of The Blackfriar Chronicle editors-in-chief, managing editors, chief investigative reporter, section editors, social media editor, podcast editor, a representative of the freshman class, and a representative from the Diversity Awareness Club.

The group is meant to include a group of different students so all opinions and voices can be heard.

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FRIAR LIFE

The

September 2016

SAMMY SCHUTZ '19 EXAMINES THE SPIRIT OF AUGUSTINE WALL IN TOLENTINE HALL, WHERE STUDENTS WHO WON THE AWARD EAC QUARTER ARE ACKNOWLEDGED / M. HARRINGTON

Mark Chakejian ’17 CONTRIBUTOR t the first quarter’s honors assemblies, students were introduced to a new format for quarterly honors assemblies for the 2016-2017 school year.

Distinguished honors students were called to stage, while first and second honors students are now recognized by being called to stand at their seat. The new award is called the Spirit of Augustine award, presented to a student who exemplifies the values of Malvern Prep.

The honors assemblies were the same for many years.

Students who received honors at all levels were simply called to stage to receive certificates.

This year’s honors assemblies have decreased the focus on GPA and recognizing honors, according to School Counselor Ms. Korin Folan. However, these topics are still a significant part of the presentation.

“We are still recognizing distinguished honors by having those boys come up to the stage and having those boys who receive first and second honors stand to be recognized,” Folan said.

According to Dean of Faculty Coaching and Development Mrs. Beverly Gordon, the new format of the honors assembly came from a specific group of teachers.

Gordon led the faculty summer institute in summer 2016. “The summer institute project for this past summer was if there was one thing faculty would add or improve to benefit the students, what would it be,” Gordon said.

Gordon said that Folan, Department Leader Mr. Jay Schiller, Science Teacher Mrs. Anna Geider, and Art Teacher Mr. Robert Muntz came up with the idea to reformat the honors assembly.

“It was fully their design,” Gordon said. “They came up with the spirit of Augustine Award, and a pilot of the honors assembly to present to the other teachers.”

The Spirit of Augustine award was presented to one student in each academic department, at each grade level assembly. The award was not given to the student with the best GPA, but to the one who embodies great work ethic and Augustinian values.

“The award goes to a student who embodies the mission of the school, and the venn diagram of global citizenship, entrepreneurship, and Augustinian values,” Folan said. “This award is voted on by each department of the school.”

Part of the assembly was dedicated to a slideshow showing parents and students the work done this quarter.

Folan organized the slideshows featured at each assembly.

They deemed this slideshow as the showcase of learning.

“A few weeks before the assemblies, we sent out an email to all faculty and students, asking for them to send any pictures or projects that they wanted to share,” Folan said. “We received feedback from teachers talking about what they did in class, and how they wanted to have their

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students present it to the school.”

The showcase was open for everyone to submit their accomplishments during the quarter.

“We invited everybody to submit pictures, videos, and projects,” she said. We are hoping that in the future the robotics team will bring out the robot and show everybody what it can do.”

To obtain pictures for the slideshow, Folan took pictures from the Malvern website and and the marketing department.

The creators of the new assembly are eager to hear feedback to improve it.

“The hope of the group is that they would ask for and collect feedback on what students, faculty, and parents felt about the redesign,” Gordon said.

Senior Shane Muntz was happy with the new style of the assembly, but believes there is still room for improvement.

“I liked how the assembly went at a faster pace and was not dragged out,” Muntz said. “However, I believe that if second and first honor students are not going up on stage, then neither should the distinguished honors.”

Muntz believes all levels of honors should be recognized equally at their seats because everyone is working hard to achieve their goals.

However, overall Muntz was pleased with the new format of the assembly.“The new assembly is definitely better than the ones from freshman, sophomore, and junior year,” he said.

Junior John Powers was disappointed with the new format of the assemblies.

“I don't like the new assembly because the kids who got first and second honors are left out,” Powers said.

“Some kids may have gotten honors for the first time and were very excited to be recognized on the stage.”

“My primary hope is that everyone enjoys the assemblies now that they've had a chance to see the new format,” Folan said.

Folan said the same format will be used for the next assembly, and afterwards a survey will be sent out to see if there are any suggestions or adjustments from the community.

“We will still keep the three aspects as the focus – honors, Spirit of Augustine award, and the Showcase of Learning,” Folan said, “These are three things that we thought were not non-negotiable and really wanted in the assemblies, but we are open to changing the format and how we present these things at the assemblies.”

According to Folan, the assemblies are primarily for the students. Eventually, she would like to see students take an active role in leading the honors assemblies.

“First we are looking for more student involvement, and then eventually looking for students to take over the assemblies and run them,” she said. ◊

Visit this story online to read the list of students awarded honors after the first quarter.

CONTRIBUTOR s the school year passes on into another quarter, Malvern is preparing for this year’s prom on Saturday, May 6 now.

It is time to settle some questions and rumors that have been going around campus to start the year.

T he possible venues were Citizen’s Bank Park and The Spirit of Philadelphia. However, according to Whitney, Malvern could not secure a date at Citizen’s Bank Park.

“The Phillies schedule came out, and they happened to have a game on the date so that eliminated the option,” Whitney said.

“The prom will be held on The Spirit of Philadelphia,” Whitney said.

This will not be the first time Malvern is holding prom on a boat.

After the 2015 prom on the Spirit of Philadelphia, Whitney knew that the boat could comfortably hold 400 people, so it was a great option.

“My older brother Ryan went to prom the first year they had it on The Spirit of Philadelphia,” senior Tommy Wolfe said. “He had a great time and said the boat was awesome, so that made me want our senior prom to be on the boat.”

Last year’s prom at Drexelbrook was also a hit with Malvern students and their dates.

Vi l l a M a r i a s en ior, Ju l ie Gillan, had a great time at Malvern Prep prom last year. Gillan said, “Everything at prom last year was amazing, it was all around a simply great time with all of my friends and their dates.”

“I thought that Malvern prom was a lot better than our prom at Villa for many different reasons. The food was better, the music was better, and the location was better,” Gillan said. “If I were to be asked again this year, I would be looking forward to the great food, and seeing all of my friends all dressed up.”

Food has also been a huge hit at recent Malvern proms. “All of the food was outstanding at The Drexelbrook last year,” senior Andrew Clark said. “I hope the food is just as good this year.”

According to Whitney, the Spirit of Philadelphia will provide this year’s catering for dinner. “We use the caterer that the venue provides so it is different depending on where the prom is held.”

Even with five months to go, students are already looking forward to this year’s prom.

“Prom is one of my favorite things at Malvern. It is a great time to be with all of your friends and see everyone dressed up,” Clark said.

“There is really nothing not to like at prom.” ◊ Story produced in senior Journalism and Media Literacy elective class. Jack Magargee ’18 contributed.

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Juniors select Summer Christian Service Trips

Blackfriar

Chronicle

Funding for Christian Service sizable

Some juniors are satisfied with their trip selections, while others have concerns about the process.

Jadon Diehl ’17 REPORTER ith nerves and anticipation, the junior class met on Wednesday, October 19 in the Duffy Center for a random lottery to determine their Christian Service trip destinations.

Director of Christian Service Mr. Lawrence Legner implemented a lottery system for the Christian Service trips several years ago, so that students should have equal chances to select their desired service trip.

Prior to the lottery, juniors submit a worksheet that lists their desired service trips in order of preference from the eight available trips.

“Every name gets placed in a hat, each on a slip of paper, and I choose one name at a time,” Legner said.

“The student will receive the trip that is highest on his list. If his first trip is already full with kids, then he gets placed with his second choice.”

However, Legner noted several exceptions to the straight lottery process.

“If a student has a sport or a summer job and are only available for a certain service trip, they can be placed to go on that specific trip even before the lottery is held,” Legner said.

Every year, when the juniors receive a list of the trips to select, the brochure states that the student, in most cases, will receive one of his first through third picks. However, this year there were some juniors that did not get even their third choice.

“Some kids in the junior class

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received their 6th and 7th pick, which are their last choices,” Legner said.

Legner said that he added a second trip to the Dominican Republic last year, so that more students could attend this popular option.

Some juniors tried to switch the trips that they were assigned in this year’s lottery.

Junior Lucas Hammond also was assigned Armenia in the lottery.

Hammond said that Armenia was his last choice and he got picked to go on the trip because of the lottery system.

Junior Jake Hodlofski also got placed to go to Armenia this year.

“I was a little skeptical at f irst,” Hodlofski said. “I didn’t think going to Armenia was safe at first, until I went to the meeting, and Mr. Legner guaranteed us that we are safe and that if something happens, we would leave as soon as possible.”

Legner insists that all destinations are safe. “Safety is the number one priority,” he said.

At the meeting about the A rmenia trip on October 25, Hodlofski and Hammond’s nervous assumptions about the trip changed to great expectations after Legner explained details about the trip and safety.

On the Armenia trip in 2016, students met with Pope Francis, who was visiting the orphanage where students worked.

“I am really looking forward to my trip this summer,” Hammond said. ◊

> MELANIA TRUMP RALLY, 1

Wednesday, November 2.

On the day of the event, however, Head of School Mr. Christian Talbot emailed the student body to explain that Malvern’s Men’s Chorus would not sing at the rally.

In his email, Talbot explained how performing at the rally “implies an acceptance of one position over another.”

Talbot further explained his position in an interview. “Prior to the election, I did not want for there to be the appearance of Malvern institutionally supporting one candidate over the other,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the appearance would have been that institutionally we were supporting Donald Trump, which would have meant that roughly 50 percent of our families might have looked at that and said, ‘Wait a minute. Is Malvern a school that supports Donald Trump?’”

Talbot explained that he would make the same decision if the event had been a rally for Hillary Clinton.

“I did not want us to appear to be institutionally supporting one perspective over the other, because then I think that runs the risk of stifling that dialogue that’s so important,” he said.

Senior Men’s Chorus member Nick Gatti said that many students were eagerly anticipating the event.

“Literally no one in this school’s history has ever gotten this opportunity,” Gatti said. “To be shot down like that when we were all looking forward to it, less than 24 hours before, was pretty heartbreaking.”

Freshman Andrew Batters was also upset with the decision. “All the [chorus] members were upset and actually very mad that we couldn't go,” Batters said. “Malvern would have become a big sensation.”

However, senior RJ Napoli is more understanding of the decision to refrain from singing at the event.

“I 100 percent understand the actions of the school,” Napoli said.

“While I do personally feel that music transcends politics, I can understand how a good portion of the population could see it as an endorsement.”

Talbot said that if Trump would have already been President on November 3, the decision would have been different.

“After the election, once the person is president, they’re everybody’s president,” Talbot said. “You may not like Donald Trump, but he is still your president. So, if we could do something for an event for the President of the United States, I would jump at that.”

The University of Notre Dame, a school with connection to Malvern and where several alumni attend each

STUDENTS LAY THE CONCRETE FLOOR FOR A GREENHOUSE ON THE FIJI SERVICE TRIP IN SUMMER 2016 / T. PERO

Three different endowment funds cover all of Malvern’s expenses on service trips.

Jack McClatchy ’17 PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR unior Pat McNally-Heinemann has already begun to raise the $1,500 needed to pay for his service trip to Costa Rica.

“I did some stuff over the summer,” he said. “I’m probably going to go to my church to raise money.”

What juniors like McNally-Heinemann and others might not know is that they only pay about half of the expenses of the service trips.

According to Director of Christian Service Mr. Larry Legner, Malvern has an endowment fund that covers expenses for its Christian Service trips abroad and to New Orleans.

When Legner first started the trips for Malvern seniors, there was no endowment.

“I went around to different parents, grads, corporations, and solicited money,” he said. “$5,000 here and $10,000 there, to help cover half the expense.”

As time went on, Legner said he couldn’t keep going to the same sources to help fund the program.

“They were willing to help for a couple years, but then it got to be a difficult thing to go back year after year after year,” he said.

The endowment then started with parents of an alumnus who had been to Peru and South Africa with Legner.

“Both were very supportive of both of those trips,” he said. “They put up $125,000 to go into an endowment.”

The terms of the endowment state that Malvern is not allowed to touch the principal of the endowment, or the money added into it, but only the interest that the endowment accrues. The money taken from the account also has to be used for Christian Service only, according to Legner.

Director of Finance Mr. Ted Caniglia said that the endowment fund has grown to include three different funds that totaled $2.28 million in September 2016, the most recent data. The funds totaled $2.37 million at the end of June 2015, and $2.18 million at the end of June 2016.

According to Canigula, the funds are invested into mutual funds, stocks, and bonds managed by Hirtle and Callaghan, an outsourced Chief Investment Officer and

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year, is grappling with a related decision involving connections between the school and politics.

In an inter view with Notre Dame’s student newspaper The Observer, university president Fr. John Jenkins said that he is indecisive on his decision to invite the newly elected president to speak at commencement, a school tradition.

Jenkins said that the speech “may be even more of a circus” than when President Obama spoke in 2009.

Several audience members jeered anti-abortion comments at Obama, which unexpectedly became a main subject of his speech.

investment department based in Conshohocken with regional headquarters in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Pittsburgh.

Malvern spends 5% of the dividends each year on the service trips, according to Caniglia. This is within the limits of Pennsylvania Title 15, which says that a “nonprofit corporation incorporated for charitable purposes” like Malvern can spend within 2-7% of the dividends.

With the funds in the endowment, Legner said that Malvern is able to cover about half of the costs for juniors, with the chief cost coming from airfare. For some trips, Legner said that the cost of a ticket has gone down between $20 and $30, and said one trip had the cost of a ticket increase $100.

“It all depends on the price of oil,” he said. The price of oil affects the cost of refueling airliners, and as the price of oil goes up, so does the price of a ticket, according to NPR. Legner said that the most he charges any student is $2,000 for any trip. So for trips that are more expensive, such as to Fiji or the Philippines which Legner said are the most expensive, more funds are diverted to funding those trips than to trips to closer destinations such as to New Orleans.

“Their flights are expensive,” Legner said of Fiji and the Philippines. “They’re both about $2,100 each for a ticket.”

Malvern is also able to cover the expenses for all chaperones on the trips, according to Legner and to Spanish teacher Dr. Joan D’lugos, who has been been on three trips to Peru and one trip to Costa Rica.

“The teachers [and other chaperones] are giving ten days of their time,” D’lugos said. “That’s the cost, in a way.”

According to D’lugos, Malvern covers chaperones’ parking at the airport, checked bags, and other incidentals on the trip. They are encouraged to keep receipts if possible for any unexpected expenses.

The endowment funds play a large role in allowing all juniors to go on the service trips, Legner said.

“Without it, I don’t think we would have the program,” he said. “It would be extremely difficult to do.

We would certainly limit the amount of guys who could participate in the program.” ◊

“I think it’s fair to say the election reveals deep divides in this nation — divides on political views, on economic prospects, educational differences, differences in opportunities,” Jenkins said. “And they run deep in the country.”

Talbot is sensitive to Notre Dame’s concerns around the decision whether to invite Trump. “I understand why they grapple with it, and I think they grappled with it when President Obama was asked to speak there,” he said. “It’s a question of huge importance, and I feel very strongly that it is important for Catholic schools to welcome [leaders]

into the community for the purpose of respectful, intelligent dialogue.”

In his email to students, Talbot explained he is proud that Malvern has been able to welcome speakers across the political spectrum to campus.

“These events are designed to encourage discussion in our community and provide an opportunity to consider a perspective that may be very different from our own,” he explained. “We will continue to offer these opportunities to our students.”◊

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Students worry over inability to see first quarter grades

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After feedback, MyMalvern grades will remain live through the date when second quarter grades are posted.

Dan Malloy ’18 “I was even more stressed out than I would have been seeing CHIEF INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER my grades,” Nguyen said. “I didn’t know if a teacher could have fter the first quarter ended on Oct. 21, students were not put in a wrong grade or give me a zero for a missed assignment able to see their grades on MyMalvern until they got without telling me.” their report cards 11 days later. This became a source of Junior Patrick McNally did not have any problems with his anxiety for both students and teachers. grades, but he noticed a general concern among his classmates.

Head of the Upper School Mr. Ronald Algeo said that this “My experience and the experience of those I talked to about system was in place in order to reduce stress, not to raise it. it was an increase in stress and anxiety about their grades because “The reasoning behind this practice was because the new they couldn't see them,” McNally said. quarter had very few grades in it, so if somebody Mulcahy said that it was tough for him missed a HW or had a rough quiz early in the because he couldn’t tell his parents what his “I was even more quarter, it would swing the grade inordinately final grade was. “All you can respond with is stressed out than I low, causing the cumulative GPA to drop as ‘I don't know’ or ‘I am not sure,’ which only would have been seeing my grades. I didn’t know well,” Algeo said. “It was an attempt to allow caused more problems as [parents] thought you if a teacher could have the new quarter to unfold and for students to could be hiding that you did bad,” Mulcahy said. put in a wrong grade build some grades so there wouldn't be that Algeo explained that teachers are encouraged to or give me a zero for larger early fluctuation which only caused more notify the student of the grade they receive at the a missed assignment confusion.” end of the quarter. without telling me.”

Algeo said he received feedback from both “Typically, the teacher would print out the -Peter Nguyen '18 teachers and students saying it would be betgrades or show the student the grades,” Algeo ter for students to see grades at the end of the said. “We call that a verification process just to quarter. As a result, students will be able to see their grades at make sure they didn’t put in anything wrong.” the end of the second quarter.

Algeo also said that students should ask their teacher what “We’re going to give it a try where we don’t [turn it off],” their grade was if they are worrying about it. Mr. Kevin Moore, Algeo said. who teaches five Calculus classes, received an unusually large Algeo said the reaction to this change will determine whether number of these requests after he assigned an assessment near or not the change will become permanent. the close of the quarter.

Junior Peter Nguyen had a similar opinion to those who “I would say that over half of my students contacted me about wanted the change. Nguyen, like all other students, could see what their final grade was after the close of the quarter due to his grades throughout the quarter. The policy made the end of grades being put in on the last day of the quarter on my end,” the quarter stressful for him.

Moore said.

“I had a couple tests and assignments that I couldn't see the Moore said it wasn’t annoying, but it added a lot of extra work grades for because the marking period closed,” Nguyen said. that could have been avoided. “I would say that it partly fell on “Until my report card came, I had no idea what my grades looked me as well as the system we have in place,” he said. like.”

Moore thinks that students should have access to their grades Freshman CJ Mulcahy also thought the end of the quarter when the quarter ends so students can check to see if teachers was “nerve-wracking.” put in the correct grades.

“In a few classes, I had last minute tests and extra credits “We should have it correct as teachers, but we do make to do, especially with the new accelerated schedule,” Mulcahy mistakes,” Moore said. “If a grade is put in later in the quarsaid. “We did not get many grades in for that quarter. It was ter, if you don’t have access to see your grades you may especially stressful for me being a student who borderlines on the not catch it in time until after you see your quarter grade.” line between First Honors and Distinguished Honors.”

Another issue with the first quarter was that it was sped up by Nguyen said that he wasn’t so worried about his early second a week compared to last year. This was due to the first semester quarter grades because he knew they had time to sort out. What ending before Christmas break for the first time ever, according got him anxious was his previous grades, to which he was now to Algeo. He explained that this schedule change will help cut in the dark. down on work for students over the break.

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“If you are teaching a semester class, typically you would go up to Christmas, students would be away for two weeks, then you have to wrap everything up in two quick weeks in January,” Algeo said. “It felt really disjointed. And obviously the students had a lot of work over Christmas because of that.”

Both Nguyen and McNally said that the shortened week did not affect them at all. They also like the idea that they will not have to worry about the first semester over break.

However, Mulcahy said that this lost week did affect him.

As a freshman, he felt that the first week of high school was an introductory week with little tests or projects, which left them with very little time to learn for and take the assessments.

With these marking period issues in mind, Moore said that he supports the change so that students can see their grades at the end of the quarter. However, he made it clear that all decisions should be made off of consensus and administration support.

“I do defer to Mr. Algeo because he has the biggest picture out of all of us to make those decisions,” Moore said.

McNally said that the policy of the inability to see grades at the end of the quarter had a good intention to relieve stress, but only made things worse. “It took too long for us to see our final grades,” he said.

He is slightly irritated that he still cannot see the number grades on MyMalvern. He can see the letter grades on his report card, but he would like to see his number grades for the first quarter as well.

Algeo emailed a letter to parents on Friday, Dec. 16 explaining that second quarter grades are due for teachers on Thursday, Dec. 30. “That gives them some time with their families on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day before they will turn in Final Grades,” he explained in the letter. “We will then go through the grades from our end and build the GPAs, check for accuracy, and compose Honors lists. Grades will be posted online on Wednesday, January 4.”

Algeo stated in the letter that he has advised teachers to limit checking email to once or twice a week over the winter break. “If you or your son have any questions, you are more than welcome to email individual teachers. If you do not hear back immediately, it’s OK,” he stated. “They may be away on a trip or are following my advice.”

“We will have plenty of time to make sure that all documents are accurate as soon as we get back on Monday, January 9 and will make sure we answer any question you may have,” he wrote. ◊

Men's Chorus sings at Chester County’s Naturalization Ceremony Men’s Chorus first sang at the event four years ago.

Steve O’Meara ’19 The second speaker was attorney Rosana Chiple, CONTRIBUTOR who chaired the ceremony. Chiple immigrated to alvern Prep’s Men’s Chorus sang at the the U.S. with her mother and gained citizenship.

Chester County Courthouse on Nov. She said that the main reason works with the natu4 at Chester County’s Naturalization ralization process is because she wants to see each Ceremony, in front of brand-new American citizens. person’s life change.

The process of becoming a naturalized U.S. After these speeches, Judge Jacqueline Carroll citizen is rigorous and extensive, with an applicaCody finished the ceremony. tion, interview, and English and citizenship tests.

Prior to the ceremony, music teacher Mr. Ed The Naturalization Ceremony is the last step of that Liga said that the students were very excited. “They process. were really pumped up, because usually when a lot of The new citizens inducted on November 4 came performing groups perform, it's a concert,” he said. from more than 20 countries.

The men’s chorus first attended this ceremony “The experience to be in front of a bunch of three years ago, according to Liga. people that are trying to be nationalized into our “It can be a great teaching exercise for the stucountry and to sing for them was phenomenal,” dents who go,” Liga said. “It’s not everyday you get freshman Andrew Batters said. invited to something like that. I never went to anyThe ceremony was comprised of three sepathing like that when I was a kid.” rate parts. The first part included the introducBecause security is a big factor at the court“IT’S NOT EVERYDAY YOU GET INVITED TO SOMETHING LIKE THAT." STUDENTS WERE EXPECTED TO tion of the judges, the acknowledgement of each house, Liga said they had to pre-record the songs on WEAR FORMAL DRESS AND NOT BRING PHONES TO THE FORMAL NATURALIZATION CEREMONY AT THE CHESTER COUNTY COURTHOUSE ON NOV. 4 / S. O'MEAR A individual’s new citizenship and dis-allegiance to a CD in case he could not bring the keyboard. Liga their former country, and a presentation of a few was able to bring his piano into the courthouse, but gifts to each new U.S. Citizen. it had to be thoroughly examined and checked for Next, Malvern’s chorus sang three songs: “God Bless America,” “America the Beautiful,” and any harmful substance or weapons. the National Anthem.

Spectators of the ceremony could not bring in their cell phones. Students were expected to The end of the ceremony featured two speakers, each with a different message. The first speaker wear formal dress. was local volunteer and Emergency Management professional Michelene McCloskey. Her message Men’s Chorus members had a great day, and an even better day after they all stopped for a pizza was that Patriotism does not have any political ties. “Patriotism is about people helping people,” lunch after the ceremony in West Chester. ◊ she said.

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Teacher of the Issue: Mr. Stephen Borish Though recently starting his teaching job at Malvern, Mr. Borish’s experience here has been life changing.

Chase Bennett ’19 he found out that he wouldn’t be ART DIRECTOR able to take classes in law and r. Borish grew up still commit to research. He said in Havertown, he was offered a job by a faculty Pennsylvania and member earlier in the year, and attended Malvern Prep for high when the position was still open, school. He returned five years he took it. after graduating to begin his “An awesome opportunity teaching career. that happened at the right time,” “It's a good time to be a Borish said. “And the culture teacher I think,” Borish said. had changed in such a good way “And I think we're going back that I felt – I need to be a part of to really questioning what this and give back to a commuschool is for.” nity that has given me so much.”

Borish is excited for what’s Borish has had a copito come from Malvern as he ous amount of memories from believes that Malvern is makwhen he was here when he was ing changes for the better. He’s a student and even some from glad that Malvern’s ideals have when he was a teacher last year. shifted from memorizing inforHis most fond memory is that BORISH WORKS WITH JUNIOR NATHAN JONES C. BENNETT mation to asking questions and of Malvern’s exchange program problem solving. for students.

“I think we’ve moved in a great direction “That was totally life changing – [the "The culture had changed in such and we continue to,” Borish said. “And that exchange program] has given me so much” a good way that really is the reason I came back to Malvern.”

Borish said, “not only in terms of me as a I felt – I need to Borish began teaching at Malvern last Spanish speaker but me as just an individual be a part of this year but his life here started in 2006 when person in society trying to make the world a and give back to a community that he attended Malvern for high school. better place. It has changed my outlook on life has given me so “I went to elementary school at St. Denis entirely.” much.”

– now it doesn’t exist anymore,” Borish said.

He loved his time outside of the country -Mr. Stephen Borish “They changed the name to Cardinal Foley I and recommends it to all who are thinking think. After that I went to Malvern.” about it.

After graduating from Malvern in 2010, “I thank all those experiences that have he attended Temple and graduated in 2014. Borish began happened,” Borish said. “It’s all due to the exchange proworking for Temple the following year. gram we had here when I was a student.”

“I worked in research at Temple,” Borish said, “and did Borish has been enjoying his time here as a teacher volunteer work outside of Temple at different universities and can’t wait to see what the future holds. and then I came back and worked for Temple again.”

“It’s a very cool place to work,” Borish said. “Outside Borish said that it can be a very fulfilling job, but it of Malvern, I’ve never experienced [a bond amongst cowwasn’t the right one for him. orkers] in the few places I’ve worked. It’s a joy for me to “It’s a cool job, you get to do a lot, you get to meet a come into work and see all the people I work with every lot of really smart people,” Borish said. “but it can become morning.” very solitary. You just have to be a certain type of person.”

Since Borish remained in the area he grew up in, he He still loves doing research on his own time but he has continued to enjoy his favorite Philadelphia foods. He enjoys being around others and embracing a community. said that tomato pie is his favorite dish.

“It was a great experience and I loved working there,” “I love tomato pie,” Borish said. “That by far is beautiBorish said, “but it just didn’t work out.” ful. Like, that is just the epitome of good pizza.” ◊ Borish left his job at Temple to work at Malvern after

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Childhood leukemia impacts family Parish support helped Adam Morys’s family stay strong through leukemia diagnosis and treatment.

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Artist of the Issue: Amir Webb ’17 From cartoons to the streets of Philadelphia, Webb finds inspiration for his artwork in all aspects of his life.

WEBB WORKS IN HIS SKETCHBOOK IN THE LEARNING COMMONS / S. WARD

Sean Ward ’17 REPORTER ou may know about Amir Webb from his NFL rankings on the LC walls, but grading pro quarterbacks isn’t his only talent.

Amir Webb grew up and currently resides in West Philadelphia, PA. Before coming to Malvern for freshman year, he attended Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Philadelphia from kindergarten to eighth grade.

Webb said that drawing and art has always played a large role in his life.

He’s been drawing and painting for as long as he can remember.

He recalls sketching cartoon characters as soon as he was able to pick up a pencil. “[Drawing] has always come naturally to me,” Webb said. “I’ve always enjoyed it.”

Webb believes that art gives him an opportunity to analyze things and really get a feel for what they are.

Webb said that what he sees in his daily life is a large part of his inspiration for his artwork. “I’ll be walking around in the city seeing different streets, different parks, and it just kind of clicks,” he said.

Webb credits his best drawings as those of “Eagles’ greats,” including Brian Dawkins, Reggie White, and LeSean McCoy (who currently plays for the Bills: “Thank you Chip,” he said).

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Luke McClatchy ’19 his bloodstream.

CONTRIBUTOR Side effects of treatment for ALL are low resistophomore Adam Morys was diagnosed with Acute ance to infections, but higher risk of bruising and Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on November 2, 2003. bleeding, fatigue, feeling sick, sore mouth, changes ALL is a cancer in which the bone marrow in the body cre- in taste, changes in heart muscle, hair loss, and ates too many immature lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells. anemia — a disorder in which red blood cells lack Morys received his treatments at Children’s Hospital of hemoglobin, the protein in charge of binding oxyPhiladelphia, receiving many blood transfusions gen to the red blood cell. and chemotherapy.

“I use to have to go to “I don’t remember too much since I was very ADAM MORYS '19 CHOP monthly to have my blood checked,” young,” Adam said, “but I do remember having Diagnosed with ALL in he said, “then every quarter, then every six must visit CHOP all of those tubes in my arms for the treatments.” 2003, months, and now it’s only once a year.” annually to ensure cancer One of these tubes was the central line, a large has not returned As tough as Leukemia was for Adam, tube inserted into the chest to inject the chemo it was just as rough for his parents, Marian drugs into a large vein in the body. and Jolanta. “It was really tough handling Symptoms of ALL can include very easy bruising and bleed- Adam’s leukemia and our everyday lives,” Mrs. Morys said. ing, flat, pinpoint dark-red spots under the skin, lumps in the Mr. and Mrs. Morys both work and had to manage time at neck, weakness, and loss of appetite, according to the American their jobs along with time with Adam.

Cancer Society’s website www.cancer.gov.

“Usually, Mr. Morys would work during the day while I spent Morys received his chemo treatments through his mouth, it at the hospital until he finished,” Mrs. Morys said. “He would veins, or spine. stay with Adam in the hospital after work while I went home to “I had complications because of the fungus and had to spend care for the house and Adam’s siblings.” three more weeks in the hospital,” Morys said. “I also had to be The Morys family came over from Poland, so they had no rushed into the hospital every time I had a fever in case of blood family around to care for Adam while they were at work. infection.” To treat that, Adam received antibiotics directly into “It was hard, but we had a lot of support from the parish.

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Webb has brought this artistic passion and ability to the Malvern community in many ways.

He has taken the Studio Art course each of his four years, is a member of the National Art Society, and has been a part of every Malvern Theatre Society (MTS) production that has been performed during his time here. He is currently Stage Crew Manager for MTS. Webb is looking to keep art very prevalent in his life at college and beyond. He plans to study architecture.

Some of Webb’s other hobbies and passions include playing football and watching the 76ers. He deems himself the “best corner in the game and a very dangerous receiver in the [Malvern] intramural league.”

H i s f a v o r it e c l a s s t h i s year, aside from Studio Art, is Government with Mrs. Harriet Lappas.

For this article, Webb has also agreed to reveal his ranking of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL to share with the Malvern community. They are as follows: Matt Ryan, Derek Carr, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford During his career at Malvern, Webb has contributed a lot to the art department, and he looks to solidify his legacy through his artwork in his final months on campus. ◊

Whatever we couldn’t do they would help us and do that for us; they also prayed for us everyday,” Mrs. Morys said.

Although Adam is currently in good health, his cancer is still part of the family’s story.

“It is a great relief to know Adam is cancer-free, but we still have to visit the doctor for the next ten years to make sure the cancer does not return,” Mrs. Morys said.

Mrs. Morys said that Adam’s leukemia was difficult, but that it was a growth experience for Adam.

“Adam grew up very fast. Being so sick at a young age forced him to mature quickly and he thought like an adult at the age of five,” she said. ◊

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Malvern builds new stage in campus center Jewish student describes Maintenance team completed new project at the end of October, in time for students and teachers to enjoy fall classes outdoors.

ON WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7, THE COMMUNITY CELEBRATED A TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY ON QUAD IN FRONT OF THE DUFFY CENTER. THE CEREMONY FEATURED HOT CHOCOLATE, COOKIES, TREE DECORATING, AND MUSIC. THE STAGE LOOKS GREAT IN QUIETER MOMENTS, TOO. SEE MORE PHOTOS ONLINE AT THE FRIARS'S LANTERN. / H. MALONE

Erik Kolar ’17 REPORTER n a sunny afternoon in early November, Theology Teacher Dr. Rick Poce and his Comparative Religions class sat outside the Duffy Center on a brand-new stage, meditating.

Senior Mike Bradley is a member of Poce’s religion class. “The stage is great, it is a nice localized place for everyone to meet as well as an area for classes to convene,” Bradley said.

In late October, the maintenance department built a new stage outside the Duffy Arts Center. Director of Facilities Operations Mr. Jeff Kinney and Director of the Arts Ms. Jackie White worked in coordination to bring this idea into reality.

Malvern Prep has made it a priority this year to improve its campus, with new rocks and landscaping along with new signs around the ring road. The outdoor stage is just another addition to the list.

Kinney credits the idea of the new stage to White.

“We were trying to collaborate on some space that would be nice for outdoor projects and presentations so we came up with the idea of building a stage outside. The stage sits in a high traffic, visible area,” Kinney said.

According to White, the stage was built to be “a place to hold class, play music, read poems, conduct science experiments, and gather and talk.”

Kinney and his maintenance team were able to build the new structure while at the same time keeping it cost effective. “It was under 1000 dollars in materials to build the stage, but then you have factor in the cost of labor, not that it’s free, but all of us maintenance guys did it,” Kinney said.

The stage was built to stay – but maybe not forever.

“We dug down deep enough for footers, but did not pour the concrete, so it's not a permanent fixture but it could stay there for a long period of time,” Kinney said. “It also could be taken out of there and then the dirt just filled back in where the footers were if there was the need to

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remove it.”

It was a relatively easy process for Kinney and his team.

They were able to get the new stage up and running in just under two days. “It was not that difficult to construct if you are familiar with building these types of things,” Kinney said.

Senior Liam Close quickly took a liking to new stage on campus. “It looks pretty nice, the maintenance team did a good job on it,” Close said.

Students have already been able incorporate the stage into their everyday classes. Senior Adam Yablonski noted that his AP literature class went outside to read parts from Hamlet on the stage.

Kinney cited plans to improve the new stage and even incorporate technology into it.

“We are in the process of trying to figure out how to run power to the stage. The stage kind of sits on an island so it is very difficult to try to pull power from the buildings without doing any trenching and digging, but we’re looking into that,” Kinney said. “We want to have power so we can set up a Christmas Tree out there and so people can do small acoustical sets out on the stage like they did for open house.”

Kinney envisions even putting a jumbotron on the stage. “The plan is to have a permanent power source for the stage so we can have lighting and outdoor concerts.

You could put a projector out there, you could show a movie,” Kinney said.

“At the same time we will talk with the IT people. It would be kind of cool to have our own little jumbotron.

It would be cool to have things live streaming all the time so we're looking into that too, it might be a pipe dream at this point, but we're looking into it,” Kinney said.

White hopes for the stage to always be a venue to promote the courage to display or share with others. With regards to future opportunities for the stage, “It’s endless,” White said. ◊ Story produced in senior Journalism and Media Literacy elective class.

STUDENTS AND TEACHERS GATHER TO DECORATE THE CHRISTMAS TREE ON THE NEW DUFFY STAGE. THE TREETOP DECORATION CONSISTS OF STAKES AND RIBBONS BEARING THE NAMES OF VETERANS FROM THE VETERAN'S DAY CELEBRATION / J. LISTER

questions, understanding Senior Andrew Ritter has nothing but great things to say about his experience at Malvern Prep.

ACCORDING TO SENIOR ANDY RITTER, MALVERN STUDENTS HAVE BEEN VERY UNDERSTANDING AND SOMETIMES CURIOUS ABOUT OF HIS JEWISH FAITH. / T. PERO

Vince Sposato ’17 Ritter said he is often asked CONTRIBUTOR questions about his religion by the As a Jewish student, senior Andy Malvern community.

Ritter was a little bit “ People a re ver y scared about entering understanding of my a Catholic school as a religion,” he said. “They According to the Malvern Prep freshman. are always curious about website, the “Coming into my religion. Catholicism student body is Malvern, I expected to and Judaism both origi85% Catholic. be scrutinized because nate from the same first I was different,” Ritter five books, so we do have said. “But I found a great group of some things in common. Many peofriends that I have been close with ple don’t understand my beliefs and for four years.” simply want to know more.”

Malvern Preparatory School Ritter has enjoyed learning about thrives for students to embrace the Catholicism at Malvern, while at school's three major values: Caritas, the same time teaching others about Unitas, and Veritas, which in English Judaism. means love, unity, and truth. In Theology Department Leader other words, Malvern Prep displays and Director of Augustinian Identity the message of brotherhood, as repre- Fr. Christopher Drennen said teachsented by the students of the school. ers need to be aware that not all stuThat brotherhood extends to stu- dents are Catholic. “For example,” dents of all faiths, even Drennen said, “I gave a though the school is a test the other day and "There have been jokes about me Catholic school. and I didn’t ask what if I am planning According to the the right answer was, I on converting, Malvern Prep website, asked what the Catholic but no one at the student body is 85% Chu rc h t au ght .”

Malvern has ever asked me seriously Catholic.

Drennen said that the if I was planning Ritter said he has theolog y department on converting. really felt the unitas emphasizes respect for They have been here at Malvern. He non-Catholic students’ very supportive and really made went to Springton Lake religious beliefs. me feel like I Middle School in Media, Ritter has had peobelonged.”

Pennsylvania before he ple try to convert him to started his freshman Catholicism in a joking -Andy Ritter '17 year. manner. “There have “I thought Malvern been jokes about me if I offered a better education than the am planning on converting, but no public school system I was previously one at Malvern has ever asked me a part of,” Ritter said. “Malvern seriously if I was planning on conoffered more advantages and sup- verting,” Ritter said. “They have been port than I felt I would have gotten very supportive and really made me elsewhere.” feel like I belonged.”

Ritter was raised in a Jewish Ritter said that on MECO, he household, and embraces the religion. fully understood the value of friend“My father is Jewish,” Ritter ship and brotherhood. “God Bless said. “I had to go to classes every 116,” he said. He realized that the week to learn the Hebrew language brotherhood is real, and that he’s and the history about my faith.” He been a part of it ever since he walked still attends synagogue regularly and in as a freshman. participates in Jewish festivals and Ritter feels that he has been holidays. treated with respect since day one Mr. Brad Ritter, Andy’s father, at Malvern. According to Ritter, said he was did not want his son to go Malvern has been a very special at first for fear of being singled out. place, and he has great things to say “In the end, I allowed him to attend about his experience.

Malvern because he really wanted to “Malvern is a great and welcomgo there,” Mr. Ritter said. ing school for all,” Ritter said. ◊

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Examining Malvern's Military Connection Malvern students have taken different paths into the military.

Tommy Pero ’17 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF n the spring of his sophomore year, senior Mac Updike committed to play Division I lacrosse.

Many Malvern student-athletes go on to compete in college, but Updike’s commitment is greater than others’.

Updike will go on to compete for the United States Naval Academy in lacrosse and for America in the Navy after graduation.

“I feel like as a citizen, it’s part of my job to serve. It’s a tough job, but it’s going to be worth it,” he said. “[When I committed] I was thinking about my whole future. Not just college and playing lacrosse but past that. The Naval Academy is such an amazing school and sets you up for life after.”

Director of College Counseling Mr. Ian Harkness said it takes a special type of commitment for a high school student to know that they want to go into military service.

“It’s almost like Early Decision, but on steroids,” Harkness said. “You have to know you’re committing, not only to an institution but also to your country and to serve. So it takes a special student.”

Students must start earlier than a normal college admissions process. According to Harkness, Malvern’s counseling department works with these students before the rest of the class so that they can meet all of the deadlines and added requirements.

Harkness said service academies are typically very strict with deadlines. “It’s one of those things where, if you’re on time, you’re late. If you’re early, you’re on time.”

Students applying to service academies need to get a nomination from the President, Vice President, Unites States Senator, Congressman, or Territorial Delegate. Malvern does not facilitate these contacts but encourages students to reach out to them.

“It’s the student’s responsibility to drive [the nomination] process. We try to work with them to understand that,” Harkness said. “It’s a commitment to more than just a college process. It’s a commitment far and above that.”

But attending service academies is not the only path into the military through college. Students like senior Jack Szipszky hope to get an education and go on to serve their country through participating in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, which offers a full scholarship to college with a service requirement after graduation.

Szipszky said he finalized his decision to try to enter the military during his service trip to the Dominican Republic. While he and others were working in an irrigation ditch, one of the Dominicans he was working with had a seizure.

“In the environment we were working in, it’s very possible he could have gotten very seriously hurt while having a seizure,” Szipszky said. “If he’s willing to incur serious injury onto himself in order to bring people in his village clean water, then why shouldn’t I be able to do that when I’ve been given so much?” himself, “If the bus doesn’t come here in one minute, I’m going to go to the recruiting station.”

Szipszky is already a licensed pilot and hopes to fly in the Air Force. He plans to major in The bus didn’t come. So Williams went to the recruiting station and opened the door as the Aeronautical Engineering. bus arrived.

“Everything I’ve done in high school so far has been towards that goal [of doing Air Force “I had at least another hour before the next bus was coming,” he said. “At that point, I was ROTC]. It’s kind of my primary focus,” he said. “I wouldn’t say I’ve made any specific committed to at least talking to someone.” sacrifices for it, because it’s really what I want to do.”

Williams spent the next hour talking to the recruiter and decided he wanted to "It's almost like serve as an active duty linguist in the Air Force. He attended the Defense Language The ROTC program appeals to Szipszky because it still allows him to have a Early Decision, traditional college experience and become an officer after graduation.

Institute and later finished college online with a degree in Arabic and Administrative but on steroids... Management.

Hunter Peck ’16 has wanted to enter the military since middle school and parIt's one of those ticipates in Boston College’s ROTC program. His goal was to go to the Air Force His passion for languages is rooted in his time at Malvern. things where if Academy, but he was not accepted. “So ROTC was the next best thing,” he said.

Williams wanted to take Spanish at Malvern, but was put into the French class you're on time, While ROTC programs do have their own application processes separate from when he was in Eighth Grade. As a freshman, he wanted to move to Spanish, but you're late." normal college admission processes, Peck said you can join the program in college Malvern didn’t let him drop French. So, he took both. He says this move helped -Mr. Ian Harkness without applying. “As long as your school has either its own unit or is a crosstown shape his career. affiliate of a unit, you can basically walk on and try it out first semester to see if you In order to qualify to become a linguist, Williams had to take a two hour test in like it,” he said. which he was taught a fake language in order to measure his ability to learn languages.

Peck compared his status with Boston College’s NROTC program to being like a walk-on Williams’ score was high enough to learn the hardest languages, which included Arabic. He athlete. “I’m currently not on scholarship with the program. I’m a member of the battalion here credits his experiences at Malvern for helping him do well. applying for my scholarship, and as long as I’m in good standing with the battalion, I anticipate “[Malvern] is weird man, how it finds a way to always be a part of your life even though you getting a scholarship,” he said. don’t realize that it’s happening,” he said.

Extracurriculars, grades, and leadership all play a role in earning an ROTC scholarship. Peck Like Williams, Aaron Salinas ’16 did not originally think he would enter the military. He said Malvern’s extracurricular offering helped him build his resume and gain valuable experience decided to visit West Point when he was looking at colleges because he knew nothing about it. that is useful for his future military career.

With an open mind, he visited and instantly fell in love with it.

The average day for Peck starts earlier than the average college freshmen. He wakes up at 5:30 “It was like a deja-vu from how I felt from when I was in middle school and went to Malvern,” a.m. to go to take ROTC classes at Boston University four times a week. These classes are designed he said. “I felt a sense of belonging again.” to help him as an officer but do not count to his college GPA. On top of that, he Salinas said Malvern’s service program helped him to realize how he can help takes a normal amount of classes at Boston College. other people. Salinas has believed all his life that whatever he will do, it will be in the But Peck said it’s all worth it. “It’s important to view the ROTC program like "While you’re here, service of others. But he had to decide if the military was the right path to do that. you’re starting your career.”

“It’s equally as admirable to say yes as to say no,” he said. “Because if you say it’s an ideology Assistant Director of Admissions and Diversity Mr. Patrick Williams ’03 also change. You learn yes, you’ve got to be all in.” used the military to start his career, but in a different way. Williams came from a Salinas decided he was all in, and eventually earned an offer to compete for West how to make the military family, but didn’t initially plan to enter the military.

Point’s swim team. Now he learns military tactics, strategies, and combat. hard choices."

“I never thought about going ROTC. I never even considered the service acad“It’s a demanding lifestyle,” he said. “But there’s a lot of purpose here.”

-Aaron Salinas '16 emies when I was a student here,” he said. “But if I knew, like I had the hindsight Salinas said all of his experience will help him become an officer and leader.

West Point '20 to say, ‘Okay Patrick, you’re going to end up in the military for eight years,’ then I “While you’re here, it’s an ideology change,” he said. “You learn how to make the would have done ROTC.” hard choices. You learn how to take responsibility. You learn to have accountability.

After graduating from Malvern in 2003, Williams started college at St. Joseph’s University You learn the value of human life especially. You learn to have a huge appreciation for this country, where he had earned an academic scholarship and some financial aid. and you gain the motivation to want to protect it.”

After his freshman year at St. Joe’s, the school took away part of his scholarship that covered Once he graduates, he will go to a specific military school for a few months that will teach his room and board costs to give to a freshman coming in. After his sophomore year, Williams him more specialized skills. Then, he will serve a minimum of five years active duty and three transferred to Susquehanna University, who had offered him a full scholarship to play basketball years in the reserves. after they saw him play in a game for the St. Joe’s Junior Varsity Team.

Whatever comes in his future, Salinas remembers his past. “[Susquehanna] was a culture shock,” he said. Williams lived in the city all his life and didn’t “Being a part of Malvern Prep will always be a highlight of my life,” he said. ◊ feel right at Susquehanna.

Wanting to leave Susquehanna, Williams thought about joining the military. But what finally prompted him to join was a late bus in the pouring rain.

Across from the bus stop were he regularly stopped was a military recruiting center. He told

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Middle school Walks for Joy Middle School’s first trimester closes Sixth and seventh graders walked in memory of Mrs. Joy Pancoast.

Cole Cherian ’22 CONTRIBUTOR uring the Middle School Bridge Week, the sixth and seventh graders walked for Mrs. Joy Pancoast, former Austin Hall receptionist and beloved member of the Malvern community who passed away this past summer.

Sixth Grade Dean Mr. Jamie Wasson said that when the teachers were creating Bridge Week, they thought that teaching the students about Mrs. Pancoast was a great idea.

“As we were meeting as teachers, planning Bridge Week, we thought it would be really neat to introduce the students to what we’d been doing all year, and kind of let them know, and we thought the best way to do that would be to actually do a Walk for Joy during Bridge Week,” Wasson said.

Several students felt that walking in memory of Mrs. Pancoast was very special.

“I thought that the Walk for Joy was a very good opportunity for all of us to walk for Mrs. Pancoast, who is a very special person here at Malvern Prep,” seventh grader Travis Camp said. “When we walked for Joy, I really thought that was a beautiful way to honor her. It gave me a lot of time to reflect on my time here, as well as think about what Mrs. Pancoast did for all of us.”

“The Walk for Joy was a really great experience for the sixth and seventh graders to remember someone

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very important to the Malvern communit y,” seventh grader Noah Buscaglia said.

Students who did not know Mrs. Pancoast personally felt that it was a great thing to do for such a special member of the school community.

“Not knowing the person we were doing it for, I thought it was very nice in her memory for doing it. I thought it was a very nice way to show our gratitude for all she did for Malvern,” sixth grader Jacob Leinhauser said.

Wasson felt that the Walk for Joy was an important experience for the students to have.

“You never know if every student gets something out of every activity you do, but to see and to hear some of the students speak afterwards indicated to me that whatever message that we had about Joy/Mrs. Pancoast definitely rang true with the boys that participated,” Wasson said.

For Camp and Buscaglia, the Walk for Joy made them remember Mrs. Pancoast.

“I remember when I first came to Malvern, she was a very influential person for me, because she was the first person to say, ‘Hi,’ to me on this campus, and it actually helped me with my first day here,” Camp said.

“Mrs. Pancoast was someone who would do something for anyone if they asked her,” Buscaglia said. “Now we are walking for her to remember her and do something for her.” ◊

MIDDLE SCHOOL WALKS FOR JOY DURING BRIDGE WEEK / @MALVERNPREP TWITTER

Make sure to visit the Middle School News Website

"Malvern in the Middle"

https://sites.google.com/malvernprep.org/msnewspaper/home

with “Screenagers,” class trips

The Middle School ended its first ever trimester with its first Bridge Week.

Joe Lister ’21 MIDDLE SCHOOL REPORTER A few weeks before the first Middle School Bridge Week and the end of the first trimester, Head of the Middle School, Mr. Patrick Sillup said he felt that the first trimester had gone well up to that point.

“It gives us a chance to tell a student's story over a longer amount of time,” he said.

After the fact, Sillup still said that he liked the idea of trimesters, and stressed the importance of being able to tell the student’s full story, or his capabilities.

“Over Christmas break, instead of rushing to get done quarter two grades, we can really just enjoy the break,” he said.

Bridge Week is a week between each trimester. During the first Bridge Week, middle school students watched movies, did activities, and took field trips. The concept of Bridge Week, Sillup said, came with the concept of trimesters.

“When we had quarters, without any bridge between them, the quarter might end on a Friday, the following Monday you’d be in the next academic quarter, but your grades were still being finalized,” he said.

Now, Sillup says, “We’re not looking back, we’re looking ahead.”

During Bridge Week, there was no formal schedule, the Middle School still had classes during the day. “We wanted to ensure that there was some structure to the day, and [it was] not completely free form,” Sillup said.

In addition to attending classes, each Middle School grade went on its own field trip.

The Sixth Grade went to Haverford High to watch a flamenco dance, and later took dance lessons, in connection with their Spanish unit. The Seventh Grade went on a trip to New York to connect with Malvern Alumni as a prelude to a 2nd trimester unit. The Eighth Grade went to the United Sports Training Center to make connections with one another.

The Eighth Grade also had an Upper School preview morning, where separate groups followed Freshmen around campus.

Middle school students started their last day of Bridge Week off with the film “Screenagers”, which had been shown to Middle School parents a couple weeks before.

The movie talked about how people use their devices and how they’re hurting our community.

“It’s had a direct impact on me,” Sillup said. “In terms of the school, it's been great in getting the conversation going.”

Sillup also added that the students understood the film well and were able to add their voices to the discussion.

“I think we recognize collectively that putting

structures in place would be beneficial,” he said.

Sixth Grade Dean Jamie Wasson said he enjoyed watching the movie so much that he brought it home to watch with his two daughters.

Wasson said that the whole idea of Bridge Week came after the first “Academy Class” finished their Sixth Grade year in 2015. But it would take a full year for the idea to be put into action, he said.

“It was probably early October [2016] when we started talking about it in our team meetings.”

It was the last three weeks before Bridge Week when the Sixth Grade team started planning for the week, Wasson said. “I thought it was an amazing week,” he said.

Wasson added that the Sixth Grade did a Walk for Joy Pancoast, who passed away over the summer.

Wasson said that he felt that the first Trimester had gone well, saying that there was less stress involved with a trimester than a quarter. “In terms of trying to get things in and get things accomplished, I think it was really good,” he said.

Wasson says that there isn’t much that he would change going into next trimester and Bridge Week. “I would try to keep it similar to what we did,” he said.

Mr. Robert Buscaglia, the Eighth Grade Dean, says that trimesters and bridge weeks came along because Sillup had reimagined the schedule and format.

“Our schedule never seemed to accommodate all the goals that we had. “So I think Bridge Week was a really smart thing to implement,” Buscaglia said.

Buscaglia added that the Middle School wasn’t able to accomplish all it wanted to do because they were trying to see how it would work.

The reason for the name Bridge Week is simple, says Buscaglia. “It bridges one trimester to the other.”

Buscaglia said that the Eighth Grade team asked themselves what they had to “bridge” to the second Trimester, and they came up with multiple ideas.

“The capstone project was a big one for us,” he said.

“The STEM project was a big one for us.”

“It’s times and places for us to say, let's prepare [the] guys, while [they’re] all together.”

Buscaglia said that he wouldn’t change much to Bridge Week or the Trimesters either. “I like the way it was structured.”

“It was hard, but it was rewarding,” he said. “Trimester one I really liked how we had more time to measure what a students been doing.”

“I think the most important part of starting something new is you try it, and you say ‘how can we make it better’ ... I’m looking forward to that part of the process,” Buscaglia said. ◊

College Counseling starts students earlier this year Counseling department decides to change up the approach this year, starting earlier and being more practical.

Tommy White ’17 REPORTER he counseling department and the Class of 2017 have worked to get all applications into colleges to meet early deadlines. This year, counselors enacted some changes to ensure that this overall process becomes easier.

“I think the big thing was starting to fill out the [Common Application] in the spring,” Director of College Counseling Ian Harkness said. “I think that a lot of the guys that I had in the spring classes fulfilled most of those check marks before June.”

According to Harkness, this year was one of the first times that was able to happen. Because the Common App saves everything, students can always go back and edit things or update certain pieces of the application. College counselors began the applications with counseling classes in the spring so students could get a head start.

“It is just the twenty to thirty minutes of time that you have already put into thinking about that class/application. You do not have to go back and do it over, you can just go back and confirm that the information is still the same,” Harkness said.

The Counseling Department is also going to do something different with regards to brainstorming for essays. According to Harkness, the point is to get the “creative juices” flowing in class.

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Harkness thinks that the college process is going well so far.

“I think this year’s seniors have done a good job of listening to our advice and working hard,” Harkness said. “We processed 460 plus applications.”

In fact, Malvern processed exactly 503 applications for the November 1 and 15 Early Decision and Early Action deadlines, according to Administrative Assistant to the Counseling Department Mrs. Susan Sarafinas. For the regular decision deadlines, 638 applications were submitted for the class of 2017.

This was more than last years class, which submitted 314 early applications and 404 regular decision applications. Take into account that last year’s class was actually bigger than this class by one student.

“That shows that [seniors] were on the ball, and ready to go,” Harkness said. “I think that some of the preparation work that we did last year really helped.”

Head of School Mr. Ron Algeo is also satisfied.

“I have had the opportunity to talk to students and counselors, and I would say that there is a very, very good spirit and vibe surrounding it,” Algeo said. “There a lot of students that have been working really hard to be ready for this deadline and to have all their things in within a timely fashion.”

According to Algeo, students have communicated well with

their college counselors, and with their teachers in regards to their recommendations. They were also very proactive in communicating with Sarafinas.

“I think that makes the process for everybody more manageable,” Algeo said.

For the first time, the counseling department met with the faculty in the spring to discuss the possibility of writing recommendations over the summer, according to Harkness.

Seniors like RJ Napoli were very pleased with the way the teachers handled his recommendations.

“I thought the teachers were very approachable,” Napoli said. “Mrs. Gordon and Mrs. Kenworthy finished well before my deadline.”

According to senior Jack Waite, the process did not seem to be stressful until he really got into it. “I did think it was a little bit stressful,” Waite said. “I had a lot of help and guidance so a lot of the stuff that I did was pretty straight forward.”

Overall, the process has gone smoothly so far.

“Our number one goal is to make this process less stressful,” Harkness said. “Hopefully, we can do that with a full year’s worth of work.” ◊

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e asked our staff to write about some of their favorite Christmas traditions. So sit back, sip on some nog, and light an apple pumpkin scented Yankee Candle while you get in the Christmas spirit.

My Family Christmas Tradition My cherished family tradition takes place every year on Christmas Eve. Kyle Leonard ’19 FRIAR LIFE EDITOR ver the years, Christmas Eve has come to be such a special night for my family (my parents, my brother Justin, and me) and me.

Usually, we go to my Uncle Brian’s house (he has Christmas Eve every year for my Mom’s side of the family) and always have a great time, with a lot of food, laughs, and fun.

My mom is one of nine, so things get pretty hectic at my uncle’s house.

Some years, we go to my Aunt Carol’s house, who is my dad’s sister.

She is one of two siblings my dad has, so usually that celebration is more low-key, and you can actually hear yourself talk without having to raise your voice. After that, depending on how tired we are, how late it is, or if we just do or don’t want to, my family and I will go to late mass at our parish, St. Patrick’s, to celebrate the birth of our Lord.

But every year on Christmas Eve, no matter what time it is, every member of my family opens one gift when we get home from our Christmas

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Eve celebration. This “ceremonial first gift” is unanimously chosen by the other members of my family. We have been doing this tradition for as long as I can remember, and it is definitely looked forward to by everyone in our family.

The gift-giving on Christmas Eve usually entails my parents giving me my best gift. My brother is 29 (going on 30), so my parents don’t get him anything significant, but usually they hook me up. Last year, I got a 6 day trip to Florida over the summer with my brother and his fiancé, which was such a great time. In the past I’ve gotten other great gifts, and the night in general is always special in our family.

During this time, my parents and brother will usually have an annual seasonal drink they have together.

We stay up well past midnight, just talking about things, laughing over memories and great experiences, and just bonding as a family.

We then go to bed, happy, fulfilled, and anxious for the next morning.

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Ode to the Nog

Stop trying to stretch Christmas out Everything can only be stretched so far before it is damaged, and that includes the Christmas season Ethan Rowley ’18 MANAGING EDITOR, PRINT think we can all agree with Andy Williams. The Christmas season is indeed the most wonderful time of the year, so stop ruining the magic of that time by trying to push it beyond what it’s meant to be.

In recent years, the Christmas season has become an event spanning more than just the 12 days we all know and love.

Nu merou s a sp ec t s of t he Christmas season have begun to creep beyond the natural time of the Christmas season. Christmas lights go up before Thanksgiving, Christmas music is played beyond the first week of January, and Christmas commercials are aired even before Halloween.

Too much of Christmas, like any good thing, can eventually be a bad thing.

One of the greatest things about Christmas is that everyone is excited about one thing for a relatively short period of time. It is a special time of year that you just can’t recreate at any other point in time. Trying to push it beyond its short window detracts from the power of that special Christmas spirit.

A s you t r y to m a k e t he Christmas season longer and longer, it becomes less and less special. If the Christmas season was a year-round affair, Christmas wouldn’t be all that special anymore would it?

Christmas is a lot like when you find a song that you love and play on

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repeat again and again and again.

The more you play it, the quicker you get tired and even annoyed by it. The amount you play that song can even affect how those around you feel about that song, especially if you haven’t been using headphones, which is another major issue altogether.

Exposure to the Christmas season, much like a really good song, over too long of a period of time can quickly put someone out of the spirit and ruin the novelty of the season.

As far as holidays go, Christmas is already becoming a long slog for some people. It has nearly a whole month leading up to it and 11 days following it. All those days quickly add up (to 33 days total from Black Friday to January 7 in this year’s case). We can’t afford to be squandering our days of intense Christmas spirit in early November.

As a societ y, we’re already pushing the boundaries of what an acceptable length of the Christmas season is while being able to preserve the special spirit in the air that the Christmas season brings.

Instead of burning everyone out before we’ve even gotten to Christmas, put that Christmas spirit in a little imaginary box, and keep it shut tight. Once Black Friday rolls around, unleash it in all its glory.

Sound the trumpets. Put up a tree in your living room and decorate it. Bring out all of the decorations that have been accumulating a layer of dust and cobwebs in your crawl > PAGE 12

Don't be fake this Christmas The old custom of bringing in the greens has been adulterated by automation and consumerism.

Tommy Pero ’17 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF very Black Friday, my family goes shopping.

No, we don’t go to the mall warzones. We go Christmas tree shopping.

It’s a great way to transition the holidays from stuffing yourself with turkey to Christmas joy. I don’t want to listen to any Christmas music until I’m in the car on the way to the tree farm.

My family and I go to the same place every year and compete for who can find the perfect tree. The criteria is always the same: eight to nine feet tall with full and strong branches.

Every year we find our tree. We cut it down, carry it back, and put it on top of our car for the

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ride home.

When we get home, it’s no longer Thanksgiving.

Christmas is upon us.

According to the American Christmas Tree Association, 78 percent of American households will display a Christmas tree this holiday season.

Of those, 81 percent will be fake Christmas trees.

Additionally, the number of years consumers reuse Christmas trees increased.

This is an abomination to the holiday season.

What kind of tree you put up says a lot about you and how you celebrate the holidays.

Reusing Christmas trees is like regifting. It’s uncreative, dull, and cheats the holiday system.

Reusing a tree is like putting all your holiday

cheer in a box in mid-January and putting it in a musty basement for 10 months until you’re ready to bring it out again. You don’t want your Christmas cheer to be smelly and musty when you break it out of a box in November. You want it to be freshly grown and full of life.

Fake trees emanate fake Christmas cheer. They look empty and devoid of any jolly vibes.

If you’re looking to spread fresh, real Christmas cheer, buy a real tree and cut it down yourself.

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It’s that time of year to sit back and show some love to everyone’s favorite seasonal beverage.

Jack Magargee ’18 MANAGING EDITOR, WEB ou might read this title and ask: “Jack, aren’t you scraping the bottom of the barrel here?” And to that I would reply: “Absolutely.”

I’ve on ly had si x teen Christmases, so how many stories did you think I had?

Now that that’s settled, time to get onto the fun stuff.

Christmas. Santa. Nativity.

Elves. Reindeer. Snow. Eggnog.

All are universally loved and accepted parts of the winter season and to me, the highlight is easily eggnog, epitome of a seasonal beverage. If you think for a second that apple cider is, I kindly ask you to stop reading. This column is written by nog fanatics for nog fanatics exclusively.

Spending time with family is cool and all but there’s something special about that nog.

Personally, the texture does it for me. The consistency of a milkshake mixed with the f luidity of milk is the reason why it’s number one.

That’s not to put the taste on the back burner. I’ll admit the taste is sometimes not up to par or at least my standards but it is still iconic.

A quick note about the taste: eggnog is great but eggnog flavored things are not great.

Most k ids count down to December 25th, the day they crack open their presents. I count down to December 24th, the day I crack open the carton of eggnog. Also much like those kids, I might sneak a look or two before the big day.

Eggnog is a massive part of my Christmas and even my year. Wow, I just said eggnog is a massive part of my year, please don’t judge me.

I’m just a big eggnog fan, I swear that and accordion are the only two weird things about me.

If you haven’t had eggnog before, obviously, I would recommend that you give it a taste. After you taste it, remember to share it with your family because that’s what Christmas is about or whatever (it isn’t).

Merry Christmas and please please please don’t hog the nog.

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Top 10 Christmas Songs

Bringing the competition to Christmas

When radio stations play Christmas songs nonstop, here’s what tops my holiday playlists nonstop, here’s what tops my holiday playlists.

You got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, know when to run. Unless you know you’re never going to lose.

Dan King ’19 MEDIA AND CULTURE EDITOR veryone loves Christmas songs, but no one can ever seem to pick a favorite, or three. Here's my list that might help you out.

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10. "Feliz Navidad" José Feliciano This is a song everyone can sing together because of its simple lyrics and amount of fun.

9. "Mele Kalikimaka" Bing Crosby (The Best Christmas Song Singer) Another Christmas song which is sung in another language that has a festive and fun feel. It’s okay if you can’t pronounce it.

8. "Santa Baby" Eartha Kitt This song captures the wishes we all have hoping Santa will leave the right presents under the tree.

7. "It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" Perry Como Everyone knows the feeling when the first people have their lights up before thanksgiving and you want to listen to Christmas music but it's just too early so you sing this in your head.

6. "O Christmas Tree" Tony Bennett Shoutout to all the Christmas trees out there and the people that sell them.

It’s also a good song.

5. "Blue Christmas" Elvis Presley No list of great songs can be

complete without Elvis.

4. "Happy X-Mas" John Lennon This is also one of the most unique Christmas songs out there. And it includes Christmas’s long lost cousin New Years.

3. "White Christmas" Bing Crosby (The Best Christmas Song Singer) Everyone wishes for there to be snow in Christmas morning, not as much as we wish for it on Sunday nights, but we still are hopeful.

2. "All I Want for Christmas is You" Mariah Carey Although we might not admit the number one Christmas song for 10 to 20 year old girls as one of our favorites, it is.

1. "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" Live- Bruce Springsteen Everything about this song is great.

It's sung by the boss, has an incredible sax solo, and is one of the classics taken to the level of excitement of a concert.

Honorable Mentions"Christmas Canon," "I saw Mommy Kissing Santa," "Do They Know it’s Christmas?," "Rockin Around the Christmas Tree," "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Silent Night," "Let It Snow," "Baby it’s Cold Outside," "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer," "Chestnuts Roasting in an Open Fire," "Little Drummer Boy," "Winter Wonderland."

This is a long list of songs that were in consideration and, at some point, were deemed not worthy of such an honor of being in the top 10 Christmas songs of all time.

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The Joys of Malvern Christmas Eve Mass Every year on Christmas Eve, my family goes to the late Mass that Malvern holds.

Michael Harrington ’19 FRIAR LIFE EDITOR y family and I spend the majority of our Christmas Eve at my cousin’s house, but we leave a little early so that we can get to our favorite part of the day, Mass.

For me, this isn't only my favorite part of the day. It’s my favorite mass of the year.

After the chaos of a family gathering, it's refreshing to take in peaceful, silent landscape of the dimly lit Malvern chapel to prepare for one of the most important days on the Christian Calendar.

It feels great to ground yourself before Christmas and realize that the holiday is more than just a day for children to receive gifts from a large jolly man who crawls down your chimney in a red suit. It's a celebration of the birth of our Lord.

When I first went to the mass, I didn't know what to expect. I thought it was going to be like any other mass, but the experience was different than I expected.

It had a quality that I rarely see in a mass: pure serenity.

Maybe it was because of the small amount of people in the pews, the importance of the day, or just me, but there was something about the whole thing that made me feel content and very relaxed.

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> PAGE 12

Tyler Pizzico ’17 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF isten up grandma: I’m taking that Yankee candle you just got from the Secret Santa off your hands. Apple pumpkin is my favorite smell and I don’t feel like ordering it off Amazon myself. I know the only card game you know is Go fish but we’re playing some poker this year.

Before reading this you need to know two things. Number one: I love candles. Number two: I watch World Series of Poker a lot because ESPN has nothing good on at 2 in the morning.

Let’s be real. No one wants to sit around the table and pretend they care about the new overpriced scarf you bought from the Polo outlet, have awkward talks with their grandparents about where you’re going to college even though you’re only in 8th grade, or eat the barely edible ham made by your cousin who after one year in college making ramen every night thinks he’s a chef. So how do you spice up these boring gatherings?

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Bring out the cards.

Think of like any character from any movie. I probably have an exact replica of him or her in my family.

Whether it be the military man who yells at the kids for having their elbows on the table, the benevolent aunt who can’t stop smiling and constantly forces cookies on you, or the cousin who wants to leave after an hour to hang out with her boyfriend, I’ve been exposed to it all.

However, when the chips come out and there’s something on the line, something extraordinary happens. Everyone becomes fixated on being the family poker night champion. Beware: it can get ruthless.

My cousin left with a black eye once (sorry Ben you shouldn’t have tried to cheat).

Anyway, the rest of this column goes out to the youngest kids in their family (or at least an only child in your immediate family). This is what you’ll need to do to be successful and turn your family Christmas poker game into an easy win.

First things first, you need to get everyone to agree to open presents before the game starts. This way you have things to bet. Next, make sure you only vaguely explain the rules to the newcomers. Is this scummy of you? Yes. Finally, and this can make or break the victory, you need your overprotective mom watching over the game.

Once in the game it’s pretty simple. Go all in with your gifts every time. It’s a win win situation. Either you win the pot and take everyone’s gifts or you get yours back because your mom says “Come on guys, he’s my little boy you can’t take his presents away from him on Christmas.”

It also works to throw in some tears.

There you go guys. There’s the foolproof way to leave with more presents than you came with. Now your grandma’s going to think twice about flaunting that limited edition Yankee candle.

If you don’t like candles please disregard everything I said and reevaluate your life.

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Top 10 Christmas Movies Every December, Christmas movies take over almost every TV channel. Thanks to 25 Days of Christmas, some movies seem to be played almost every night, but here are the best.

Eric McLaughlin ’18 SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR fter very intense and tumultuous debates, we have made a list of the top 10 Christmas movies of all time.

5. Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) Two Grinch Movies?!!? We know, it’s a bit aggressive, but the rhyme schemes and music place this movie firmly into any top 10 list.

10. The Santa Clause (1994) This movie is a must watch for one time during the 25 Days of Christmas. However, it can ONLY be watched that one time. The biggest strike to this movie is the acting by some characters (especially the boy) which is cringe-worthy throughout the movie.

4. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) The animation in this can’t even come close to competing with what is made today. However, people keep watching it because it is one of the G.O.A.T.s.

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9. Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1970) This movie is a classic which is why it has been put into this list. We appreciated how it dives into the history of Santa Claus from the days of Kris Kringle to the man with the beard. This movie was not placed higher in the list due to the old-fashioned clay animation which is very unrealistic.

8. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) This is one of the most underrated Christmas movies ever made. Yes, most of the acting and characters make it tough to watch, but Jim Carrey as the Grinch is amazing.

7. Elf (2003) A baby is kidnapped by an old fat guy, raised by midgets and a talking walrus, escapes to New York City to find his dad, and saves Christmas in the end. Instant Classic.

6. Frosty the Snowman (1969) Who doesn’t love this movie? Only taking one hour, this movie reminds you of what Christmas felt like when you were younger and will be watched for many years to come. (You’re probably singing the song right now too.)

3. Home Alone (1990) This movie can be watched anytime or anywhere. It has comedy, action, and suspense plus Christmas. We should just be glad that they made it when Macaulay Culkin was 11 years old and not how he looks now.

2. A Christmas Story (1983) Even though the 24 hour marathons on TBS get a little bit annoying, this movie has too many iconic scenes to not be this high on the list.

1. The Polar Express (2004) One of the best parts about Christmas is Christmas songs, and this movie has some of the best. Tom Hanks does a great job as pretty much every character. This movie would always make you hype for Christmas as a little kid.

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Four rules for regifting You don’t want to be that guy this holiday season.

Owen Preston ’19 CONTRIBUTOR t’s December 24th, and you still haven’t bought any gifts yet. If you’re caught in this situation, or if you have a gift from last year that’s still in the box, regifting is your last resort. Here are some rules to do it right.

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Make sure the gift is not something you want to keep If you are trying to clean out your house and think “why not just regift some of my stuff”, make sure you don’t want to keep it. If your sister bought you a comfy new blanket last year and you pawn it off to a friend and later down the road you want it back? Too bad! You got rid of it and it's your fault you didn’t keep it Don’t regift something that was given to you by someone to that someone

Nothing is a bigger “I don’t care about you” than when your girlfriend buys you a hat for Christmas, and next year you turn right around and give it back to her. This shows you don’t care about their feelings whatsoever and frankly even I’m a little disappointed in you.

Make sure the regift is not homemade If your Grandma, or your little sister makes you something for Christmas, it’s most likely going to have your name on it. The last thing you need, is for Grandma to make you a sweater with “Greg” written on it and you pass it on to to you sister Meghan.

Never regift Really, if you’re reading this column for advice on how to regift, you already are that guy during the holidays.

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SCHOOL COUNSELOR MRS. KELLEY BITTNER AND SANTA CLAUS WAVE FROM THE OUTDOOR STAGE AT THE TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY ON DEC. 7 / @FRIARSLANTERN1 > STRETCH OUT CHRISTMAS, 10

space since last Christmas. String up your lights. Go nuts. Enjoy the season and all it entails.

And then, after the first week of January, put all the Christmas stuff away.

Silence the trumpets. Put the tree out by the curb. Put the decorations back to gather a fresh layer of dust. Take down the lights.

Finally, take your remaining Christmas spirit, and put it back in that little imaginary box until next Christmas. There, over time, it will build into an equally powerful force for next year.

No holiday should be ruined for someone by other people, Christmas especially. So please, let us at least get to Thanksgiving before we launch into Christmas.

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Bright future for Malvern Hoops As the young basketball team prepares for the start of the Inter-Ac, they have been playing a tough, out-of-league schedule to improve and prepare.

Garrett Hallinan ’19 REPORTER ith thirteen players on varsity who can all play at a high level, the basketball team’s biggest strength this season is depth.

Head basketball coach Mr. John Harmatuk believes that the team wins games by wearing its opponents down and playing at a fast tempo.

“It’s been an exciting season,” Harmatuk said. “We have a lot of new faces and a lot of good leadership from the older players.”

On the flip side, Harmatuk believes that if the team does not play hard and bring the energy every night, then they are going to struggle.

“We played really well at St. Joseph’s Prep [on December 12] but then we came back two days later and played LaSalle with no energy,” he said.

Led by senior captains Ray Baran and Tommy Wolfe and junior captain Billy Corcoran, the Friars are 2-4.

Three of their four losses this season have been decided by less than five points.

Harmatuk, who is in his fourth season, said that this team is probably one of toughest teams to lead because of many young and new faces they have. “The leadership from the captains has brought this team really close together and they have done a really good job,” he said.

With a roster stocked with young talent, Malvern basketball looks primed to have a strong team in coming years.

“We have five freshmen on the team, and four of them contribute a lot of minutes,” Harmatuk said. “Deuce Turner is our leading scorer and our leading rebounder.

Isaac White is second in scoring and he is leading in steals.

Raydir Hicks, our point guard, leads the team in assists.

Spencer Cochran has shot the ball really well and played well. The freshmen have played above my expectations.”

Raydir Hicks has enjoyed the ride so far.

“Many freshmen do not get to start varsity, so I was nervous but I am used to it now,” Hicks said. “I love the student section, and my favorite memory this season was the Bonner game because the student section was crazy.”

The basketball team receives a great amount of support from the assistant coaches, the managers, and the Friar Nation student sections.

Harmatuk said, “We have four alumni who help coach. Three of them graduated in the ‘06-’08 era, Andrew Flanagan, Joey Hoben, and Matt McManus. We also have

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Murph Rodgers, who was a senior on the first team that I coached here.”

“One of the things that I take pride in running this program is having a really good manager staff because they are invaluable,” Coach said. “Jerry Curran is the head manager, and he has done a great job leading those guys.”

Led by seniors Matt Boles and Michael Mingey, Friar Nation has shown out the previous two Friday night games against Salesianum and Bonner. Against Salesianum, the theme was “Silent Night”. The students wore costumes and stayed silent until the team scores ten points.

Sophomores Tristan Corcoran and Pat Malone took part in the Silent Night.

“My favorite costume that I saw was a panda,” Corcoran said. “It was the most wild student section I have ever been a part of because there were 150 kids and everyone was going crazy.”

Malone said, “It was hype. My friend Drew was wearing a Tommy Bahama outfit, like a blue and pink outfit.

For awhile, we were at nine points then someone would put up a three and we would all let a gasp. The bleachers were rockin’, it may have been my favorite memory at Malvern.”

Tommy Wolfe’s favorite part about Malvern basketball is Friar Nation and all the people who show up for the games.

“I love the student section because it motivates us,” Tommy said. “Scoring the tenth point at the Silent Night was something that we had to reach for.”

Coach Harmatuk and Wolfe’s favorite memory so far this season was the game against St. Joseph’s Prep.

The team put up 102 points, which was the first time in Harmatuk’s career of coaching Malvern basketball that the Friars scored over 100 points.

“Traditionally, St. Joseph’s Prep is a Philadelphia basketball powerhouse and that fact that we could score that many points in their gym was a proud moment for our team,” Coach said.

With Inter-Ac play starting up in just two and a half weeks, the Friars have been playing a rigorous, out of league schedule to prepare for the rivalries.

Harmatuk said, “The Inter-Ac is 100 years old, so the history there and playing in those games is something that I am proud to be a part of.” ◊

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> CHRISTMAS EVE MASS, 11

I listened to the readings and gospel in silence and ref lected on everything in my life in a way that I enjoyed immensely.

After the mass itself, the friars stand outside at the entrance to the chapel wishing everyone a good night. They talk to everyone that walks out, usually holding a substantial conversation with all of the attendees. The atmosphere afterwards is a very nice one because everyone is both excited and calm. They all have smiles on their faces and are having enjoyable talks with the people standing right beside them.

I truly love everything about the mass. It is a wonderful thing to attend and I hope you give it a try this year.

Also, there are two benefits of the late night mass that only add to its appeal.

The first is that you don't have to

go to church the next day, so you can bask in the glory of your presents all day without being interrupted by an hour of church.

The second and possibly the best reason to go on this list is that it makes everyone in your family tired.

When my family returns home, my siblings pass out much quicker than they ever have on Christmas Eve. Usually, the three of them are running down the hallways saying they can't fall asleep because there are this many hours until Christmas or bothering me and telling me that I should stay up with them, but now, they pass out within an hour of getting home.

It's pretty fantastic if I say so myself.

In my opinion, this is a wonderful occasion for so many reasons, and I urge you to consider trying it out like I did. Like I said earlier, it's my favorite mass of the year.

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ELECTION RESULTS PROMPT PASSIONATE RESPONSE Donald Trump named 45th U.S. President in decisive Electoral College win.

Dan Malloy ’18 the White House with his transition team featuring Republican CHIEF INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER politicians, five millionaires, a retired general, and three of Republican Donald Trump won the 2016 presiTrump’s children. Trump has appointed RNC chairdential election on Nov. 8 in shocking fashion, with man Reince Priebus as his Chief of Staff, and former Head of his victory in Pennsylvania a pivotal factor. head of Breitbart News Stephen K. Bannon as chief School Mr. strategist and senior counselor Trump finished with 306 of 538 Electoral Votes, Christian Talbot with Pennsylvania providing 20 of those. Before During his first 100 days as president, Trump has praised this election, the Democratic candidate had won stated in his campaign that he plans to repeal and students for Pennsylvania six straight times, so this battleground replace Obamacare, build a wall at the southern bortheir respectful discussion of state was a damaging loss for Hillary Clinton. der, push for an amendment imposing term limits the election National results indicate that Clinton won on Congress, and re-assess trade deals with foreign thus far. the popular vote tally, but Trump secured enough nations, among many other plans. After the 2016 election, Republicans now have control over the Electoral College votes to win the presidency.

Democratic support in PA mainly comes from executive and legislative branches of government. the Philadelphia area and the suburbs around it, and that was However, Trump has recently softened his stance on some of no different this year. Clinton won in Chester, Delaware, those issues. Trump said he is willing to keep parts of Obamacare Montgomery, Philadelphia and Bucks Counties by a combined after meeting with President Obama on November 10. He said in 634,588 vote difference over Trump according to philly.com, but an interview on 60 Minutes that he would include fencing with the border wall “for certain areas.”

Trump dominated the rest of the state. He won 56 out of the 62 other counties, carrying him to victory.

After Trump’s election, protests have broken out in many citFor now, president-elect Trump will focus on transitioning to ies across the nation. Although some like in Portland have been

violent, the majority have been peaceful so far. In Philadelphia, thousands of protesters have organized daily in Center City since the November 8 election.

Malvern Head of School Christian Talbot sent an email to students in response to the election and to acts of vandalism and hate speech at Council Rock North High School. He praised students for their respectful discussion of the election thus far and urged them to be Augustinian, Globally Literate, and Entrepreneurial in their behaviors.

In other elections in Pennsylvania, incumbents ruled the day. For the two races for the US House of Representatives, District 15 elected Charles Dent (R), while District 17 elected Matt Cartwright (D). For the Senate, Senator Pat Toomey (R) beat Democrat Katie McGinty (D). It was the most expensive Senate race in history according to MarketWatch.com, with the candidates spending over a combined $162 million.

Focusing on elections for state government, four Republicans won out of the six races for the PA House of Representatives.

Democrat Josh Shapiro won Attorney General, Eugene DePasquale (D) won Auditor General, and Joseph Torsella (D) won the election for state treasurer. ◊

More reactions online at The Friar's Lantern

Page 14 > WELCOME FR. DON, 1

shortly after.

“After that I went on to join the order, get“When I was done my masters I said to ting a dual degree in philosophy and sociol- myself ‘I’m glad I’m leaving; I’m done with ogy at Villanova University. Then I moved on education.’ Boy was I wrong,” Fr. Reilly said. to Washington to pursue, as all Augustinians “As you can tell, I love to study, otherwise I must, my masters in Theology. Must I say more wouldn’t have devoted my life to it. After my about my involvement with the Augustinian stay in the village, I started a doctoral ministry message?” program at New York Theological.”

Being constantly surrounded by religious The difference between a [Doctor of people and institutions certainly instilled in Ministry] and a regular PhD is an assumption him a strong faith. However, two specific that God is active in your life. “It enables me to things helped Reilly realize his be a qualified spiritual counselor true vocation which was to join and director,” Reilly said. the priesthood.

With such knowledge and "I couldn’t shake the The first was a combinaexperience under his belt, he feeling that I was tion between his upbringing was elected Provincial. With truly destined for and parents. this brought much opportunity. [priesthood] I’m glad “My parents were cer“As provincial, I was on many I chose the life I did. tainly my role models growing Boards of Trustees. I was on the It hasn’t always been up. They were lay people who Board at Merrimack College, easy but it’s been more Villanova University, Malvern were able to integrate their fulfilling than anything Prep, and St. Augustine’s where faith into making a difference I could think of." in the human experience - in I was chair,” Fr. Reilly said. “I particular in my life,” Reilly was pastor of my parish and I was -Fr. Don Reilly, O.S.A. said. “They were mission driven co-founder of Siloam Ministries people because they knew what which [Malvern] helps benefit they had to do for their eight with the C.A.R.E.S walk.” children. Seeing how hard my parents worked, When St. Augustine’s needed a change of my siblings and I realized we had to make them pace, his position as chair on their board put proud and bring honor to the family. I saw God him at the top of the list for the new Head of in my parents each day; this is when I first rec- School. ognized I had a vocation for religious life.”

“I came to St. Augustine’s frankly when The second was his experithey were in a state of crisis. I ence with the Church during used my education and experihis time in primary and secence with the place being on the "When I come to a ondary school. meeting I try to hide my Board there to not immediately “It was a different age, but agenda and let others institute change, but to listen to I clearly remember in the sevwhat others thought,” he said. direct the course of enth grade I was going to try “I take this practice from St. the meeting. I keep my and get to Mass everyday for opinions at bay until I Augustine very seriously. When Lent. It was a bit ambitious can learn from others." I come to a meeting I try to hide considering I had to walk there my agenda and let others direct but I ended up doing it,” Reilly the course of the meeting. I keep -Fr. Don Reilly, O.S.A. said. my opinions at bay until I can It wasn’t always easy, but learn from others.”

Reilly ended up seeing God’s To Fr. Reilly, teachers being call through his persistence students doesn’t detract from and dedication. learning experiences in their class. It actually “It was hard to relate and truly dive deep enhances those experiences and makes those into these masses; they were usually in remem- individuals more thoughtful educators. brance of someone who had passed away, the “Though I am a well-practiced educator, I priest always had his back to me, and to top it haven’t forgotten how I got here - being a stuoff the whole thing was in Latin,” Reilly said. dent,” Fr. Reilly said. “If teachers aren’t will“So a couple days in I decided to get there ing to adapt to the new style of learning and early to see the Sisters come in. I loved that upgrade their teaching techniques, students they stepped into a space that brought me to won’t buy into the idea either.” another reality. It got me in touch with my aspirational side and, at this young age, I began to ask myself who I wanted to be in life.”

This question stuck with Reilly all the way to high school.

“Junior year a priest came up to me and said he thought I’d make a great Augustinian. I told him it wasn’t for me,” Reilly said. “I didn’t want to be that exposed.”

However, Reilly knew he was lying to this priest. He knew he was lying to himself. He didn’t yet know God was calling him.

“I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was truly destined for [priesthood]. I’m glad I chose the life I did. It hasn’t always been easy but it’s been more fulfilling than anything I could think of,” Reilly said.

Senior year, he decided to join the order and went to Villanova University to indulge in the extensive educational experience mentioned above. He was ordained in 1974 and his first assignment was in Jamaica, New York in the UN village.

“This was fabulous for me because I was a local yokel. Then I was in a parish where 61 countries were represented,” Reilly said.

“When I had off days I would go to Manhattan to see all the shows, it was just wonderful.”

Just as Fr. Reilly realized his true calling for the priesthood after some internal questioning, he realized his true calling for education

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Fr. Reilly sees a bit of a disconnect between Once students are exposed to this type of the culture at Malvern and what the educa- involvement in the school, Fr. Reilly sees that tional style at the school is transitioning to. they mature and gain confidence.

“I think the culture supports the education, “It leads to students and teachers getting but you can’t build a culture on education. It much more out of their experiences at the must rest on something,” Fr. Reilly said. “So school,” Fr. Reilly said. when I hear students say ‘that’s not how we Fr. Reilly also believes that under the specdo things here, I hear something else. I hear trum of student-centered learning, teachers, ‘we aren’t used to this; how are we going to according to the Augustinian message, must incorporate this into our school?’” coach students to become better people as well Fr. Reilly hopes to change the attitude as better students. towards the changes to Malvern. “ My ex perience w ith “Very few people like change. teaching seniors is that they However, like my change from always want to get their career "Very few people like St. Augustine’s to Malvern, I path going. ‘Let me get out change. However, like embrace and accept it,” Fr. Reilly there and get some money, my change from St. said. “It’s better to make the only teach me what I need to Augustine’s to Malvern, know and let’s see what hapmost of the opportunity rather I embrace and accept it. pens,’” Fr. Reilly said. “It’s than complaining about it. We It’s better to make can’t change what happens but what kind of person you are the most of the we can offer our insight to make as you pursue what it is you are opportunity the student experience the best it going to do that defines you, rather than can be.” not necessarily the thing you complaining about it.” become.”

Fr. Reilly realizes that it may sometimes be intimidating for a From what Fr. Reilly’s -Fr. Don Reilly, O.S.A. student to recommend change to seen, we have a great school an administrator so he has prohere. The worst thing a stuposed an idea. dent can do is not take advantage of all the “At [St. Augustine’s] I have blocks of time opportunities he is afforded. Four years is not I leave open for students to come in and talk to a long time. me,” Fr. Reilly said. “It can be about anything.

“My first piece of advice is to be who you A lot of times I find they tell me things that say you are. Don’t let fear stand in the way,” they wouldn’t say in a group setFr. Reilly said. “Every time ting. Many of times I used that I’ve talked to a Malvern stuinformation to better the school dent, they’re beaming about for the students.” how much they love to come "Though I am a wellFr. Reilly also agreed to have here. Don’t take what you have practiced educator, a town hall with seniors so he for granted; you have a great I haven't forgotten can learn about the school and how I got here – being a amount of opportunities at what might need change. “I’d be your fingertips.” student." willing to do it with just me or His second piece of advice: any other teacher that you guys watch “The Godfather.”

-Fr. Don Reilly, O.S.A. wanted to be there. Whatever “I’m going to make you an you think would be most producoffer you can’t refuse,” Reilly tive,” Fr. Reilly said. “I want it to said, referencing Don Vito be completely student-planned Corleone. “Get to know the though.” movie and you’ll start off on He has full trust in the student body. the right foot with me. You think it’s a coinci“Student-centered learning has become dence we’re both the ‘Don?’” ◊ very important to me. Students have never failed me or the institution yet. Sometimes the Malvern Prep is publishing updates on institution may fail the students by not affordthe Head of School Transition at ing them this level of independence,” Fr. Reilly http://www.malvernprep.org/page/ said. “For example, everyday at lunch a student about-us/head-of-school-transition gets up and says grace. During Mass, I stop and let students react to what they’ve heard.”

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Athlete of the Issue: Peter Borger ’18 Peter Borger ’18 is not the tallest, but he is certainly the fastest.

Garrett Hallinan ’19 body, and taking time off to avoid the REPORTER constant pounding of running are all ost middle schoolers dread things a runner does to stay healthy.” the day their gym class has Despite previous setbacks, Borger to run the mile, but when has found much success on the cross Peter Borger was in middle school, country slopes. it was one of his favorite days of the “At all of the big invitationals, I year. came in second or first. In states, I “I would beat everyone in the finished third because I got a cramp mile,” Borger said, “so I knew that on the last mile and I was just dying,” one day I would probably be a runner.”

Borger said.

Before running cross country, On November 26, Borger ran in Peter played soccer and lacrosse. He the Foot Locker Northeast Regionals PETER BORGER / G. HALLINAN did not start running cross country in Bronx, New York at Van Cortlandt until high school because before, it would have been a lot Park. At the event, Peter placed 41st out of 139 contestants of wear on his legs. ranging from freshmen to seniors.

Borger has run cross country for Malvern since his “It was an intense but really fun race,” Borger said. “I freshman year. Over the past few seasons, he has worked felt really good in all of the workouts leading up to the race his way up to Malvern’s number one cross country runner. and I feel that I ran a great race. I am not hurting from all “We run 5ks, which are 3.1 miles,” Borger said. “Other the training which is good too.” schools run 3 miles, and they run 2-2.5 miles.”

Supporting Borger at the race was Mr. Michael The key races for Borger and captains Ryan Franks, Koenig, Malvern’s cross country and indoor/outdoor track Luke Matzke, and Zac DeStefano are the dual meets coach. between each team in the Inter-Ac. Other key events “Peter had a great day,” Koenig said. “He was up include the Inter-Ac Championship, the invitationals against the best of the best, and I was happy to see what leading up to Inter-Acs, and the PAISAA state meet. he could do against them.”

To prepare for these races, the team practices six days Koenig described this year’s cross country season for a week. Their day off is Sunday.

Peter as “a breakout season.”

“We usually do the ‘Apartment Loop’ where we go off “This year he stayed injury free and he grew into the campus, run through the retreat house and through the role of being a team leader,” Koenig said. town of Malvern, run all the way down King Street, and “A lot of cross country coaching is trying to put a then come back onto campus. It is a pretty good loop,“ guy into a situation that simulates a race,” Koenig said.

Borger said.

“Sometimes you train them for a race that is going to be Since his freshman year, Peter has dealt with injuries. very crowded.”

His worst injury was a stress fracture on his lower, inner Borger wants to take running onto the next level, and shin sophomore year, and he missed the whole season. his coach believes Peter has the talent.

“I have had at least one injury except this season, knock “I want to go to a school where even if I do not run I on wood. Freshman and sophomore year I suffered from still really like it,” Borger said. multiple injuries because I was growing,” Borger said.

At five-foot-six, Borger does not have the longest Borger believes this season he has avoided injuries by stride, so what makes Peter such a good runner? limiting his running.

“I really push myself when I am hurting,” Borger said, “Half the battle in avoiding injuries is getting a lot “and I think being able to do that makes me a good runof sleep,” Borger said. “Also eating well, listening to the ner.” ◊

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Schiller makes it four straight Friar water polo found themselves on top of the standings for the fourth year in a row.

Henry Malone ’17 SPORTS EDITOR hen many of the sports headlines at Malvern are dominated by marquee sports like football and basketball, the water polo team can sometimes be overlooked.

However, the team’s play over the past four seasons has been nothing short of brilliant. The team finished with a 7-1 record in Inter-Ac play, as well as a 21-6 record overall.

Head Coach Jay Schiller attributed this success to the players making water polo their priority.

“One of the things [that’s contributed to the recent success] is that the guys are embracing water polo as their main sports,” Schiller said. “They’re playing water polo out of season… the guys that have been doing that, you can see them improve significantly.”

A product of that embracing of Water Polo has certainly been Senior Captain Zach Maher. He said that water polo is more than just a sport to him.

“Water Polo is kind of the essence of brotherhood at Malvern,” Maher said. “Being on a team and competing all the other guys in different grades and interacting with them, it creates a bond that you can’t really find anywhere else.”

The team was led by Maher and Senior Captain Nick Calvaresi, with each leader filling a specific role.

“Zach is by far the more vocal of the two of those guys, he was kinda the guy who kept things light,” Schiller said. “Nick’s a lot more of a quiet leader, and a leader by example… he has excellent practice habits.”

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Although this was the 4th consecutive season that Malvern took home the Inter-Ac water polo title, the feeling of winning remains just as sweet.

“Any time you win an Inter-Ac championship it’s an awesome thing,” Schiller said. “It’s great because we feel that we’re not only winning as our team, but we’re contributing to the overall athletic success of the school.”

Winning an Inter-Ac title isn’t just rewarding for the players, but the coach as well.

“From a personal standpoint it’s very rewarding to see these guys start in August with a fresh slate… [we play] in a very deep league and a very strong league so to see the guys do what they did and win another championship is a big deal,” Schiller said The title was even sweeter for the players, however.

“It was so awesome, that feeling is always indescribable,” Maher said. “It’s just so nice because we lost a lot of guys last year and a lot of guys stepped up this year and we were able to really get a cohesive atmosphere,” he said.

Although the team will be losing senior standouts like Maher, Calvaresi, Liam Close and Adam Yablonski, a 5th consecutive title is by no means unattainable.

“We’re going to be very good again next year,” Schiller said. “We’ll lose four seniors, but we have 13 juniors who all come back…We talked about [this] all the time, this year we felt that from our last player on the roster to our best player on the roster, it was the deepest team we have ever had.” ◊

Are you inside of #ChiazzaRange?

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September 2016

Senior place kicker Brandon Chiazza did not expect to be kicking field goals for the football team when he started his career at Malvern.

Patrick Ferraiolo ’17 SPORTS EDITOR According to ‘Kohlskicking.com’ Brandon Chiazza is a solid kicker who ‘shows f lashes of a powerful leg’ and a leg speed that ‘gives him a chance to do some very positive things as a specialist.’

Playing soccer until his junior year, Brandon Chiazza is on the cusp of playing college football.

“I’ve always played soccer my whole life, so that has been a huge part of me,” Chiazza said. “Over the years I started to get sick of soccer, and I wanted to look towards new activities.”

Over the last three years, there has been a trend of Malvern soccer players deciding to place kick for Malvern football - starting with Dan Giannaoscoli ’15 during the 20142015 season.

“When I came to Malvern, we had no kickers,” former Head Coach Aaron Brady said. “We actually had kicking tryouts open to anyone because we did not have any kickers.

I think Brandon coming to kick for us started when he saw Dan’s success.”

Chiazza decided to join the team during his junior year, and he instantly had a connection with it.

“The transition from soccer to football was not too hard actually,” Chiazza said. “It helped by learning the kicking technique from my kicking coaches.”

Initially, he decided to play soccer and football, but ultimately had to make a decision of one sport over another.

“I quit soccer last year,” Brandon said. “I played football and soccer last season but it was way too hard, and I could not deal with that. I was more focused on football.”

Chiazza views that he made the right decision, and he has even spent his summer attending various kicking camps and visiting colleges. He is constantly working on his game.

“He had a good first year, and as the year went on, he had huge strides of improvement,” Brady said.

According to Chiazza, Malvern football has a special bond that he loves being a part of. He can be seen walking around the sidelines always with a smile, constantly stretching, and enjoying the moment.

“The brotherhood of football is a lot better than soccer,” Chiazza said.

“You are in a fight every week to try to beat one team instead of playing two games in a week.”

One person that Chiazza interacted a lot with during the games, who personified the football and Malvern brotherhood, was his holder, senior Mike Fay. “Brandon was an awesome kicker who was really reliable,” Fay said.

“Being his holder, we built a strong relationship and because of that I was able to see the determination and focus that he has for the game of football as a kicker,” Fay said.

Becoming the kicker was an

COURTESY B. CHIAZZA

accomplishment within itself, but Chiazza had no idea what this would snowball into. His inclusion on the team improved the morale and atmosphere.

“Chiazza was a great addition to the team when he came Junior year,” senior teammate Justin Tichenell said. “He always had a positive attitude when it came to hard practices and long days over the summer. He was a great kicker and kept us alive in some of our closer games.”

One of those included the game against Episcopal, where Chiazza tied the game with a minute left in the game.

He already has an advantage over most high school kickers planning on kicking in college by not using the allowed kicking block. He has shown professionalism throughout his time as a kicker, playing by college rules.

“With the field goals in high school, you are allowed to use the kicking block,” Brady said. “You can not do that in college, and Brandon does not use it in the games, which actually gives him an advantage because he’s already used to the college rules.”

A kicking block is a device which allows the kicker to place the football on a raised rubber block in order to have a cleaner kick. Brandon kicks straight from the turf, and is still very successful.

Also, Chiazza has the mind game of a kicker.

“He is a very confident person, which makes him a good kicker,” Brady said. “At the end of the game, and you need to kick the ball through the uprights to win, all of sudden it is on you. The amount of confidence you need in yourself in order to do that takes a special person.”

“At first, I thought I would just try it out,” Chiazza said. “But, I really started to focus in on it when Coach Brady told me I had a lot of potential.”

But, above all, Chiazza is a kid who loves his sport and loves his school.

“Malvern is such a special place with so many great opportunities,” Chiazza said. “Malvern Football has changed my life forever and words can not explain the love I have for Malvern and my teammates.” ◊

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Sean Christman’s late college switch Malvern Prep senior Sean Christman makes a late life changing decision on where he wants to attend college.

Mac Updike ’17 CONTRIBUTOR enior Sean Christman has been playing varsity lacrosse since sophomore year as a faceoff man. He accepted a Division 1 lacrosse offer from Fairfield University in the beginning of his Junior year of high school. Later, in his senior year, Christman switched from Fairfield to Boston University.

Decommitting is a stressful process, according to Christman. This was a big change for him, a change that could definitely affect his future in a positive way.

Fairfield University was the first school that made Christman an offer, and he jumped right on it. Christman said he was drawn to Fairfield because he really liked the coach, it has a good business school, they have a lot of Malvern guys involved in their program, and he was offered some academic money, so he could help out his parents.

“I've always wanted to play Division 1 lacrosse and at the time it seemed like that was going to be my only opportunity to do that,” Christman said.

Christman happily accepted the offer from Fairfield and was set on playing there after high school.

This all changed senior year when he received interests from other D1 lacrosse programs. He got a call in October of his senior year from the coach at Boston University.

They offered him a spot on the team and some scholarship money to go along with it.

“When I got the offer from BU, it was two days after I submitted my application to Fairfield,” Christman said. He had to call admissions and tell them to pull his application.

Christman also had to call the Fairfield coach to let him know about his decision. “It was a very difficult conversation to have because I like him a lot,” Christman said. “He’s a really good guy and I felt like I was letting him down.”

The same week, Christman applied early decision to Boston University. He is very happy about his decision on committing to Boston. “I couldn’t turn that down, it was a very good academic opportunity for me to go to their business school,” Christman said.

According to Bloomberg Businessweek, Boston

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Student-athletes announce college decisions in first signing period With the first national signing period now over, Malvern signees share their perspectives on their college choices.

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Brian Szipszky ’20 CONTRIBUTOR rom November 9 to November 16, 16 Malvern recruits in baseball, lacrosse, and wrestling signed their letters of intent.

Every year, Malvern has continued its proud tradition of studentathletes signing at some of the top schools in the country. Athletic Director Kurt Ruch could not be happier about this year’s group of signees.

“This year is no different,” Ruch said, “That is a tribute to not only our student-athletes, but our coaches and families who support them.”

Ruch also mentioned the progression of signing period, and how the number of signees continues to increase.

“Our athletes are starting to pick higher and higher levels of universities,” Ruch said. “There is also more of a variety of sports now, as opposed to just baseball or football.”

Speaking of variety, lone wrestling signee Seth Janney announced h i s c om m it m e nt to C or n e l l University, one of the top wrestling programs in the nation.

“I really liked the coaches, I really loved the area, and I felt like it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” Janney said. “They have one of the best programs out there.”

Lacrosse had the most signees, with 10 players committing. Boston University commit Sean Christman spoke about the relief of signing with

F COURTESY S. CHRISTMAN

University's undergraduate business school is ranked 29th in the nation for 2016.

Christman’s parents were very supportive in the long and stressful recruiting process. “They were ready to support me either way, whatever I decided to do, so at the end of the day it was really my decision,” Christman said.

His parents were excited for the opportunity he had for Boston University, but they also would have been happy for him if he stayed at Fairfield.

Christman said he went through a lot of stress with the whole process of decommitting and would not recommend to people doing what he did.

“If you have the luxury of looking at a lot of different schools make sure you really take the time to make the right decisions and don’t rush into anything,” he said.

Christman is excited to play for a team that's up and coming. According to the NCAA RPI ranking, Boston University is 34th in the nation for 2016. This is much improvement from their 41st in the nation RPI ranking in 2015.

He is really happy with his decision, and could not be more excited about what college lacrosse has in store for him.

“At the end of the day, I think BU is the best fit for me in every aspect of my college experience.” ◊

a school.

“I didn’t make my decision until less than a month before signing day, so I had to get all my paperwork in really quickly to get early decision,” Christman said. “Having the whole thing finalized is really a great feeling.”

Fellow lacrosse commit Alex Reber talked about how Malvern has prepared him for his future at Swarthmore College.

“Through both academics and athletics, Malvern really pushes you to be the best person you can be,” Reber said. “I definitely think Malvern’s played a really big role in me being able to get to this point.”

Malvern also heavily inf luenced the decision of baseball commit Jimmy Kingsbury, who will be attending Villanova University.

“Continuing an Augustinian education was a big factor for me,” Kingsbury said. “My faith is a huge part of my life, so that meant a lot to me.”

There are still several more signing periods left in the year, including dates for football and soccer.

“We still have a couple of more opportunities throughout the year for our athletes to commit to schools,” Ruch said. “I think by the end of the year we will have even more commits than we have had in previous years past. This is a special group of athletes.” ◊

Mills hopeful for sports medicine future Athletic Trainer shares updates on status of Sports Medicine Institute – and a career goal that could change the outlook of sports in America.

Dan Malloy ’18 CHIEF INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER thletic Trainer Mr. William Mills has goals that would rocket Malvern Sports Medicine to the forefront of sports medicine research - not just at the high school level, but the national level.

In a previous story by the Blackfriar Chronicle in May 2015, Mills shared those goals, which included creating a Sports Medicine Institute, conducting doctorate research on G-forces, and developing a concussion baseline testing center.

Since that story, Mills has made big strides and has expanded his vision for Malvern Sports Medicine.

The Sports Medicine Institute is at the center of his plans. Mills said that it will be a research institute for students who want to get involved with sports medicine.

“We will actually do real research that actually gets published, and we have students who are involved with that,” Mills said.

Mills saw the necessity for college students studying science to do research, so he thought that he could bring that experience to the high school level. He said that research experiences can help in the college process.

“You can put on your resume that you are involved with this research, and that really separates you,” Mills said. “It also shows that you have some initiative as well.”

Before he could begin constructing this institute, he had to gain an educational background in research and statistics. That is how he became involved in his doctoral program in Physiology at Rocky Mountain University, where he takes online classes.

For his research, Mills is studying G-forces - that is, a force done on an object by gravity or acceleration - and how those G-forces affect the head during a specific sport.

The G-forces will be measured in rugby, lacrosse, and wrestling. Mills has G-force trackers that will be placed on the heads of the athletes. They will measure head acceleration, both linear and rotational. If the head acceleration force reaches a certain range, the player will be taken off the field and tested for balance.

Mills said that doing these G-force measurements are rare nationwide for sports like lacrosse and rugby, which will be done in the spring.

“We are doing immediate measurements,” Mills said. “We are pulling the guy out right away,

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MR. WILLAM MILLS WORKS WITH A STUDENT IN THE SPORTS MEDICINE ROOM IN O'NEILL / D. MALLOY

and no one else has done that in the country.”

Another uncommon aspect of Mill’s research is that he is studying “subconcussive” (below diagnosis for a concussion) injuries and how they affect the athlete in the long term. He is also attempting to coin a phrase of his own to describe the ailment: “sub-awareness concussive injury.”

Joining Mills on his research are seniors Christian Ostrowski, Sam Rose, and Garrett Myers.

Ostrowski’s interest in sports medicine took root after a concussion he suffered playing hockey had him involved with Mills doing rehab.

“I got to start off with Millsy and that was a moving experience,” Ostrowski said. “Later on my junior year, he came over during a hockey game and said, ‘I’m starting a program for students to be involved in my research, would you want to help with that?’, and I said, ‘Sure.’”

The role of the three students on Mills’s dissertation team is to record most of the data.

“We do baseline testing, and we also go to practices, record practices, and get all the necessary > PAGE 17

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Barbarian sport or best sport?

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September 2016

Rugby is more than just the labels given to it.

Michael Bradley ’17 Ever since we were children, our superiors have always stressed the importance of teamwork CONTRIBUTOR in everyday activities and sports. In many sports, teamwork is important to success, but in rugby hat sport is “barbarian,” how could that be the best sport there is? To many and myself, the teamwork is a necessity if you even just hope to succeed. “barbarian” sport of rugby is the pride and joy of our everyday lives. Not only is this sport In rugby, if there is a line break, which is where the offense gets behind the defense, there is no the best sport that the world has to offer but it is also the best sport that Malvern one left to stop that player. For this reason it is imperative that the defensive players on Preparatory School has to offer. the line work together to not allow a gap to form in the line for the offensive player to The title of “best Rugby is the fastest growing sport in America according to CNN.com, pulling break through as well as identify who has which player to eliminate offloads into other sport” should come players from American Football to rugby in swarms of numbers. To many, rugby is gaps that would be formed if two defensive players went after the same offensive player. through the level known to be a very barbaric sport, however, the benefits of the sport shine brighter While this is easier said than done, it can be accomplishing through talking and acting. of enjoyment that the sport has to than those fears.

Every aspect of the sport requires that at least two people are involved for the game offer, and what Rugby has many aspects to it which cannot be found in other sports. When it comes to move forward. In other sports, teamwork is only just important for success. If you the player gets to Rugby, the sportsmanship is one of a kind, the way the game is played is one of a look at sports like baseball, if the ball is hit to left field, the right fielder is not needed. out of the game, kind, and the teamwork needed to play is imperative.

Throughout the entire game of rugby you have to rely on your teammate being there rather than what the team has When it comes to the sportsmanship among rugby players, the positive attitudes for you, whether it be for an off-load, rucks, or tackles. This teamwork forms a special accomplished. each player shows to one another is special. When it comes to rugby, there are always bond among teammates as well as forms trust among them. opportunities to show sportsmanship as you are constantly “fighting” against one While there are many arguments against rugby, this sport is the best one that another without any breaks.

Malvern Prep has to offer to its students.

These sportsmanship opportunities come through a “good hit” and a pat on the back after a big At Malvern Prep, other sports teams have won numerous Inter-ac and state championships, tackle, or sharing a post-game meal with members of the other team. No other sport at Malvern while the rugby team has yet to claim a state title.. The Malvern Prep Baseball team clinched their partakes in activities like this But it is not just Malvern that does it. High school teams and clubs 6th straight Inter-ac. The Malvern Prep Lacrosse went undefeated and won the Inter-ac Invitational. across the country partake in these activities as if it was a rule to the game.

For these teams, annual championships are no surprise.

The game of Rugby is truly played differently than any other sport. There are certain aspects However, the title of “best sport” should come through the level of enjoyment that the sport to the game’s nonstop action that you do not find in other sports, such as constant running from has to offer, and what the player gets out of the game, rather than what the team has accomplished. every player every second, and almost constant hitting depending on where you are on the field.

While other sports have many aspects that are great about them, the biggest aspect that rugby These aspects of the game cannot all be found together as one in any other sport there is. Yes there is has that other sports do not is the level of teamwork. Yes other sports have teamwork, but not like constant running in soccer, but there is not constant hitting. Yes there is constant hitting in football, that of rugby. The teamwork, the trust among teammates, and the enjoyment of playing the game but there is not constant running. Rugby has all of these aspects at the same time. is why rugby is the “best” sport there is. ◊

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>MILLS,16

data for his research,” Ostrowski said.

Although they have not started yet, Ostrowski said that the goal of the research is to spread awareness about how concussions don’t just come from the big hits.

“There are different ways to get a concussion,” Ostrowski said. “We don’t think a small hit could be a bad thing, but it really could be and we just want to get the word out that it doesn’t have to be a big hit to get you a concussion. It can be a small hit in a different way.”

Mills expects to be done his doctorate by the fall of 2017. Along with earning his doctorate degree, he is also receiving an education certificate as well.

“That is perfect because the overall picture of the Malvern Prep Sports Medicine Research Institute includes education,” Mills said.

Mills plans to revive the Sports Medicine Course he taught at Malvern for 12 years, which stopped five years ago because he was too busy. Depending on when he gets his doctorate degree done, he plans to implement this course beginning in fall 2018 or 2019.

Mills also hopes to create more courses. He wants to teach a Neuroscience class and a Research Methods class. He also hopes his assistant Ryan O’Kane, who began working at Malvern in August, will teach another Sports Medicine Course.

O’Kane is working on his online doctorate degree in Athletic Training at the University of Idaho. Mills said that Malvern would be one of the only - if not the only - high school in America that has two doctorate-level athletic trainers.

“Getting my doctorate degree would be the next big step in my career,” O’Kane said.

O’Kane said that his research is focused on patellar tendonitis. He is specifically focusing on immunotherapy treatment techniques - quick, efficient, and hands-on treatments - to the injury and will bring these techniques back to Malvern.

“It’s all about the athletes for me,” O’Kane said.

With O’Kane’s help and research, Mills plans to expand his own studies beyond concussions as the Sports Medicine Institute evolves.

“Concussions are kind of my main area, but we are probably going to be studying musculoskeletal injury, which actually does involve concussion, so it gets a little deeper,” Mills said.

“We’ll study functional movement and heart stuff too.”

Mills has another long-term project on the side that is just in the beginning stages.

“We are going to do a possibly 35-year study on concussions in the country,” Mills said.

“I am involved with a doctor, [Col.] Dallas Hack, and some of his people in his committee.”

Hack, the former head of U.S. Army Brain Research according to the New York Times, is working to raise money now for the study.

Mills said that the study would follow a person who got a concussion in high school or college to 35 years of their adult life and see what effects it has on the individual. He wants the study to hopefully dispel the hysteria circulating around sports like football that have a greater risk of concussions.

“What if there is a greater risk of kids getting diabetes, or some kind of chronic disease because they aren’t doing activities because they are afraid of concussions?” Mills said. “So we want to do this 35-year study to see really what is this outcome.”

Mills wants private schools around the country to be involved because of their strong alumni networks who some of which would participate in the study. He hopes to reach out to Inter-Ac schools first to gauge their interest.

At this point in his career, Mills thought it was only right to give back to his profession through research and to Malvern with education. He said that Head of School Mr. Christian Talbot formed a committee to develop these plans last year. He knows the initiatives he is starting will take time, but he thinks it will be well worth the wait.

“The sooner the better,” Mills said. “I’m tastefully aggressive.”

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After meeting with Talbot, Brady stated that he would resign as head coach and that it was time for him to move on, freeing him up time to look for better options.

“If I resigned, I knew I could go full heartedly into [college football],” Brady said. “I would not be half in - half out.”

Currently, he is looking at Division III coaching options.

“It was amicable between Mr. Talbot and myself to move on. It was a really hard decision,” Brady said. “But personally, it was really for my family.”

After watching him for the last three years, Mr. Talbot has seen Brady’s impact on Malvern.

“Having worked very closely with Aaron for the past three years, I can attest to the tremendous impact he has had on the development of experiential learning at Malvern, especially our Social Entrepreneurship class, and of course on Malvern Prep Football,” Talbot wrote in his email. “We thank Aaron for these past three years of service and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Brady was officially hired as Head Football Coach and Director of Experiential Learning in April of 2014, and held a record of 24-9 as coach. He sent five players to play FBS football in college.

“Coach Brady was a great influence on our team and helped a lot of people with the college process,” senior captain Justin Tichenell said. “We were all surprised when he decided to move on, but we all wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

News of Brady’s resignation sent shockwaves throughout the Malvern community.

“I was very surprised. It is definitely not something that you prepare for,” Ruch said. “I had no idea that it was coming, and we had to pick up the pieces in preparing for the next game.”

After the last full pads practice, the team gathered around their Assistant Coach, Scott Hisey, who talked to the team to break the news, which came as a surprise to the players.

“I was pretty shocked when I heard the news,” sophomore Jake Hornibrook said. “He was a good coach to look up to. He is a great coach, and he will go up from here.”

For Malvern’s f inal game against The Avalon School, Hisey took over as interim Head Coach.

Hisey declined to comment.

Malvern has already commenced its search for a new head coach, advertising the position electronically and in print.

“We have already put the posts up in the papers this last week, we put it on the website, and we are starting to take applications and resumes,” Ruch said. “Like we would in any sport, we are going to try to find the best possible coach that fits and follows Malvern’s mission and would help our teams continue to grow and develop over time.”

Mr. Ruch is hopeful they will

find a coach as high caliber as Brady, ideally naming a new coach by the end of February.

“If we are going to get someone like Coach Brady regarding the tactical side, we would be lucky,” Ruch said. “He was a very good coach on the field, and he did a lot for our players off the field.”

Off the field, Brady said he will continue to help Malvern players with college recruitment.

“I am still helping with everyone’s recruiting, like I always have,” Brady said. “I am calling coaches for them, making contacts, and helping them set up visits. I am here to finish what we started – I may be gone, but I am still helping,” Brady said.

As for who will succeed Brady’s position as Director of Experiential Learning, Head of School Christian Talbot does not plan to hire a replacement.

“We’re not going to fill that role,” Talbot said. “I think we’ve gotten to the point now with being established and other experiential learning opportunities being available that I don’t think we need a full time person in that role.”

However to fill Brady’s role in Social Entrepreneurship, Malvern created a new Director of Social Entrepreneurship position.

“Director of Social Entrepreneurship is a smaller role and it’s really about perpetuating that class and finding additional opportunities for that learning experience to happen,” Talbot said. “The Director of Experiential Learning was anything that was related to experiential learning outside the classroom.”

Talbot said he does not anticipate Brady to pursue being a director of experiential learning elsewhere. “I didn’t expect that Mr. Brady would move on from here to another school to create an experiential learning program there,” Talbot said. “I think at his core he’s a football coach, so it would make sense that he would move on to the college level.”

Although Brady won’t be on the sidelines leading the team anymore, Brady feels Malvern football is in great position to succeed in the future.

“I love those kids, and I am excited to see what they do next year,” Brady said. “I expect them to win the championship. We have a really solid group of coaches. I feel like the program is in a great place.”

Reflecting on his time here, Brady could not have been happier to have been a part of Malvern and the values it stands for.

“I had a great three year experience at Malvern,” Brady said. “I really grew myself, spiritually, and also with the Social Entrepreneurial Program, outside of football. I just really enjoy all the Malvern students, and the spirit of the school.” ◊

Blackfriar

Chronicle

Westworld: What exactly is it?

A popular new TV that has already captivated and enthralled many viewers.

Steven O’Meara ’19 CONTRIBUTOR hristmas Break is coming up, and everyone is looking for that new TV show to binge watch instead of doing their homework over break. Westworld might be the show for you.

Westworld is a TV show that has action, thrills, a bit of comedy, and, the best thing, an incredible plot. It has 10 episodes in this season, which ended on December 4th.

The cast includes Anthony Hopkins, Evan Rachel Wood, Thandie Newton, Ed Harris, James Marsden and many more great actors and actresses.

When I first sat down to watch the first episode, I was immediately hooked and watched the first 3 episodes all in one sitting. Sadly, I started watching it a few weeks after it had begun on October 2, 2016 so I already heard a few plot twists and spoilers.

The main plot story in Westworld is many rich and wealthy people go on vacation in a world where they are capable of doing whatever they want without any serious repercussions. They almost can write their own story and can command the robots, who look exactly like humans and are called hosts, to do their bidding. The only problem is the humanoid robots in the park do not realize they are robots and after they die they forget everything that had previously happened.

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The main character you spend a lot of time with is Dolores, who seems like an innocent robot at first, but as the story progresses, her character gains depth and remembers a little bit here and there of her past. She was one of the first robots made by Arnold and Dr. Ford in the park.

Dolores spends a good amount of time with a guest known as William. She and William go on an adventure throughout the park to figure out why she is starting to be self aware. Dolores ends up being the key to the whole story at the very end, or finding the maze, as a character first known as the man with the black hat is obsessed with.

The original two creators of the park were Arnold, who is the most mysterious character in the whole series until the very end, and Dr. Ford, who still is in charge of the park. Dr. Ford is nearing the end of his career at the park, but he still has control over all of the “hosts.” he considers the hosts as old friends and acquaintances, even family depending on the individual host.

Initially, the first few episodes were already great, filled will different and entangling story lines. Once the I reached the final few episodes, my mind was shattered by the unexpected events that occurred that changed my thoughts on what was going to happen. If you asked me what the ending was going to be at the very beginning, I would have been so far off. I would recommend this to anyone who loves action, suspense, and even comedy. ◊

iPhone 7 gets mixed reviews The iPhone 7 is on shelves, but what does Malvern think?

Ethan Klenn CONTRIBUTOR The long-awaited iteration of the Apple iPhone lineup was available for purchase on September 16.

The phone features an improved processor, storage options, camera, display, and also water resistance. The 3.5 mm headphone jack has also been removed, but an adapter is included.

Malvern’s reactions to the new iPhone have been mixed.

Head of School Mr. Christian Talbot has the iPhone 6S Plus, and has no plans to upgrade to the iPhone 7. “The phone I have now does more than I can get it to do,” he said. “It does so much more than I need it to do. I don’t have the need to upgrade.”

Theology teacher Mr. Drew Zagursky currently has the iPhone 6 Plus.

He said he was disappointed by the iPhone 7. “I feel like the little bit of improvement and enhancements that were made would have been much better served if they didn’t have such a big spectacle around this event that Apple puts on every year,” he said. “There really were such minor modifications made that I was expecting more.”

Zagursky thinks he will update his phone soon, but does not expect to update to the 7. “I will probably get the 6s, as I currently like my phone and I would like to save a bit of money,” he said.

Freshman Jake Kroger currently has the iPhone 7. Kroger said that the iPhone 7 was an improvement compared to the previous iPhones. “The speaker is better, and it is a little more waterproof,” he said. “I also like how the home button is a little different - it doesn’t touch in all the way, it just gives you a little vibrate back.

Kroger also thinks the camera is an improvement. According to Apple’s specifications on the iPhone 7 Plus, there is a dual-lens camera system, with the regular wide-angle lens that appears on the iPhone 7, and a telephoto lens that allows x2 optical zoom and shallow depth of field “portrait” shots. The wide-angle lens that appears on both the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus features a six-element lens, optical image stabilization, and wide-color capture.

However, Kroger feels that the removal of the headphone jack negatively affects the phone’s usage. “I use my headphones kind of a lot, so I think it is a little harder if I want to listen to music and charge my phone,” he said.

Neither Talbot nor Zagursky use headphones often, so they did not feel that the absence of the 3.5 mm headphone jack would impact them.

While the iPhone 7 isn’t seen as necessary by some of Malvern’s community, it is still a very capable phone, and a great flagship. Future will tell how competitors fight back to gain ground in the smartphone market. ◊

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When Malvern takes the wheel Insight about driving programs at Malvern and tips to those getting on the road for the first time.

Kyle Leonard ’19 Eric McLaughlin ’18 FRIAR LIFE EDITOR SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR riving is a very serious and responsible action that most new 16-year-olds will undertake. It truly is one of the biggest responsibilities a person has in their life.

Malvern offers a Driver’s Ed program to help new drivers’ skills when they get behind the wheel. You can join the Driver’s Ed program when you turn 15 and learn tips to get ahead of the game when you get your permit after your 16th birthday.

Head of Upper School Mr. Ron Algeo explains that the Drivers Ed program at Malvern is not actually run by the school, but by an external program.

“The company that does [the Drivers Ed program] isn’t necessarily sponsored by Malvern, they just use our facilities.” Algeo said.

According to Algeo, there was a teacher some time ago who sponsored a Drivers Ed program that occurred at night for Malvern students. “We had a program sponsored by a teacher years ago, but when he left he took the program with him.” Algeo said.

Algeo has also said that Malvern hasn’t really felt the need to implement new Drivers Ed programs besides the one that we already use.

“As a school, we always try to be open to student input on current needs,” Algeo said. “If there was a ground swell from students and families, then I know that the school would look into it. As of now, we haven’t been asked.”

“There are a lot of companies that let you do a two-hour driving lesson with an experienced instructor,” junior JR Byrne ’18. “These were very helpful in giving me confidence to pass the driver’s test, especially with a complete stranger in the car telling me what to do.”

Malvern upperclassmen have words of advice for underclassmen to pass their tests. The first tip of advice comes before you even go to take the test. “Try not to tell that many people that you are taking the test. The only thing worse than failing the test is if everyone else knows that you failed the test too,” junior David Wiener said.

“Just relax; don’t think that you have anything to prove. It’s just another simple drive. Also, while preparing, prepare for everything,” senior Jimmy Dugan said. “My test was during a storm.”

“Practice parallel parking as much as possible,” senior Dan Ford said.

“Take everything slow and safe,” junior Shawn Oates said. “Also, be nice to the person who’s giving you your test, because you definitely don’t want to get them mad.”

Many st udents gave credit to StreetSafe and other driving

D

Four Malvern students share their frightening experiences behind the wheel, and give advice to their fellow peers on the road.

Dan Malloy ’18 of Malvern, and as I was about to turn out left, I saw a car 180 degrees CHIEF INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER flipped over due to another Malvern car pulling out and the two colliding,” hocked. Bewildered. Fearful of the wreckage that a ton of metal Dugan said. might have caused on himself and those around him.

Dugan said that his car was thankfully not involved in the wreckage, and Those were the thoughts of Malvern junior Patrick McNallyno one was hurt except one elderly woman who had to be pulled away on a Heinemann when he crashed his Mercedes-Benz into the Malvern stretcher. Dugan said that the woman was not seriously injured, however. entrance sign on November 28.

Dougherty can monitor student driving on campus, but not off campus.

McNally went to Wawa with his friend junior Andrew Knaus after That is where the student driver is on his own. Junior Pat Keenan got his school that day. It was a rainy afternoon with fall leaves on the ground. license in July, and he shared some of his unfortunate experiences on the McNally-Heinemann pulled up to the intersection for the entrance into road.

Malvern and began making the right turn. Suddenly, he realized something “A lady knocked my mirror off when she crossed the double yellow line. was wrong.

I backed into a car because I couldn’t see it when it was lower than my car. I “I slid on leaves and just lost control of the car, and I wasn’t going to looked at my rear view mirror and I couldn’t see it. Another one was when make the turn,” McNally-Heinemann said. “I was going to crash into the I tapped another person’s car, but no damage was done.” sign, so I tried to turn back out onto Warren Ave. and I spun For the lady who knocked off his side mirror, he was on his into the sign.” way to school, so he rolled down his window and talked with Malvern The car went straight through the right side of the sign the woman to see if she was alright. He got a new mirror on can monitor and the wall of stones that lay behind it. McNally-Heinemann the way there from a car dealership. For the other accidents, student sat in his car for a few moments, hoping he didn’t cause any he had to get his bumper repaired for one, but not the other. driving on damage to himself, Knaus, or the cars around him.

“Two were my fault but no one was in the car so it had to campus, “I was shocked almost, I was shaking from what hapbe my fault,” Keenan said with a laugh. but not off pened,” McNally-Heinemann said.

Another former Malvern student, Hunter Peck ’16, has a campus.

The two juniors got out of the car to assess the damage, cautionary tale about driving in icy conditions. He got in an That is where accident in spring 2016. and it wasn’t pretty. Luckily, no one was hurt. However, a the student large chunk of the sign and much of the rocks in the wall laid “It was 1:00 in the afternoon when I was coming from driver is on scattered on the ground, and the car was totaled.

Malvern up to my house up near Quakertown, and it just his own.

“The damage was worth 96% of the value,” McNallystarted to snow,” Peck said. “The roads were still pretty clear Heinemann said. “The engine got destroyed and stuff like but when I got up there, on some shadier country roads I hit that just because of how I hit the wall.” an icy patch and swerved a couple of times and went straight The car was eventually towed away, and the sign was repaired a few days across the other side of the road and hit a tree head on at somewhere between later. However, McNally-Heinemann will change how he drives because of 35-40 miles per hour.” this, as it was only two months after he got his license.

Peck said it happened so fast that he could only remember the moment “I’ll probably just not go to Wawa anymore, I don’t think I’m allowed he started skidding, and then when the tree smashed into his car. to,” McNally-Heinemann said. “I’ll probably just go a lot slower than I was, “You wouldn’t believe how fast it happened,” Peck said. “But in that I wasn’t speeding or anything, just be a lot more careful in bad weather.” moment I was amazed at how little control you have when you hit a patch Dean of Students Mr. Timothy Dougherty said that this definitely has of ice like that.” not been the first time an accident has occurred on campus.

Peck admitted that he should have been driving slower.

“One student who just recently got his license was driving his Jeep “That was a spot where I’ve seen dozens of cars crash over the years, and Cherokee and had his windows down and the Villa cross country team it was really just a combination of everything that could have gone wrong,” was running by, and he was waving, looking at them and there was a bus Peck said. “I was just blessed I got out of it virtually unharmed. If I didn’t in front of him on a speed bump back when we had bigger speed bumps. hit the tree head on, if I hit the tree with the side of the car, it could have He went right under the bus and the bus came down on top of his car,” been a lot worse.”

Dougherty said.

Peck used to drive “pretty fast” but now lowers his speed during slipAnd this was just one example. Students backing into walls and sliding pery conditions. down the hill of the junior lot were two other examples of incidents that “Don’t think you are invincible in inclement road conditions, definitely have happened multiple times. But these accidents are much less frequent when it is snowing or raining,” Peck said. than what he sees on a more regular basis.

And that’s what Dougherty fears the most about student drivers, that “I’ve seen speeding, exorbitantly over the 10 mile an hour speed limit, they could become too careless behind the wheel and cause damage. failure to stop at stop signs, horseplay, kids who are jumping at a car or “We’ve never had someone get hurt, but that happens with kids who are running to hit their friends car, swerving around the speed bumps in the not paying attention,” Dougherty said. “That’s the biggest thing, to make grass,” Dougherty said. sure the campus is safe.”

Discipline for these behaviors ranges from a warning to a revoking of Dugan and Dougherty had key advice for young drivers for both on and driving privileges on campus for two weeks, which can be a difficulty for off campus situations. students and parents according to Dougherty. He doesn’t hand these punish“Drive safely, and never think the other person will help you out at all,” ments out often, usually either one or two a month he said.

Dugan said.

Just one day after McNally-Heinemann’s crash, another accident “Pay attention,” Dougherty said. “Be aware that there are always occurred at the Malvern entrance intersection. Senior Jimmy Dugan was a kids running around in the bus lanes or in the roads. Stay safe.” ◊ witness to the incident.

“After a long and hard winter track practice, I pulled up to the entrance

S

instructor companies for passing the test. “My last instruction was the day before I took my test and I wasn’t feeling very confident about my parallel parking abilities,” Wiener said.

“After that lesson I was only needing two turns to successfully park the car.”

Junior Alex MacLachlan recently passed his driver’s test. “Make sure that the instructor’s seat-belt is buckled before you start moving. I almost forgot that when I took the test,” he said.

For underclassmen who will be behind the wheel in the future, Algeo

addressed a major issue in today’s world: distracted driving.

“Eliminate as many distractions as possible. This generation had a major disservice done to them; I don’t think it’s really all your fault, because you’ve all been raised with an electronic device in hand at a very early

age,” Algeo said.

“When I’m driving, I see people with things in their hands all the time. Anything can happen when you’re distracted.” ◊

The

Page 20

Blackfriar

Chronicle

This election season turned into a screaming match in which everyone thought they were right.

Tommy Pero ’17 Mozart. My beautiful music consisted of two notes that I played EDITOR-IN-CHIEF very loudly and with no sense of rhythm. Finally my dad yelled o one listened this election season, but everyone made at me. “Stop making noise. Start making music,” he said. a bunch of noise.

Now, imagine a band of about 25 fourth graders playing like I may be over generalizing here, but think about it. me without listening to each other. Each is super fascinated with Count the amount of times when you talked to someone whose their own ability to make any type of inarticulate tones from an political opinion was different than yours and actually considered instrument and competing to play louder than the kid next to whether or not it made sense. them. And at the end of the concert, they look to their parents If you’re like most, you probably can keep track so that they can hear “Good job.” of these times on one hand.

Sums up this election season pretty well, don’t Nothing exhibited this more perfectly to me No matter what each you think?. than when I went to a Donald Trump rally before According to CBS News, most people think side says, screams, the Pennsylvania Primary. As I lined up along they are above average and overestimate their IQ. or writes on a sign, When arguing about politics, we will argue as if the sidewalk to get in, a large group of Bernie they probably are it is impossible for us to be wrong. We are terrified Sanders supporters and Black Lives Matter protestors gathered on the other side of the street. They not going to change of being wrong because our society tells each of us had vulgar signs and screamed loud chants. The we are special, so we act on that. anyone’s mind. people on my side began to scream back.

Debates turn into screaming matches.

As I stood there, I watched this shouting Everyone is proud of themselves for having some match and thought about whether or not the screaming is accom- type of political thought or repeating the same fact over and over plishing anything. No matter what each side says, screams, or again to bolster their argument. And everyone wants to hear that writes on a sign, they probably are not going to change anyone’s they’re right— the equivalent to a parent telling them they did a mind. good job after a concert.

The truth is that America is like a fourth grade band.

But the approval never comes, so each side blames the other At Malvern I currently play in the jazz band, but I remember for degrading political debate. Buzzword accusations fly around, when I first started playing in fourth grade I was completely ter- blaming the other for problems in America and labeling them a rible. When I got my first piece of sheet music, I practiced it for part of the problem. an hour and thought I was making beautiful music on the level of Politics have become more polarized, and each side says the

N

>LEADER IN DIVERSITY, 2

MALVERN GROUP AT SDLC CONFERENCE IN ATLANTA, GA / COURTESY N. LI

person, no matter what he or she looks like, believes in, or identifies as, has his or her own unique story.

It was also an opportunity to experience life from a different perspective. How often does one get to be surrounded by a group of people in which each individual is unique?

Where there is no majority or minority?

To listen to each unique person’s opinions, experiences, and struggles, both internal and external, was truly eye-opening and humbling.

Another aspect of the event that struck me was the strength and courage of the students. The fact that each was willing and able to express themselves for who they were and how they wanted to in a society that may not embrace it was very impactful for me. That strength and courage is what separates leaders from the rest of the crowd.

If one word could sum up the keynote speakers at the weekend, it would be dynamic. The speakers included Equal Justice Initiative founder and criminal defense lawyer Bryan Stevenson, peace campaigner and son of a terrorist Zak Ebrahim, Vice President of Teach for America and co-founder of Campaign Zero Brittany Packnett, baseball legend and civil rights leader Hank Aaron, Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis, sister of Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights leader Christine King Farris, and many others.

Each had their own story to tell regarding justice, race, power, dignity, nonviolence, diversity, change, and love.

The most incredible thing that I took away from the conference was the ability

of over 1,600 students to create a family dynamic of nothing but love and acceptance in a little over two days. In family groups consisting of about thirty students, each person was willing to share his or her struggles and experiences regarding diversity and finding themselves.

There’s a special bond that forms between a group people when they meet as strangers from across the country and open up and share things that may have never been shared before.

The theme of this year’s conference in Atlanta was “Advancing human and civil rights, fulfilling the dream together”. The dynamic words that the conference revolved around were “love, change, power, dignity, forward, purpose, hope”.

When ref lecting on the theme and dynamic words, I think of the Malvern community. We should all be extremely grateful, for we are very fortunate to be where we are. Malvern strives to develop leaders and provide students with as many skills and opportunities as possible, including the ability to achieve that theme.

However, what strikes me is this: over 1,600 students from across the country were able to become a family in less than three days. Are we, as students at Malvern, doing everything we can to make each other feel at home from the beginning of freshman year?

Are we able to fully express ourselves comfortably and feel accepted for who we really are? Can each and every one of us say that we are achieving the brotherhood that is the pride of Malvern Prep? ◊

other is the problem. If we want problems to actually be solved, we must work civilly with opposing sides.

Each political school of thought has intrinsic merit in the same way that each person has intrinsic value.

When each of us hears an argument that we have never heard before, we have the responsibility to open-mindedly evaluate the validity of the argument and appropriately adjust our beliefs.

Some may argue that staying true to one’s opinion is a sign of strength. But it takes even more strength and maturity to realize when you are wrong and admit that. Screaming and shutting people out is not the solution and not a sign of strength.

We need to listen.

When I got to high school and started playing music, I realized I had to listen. I had to listen to other people that I played with. I had to listen to my teachers. I had to listen to previous great musicians.

I learned how to play music better and I no longer annoy my dad when I practice. When everyone listens and then plays, music is made. Bands sound great. Just as a band with one instrument playing one note is bland and not musical, a country full of likeminded people is weak.

Different notes can make beautiful chords and harmonies.

Different arguments and schools of thoughts make our country stronger, but it all starts with listening.

If America wants to start to compromise and work together, we must listen so we can stop making noise, and start making music. ◊