The Blackfriar Chronicle - Winter 2014-2015

SPORTS: Malvern’s first early enrollment for athletics in decades enrolled somewhere else.

FRIAR LIFE:

What does an A mean when there are

more and more of them?

NEWS: Pope Francis will visit Philadelphia next fall. What does this mean for Malvern?

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BLACKFRIAR Chronicle

The

www.mpfriarslantern.COM

WINTER 2015

VOLUME 15, NUMBER 4

twitt e r IMPERSONATION

Challenges arise when real-life identity and social media identity are at odds.

Justice Bennett ‘16, Tyler Pizzico ‘17 CHIEF INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER, FRIAR LIFE EDITOR

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he night before Thanksgiving, Brandon Moore ‘17 came out of a movie with a missed call from Dean of Students Mr. Tim Dougherty.

After missing the first call, Moore’s father called Mr. Dougherty back at around 11:15 PM. He informed the Moore family that a Twitter account with Brandon’s name and photos, identifying him as a Malvern Prep student, was posting “horrible tweets.”

“At first he was playing the cards like it really was me,” said Moore. “He [Dougherty] said, ‘We have a really big issue because of these tweets that are coming out of it.’”

The Twitter account had weighed in on the riots in Ferguson with heavily racist tweets. The profile picture, biography, and accounts followed all indicated the account to be held by Moore.

Offended social media users started to reach out on Twitter.

According to Moore, they tagged football coach Aaron Brady because they found Moore’s hudl account, even after he had only played for one week of sophomore year.

Dougherty said that he and other members of Malvern's staff received emails wondering how such hateful tweets were coming from a Malvern student.

Despite Moore’s initial thoughts, Mr. Dougherty explained how he believed he was innocent from the beginning of the incident.

“I looked at the postings and something seemed not right,” said Dougherty. “Things led me to believe that this was a hoax.

The student’s response, the grossly inflammatory language, the outrageousness of it, things like that.”

“Yes, it’s my due diligence to investigate, but there were elements that seemed to be suspicious,” said Dougherty.

According to Dougherty, social media users also reached out to Malvern’s staff to tell them the postings seemed “fishy.”

Moore, a member of the Diversity Awareness Club, was appalled and frightened by the hate-filled tweets posted under his name. According to Moore, some users on Twitter even made death threats to the fake account, with Malvern Prep's address in the angry response tweets.

However, Moore had an idea of who the impersonators actually were from the start.

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ILLUSTRATION / MIKE MCHUGH

Empty Bowls is a success

Same Service, Different City

Hard work in the studios pays off for many students and volunteers.

The “Midnight Run” service opportunity has been replaced with a trip to Camden.

Jimmy Canuso ‘17 REPORTER n Martin Luther King Jr. Day, student volunteers began working on the evening’s event at noon. But their efforts really began back in April, when the first bowls for Empty Bowls 2015 were created.

Malvern - with some help from Conestoga High School, guest artists, and friends - created 940 bowls for Empty Bowls 2015 over six months of preparations which was 4 more than last year’s total of 936.

Students used the time in class and the open studios on the weekends in order to create enough bowls for the event. This was the most bowls ever created in the seven-year history of Empty Bowls at Malvern.

As they arrived at Empty Bowls, around 300 guests chose one bowl to keep as a reminder that there are always “empty bowls” in the world.

Guests purchased additional bowls after the soup dinner, guest speakers, and silent auction.

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Tyler Pizzico ‘17 FRIAR LIFE EDITOR eniors no longer have the Midnight Run trip to New York City as a service opportunity. Instead, students can participate in a similar experience at Joseph's House in Camden, New Jersey.

Midnight Run has been a service tradition for all seniors at Malvern Prep for over 20 years, according to Director of Christian Service Mr. Larry Legner.

Malvern used to drive vans to Manhattan and hand out warm clothes and food to New York City’s homeless.

New service Legner and Mr. Tom McGuire, who trip to Camden often drove a van on Midnight Run, unaniposes the same mously decided the big reasons for the basic mission change to Camden were a few inexcusable for students risks and expenses.

“I’m really getting afraid of driving home without the risk. that late at night because I’m older now than I was fifteen years ago and I’m frankly afraid of falling asleep,” said Legner.

“I was going to come to you and say the same thing,” reported McGuire.

On top of the unnecessary risk is the cost. The tolls on the turnpike have gone up. The toll for one way to Manhattan has increased to over sixty dollars a van. With this added expense, the cost for renting the van, gas, and all the clothes and food was just getting too expensive, according to Legner.

The new service trip to Camden “poses the same basic mission for students without the risk,” said McGuire.

S JOE MARTIN ‘15 SPEAKS TO EMPTY BOWLS ATTENDEES / T. SALINAS

The student chairs of Empty Bowls 2015 were seniors Charlie Arena, Thomas Colaiezzi, Joe Martin, and Jason McLarney. Liam Wheeler ‘16, Tait McGlinn ‘16, Dom DiStefano ‘17, and Cullen Robinson ‘17 served as chairs-at-large.

“What is so remarkable about this bowl total is that the student chairs did not set a goal of topping last year’s

numbers,” said Ms. Kate Plows, faculty advisor for Empty Bowls. “It was most important to them to make the best quality bowls they could - even if we didn’t end up with quite so many.”

However, the students learned that the quality can be directly proportional to the quantity of bowls that are made. They were learning more from > PAGE 5

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Winter 2015

THE BLACKFRIAR CHRONICLE

OPINION Malvern reacts to new schedule at midyear Two quarters into the new modified block schedule, Malvern still has not reached a unified opinion. and all the periods were going to feel very long, but I think I’ve adjusted to it. One thing I really like is community time; I find that to be really helpful.

Anything you would like to see changed?

Longer lunches, maybe. I feel like my lunches are very rushed.

Tommy Pero ‘17 REPORTER T he

beginning of this year came with a lot of change.

Most notable was the new schedule which featured an eight day, eight period rotating cycle, shorter lunches, extra study halls, and a new counseling class.

Many members of the Malvern community initially were reluctant to change, as the eight-day schedule appeared a daunting task to learn.

However, at the halfway point of this year, Malvern has had a good taste of the changes.

Seeking feedback from the students, the Malvern administration recently sent out a survey to the students’ emails.

While the administration has not released the full responses from the survey, the Blackfriar Chronicle decided talked to a few Malvern students and teachers to hear their thoughts on the schedule.

Sam Rose ’17 How do you feel about the new schedule compared to how you felt in the beginning of the year?

I think it’s really nice; it gives you enough time to finish all the work that you have and also see teachers (to get) any help that you need. I think it’s a little better now because you’re getting more work and doing more complex things, so it’s pretty good overall.

Anything you would like to see changed?

I think I’d rather not have, or maybe reduce the hour-and-twenty-minute class, because sometimes certain classes, when you have that period, get really, really long and drawn out.

Mike Bradley ‘17

Chris Hoffman ‘15

How do you feel about the new schedule compared to how you felt in the beginning of the year?

I enjoy the new schedule now more than I did at the beginning of the year. I find that having the built-in study halls is very important, and it’s nice when you have homework that you have yet to finish or made a mistake on it. The hour-long classes, I’m still not a total fan of, but you pick and choose your battles.

Anything you would like to see changed?

I feel like having an eight-day schedule gets really annoying. It’s a lot of classes to have to really remember, and lunch can get confusing.

How do you feel about the new schedule compared to how you felt in the beginning of the year?

The schedule at the beginning of the year took a little bit to adjust to, coming from a senior, you’ve had the same routine from three years coming in to a new schedule and a new way of doing things around here. At midyear, it’s been alright, I’m used to it by this point. There’s always something that comes up, like the unknown variable that you don’t know, but you’re able to face it with good preparation.

Anything you would like to see changed?

At this point I’m not really sure, I don’t know if we should change anything because it’s like getting adjusted to a new playbook; if you keep changing it, then no one is going to really learn it or adjust to it.

Joe Markferding ‘16 How do you feel about the new schedule compared to how you felt in the beginning of the year?

I like it, I do like it. It helps me get all my work done, and reduces the amount of stress that I have. I think the main thing is that there’s a little too much free time in the day. And that’s good for some things, but for other days, I literally have nothing to do.

Anything you would like to see changed?

I can’t think of anything specifically, just to cut down free time.

we had to make it a modified block; there’s this thing called regular block.

It’s only four periods every day. And then I was thinking, in the middle of the day, instead of community time, you could make that an hour-andtwenty-minutes and in community time you’d have lunch, a spot for counseling, if they really cared that much, and then activities, so forty minutes of each.

Caleb Kao ‘15 How do you feel about the new schedule compared to how you felt in the beginning of the year?

Initially I felt that the schedule would be rough. I thought, “I’m going to face a very tough college atmosphere, like one you would see in an Ivy League.” I have a lot of AP classes, and some really rigorous classes as well. Because of the new schedule, I was able to allocate my time, and use my time wisely for each class. We also have the free periods, which are really helpful for me.

Anything you would like to see changed?

I think students should have an extra free period (for a total of two), but I know some students may not be able to use it wisely.

Ms. Florence Crews, Math How do you feel about the new schedule compared to how you felt in the beginning of the year?

I feel a whole lot better about it, I’ve gotten used to it. I think there’s still some bugs in it. I think they’re correctable, but not at midyear. I’m okay with the schedule.

Anything you would like to see changed?

Yes. There was a comment about if you give tests on only periods one and two, you don’t see the kids the day before, and that could be looked at.

And, if we miss a day, then I think that the next day should be just whatever the next numerical day would be.

(The day number we come back is the day number that we missed.)

Joe Basiura ‘18 How do you feel about the new schedule compared to how you felt in the beginning of the year?

It’s okay. I feel like I have a lot free time, and there’s a lot of time where I don’t have things to do and I just love sitting around and doing nothing.

Anything you would like to see changed?

Not particularly, no.

How has the modified block been going for you so far this year?

Let us know at The Friar’s Lantern mpfriarslantern.com

Kevin Munyan ‘16 How do you feel about the new schedule compared to how you felt in the beginning of the year?

I thought the eighty-minute period

Rohan Juhnjuhnwala ‘18 How do you feel about the new schedule compared to how you felt in the beginning of the year?

It’s a really horrible schedule, honestly. Counseling is not a very good use because you spend an entire class, you lose an entire spot on your schedule. So, you could take one more credit if it weren’t for counseling. Then, you got community time, which is such a waste because no one uses it properly, and it’s right in the middle of the day, and there’s no point. You might as well either get out earlier or put it at the end of the day so it’s optional. It’s also hard because you might go an entire week and see a class only once, and the teachers might give you the same thing over again because they’re not sure if you’ve done it. It’s a really confusing schedule.

Anything you would like to see changed?

It would be easier if we had just a simpler schedule. There’s no reason why

Fr. James Cassidy, Theology How do you feel about the new schedule compared to how you felt in the beginning of the year?

The beginning of the year was my beginning of the school, so I had only been here three weeks when we started the schedule. It was going to be new for me no matter what it was. The issue of block scheduling is a whole other question. I’ve had it in other schools, used in different variations. The first year is always the hard one, because it’s just different and new.

Anything you would like to see changed?

Not at this point. n

THE BLACKFRIAR CHRONICLE

Winter 2015

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FRIAR LIFE Spring Musical 2015: Grease Malvern Theatre Society’s 2015 spring musical is set to be brighter than lighting.

MR. ED LIGA REVIEWING DIRECTION AT GREASE MUSIC REHEARSAL / TOMM Y PERO

Tommy Pero ‘17 REPORTER alvern Prep’s spring musical for 2015 is Grease, a high energy musical that features classic songs like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’” and many more.

The story starts when Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski go back to school after sharing a summer romance. However, Sandy soon realizes that Danny is not the same person she fell in love with in the summer.

Danny will be played by Phil Daubney ‘15, while Sandy wille by played by the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur’s Christina Dietzler '16.

While the movie Grease (1978) popularized the story line, the musical was performed first, starting in 1972. It was created by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, and features music inspired by 1950’s rock ‘n roll.

When asked about why Grease was chosen as this years’ musical, Dr. Jim Fry, the director of the show, said, “We wanted to pick a show that was a little bit lighter, than the fall show [The Laramie Project]. We wanted to look at something that was very upbeat, something that everybody

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knows. I thought that we had the right group of students that could pull the show off.”

According to Fry, approximately 15 Malvern students joined Malvern Theatre Society (MTS) for the first time to perform in Grease.

One of these new students, Tait McGlinn ‘16, said he decided to join MTS because some of his friends and his older brother had previously performed in MTS shows. “It felt very inviting, so I decided to do it this year,” said McGlinn.

Grease has many Malvern students excited. Sean Ward ‘17 said, “Grease is going to be the best show that MTS has put on in the past decade.”

Fry also said viewers should expect to see a lot of high, positive energy and music that they would recognize. He said there would be, “bottom line, a lot of fun.”

Fry also mentioned that there was another surprise in the show that audiences would enjoy, however he did not want to leak this yet.

The show will have four performances on March 6, 7, 13, and 14.

Each show will start at 8 PM in the Duffy Arts Center, according to the Malvern website. Tickets will go onsale in February.n

Student Council hosts Winterfest This year student council held Winterfest, a semi-formal dance for all grades to attend.

Jack Marchesani ‘15 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF n December 13, students gathered with their dates, put on their ugly sweaters, and headed to Stewart Hall to participate in the Malvern’s “Winterfest.”

Originated by senior Doug Corsi ‘15 and the rest of Student Council, the idea quickly became reality, harnessing student support as event leaders prepared for an amazing night.

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“We originally had a date set from the summer on a semi-formal,” Doug said. He explained that the intent was for this to be a freshmansophomore dance, as had happened in years past.

After a group discussion of the attendance and whether or not it would be plausible, Doug suggested that, “the only way the dance would work is if it was a formal homecoming > PAGE 4

Faculty of the Issue: Mrs. Gordon Known for her enthusiastic lessons and exciting teaching style, Mrs. Gordon is the prime example of Malvern’s incredible faculty. We had the chance to sit down with her to discuss.

Jack Marchesani ‘15 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF What’s your background here at Malvern?

I ’m t h e S o c i a l S t u d i e s Department Leader, and this is my tenth year at Malvern. Right now, I teach all of the Honors US History I classes. I have taught other classes at Malvern. I taught Academic US I and two different versions of the 9th grade course in World Cultures.

I also taught US since 1945, one of my favorites.

What position did you have before you were a teacher and how did that lead you here?

Before I was a teacher I worked in the museum field. I had several different jobs in that field, and I always wanted it to have something to do with history. What I was doing was considered public history.

I graduated from college, and three days later I got in my car and drove to North Carolina. I was there as a Special Exhibition Curator for a Cape Fear museum and I stayed there on a fellowship.

I then came back up here and did some collections management for a very small historic house. I then went to the African American Museum in Philadelphia and became the Registrar of Collections and Exhibitions. From there, I went to Doylestown and was the Curatorial Assistant at Fonthill Museum. It is one of the largest historic house museums on the east coast. After being there for a year and a half, I was promoted to the Administrator of the historic site, so I ran the building, and I was there for another two years after that.

Then I got the job here at Malvern. Teaching was something I always wanted to investigate. History was always something I had loved. I thought, “Let me try teaching just to see if I can do it.” I got a job here on a temporary basis, so I was only here for a year, and they decided that I wasn’t too bad, so I could stay. I loved it. It was almost an immediate decision that it was a fabulous decision I’d made.

How do you feel you add your own style to teaching?

I’m very passionate about history, and I also have a background in drama. Since I have that background, I think that I should really make history come alive. It can become monotone and dull if you really don’t bring it to life.

You have to make people understand that history is about people.

It isn’t just this series of documents that’s unending and were written by some ghost writer. The way I bring my own personality and style to teaching is through animated discussion, challenging questions, and academic rigor.

Academic rigor and passion naturally link. Keeping students

challenged will keep them interested as well. Students may not like the rigor, but I do think that they respect it. I don’t want to disrespect my students by not expecting the utmost they can give me.

I now realize you only need one rule in a classroom, and that’s respect.

Everything else comes down to that.

Where do you see the importance of history in our modern society?

History as a topic and history as a discipline are different.

If you look at the topic of history, it’s important to understand where we came from as United States citizens, and it’s important to understand our role in the global world. Everyone needs to understand their own background to move forward in that.

History, as a discipline, is a pheMRS. GORDON / PAT FERR AIOLO nomenal area. I laugh sometimes because people will say that the education. Many of them would say, internet is confusing for “if I don’t get a job at kids because they have “I now realize the museum, I think I’ll to take tons of informathere’s only just teach.” I would stop tion and find the good one rule in a them and say, “I can information. Historians classroom, and obviously see your clear have been doing that that’s respect. passion for history, but forever. We have so do you like kids?” much information, it is Everything else When you teach, a good historian’s job to comes down to especially at the middle take all that informathat.” and high school levtion to read it, validate els, you do much more it, and only pull out the -Mrs. Gordon working with kids than pieces that make sense. you do history. You have We have to funnel down to the truth. to like kids. The students are what keep this job amazing and great.

History makes you a discerning They’re at the center of the decisions scholar. You can’t read everything, I make with curriculum and grading. you have to discern.

It’s natural for me to do that. n What do you love about Malvern?

There’s so many things.

Number one, the students. I had lots of interns in the museum field, and many knew that I was pursuing

The

BLACKFRIAR Chronicle

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

Mission Statement 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. mpfriarslantern1@gmail.com / Twitter @friarslantern1 / facebook.com/TheFriarsLantern EDITORS IN CHIEF Jack Marchesani ‘15 Matthew Lanetti ‘15 MANAGING EDITORS Print: Michael McHugh ‘15 Online: Chris Bunn ‘16 INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER Justice Bennett ‘16 SECTION EDITORS Friar Life Arts Tyler Pizzico ‘17 Andrew Stetser ‘15 Sports Sean Christman ‘17 Patrick Ferraiolo ‘17 Copy Editor Ted Holleran ‘16

Media & Technology Mike McCarthy ‘15 Local/World News Jake Sorensen ‘15 Social Media / Podcast Ben Yankelitis ‘16

EDITORIAL BOARD All editors Mike Flanagan ‘16 David Wright ‘15 Jack Walker ‘18 Jack Magargee ‘18

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Winter 2015

THE BLACKFRIAR CHRONICLE

FRIAR LIFE > WINTERFEST, 3

WORKING IN THE BOTCAVE / CHRIS BUNN

New Botcave has Robotics Team in high hopes for season

With a new space on campus, the Robotics team is looking for victory this season.

Christopher Bunn ’16 MANAGING EDITOR his year’s robotics season is already in full swing. The season officially started on January 3 with a kickoff at Upper Darby High School. However, the team prepared extensively before this meet. Many changes have taken place since the end of last year’s robotics season, including the construction of the Botcave and a new challenge.

One of the most signif icant changes of this season is the inclusion of the Botcave. Project Manager Joe Martin ‘15 says that “[The robotics team] has never had a space like this on campus.”

Located in the basement of Alumni Hall, this area is where the majority of Robotics-related activities take place. From homeroom to late at night, anything from the actual construction of the robot to team meetings take place here.

Before, the team would have to spend an hour after school, planning on how to get to its off site location, CTDI, with the most amount of people. The location underneath Alumni Hall was primarily used for storage and smaller projects.

However, seeing the potential this space had, the team decided that this location could be used much more effectively. The Robotics team and Director of Development Mr. Vic D’Ascenzo worked together to renovate this space into a much more functional space.

The result is an area where the majority of the construction of the robot can take place. A work bench

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has been added to both sides of the wall. Bright, fluorescent lights hang from the ceiling, allowing the team to work later hours in this new space.

All of the team’s tools have a new, easily accessible location as well.

Most importantly, there is a space to store the robot while the team is working on it.

“The team has a location on campus where we can work.” says Joe Martin ‘15, effectively giving them an extra hour of work each day.

Despite this, the Botcave has a few limitations. “It’s nice because it is on campus, ” remarks Matt Heisler ‘16. “But it is a bit smaller than CTDI.” There is an adjoining room right next to the Botcave, but it remains unfinished. The team is working on generating the funds to renovate this room as well.

The time commitment within this year’s robotics team is enormous as well. For six days a week, team members work on perfecting the robot. On the weekdays, members work from 3:10pm to 6, almost 7pm. Members can come in on Saturdays as well.

Malvern’s robotics team competes in the FIRST Robotics Competition.

Started in 1989, FIRST Robotics aims to facilitate robotics competitions between other schools and teams. FIRST Robotics also designs a new challenge every year.

This challenge usually requires teams to work with another team in an alliance. Two alliances then compete against each other head to head in order to accomplish a given task.

Along the way, teams gain points and the team with the most points wins.

This year’s challenge is called “Recycle Rush”. The objective is to build stacks of tote boxes, place recycling bins on top of the stack, and then to place litter inside of the recycling bin on top. Teams can have alliances, where they can work together with another team.

At the start of every game, there is a small, 15 second autonomous period where robots can use preprogrammed code to move a set of initial tote boxes to a predetermined zone.

Afterwards, teams can control their robots and start to attempt to stack boxes and recycling containers to gain points.

Teams may also try to gain points by throwing litter into the arena and having their robots place the litter into recycling boxes. Bonuses are awarded by completing other tasks as well, including a cooperative bonus for alliances that stack a certain group of boxes in a certain area.

With the Botcave and the new game in the minds of the Robotics team, many members are hopeful. In terms of goals for this season, Matt Heisler ‘16 says “I hope that we can do well in the first two preliminary competitions.” Joe Martin ‘15 hopes that the team can make regionals, as well as compete in districts. n

See video about this season’s FIRST Robotics challenge at The Friar’s Lantern

again.” Following this, the Student Council rallied around the idea.

Events Chairman, Pat Coffey ‘15 said, “We all agreed that a full dance would be a good way to have better attendance.”

The idea was then presented to the senior class via word of mouth and Facebook posts. Once Corsi was confident enough in student body support, a survey was sent out in November via email to measure how many students seriously considered attendance.

“Based on the survey results, we thought that a lot of people would go.

This also served as a way to increase awareness and raise interest,” said Coffey.

T he ne x t step in put t ing Winterfest together was making sure there weren’t any conflicts. After meeting with Coach Harmatuk and Mr. Ruch to avoid athletic conflicts, Corsi and the Student Council settled on Saturday December 13.

As for location, Stewart Hall was selected as the venue based on size of expected attendance and the fact that there were games in O’Neill that day. This took the combined efforts of both students and faculty.

“Dr. Fry was a big part of making Winterfest a reality,” Corsi said.

“I was really proud of how

hard the Student Council members worked on this,” said Fry. Mrs. Lohse, moderator for Student Council said, “I know that we were very proud of how the student council members persisted in convincing classmates to attend. They showed great spirit. Overall it was a nice pre-Christmas break rally point for those who attended.”

As for the dance itself, many found it enjoyable. John Kuyat ‘15 said, “Winterfest was a great time.

Although there weren’t that many people there, everyone who went had fun.”

Students created their own theme when they wore their best/ugliest Christmas sweaters to the dance.

The Student Council members found that there was a low turnout as compared to what the survey predicted. “What hurt us was that we talked about it right before break, kids went on break, and it was hard for underclassmen to get dates when they came back,” said Corsi.

As for the future of Winterfest, Corsi says that he’d “like to see it happen yearly.”

According to Joe Martin ‘15 who attended the dance, “It has to be repeated year after year. When that happens it’ll become a part of Malvern’s tradition.” n

Campus Hero of the Issue:

Mr. Tony Carini

What is it like to work on the crew that keeps Malvern safe, clean, and looking great?

Colin Price ‘18, Desmond Papariello ‘18 REPORTERS n this new monthly feature, we will be profiling the people who keep Malvern going from behind the scenes. First up, we talked to Mr. Tony Carini of the Maintenance staff.

Where are you from? What’s your background?

I am from Drexel Hill, I was there from 1965 to 1982. I went to Bonner, class of ‘82. My family moved out of there to Broomall and I met my wife. She also was from Drexel Hill, MR. CARINI / COLIN PRICE she went to Prendi. And that’s where we reside now.

How long have you been at Malvern?

I am in my tenth year, I started in September of 2004. I will be in my eleventh year in September.

Are you doing the same thing you were doing when you started?

Actually, I had a very unique schedule because my daughter was very young and I wanted to be able to take her to the bus. My wife is a school teacher.

Malvern was very gracious by allowing me to keep my schedule and take my daughter to the bus - which is really important. You guys will see as you get older that you will want to be able to take your kids to the bus, especially in the world you live in today.

So you have a daughter, she goes to Villa?

Yes. I hear she’s in the play?

Yes, she is. She has always been interested in theater, and it was always a dream of hers to be on the Malvern stage.

Is it different being involved at Malvern so many different ways now?

Yeah, I think I find myself doing more with her at Villa and being at Malvern events, I love being around people, you know I’m a people person.

Any time theres something going on like Empty Bowls, and B.A.S.H, I love to be a part of it and I love to volunteer. Its a great thing.

What is a typical day like for you?

I’ll get here at 9:30 in the morning, sometimes I get here earlier to drop

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THE BLACKFRIAR CHRONICLE

Winter 2015

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FRIAR LIFE Student of the Issue: Xavier Ruffin ‘16 We caught up with Xavier Ruffin ‘16, a man committed to variety.

Ted Holleran ‘16 REPORTER ou’ve all seen him. Either at the Malvern Train Station on your way into school, or in the ceramics studio, selflessly giving his time to a great cause like Empty Bowls. Some see him in the Learning Commons after school, like he is every day like clockwork, hard at work. Our Student of the Issue is the class of 2016’s own Xavier Ruffin.

Xavier “Xaive” “X-Man” “X-Ray” “Guys-I-Get-It-My-Name-Has-AnX-In-It” Ruffin is the quintessential Malvern man in almost all facets.

We had the chance to delve into his enterprises in academics, the arts, and athletics.

Where are you from?

I’m originally from Philadelphia and I currently live in Aldan, Pa, just outside Springfield. I take the train to and from school most days.

What kind of activities are you involved in here at Malvern?

Well, I’m part of the Diversity Awareness Club and I have participated in making some of the bowls for Empty Bowls. I’m not too good at ceramics, but I do think it is pretty fun. I’m also in the National Honor Society and I’ve recently joined the school newspaper. I plan to start writing in the next issue.

What do you like to do outside school?

Nothing special, I usually just like to relax and take it easy for the most part. It would be accurate to say that I am [chillin’ like a villain] in my free time. Spending time with my family and the like.

What is your biggest goal for this year?

I guess my biggest goal is to get distinguished honors. Oh, and also do well on my SAT’s.

Do you have any post-Malvern, or even post-college goals?

Well I know for sure that I want to go to college. Right now, I am in the middle of deciding my first choice, between Lehigh and

Y

XAVIER RUFFIN / MICHAEL DROOGAN

Georgetown. After that, I’m not too sure about any career paths just yet.

Tell us about your rowing career.

Oh, my rowing career (smiling). I began rowing freshman year and I stopped a few months into this year. It was definitely challenging, to say the least. The daily rigor of the exercises made it very demanding. So much so that I found myself having to quit last October. I have immense respect for anyone who can stick it out for all four years and I think it says a lot about their level of determination.

What qualities of yours do you think got you picked as Student of the Issue?

That’s a good question. I like to think I’m a pretty good student and I try pretty hard in most things I do.

I’ve never had any disciplinary issues or anything of that sort. I generally consider myself a positive guy.

What was your opinion on Mary I becoming the ruler of England and restoring the Catholic Church in 1553?

Honestly, I think it was great.

She was a great woman and I completely support her and her actions.

Do you think that you’ve been asked enough questions to write a newspaper article?

Yes. Yes, I do. n

> SERVICE, 1 This destination for the new trip to Camden, New Jersey is Joseph’s House, a facility associated with the Romero Center where juniors participate in Urban Challenge. Joseph’s House houses about 85 people and adheres to strict rules to ensure the safety of each individual, Legner reported.

Each homeless person must be pre-approved and receive a card through an interview process. Another step to maximize safety are the seven full-time employees, some of which are security guards.

Joseph’s House has five main rules as a code: No drinking, no drugs, no fighting, no weapons, and no foul language. The doors open at 8:30 at night and the guests do not leave the premises until 9 in the morning, Legner reports.

Over Thanksgiving break, Malvern seniors took their first

> EMPTY BOWLS, 1 their mistakes when they made more my last one. The biggest thing I was bowls, rather than trying to make one concerned about had to be my speech. bowl perfect.

I practiced it an insane amount, and “I’m not sure how they topped I wanted the speech to be powerful both quality and quantity this year. and inspiring and show all the work We were all surprised.” said Plows. we have been doing.”

Not a Malvern invention, Empty In the speech, Martin and Bowls is a national organization that Colaiezzi remarked on what Empty has been supporting thousands of Bowls meant to them and what it events worldwide since 1990. It was means to use talents to the benefit of founded in 1991 by Lisa Blackburn other people: and John Hartom to raise money for “We learned very early on the the homeless in their Michigan com- responsibility we have to use a talent munity. The national organization we have developed for a greater cause. requires that funds raised be donated And that’s exactly what Empty Bowls to an organization working to end is here at Malvern: A way for students hunger and food to use a talent they insecurity. have developed for All proceeds a greater good.”

We learned very from Malvern’s They also disearly on the event are donated cussed what kept responsibility we to Bethesda them motivated have to use a Project, an during preparatalent we have organization that tion for the event, works to reaffirm and the challenges developed for a the dignity of our that came with it. greater cause. homeless brothThe prepara-Joe Martin, Thomas Colaiezzi ers and sisters tion for Empt y in Philadelphia.

Bowls involved a Empty Bowls is lot of effort. The an annual event, and an important student chairs began meeting in early piece of both our Christian Service September, and continued meetings and Arts programs. nearly every week through January.

Over winter break, Joe Martin Saturday Open Studios began in early and Charlie A rena v isited the November and continued until the Bethesda Project to learn about the week before the event. history of it, meet new people, and Student chairs planned methsee how Malvern’s participation in ods used to advertise the event, Empty Bowls has had an effect on strategies for encouraging people to the organization. attend Open Studios, the collection Mr. Tyler Hurley, Bethesda of silent auction items, and volunteer Project’s Director of Community recruitment.

Life, took the initiative to set up “Just about every small and large transportation for a group of men detail of this event was directed by from the Bethesda Project to come the student chairs,” said Plows. “It to the Empty Bowls event. Malvern wasn’t always easy - but they pushed students often meet many of them in through.” their sophomore years while at St. One highlight of preparations was Augustine’s for service. a “bowl-off” against Conestoga High “One of the greatest things that School on Saturday, January 10, to happened was the men that are liv- help with a final boost on bowls. The ing with Bethesda coming out to the competition was judged on quantity event,” said Martin. “It was so inspir- and quality by Ms. Jennifer Martin, ing and exciting to be able to look a talented potter and vice president those men in the eyes on the night of of The Clay Studio in Philadelphia. the event and know where the money “Conestoga ended up beating us,” is going to.” said Plows. “Some of our strongest “I hope we can make this an potters couldn’t participate because annual tradition.” said Plows. of play practice.” The members on Joe Martin and Thomas Colaiezzi Malvern’s bowl-off team included were asked to make a speech at the Joe Martin ‘15, Nick Villano ‘18, Dan event this year.

Hoban ‘15, Liam Wheeler ‘16, Jason “I was excited to have a leader- McLarney ‘15, and Justice Bennett ship role,” said Martin. “I was also ‘16. excited about trying to make the event “Maybe the best part was that as successful as possible because it was the Conestoga students were really

trip to Joseph House, for which they prepared a meal of spaghetti and meatballs. The men and women who came to Joseph House were served food and engaged in meaningful conversation with the Malvern students.

Guests were grateful and thanked the students and staff numerous times.

McGuire described a personal connection that he and Matthew Lanetti ‘15 experienced.

A man seemed to have isolated himself from the group, so McGuire and Lanetti went over to sit with him. He seemed depressed. Lanetti explained that the students made the pasta from scratch. The man’s eyes lit up as he described his previous job as an accomplished chef.

The man explained that he lost his job because it was about twenty miles from Camden, and he had to take a bus to work

inspired to try doing their own Empty Bowls. We hope to support them in the future.” said Plows.

Empty Bowls is a program that inspires people in the school to use their talents towards the benefit of the rest of the community. That inspiration lives on after a student leaves Malvern.

“We couldn’t have done it this year without help from so many alumni,” said Plows. “It’s great to see alum coming back to support the cause at the Open Studios.”

This year, several alumni donated silent auction pieces that they have created since graduating from Malvern. Mike Stangis ‘14, a Marine Biology major at the University of Miami, had three pieces in the auction. Dan McGlinn ‘14 donated plates that he created in the ceramics studio at University of Notre Dame.

Ryan Wheeler ‘12, who is majoring in Ceramics at Tyler School of Art, donated two bowls to the silent auction and many Open Studio hours to support the cause.

“One of the main things [Empty Bowls] taught me was that when you have a talent, you have an extreme responsibility to give back and use that talent for good,” said Wheeler.

Plows says the funds raised were close to last year’s total, which was an $11,000 donation to the Bethesda Project. However, the exact total cannot be announced just yet. Hopefully, it will be concluded by February 14.

Bowls will be on sale in the Campus Store between now and Valentine’s Day. There were a lot of things that made this event a success and an exciting event. The hard work and dedication of all involved was a huge asset.

“First and foremost I think it begins with guys’ love for ceramics and creating. Without this, there would be no bowls and therefore no event,” said Martin.

“The next thing that makes this a success is the leadership team, the people that worked on this project for months worked out all the little details behind the scenes and made it the great event that it was.”

“Lastly, I think it comes down to the volunteers and the attendees at the event,” he concluded.

“It is exciting to see the culmination of all our hard work.” said Colaiezzi. n

each morning. The way the bus schedule worked out, he wouldn’t get home until early the next morning and he couldn’t operate on the minimal sleep.

He talked at length about his experiences. The experience reaffirmed for McGuire that the homeless community benefits from Malvern’s service, but those benefits are returned back to those who serve in a deep and meaningful way.

The new trip to Camden trip will overall encompass the same goals of service for the Malvern seniors. However, this trip also encourages sitting down, talking with the men and women about their experiences, being open and honest, and hopefully making a connection such as Matt and Mr. McGuire did.

Students and faculty took a second trip to Joseph’s House in Camden over the winter break. Participants hope this trip becomes a new Malvern tradition. n

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THE BLACKFRIAR CHRONICLE

FRIAR LIFE

Justice Bennett ‘16 has limits on the number of APs discussion of CHIEF INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER a student can take, and prereqthe value and ost of the students at Malvern try for high grades. uisites for some honors and AP meaning of However, what does it mean for a school when the classes. grades has number of students achieving those high grades "So, you kind of have to become a huge each year is on the rise? know the context of the high conversation The Malvern Prep Class of 1999 graduated with 45.56% of school to know whether a student among the educators at the grades being a B- or lower in their junior year. The 2014 is challenging himself when you Malvern. graduating class had only 9.18% of its grades B- or lower - a look at that transcript," she said. near 80% decrease in 16 years. "[The school profile] is used The average percent of the students graduating with a cumu- to assess the rigor of the curriculative GPA over 4.0 since 1998 increases at a rate of .25% annu- lum," said Feeney. "Then also to get a feeling for what the grades ally, but has been anywhere from 5.4% in 1998 to 17.7% in 2007. mean that they are seeing on the transcript in terms of how well To collect this information, the Black Friar Chronicle ana- that student really did." lyzed the college profile grade distribution for every class from College Counselor and English Teacher Mr. Rich Roper 1999 to 2015, excluding 2006 and 2011 due to a lack of profiles for these years.

2015 To find the percent of stu2014 2013 dents graduating for Malvern 2012 2010 2009 with a 4.0, we examined the 4.0 2008 2007 Club plaques on the walls of the 2005 2004 counseling hall in Tolentine Hall 2003 2002 2001 from 1997 to 2013.

2000 1999 It should be noted that 2015 2014 Theology was omitted from 2013 This chart shows the trend of increasing of higher 2012 grade distribution charts on the 2010 grades versus the decrease in lower grades at 2009 college profiles from 2002-2013.

2008 Malvern Prep for the junior class. Data was 2007 compiled from the School Profiles shared with 2005 “It’s totally standard,” said 2004 colleges from 1999-2015.

(2015 is the class of 2015 2003 Director of College Counseling 2002 as juniors, etc.). The number reported is the 2001 Mrs. Emily Feeney. “I think if 2000 percentage overall of grades in each class.

1999 you took a smattering of high 2015 Please note that Theology was not reported to 2014 schools across the country and colleges from 2002-2013, and that the years 2006 2013 2012 and 2011 are not represented on the chart because did the same type of analysis that 2010 2009 the information could not be found for those years.

2008 you would find the same thing,” 2007 2005 she said referencing our grade 2004 2003 distribution.

2002 2001 Feeney pointed out that 2000 2015 1999 2014 grade distribution is an ongoing 2013 2015 2014 2012 conversation in high school and 2013 2010 2012 2009 higher education. “Should a C 2010 2008 2009 2007 which falls right in the middle 2008 2005 2007 2004 - be average,” questioned Feeney.

2005 2003 2004 2002 2003 “Really, it’s skewed,” said 2001 2002 2000 2001 Feeney. “Probably a B-ish is 1999 2000 1999 really the average. Even a B+ if 2015 2015 2014 2014 you look at the distribution here, 2013 2013 2012 2012 but that’s not uncommon among 2010 2010 2009 2009 high schools in the US, among 2008 2008 2007 2007 our peer schools. It would look 2005 2005 2004 2004 very recognizable to an admis2003 2003 2002 2002 sions officer,” she said.

2001 2001 2000 2000 “I would say at the college 1999 1999 level, too, you would still prob2015 2015 2014 2014 ably find the same kind of grade 2013 2013 2012 2012 distribution shift. It’s pretty 2010 2010 2009 2009 common,” said Feeney. “It’s not 2008 2008 2007 2007 really alarming, and I don’t see it 2005 2005 2004 2004 as a problem for students as they 2003 2003 2002 2002 2001 apply for college.”

2001 2000 2000 1999 According to Feeney, a 1999 2015 school's profile is uploaded elec2015 2014 2014 2013 tronically to colleges along with 2013 2012 2012 2010 student transcripts. These pro2010 2009 2009 2008 files provide information about 2008 2007 2007 2005 what is offered at a school and 2005 2004 2004 2003 what grades students typically 2003 2002 2002 2001 get in courses, in order to provide 2001 2000 2000 1999 admissions counselors with some 1999 standard of comparison.

As an example, Feeney 0 5% 10% 15% 0 20% 25% explained that at Episcopal Academy a student can take as % of total grades many APs as s/he wants, with almost no restrictions. Malvern

M

GRADES

confirms how the school profiles are used. "This is the best way to far to give them a resource to judge our kids in reference to each other and the coursework we offer," said Roper.

“There is an ongoing debate that is probably 40 years old about grade inflation,” said Roper. “We tend to grade higher knowing that colleges are looking for higher grades.

I think we fight it as much as we can, but it’s still there in the back of all of our minds” “There’s no question at all that grades are subjective,” said Upper School Head Mr. Ron Algeo.

Algeo is also not alarmed by the overall increase in grades. “There is other standard data we use to evaluate ourselves - AP scores, SAT scores, and surveys that we do of college students.” Algeo pointed out that Malvern asks alumni who return to campus how they are doing and whether they felt prepared.

F

D

C-

B+

C

A-

C+

A

B-

A+

B

INCREASING

5%

10%

15%

% of total grades

20%

DECREASING

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THE BLACKFRIAR CHRONICLE

Winter 2015

7

FRIAR LIFE “The data we are getting back from the college students is very good,” said Algeo.

Algeo pointed out that Malvern’s AP scores are “phenomenal” compared to the national average, and that SAT scores are also very good.

Algeo pointed out that Malvern has a responsibility to prepare students for college. “We want them to be able to apply to the best colleges they can. Those colleges are asking for GPAs, and if our students can do well there, that’s beneficial,” he said. “We have a responsibility to provide that for our students and our families.”

But Algeo believes the learning is the most important part of any grading system. “We could do whatever we want to fix the GPAs, but no one is going to do that to sacrifice learning,” said Algeo.

-Mr. Ron The discussion of the value and meaning of grades has become a huge conversation among the educators at Malvern after Algeo sent out an article called What Grade Should They Get. It highlights that the exact same performance could mean a B in one class or an A in another. The author calls for teachers to think more about the way they grade

students than the percentage that shows up in the gradebook.

The concept of removing grades is being tested at Malvern with Larry Legner’s second semester Moral Theology class of juniors.

“For the third quarter, we’re not going to have grades,” said Legner. “We’re going to do - pretty much - everything that I would have done anyway; just I’m not going to mark it and put a 90 at the top of the page, or an A, or B. They’ll get comments written on their assignments.”

However, the students will have grades for the fourth quarter, and be given the same exam they normally would be given.

With Algeo’s help, Legner wants to examine the final exam results of this class with past classes to see if students really learned better by not having a grade attached.

“If it stays the same or goes up, we may Algeo have just struck gold, and that to me is awesome,” said Algeo.

Whether students will really try if grades aren’t attached is the real question. Mr. Legner conducted an informal survey in his class by asking his students whether they learn for the grade or for learning.

Most of the students said they learn for the grade, or that it

There’s no question at all that grades are subjective.

>1

twitt er IMPERSONATION

“I was just surprised and confused,” said Moore. “I had an inclination who did it. Immediately I texted my ‘friends’ - and immediately the Twitter was disabled - which is kind of ironic, you know, I text a few guys and then in five minutes it was deleted.”

Moore could not comment on names since it is currently under investigation. “I have text messages where they admit doing it,” he said.

The repercussions of this incident went beyond the initial tweets.

Tweets were retweeted and screenshot. Screenshots were posted on Tumblr where they had over 1,000 reblogs.

Moore’s family contacted the police on Friday, November 28.

“They really didn’t have a whole lot to say,” said Moore. “The guy said he was going to interrogate the kids, but nothing’s happened yet.”

According to Dougherty, the process to take down an impersonating Twitter account is ‘byzantine.’ “If I’m being impersonated, I have to send in a photo ID, link to the Twitter posts, you have to submit all this information,” he said.

“They review it. Last year, there was a case where it was pretty quick. In other cases, it takes a couple of days, a reminder email.

Last year, I had to fax something, but now you can upload an image,” said Dougherty.

Moore and his family have been working to remove all traces of the impersonation from Twitter and Tumblr. “I’m pretty sure a little bit of it’s still up, but we’re working with cyber-people to get it down,” he said.

Events such as this can tarnish the important online reputation of students.

“My mom is still concerned for my future career,” said Moore. “Ultimately everyone has two identities -- their one on social media and their their true identity.”

“I have proof that this isn’t me. If any college wants to confront me about it, I have visual proof that it was not me who did it,” said Moore.

“But this really impacted my life,” Moore added, despite his optimistic outlook on the situation.

“The scariest part is this can happen to anyone,” said Moore. “There is no way to stop it.”

Moore believes that the impersonators did not think their actions would have such big implications. “These kids, I know for a fact, aren’t racist. They don’t have these views, and they’re not taught this at home,” said Moore. “Honestly, they just thought it would be funny.”

Moore hopes this can be a learning experience for his fellow Malvern brothers. At a sophomore and junior assembly on January 6, he shared his story and warned the students to “take an extra second before hitting the send button as you can never

depends on the subject.

“If I’m not putting a grade on that, do you care?” wondered History Teacher Mr. Andrew Burke. “You might care, but there are other students that are like ‘I’m playing sports, video games, and I’m going out with my girlfriend so I am not busting my butt on this essay.”

The possibility of eliminating grades on a large scale is not plausible in the near future at Malvern. “Ms. Randle and I have been pretty vocal about saying that we think without grades it’s really going to disadvantage our students in the college application process,” said Feeney.

“We’re a college preparatory school and we want to get you guys prepared for colleges so we understand that is part of our responsibility,” said Algeo. “Unfortunately, or fortunately, grades are a huge part of that.” n

What do you experience with Grading at Malvern?

What do grades mean to you?

take it back.”

As for Malvern’s approach to social media incidents, Dougherty is heading a Character and Integrity Task Force which includes a Digital Citizenship subcommittee. He said that the subcommittee includes staff, faculty, and some parents, and will investigate how Malvern currently addresses and educates students about social media and how it could improve.

“Let’s review what we do - then should we change things, should we continue things?” Dougherty said. He noted that the Task Force has been in the works since the middle of the 2013-2014 school year.

According to Dougherty, if Moore had actually tweeted the racist tweets posted on the impersonating account, he may have faced disciplinary action with Malvern. “I think you run into a problem when you identify yourself as a student of an institution that doesn’t share or condone those views,” he said.

Moore believes that Malvern supported him effectively through the incident. “I think Malvern handled this very well. They were very engaged, and Mr. Dougherty was in regular contact with my parents,” he said.

Moore says he has learned that everybody has two identities their real identity and their identity on the internet. “The bottom line is that this can happen to anybody,” he said.

He offered some advice to his peers. “Think before you post whether you’d want your grandmother to see, or Talbot, or Dougherty. Just don’t be stupid.”

Moore added, “Before you post something, take a second and think about how it could affect what your real identity is.”

ILLUSTRATION / BR ANDON MOORE

Discuss at mpfriarslantern.com

Statement from Brandon Moore

T

he Wednesday before Thanksgiving, was when my identity on social media became an inaccurate portrayal of who I really am. As I googled my name for the first time, I was appalled by the adjectives describing my name. Thousands of people throughout the interface, offended by “my tweets”, called me a racist.

I received death threats from multiple people, all over something I had no control over. Not only was it scary having my identity taken from me, but it was also scary how it happened. In this age of technology, things can spread all over the internet quickly. Anything posted is public and also permanent.

A group of kids, without me even knowing, were able to completely tarnish my online reputation. The racist tweets that they posted under my name, seen by thousands, also tarnished the reputation of Malvern Prep.

Social media is a completely different world in which people are able to communicate with one another. However, when used incorrectly, social media can ruin someone’s life. What happened to me could ultimately happen to anyone. It is alarming how this could happen to any person at any time.

There are many things you can do to prevent this from happening. All you must do in order to make sure this doesn’t happen to you is to be careful of what you post, and that you frequently google your own name. If there is a problem you must act fast, because social media can act as a viral and chronic disease.

Luckily, my family and I were able to fix the problem by hiring a cyber worker who scrubbed the internet of my name. However, If we hadn't acted fast, the disease associated with my name could have spread to thousands of more people.

Everyone must fully understand how powerful social media and the internet really are.

These tools may be considered essential for learning and great for everyone to connect today. It is important to realize that your social media reputation is sometimes completely different from your true identity. You must try your best to keep them united.

-Brandon Moore ‘17

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THE BLACKFRIAR CHRONICLE

SPORTS Apple Pie & Rugby: Club and CYO Sports: How they compare Like Peanut Butter & Chocolate Club Sports are great ways for students to get involved if they do not participate in school The Day after Thanksgiving Malvern played in an annual charity rugby tournament

sports. Some Friar athletes discuss their experiences.

Alex Reber ‘17 REPORTER alvern has plenty of sports to choose for anyone.

Unfortunately for some sports, there are too many potential players that try out, and some need to be cut. Club and CYO sports are various leagues that give a chance to players who have been cut from their school teams, as well as players who are simply interested in having fun.

When it comes to club sports, the level of seriousness varies. For example, CYO basketball is a league of basketball teams for players who do not play for their school teams and want to play without the commitment of a school sport.

On the other hand, lacrosse club teams such as Dukes LC or Mesa Fresh require a great deal of commitment. Clubs like these go to many tournaments all year round, especially in the summer and fall.

“Club lacrosse requires a lot more dedication,” says AJ Fantazzia ‘17.

Fantazzia plays CYO basketball for SS. Peter and Paul and Club lacrosse for Dukes LC. “CYO basketball is way more laid back and fun to do as a secondary activity,” said Fantazzia. “Also, with club lacrosse you have to pay for tournaments, uniforms, and hotels, making it quite the expense while CYO basketball is just sign up and play. You also don’t have to travel very far for CYO ball. Club lacrosse sometimes

M MALVERN RUGBY & ALUMNI / JACK MAGARGEE

Jack Magargee ‘18 REPORTER he day after Thanksgiving is known for recovery from food and sales. But, to a select few, it is much more. Every year, the day after Thanksgiving is the Apple Pie 7’s Rugby Tournament. The tournament is popular with teams of all levels in Philadelphia, whether they be high school, college, or professional. This year was the tournaments sixth year. It has expanded to 20 teams.

Malvern has always had a name in this tournament, especially this year because they are coming off a season where they were the number two team in the nation. Two Malvern teams were present, one of current students and one of alumni. The student team, crippled with only nine players, did not fare so well. Losses to St. Augustine’s, St. Joseph’s and a close loss to Shanahan left the Friars in a sour mood. This is mostly in part to the fact that the teams Malvern played were comprised of players who had practice and played in leagues during the whole fall season. However, not all is lost. Promising performances by Sean Kelly ‘17 and Luke Stratton ‘17 hints that Malvern will be a team to beat in future years. The alumni were a different story, with 2014 graduates and Shannon Green ‘12 brandishing their old uniforms as jerseys, they went undefeated.

Though it may sound like fun and games, this tournament has a serious purpose. It was founded in order to benefit Josias A. Sterling, a St. Joseph’s Prep and Temple rugby alumnus who drowned off the Jersey shore. He is honored each year at the tournament and through the tournament’s donation to the Make-A-Splash foundation in North Philadelphia.

“I appreciate that we have been one of the mainstays.” Said Coach Boccuti.

This tournament is literally fun and games, it has a much greater importance to the rugby community in this area. Not only is it just an excuse to get out and play, but it is also a demonstration of a rather unheard of sport to a much broader audience.

It may appear that Malvern only participates in this to benefit a good cause, but the connection is much deeper. “I had played rugby with the guy that passed away, I was the captain when he was a freshman, so the fact that he passed away did hit me….And that’s one of the good things about rugby, no one gets a trophy but everyone smiles and has fun and raises money for a good cause.” Remarked Coach Boccuti. This is just one of many examples of the unity that exists between rugby players.

On a lighter note, the coach had this to say about the team’s performance: “I think it’s good we made a show because we are becoming one of the premier teams in the region for sevens rugby and we chose not to participate in the newly formed sevens league.” He later remarked that if we had numbers he could field a freshman sophomore fifteens team this spring and a sevens team for the EPRU sevens league in the fall. n

T

> CARINI, 4 my daughter off for swimming. If that’s the case, then I’ll go to the gym and get a workout in then. Since I don't have to be in till 9:30, I will grab some breakfast, and hang around a little.

Then once we get in the shop there will be emails for all of us of things that need to be done around campus. Each email will have a name on it of who needs to do what. My boss Bruce [Smith] will assign everyone something. We will just pick up an email, and start to get our work done.

Is there anything Malvern students do that makes your job harder?

No, not really. You guys are pretty good. It’s just when you guys walk in mud, and then walk into buildings. Sometimes the mud is tough to get out of the carpet.

Favorite ice cream flavor?

Mint Chocolate-chip, the green kind. That is my favorite. n

requires you to travel a good distance for Mesa Fresh, says, “I personally just to play.” think school sports are more fun than For some athletes, club sports club sports. It’s more competitive, and mean getting a chance to play in front were all playing for a common goal, of college coaches. While no one has to win the Inter-Ac.” been recruited to college from playing “Kids are a lot more selfish in club CYO basketball, sports like lacrosse sports,” said Coyle. “It’s hard to play depend on their club teams in order as a team when most players are tryto get looks from colleges. ing to get recruited. We’re also all the “I feel like the college recruitment same age in club sports, since we play plays a huge role in w ith graduating college sports,” said class such as 2017’s Both club and R ay mond Ba ran and 2016’s. school sports are ‘17. Raymond plays “The kids on Fusion El ite from club teams opportunities for lacrosse as well as kids to show their also come from a Man Up lacrosse. bunch of differtalents and get “It drives athent schools, so we better. letes out of their can play with kids high school team. from Haverford or In some cases, Players are under Episcopal, so there pressure not to get can be some hatred colleges are injured and just right there from the involved. now focus on the start,” added Coyle. sport that they will Both club and play in college. It’s school sports are unfair to the kids. They should be opportunities for kids to show their allowed to play as many sports as they talents and get better. In some cases please and not have their college star- colleges are involved, and for some, ing over their shoulder telling them they play simply to have fun. Club what to do,” said Baran. sports are something that has gained Club and school sports aren’t a lot of popularity in the past years, that different either. They both usu- and it will only get bigger as the years ally require a big amount of commit- go on. n ment and equally as time consuming.

That being said, there are some major differences.

Billy Coyle ‘17, who plays varsity soccer for the Friars as well as lacrosse

New schedule yields lower intramural participation Patrick Ferraiolo ‘17 SPORTS EDITOR or the past several years, the Intramurals Committee has granted the Malvern students the opportunity to showcase their skills among friends. After what had seemed to be a huge success last year, participation is down this year.

“This year, we went with f lag football again. We had 79 students sign up, which was down a little bit from the previous year. I was a little concerned with how the modified block schedule would work with this,” commented Mr. Ostick, the head supervisor of the Committee.

“I think if you asked the 79 people that played, they would say that they had a good time; but we did have a few obstacles and limitations.”

The new modified block schedule is one of the limitations Mr. Ostick talked about.”Now that school ends at 3:10, we can’t start the games anywhere past 3:25 for everybody to get over there and set up. And usually, by 4 o’clock, we have to leave because of sports practice and such,” said Ostick.

He believes the schedule has had a significant impact on the program.

F

“The games we had were good, but it does not compare to the spectacular success to last year when we had a whole hour to play a bunch of games,” said Ostick.

Due to the new block schedule, the Committee thought about the idea of hosting the games at a different time period. They thought that with the schedule leaving them with little time to have games, they pushed for having them during Community Time.

“The Intramural Program has traditionally been after school,” added Mr. Ostick. “It would have been interesting if we were able to use some of the Community Time slots throughout the new eight day cycle to possibly utilize that for intramurals, and allow us to play games during the school day. This would have eliminated some of the problems to have games after the school day.”

Also, when asked about the changes that need to be made in order for the Committee to succeed again, Mr. Ostick called for more people to participate.

“Since I have been involved in it, this whole program has been a

student- run organization. I think that is really important. I think students want to have that responsibility to run this program, to do the scheduling, to do the administration, to do the publicity. And so, in order for this program to be successful, it needs to have a lot of leadership from the student body to run it. The number of students that have gotten involved this year needs to increase. I am trying to recruit more people to become leaders for the upcoming winter and spring seasons.” n

THE BLACKFRIAR CHRONICLE

Winter 2015

9

SPORTS Lacrosse helmets lose, re-gain certification Two popular lacrosse helmets at the high school and college level recently lost their safety certifications, and then took steps to regain them.

Sean Christman ‘17 SPORTS EDITOR ecently, the safety certifications for two new lacrosse helmets have been revoked. The Cascade R and Warrior Regulator both had their safety certifications revoked by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE),who certifies lacrosse helmets. This comes at an interesting time in the lacrosse world, as a competing company, STX, has just released their first helmet ever.

Upon the release of the Stallion 150, STX’s first helmet, a post went up on their website claiming that helmets created by Cascade and Warrior had failed many NOCSAE tests, while the STX helmet had passed.

This raised many questions. At the time, it seemed to many lacrosse players as though it was just a marketing ploy by STX, as no statement had come out from NOCSAE. However, a few days later, a statement was released announcing that the Warrior Regulator and Cascade R had lost their NOCSAE safety certification. Immediately, Cascade released a follow-up statement saying that they were working to come up with a quick solution to the issue and

R

WARRIOR REGULATOR HELMET

get the R re-certified. Warrior, on the other hand, had remained relatively quiet.

According to the Cascade statements, the issue is with the way that the R is fitted on the test dummies that NOCSAE uses to test helmets.

The R was initially certified upon its release. When STX released their helmet, they performed testing on the Regulator and R at an independent lab, and both helmets failed to reach certification while the Stallion 150 passed.

What happened next? Well, Cascade was able to come up with a solution that allows for the R to be used for this spring season. Any customer who has previously purchased a Cascade R can send it to Cascade for

free, and Cascade will re-certify the helmet and place and indelible sticker that shows it has been re-certified.

Warrior had remained relatively silent, but recently announced a solution. They sent NOCSAE more Regulator helmets to be tested, and after the retesting, the Regulator is now recertified. They have also announced the release of the Regulator II, which is very similar to the original Regulator and is also NOCSAE certified.

At the end of the day, Cascade and Warrior were able to fix the issue created by the release of the STX Stallion. All three manufacturers can now release their helmets with the certification from NOCSAE. Players do not have to worry about their safety when wearing any of these helmets, which is a victory for both players and manufacturers.

If you are a Malvern player who happens to use the R, you will have to get it re-certified on your own.

According to Coach John McEvoy, “Malvern can not send the helmets to be re-certified. It is the players’ responsibility to do so.” Any Malvern player who uses an R will need to have it re-certified in order to be able to play in games. n

Malvern Hockey thrives under Athlete of the Issue: new coach Joey Abel ‘16 Coach Dave Dorman is leading the Malvern Hockey team to success in his first season.

John McGlinn ‘18 REPORTER ave Dorman is the newest coach at Malvern Prep and he has lead the team to a successful start. He has coached in the Jr. A Hockey League as well as the AAA League and has been invited to the National Hockey Tournament several times.

“He is putting us into better condition than we have ever been in. He is pushing us to new levels, and shows us what we can really be capable of,” said freshman Jake Swayze.

“I look for players that truly commit themselves, not only to the game, but also to the team. Hockey is just like most other sports in the sense that we strive for perfection everyday, it is more than a one man show,” said Dorman.

Coach Dorman has successfully helped many NCAA and professional players throughout his career. Coach Dorman's philosophy is the belief that developing character through sports is the greatest opportunity an athlete can have.

Coach Dorman grew up playing hockey in the Philadelphia area. He attended the Berkshire School in Sheffield, Massachusetts, where he played three varsity sports - hockey, baseball and soccer. After Berkshire, Dorman went to post-graduate school in Wyoming and was named MVP and Captain of his team. Coach Dorman finishing his playing career at Division III Neumann College of the ECAC West.

Dorman began his coaching career leading the Tier II West Chester Quakers to an Atlantic District Championship. In his second season with the Quakers, he led his team to another Atlantic District Championship and a Bronze Medal at the USA Hockey National Tournament. The following season, Coach Dorman took over the Jr. Flyer Program. In his first season, he led the team to a 31-11 record and a 3rd place finish in the MJHL. In his second year, he coached the team to a 33-5-0-5 record, which led to Dorman's second appearance at a USA Hockey National Tournament in just four years.

The Flyers Cup is the Inter-Ac championship, which Malvern is hoping to win for the first time in over 6 years. “Dave Dorman has raised the bar this year to win the Flyer’s Cup,” said senior Brian Rawlins.

“As a team I expect to end up winning not only the Flyer’s Cup, but also States with the powerful underclassmen we have,” said Coach Dorman.

Coach Dorman hopes to lead the team to greatness in future seasons and to revitalize Malvern Prep’s hockey program. n

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Alex Hornibrook commits to University of Wisconsin Former Malvern quarterback has decommitted to play football at the University of Pittsburgh and has committed to play football at the University of Wisconsin.

Jack Marchesani ‘15 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF n January 12, Alex Hornibrook '15 announced via Twitter that he would no longer be playing football at the University of Pittsburgh.

Alex committed to begin enrollment at Pitt in the second semester of his high school senior. According to Head of Guidance Mr. Paul Simpson, he was the first Malvern student in 24 years to do so.

"Beyond excited to announce that I have committed and will enroll early at the University of Wisconsin. On Wisconsin!"

Alex tweeted, just 30 minutes after his announcement to decommit from Pitt.

Echoed in tweet responses, the Malvern community rallied around Alex and his decision. Former teammate Hayden Mahoney '15 (committed to play football at the University of Miami) said, "I think it's a great decision and a great move on his part. Wisconsin's a great place football and great academically. I know he's happy there so I feel good about that."

Alex will begin enrollment at Wisconsin in the spring 2015 semester.

Currently 11-3, Wisconsin has a strong football program, that will hopefully be made stronger by the addition of Hornibrook.

Many have speculated that Hornibrook’s decision resulted from former Pitt Head Coach Paul Chryst's recent decision to head the University of Wisconsin's football program.

Aaron Brady, Malvern Prep football head coach and Alex's former coach, said, "Alex had an incredible relationship with Coach Chryst. It led him to commit to him at Pitt. When the opportunity came about to follow him to UW it made a lot of sense. Wisconsin is an incredible academic institution and they are part of the Big Ten conference."

The sentiment here at Malvern seems to be faithful support for Alex's decision. Former teammate Trevor Morris '15 - committed to play football at Rutgers - said, "It's a good move on his behalf, as long as he is happy with it.

Because at the end of the day it, comes down to you, your family, and God." n

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We caught up with the Malvern junior to discuss Malvern and his commitment to hockey.

Patrick Ferraiolo ‘17 SPORTS EDITOR Where did you go to school?

I went to school at Paxon Hollow Middle School in Marple Newtown before I came to Malvern in 9th grade.

How has your time here at Malvern been for you?

Malvern has been a great fit for me. It has been a terrific two and a half years so far and I cannot wait for the rest of my time here.

How is the hockey team doing this year? Any big matchups coming up?

We started off the season really well. Our play has dropped off a bit in our most recent games, but we know we can play better. Everyone on the team knows we can keep improving. The biggest stretch of the year is coming up. We play LaSalle this Friday, which also happens to be Senior Night. Next week we play Prep, another huge game.

What position do you play? Why are you that certain position?

I play center. Mostly because I am good at taking faceoffs and responsible defensively. The most important attribute that centers should have is versatility. I take pride in preventing the other team from scoring and then

JOEY ABEL / PAT FERR AIOLO

turning that defense to offense.

What is the team goals this year and how do you hope to achieve them?

Our team goal this year is to win the Flyers Cup. I hope to be able to lead the team as much as possible by going out and beating some of the teams we have had trouble with in the past. If everyone continues to buy in to what Coach Dorman wants us to do, I don’t see a reason why we won’t win the Flyers Cup. How do the coaches prepare you to succeed?

Coach Dorman has been an exceptional leader for us this year. It starts at practice, where he gets us to work hard and even have some fun while doing it. Every game he comes in the locker room with a specific goal, which he reminds us about

throughout the game. Whenever we reach the goal he sets, whether it be blocked shots or crashing the net more, nine times out of ten, we win.

Do you have any superstitions before you play?

I try not to have any superstitions because if I happen to not do it before a game, I’ll keep thinking about it and not be focused on the game. But, there are two that I never forget to do. The first is to never allow anyone to touch my stick after I tape it. The second is to always be the last player on to the ice for the game. I learned the first from Sidney Crosby and I have no clue why I like being the last player on the ice, but its stuck with me now.

Do you have a specific routine?

If so, what is it?

Before every game, our team warms up together for about 15 minutes. Once that is complete, I stretch a little bit by myself. Then, Doug Hook and I usually juggle a soccer ball for a few minutes in the hallway. Next, I un-tape my stick and start to get dressed in my equipment. Finally, once I am finished getting dressed, I tape my stick Hockey is such a fast moving sport, how do you slow the game down when it is run at such a high rate?

You have to have great poise and patience with the puck while playing in order to slow the game down. Also, > PAGE 11

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Winter 2015

THE BLACKFRIAR CHRONICLE

Media & Tech American Sniper storms into theaters

The BFC Music Review

Eastwood, Cooper knock this true story out of the park

A monthly review of new artists or bands who are making a splash in the music scene. This month’s feature: Alternative.

Mike McCarthy ‘15 MEDIA & TECH EDITOR hot opens on the grand canyon.

An eagles swoops across the screen as camera pans left to reveal George Strait wearing a duster and walking barefoot through a fire.

As hundred dollar bills start raining from the sky, George shoulders his rifle, aims at the camera, and fires.

Screen goes black…

False. This is not American Sniper.

For those looking for mindless red, white, and blue propaganda (a la Act of Valor), look elsewhere. American Sniper is not your average war film.

Sniper focuses on the life of the deadliest sniper in US military history, Chris Kyle. The film follows Kyle from a young age, attempting to answer the questions “What made Chris who he was?

One question many had going into the film is “Is this story true?”.

The answer is yes. The film is overwhelmingly true (judging from statements from the Kyle family), with only minor embellishments in battle sequences.

Director Clint Eastwood’s latest film finds an emotional depth unprecedented in his previous works.

However, much of such credit can be attributed to Bradley Cooper, who

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turned in one of the most dynamic performances I have ever seen.

Cooper masterfully shows the evolution of Kyle from a headstrong cowboy to genuine hero, and everywhere in between.

What separates Sniper from the pack of post-9/11 era war films is its emotional depth. Kyle and his brothers are not heros only because of their actions on the battlefield, but for the damage they do to themselves so that others don’t have to. The motto of the Travis Manion Foundation, a local foundation founded by a LaSalle alumnus’s family who was killed in action, is “If not me, then who?” This is a message that transcends the entire film.

One key aspect of Sniper is that about only half of it takes place on the battlefield in Iraq. The other half takes place at home, where Chris Kyle struggles to decompress and return to “normal” life. While he is physically at home with his family, his mind never leaves Iraq. Kyle emerges as the consummate hero, one who wants nothing more than to save as many as he can. The hard part is coming to terms with the knowledge that all cannot be saved.

The film has received huge critical and commercial success, becoming

Top 10 films of 2014 A look into the best, the brightest, and most overlooked films of 2014.

Kieran Sweeney ‘15 REPORTER hroughout 2014, and many other years in the past, some important films have been overlooked in the end of the year tallies of bests. This stems from a result of budget issues, poor word of mouth, and many other factors.

My top ten list refuses to overlook films that did not get blockbuster release. I feel that this list represents the best of the best in film this year.

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10. Obvious Child Starring Jenny Slate as a twentysomething navigating life in New York City, Obvious Child is a fresh and comical indie film. Slate shines even when her character hits rock bottom. Her performance is simple, yet incredibly powerful and relatable to young women (at least in my opinion as a young man).

The story revolves around the sensitive subject of abortion, all while delving into the concept of being an adult and what that idea means.

9. The Skeleton Twins The more I reflect on this film, the more I remember how good it really was. Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader give incredible, layered performances as troubled siblings. With the comedic tone just beneath the surface, they are able to show off their dramatic acting skills. The story itself is a bit morbid, but it shows how a family needs each other in times of great sorrow.

Tell us your top 10 at mpfriarslantern.com

the highest grossing film to ever premiere in the winter, passing the like of Avatar and The Passion of the Christ with over $90 million being raked in on opening weekend.

Emotionally charged dialogue, Cooper’s dynamic portrayal of Chris Kyle, and Eastwood’s famed muted setting combine to make American Sniper the best war film since Saving Private Ryan. In a year packed with great films, American Sniper emerges as one for the ages, and my favorite film of the past few years.

P.S. Academy, if you are reading, you should all be arrested if this doesn’t receive Best Leading Actor and Best Picture. n

Desmond Papariello ‘18 and Colin Price ‘18 CONTRIBUTORS Album We Love: AM- Arctic Monkeys (2013) Although this album is a little more than a year old, we thought that it deserved a review because of how great this album is. The Arctic Monkeys combined guitar riffs with bass riffs that made an underground alternative sound easy for anyone to jam to. Then, to top it off, Alex Turner (lead vocalist) puts his spin on it. The title song “Do I Wanna Know” is arguably the best song on the album. Alex Turner sounds grungy with a distorted guitar riff that combines with a punchy drum beat to make a great track. If you listen to AM, you will be sure to hear lots of background guitar riffs, and heavy beats, with great lyrics.

Song to Watch: Weekend - Priory Priory is an American band formed in Portland, Oregon in 2009. This band’s sound is a mix of electronic instrumentation and guitar. Priory’s song “Weekend” came out in June 2014 and has been on the rise ever since. With synths that defy gravity, and lyrics that make you want to go and party with your friends, it’s no surprise this song has become as popular as it is. There’s no doubt in our minds that “Weekend” will continue to reach the top charts. This song will inspire you to want to go out on the weekend.n

8. Whiplash The two leads, Miles Teller and JK Simmons, give astonishing performances. The score, direction, and themes all make this movie phenomenal. It explores the notion of achieving greatness and what one has to give up in order to do so.

7. Nightcrawler The thrilling Nightcrawler offers much to its audience. The film revolves around Lou Bloo, a sociopath who finds solace in filming breaking news stories.

In addition to the plot itself, the film provides a commentary on the media of today and a brilliant performance by none other than Jake Gyllenhaal. Directed by Dan Gilroy, Nightcrawler serves multiple purposes, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats for the full two hours.

6. Wild The introspective book-turned-film is deep, thoughtful, and poignant. Reese Witherspoon raises her already high bar to bring the true story to the screen.

Her performance of the pensive Cheryl Strayed was groundbreaking. What was best about the film was its ability to get viewers to reflect on their own life and ponder its meaning. Wild is a film to be watched multiple times.

5. Gone Girl Never in my life have I witnessed a film with more twists and turns than Gone Girl. The convoluted plot makes one’s hair stand on end, and it certainly had me anticipating the main characters’ next moves. As a fan of David Fincher, I had high expectations,which were exceeded. His direction made the film smooth and sharp. Although the ending is sure to produce some “WHAT!?!” reactions, the film is a fantastic look into the modern marriage (even if it does go to extremes).

4. Birdman Birdman is incredibly unique, original, and layered. It analyzes what actors are like behind the scenes, society’s need for the blockbuster superhero film, and man’s need for a purpose in life. Michael Keaton provides a great performance, as the film was more or less a parallel to Keaton’s real life. Birdman is laudable because of its all-star cast, brilliant script, and amazing camera work.

3. The Drop Although he has yet to be nominated, 2014 was the year of Tom Hardy.

While I’m not a huge fan of mafiarelated films, The Drop blew me away.

Hardy, though British, portrayed a New York bartender in a believable manner.

His performance alone carries this film.

He keeps secrets throughout the entire film, finally revealing who he really is and what he is capable of.

If you haven’t seen The Drop, you are surely missing out.

2. Begin Again Begin Again was what I saw as the best film of the summer and close to the best film of 2014. With an all-star cast and soundtrack, the film shows how an unlikely duo can fix their broken hearts through their shared love of music. Of course, the film takes place in none other than the beautiful New York City, and it is just a downright happy film. If this film doesn’t put you in a good mood or urge you to buy the soundtrack, you are missing out.

1. Locke Locke is no doubt the best film of this year. It took filmmaking to a place it has never been before. With a single car ride, the audience meets Ivan Locke, finds out about his background, employment, family, and personality.

Once again, Tom Hardy portrays this man with brilliance. Essentially a one man show, Locke uses one setting to tell a simple and seemingly insignificant story, yet it is so compelling that you won’t mind at all. n

THE BLACKFRIAR CHRONICLE

Winter 2015

MEDIA & Tech

11

NEWS

New Super Smash Bros. “Smashing Success” Saying hello

to the Holy Father

The newest installment of the hit series is a blast.

Jack McClatchy, ‘17 REPORTER ver since the first Super Smash Brothers hit the markets in 1999 for the Nintendo 64, the Super Smash Brothers franchise has attained remarkable success, and the newest installment does not fall short.

The game is quite simple: control one of Nintendo’s popular characters (or third-party company characters, such as Sonic the Hedgehog or Megaman), and fight with other virtual heavyweights by knocking them off the screen. The fighters can also use items which appear periodically, such as food to heal them, or Pokeballs, from the Pokemon series, which summon a Pokemon to aid you.

The most sought-after item, however, is a Smash Ball, which allows the fighter to unleash his/her special smash with horrific amounts of damage on foes.

Although it has a simple concept, the game is ridiculously fun. Thoughts like “Just one more fight!” constantly went through my mind as I played the game. It is a unique fighting game, much different from the likes of

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> JOEY ABEL, 9 ing that be,pace with the game.

What has been your highlight playing for the Malvern Prep Hockey Team?

Freshman year, we played St. Joe’s Prep in the Flyers Cup and it was a great game. It ended up going to overtime and Patrick Porkka scored the game winner. Everyone joined him at the student section and it was just a great moment.

What does Malvern mean to you?

Malvern means so much to me.

Everyone talks about the brotherhood here and it’s true. Nothing is better than being able to come to school every day and enjoying every minute spent.

What is your favorite part of Malvern?

My favorite part of Malvern is the prayer the hockey team does before a game. It usually is an “Our Father” or a “Hail Mary” followed by an “Our Lady of Victory” and an emphatic “Pray For Us!” by the whole team.

These prayers are special because Father Flynn usually leads them.

Every team needs a good leader; how do you lead your team on and off the ice?

I try to be the best leader I can by leading by example on the ice. If I can go out and work hard every shift it usually makes everyone go out and work every shift. On the ice, I try to stay positive even through tough parts of the game.

Off the ice, I try to help the seniors conduct the warm-ups and keep everyone in the locker room positive and focused on the game. If everyone on the team is focused and prepared, we have a better chance to win the game. n

Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter, which makes the game much more approachable.

The game features a plethora of playable characters. In the first installment of the franchise, there were only twelve characters total, with eight being available at the start. Now, there are over 49 playable characters, which adds unprecedented depth to the game.

A new feature for the game is expanding fights from the original four players to eight. When I played it, it was some of the most fun I had.

It was hard to keep track of where I was on the screen, increasing the chaos that is known to be in the game.

While this may be an issue for some players, I certainly found it enjoyable.

Super Smash Brothers also has an online portion to the game, split up into two modes: “For Fun” and “For Glory”, the first being for more casual players, and the latter for more hardcore Smashers. However, in my experience of playing both modes, I found it better to be playing locally only, as the lag was near unbearable.

Another part of the game I was disappointed with was the apparent removal of the tournament function.

I was saddened to see there was no specific tournament mode, which meant I would have to do the matchups myself, taking my friends and me away from the fun of the game.

Even though the game isn’t perfect, it is still loads of fun, which I see as the hallmark of Nintendo games. While they may or may not be groundbreaking in the way of new mechanics or features, or have the best graphics, the newest Super Smash Brothers installment is a great game to play with friends or family, and is almost guaranteed fun. With that in mind, I wholeheartedly recommend this game to anyone who has played almost any Nintendo game. n

US to “normalize” relations with Cuba President Obama has decided to begin diplomatic relations with the island nation for the first time in 50 years.

Jack McClatchy ‘17 REPORTER hen Americans think of Cuba, they think of a forbidden island filled with classic cars, sandy beaches, and, of course, world-famous cigars.

That all may change now, however, as President Barack Obama is making moves to remove the trade and travel embargo first placed on the country in 1960.

“If you try the same thing for fifty years,” President Obama said, “and nothing changes, you have to try something different to get a different outcome.”

Why did Obama choose now to act on Cuba? Robert Colameco, AP US History teacher, said, “Since the elections are over, we’re in the last two years of his Presidency, and the Republicans had a good showing, I think there’s a certain part of him that says he’s got nothing to lose.”

“It’s definitely a risky political move,” Colameco continued. “But I don’t think he cares about politics now.”

Inf luential Republicans, such as Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, have denounced the President’s actions because of Cuba’s socialist government.

A large concern for Democratic strategists is whether or not CubanAmerican voters, who typically vote Democrat, will now head right due the President’s actions.

“Most of the Cuban-Americans despise Castro so much that this may drive Cubans right.” Colameco said,

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“However, they are part of a larger group, Latin Americans, who usually vote Democrat. It’s really hard to say right now, but we’ll see.”

“The reality is,” Sr. Sanchez, a Spanish teacher who lived under both Salvador Allende and Augusto Pinochet, both dictators, in Chile, said, “that Cuba is really socialist by name. I think the structure that people used to define socialism or communism is dead in Cuba.”

“I really just think they say they are socialist for the prestige of being one of the last socialist countries in the world.” Sanchez went on to say.

Although Americans are not allowed to enter Cuba as of yet, if relations are normalized, there is a possibility for a service trip there for Malvern, says Service Director and Theology teacher Mr. Legner.

“Once the two governments work things out,” he said, “I would like to see that. I think it would be a fantastic experience.”

“I don’t see that happening next year, or the year after.” He went on to say, “There is a mentality in a lot of foreign countries that they don’t have a problem. Bringing in people for service implies a problem. I see that happening with Cuba.”

When the story originally broke, it was revealed that the United States and Cuba had negotiations in the Vatican City, hosted by Pope Francis.

Francis, hailed as a more progressive pope, has been criticized by some Republicans in Congress, specifically Marco Rubio, who was quoted as saying “I don’t know what [the Pope] was

The Pope will arrive in Philadelphia next year, and Malvern Prep is sure to find a way of welcoming him.

Jake Sorensen ‘15 NEWS SECTION EDITOR t was only half a year ago that some Malvern teachers were made aware of the possibility of the Bishop of Rome’s long awaited return.

Some, such as Mr. Boyce, believed that “...many buses should [be sent down] at a minimum” on the days that he’s here. Although it turns out that the Pope will be visiting on a weekend, travelling to Philly from our campus is not entirely out of the question.

Pope Francis will be visiting Philadelphia for three days of the six-day World Meeting of Families this September. According to Philly. com, the Pope will attend the Festival of Families on September 26 and give a public Mass on September 27.

The last time the Pope was in Philadelphia was in 1979, which was also the first time Pope Saint John Paul II visited the United States.

According to an article written in the same year, archived on Philly. com, “The Pope proved, as he had in Boston and New York, that he is a charmer and crowd pleaser of the first magnitude”. Crowds of both Catholics and non-Catholics ranged from 1.2 - 2 million.

Current Philadelphia officials are estimating an even higher number of visitors.

According to Fr. Drennan, the meetings began when the first announcement of the Pope’s visit was made. In an Education Advancement Team meeting, Assistant Head of School Mr. Steve Valyo asked Fr. Drennen to start work on adjusting the schedule for Malvern to participate.

One major problem was that the Pope’s visit was taking place during the weekend when MECO normally falls in September. There will be keynote presentations during the week before the Pope’s visit, with one of them being targeted at Malvern’s student age group.

“I think we’ve worked it out that we won’t have a conflict, so it means moving everything we’ve planned for the year so that people are available if they want to go,” said Drennen.

Accord i ng to D i rec tor of Christian Service Mr. Larry Legner, the Christian Service and MECO schedule has been moved two weeks further into the school calendar than the normal September start. The revised dates for Christian Service and MECO weekends for the fall

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POPE FRANCIS / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

are October 8-11, November 19-22, and December 3-6.

Besides Malvernians potentially being interested in seeing the Pope, the weekend has been moved due to likely busing and crowding issues, especially with sophomores going to Old St. Augustines. It was also moved two weeks ahead because of SATs the week after the Pope’s visit, according to Legner.

Fr. Drennan pointed out that many of the activities are being coordinated through parishes. “Whether people will want to participate and do it with their parishes, since we have people from all over, we figured it was a good thing to be connected with your parish for that,” he said.

According to Drennen, there won’t be any days off during the week, but what happens during on campus of the visit will be adjusted to allow Malvernians to visit the Pope with their Augustinian brothers. So far, taking the train seems to be preferable to riding buses.

Mr. Ruch also attended the Education Advancement Team meetings.

What will happen to Malvern’s weekend sports activities during the Pope’s visit? “It’s all over the map of what we’re going to do,” said Ruch.

Regardless of how Malvern approaches this unique opportunity, the Pope visiting Philadelphia is predicted to be a significant event.

“I believe that this event has the power to transform, in deeply positive ways, not just the Catholic church, but our entire community.” wrote Archbishop Chaput of Philadelphia in a letter to the World Meeting of Families (WMF) organization.

Those of the faculty who have pushed for supporting a trip to Philly believe that it will be beneficial to Malvern’s students. Attending such a “powerful” event could possibly be very significant in their Catholic development. n

thinking.” “[Pope Francis] is a world leader,” Legner said, “He does have influence, and people, even those who aren’t Catholic, respect him. He can open doors that a leader of a country can’t, and that’s what happened here.”

“He can move mountains just by his presence.” Legner went on to say.

As one of the last vestiges of the Cold War goes away, there are plenty of possibilities as to what may happen to the small island nation. Whatever may happen, Malvern waits for not only a new vacation spot, but for a new destination for service. n

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Winter 2015

THE BLACKFRIAR CHRONICLE

OPINION

On pens and weapons Violence in France leads our columnist to wonder which are more powerful.

Christian D’Ascenzo ‘16 CONTRIBUTOR Cries coming from the country of wine and cheese.

Something we might have missed in the news, or that we didn’t see as anything special. Until we were led to understand.

On January 7th, 2015 the offices of Charlie Hebdo, a satirical newspaper in Paris, were attacked by Islamic terrorists.

The New York Times reported that twelve people were killed including editors, cartoonist, and police.

Al Qaeda, an Islamic radical group, has taken responsibility for this gruesome attack. They have based their reaction on satirical cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad, which is seen as a commandment violation in Islam.

This leads to many questions - who really wronged who?

Who did more damage? The real question that I would like to pose is, what is more powerful, pen or weapon?

In the song “Raise Your Weapon” by Deadmau5 the lyrics “raise your weapon, one word and it’s over” rattle through my brain. It encompasses the question of the power held by those with pen or weapon in hand. Who can damage more with less effort?

Poring over articles about this tragedy has led me to believe that it is the pen. The weapon doesn’t have bullets, but ink. It doesn’t shoot, but writes.

I was told to cite sources to help my argument for the pen, but after searching for a while to find sources, all that I could find were pieces on Charlie Hebdo. I believe that this should attest to the fact that the pen has created a media storm, absolute public interest worldwide, that will only grow.

The weapon may seem stronger. Twelve reporters, artists, and editors were slain in cold blood. But pen and paper is the silent killer, the one who doesn’t need to physically attack you, but attacks through the manipulation of your brain and emotions. Through this attack, how many other articles have been written on the topic? How much publicity is terrorism getting?

The most simple question to this is millions.

The newest copy of Charlie Hebdo portrays a weeping Muhammed holding a sign saying “Je Suis Charlie” (I am Charlie) under a heading “Tout Est Pardonne” (All is

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forgiven). These copies are flying off the shelves worldwide. According to Reuters, Charlie Hebdo usually has a distribution of around 60,000. Nearly 3 million copies of this new issue may be printed.

At the same time though, thousands of Palestinian protesters gathered in the town of Ramallah and many other cities around the world, where they are chanting and holding signs saying “France is the mother of terrorism. America is the mother of terrorism,” according to the New York Times.

This cover could have many meanings. What comes to mind when I see the cover are questions.

Are they poking fun at Islam again? Or are they saying that all is forgiven for killing their friends? This is the definition of Charlie Hebdo cover: controversy. Will this cause more hate and violence or be seen as a sign of peace?

The full name of the French paper is Charlie Hebdo Journal Irresponsable. This literally translates to “Charlie Hebdo, The Irresponsible Newspaper.” Even this states that they are irresponsible and will poke fun at anyone and everyone.

All of this violence was provoked when a cartoonist sat at his desk to write and draw his thoughts on a piece of paper.

Is it possible to end these atrocities, end the hate, kill the freedom?

America has the Bill of Rights, which protects freedom of press, religion, and the right to bear arms. This is the basis of what this great country was founded on. Why should it be changed for the irrational few who take it to the next level? Yes it was wrong to publish against a religion, but as a world we need to understand that everyone has an opinion. A diversity of experiences and opinions makes us global citizens. In the United States, everyone has a right to free speech.

Every religion bashes each other, every race bashes each other. It now seems to be increasing in intensity. More and more people are being offended by what twenty years ago was seen as just another thing being said.

AARON SALINAS

Since the invention of the internet and globalization, information from one side of the world can be sent to the other in a matter of seconds. This means that any bit of outrage can spread fast from local to global.

What some would say, all over the world, is that we should silence the writers, and outlaw the guns. This idea seems so brilliant, so radical that it should work, but it won’t.

When you silence the writers you will stop the general population KNOWING what they need to know. Knowledge keeps the citizens of a country as exactly that - citizens - not just figurines being played with by the oppression of a government. The best example for this is the atrocities of North Korea.

When you take the guns - or the pens - away from the public it has two effects. One effect is that you lose all opportunity to overthrow - or express opinions against - an oppressive government. In the Declaration of Independence it states “That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it”. How would this be possible without weapons? How would this be possible without freedom of speech or expression?

The second effect is letting the criminals and terrorists have all the weapons or words to oppress, while the public has no way to defend themselves.

We are in the world where the pen is the gun and the gun is the pen. Both demand responsible use.n

PARTING PERSPECTIVES

What Malvern drives Friar vehicles are newer and larger than the national average, with a lot more Jeeps.

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discrepancy is in Chevrolet. At Malvern, 4.7% of the student vehicles sampled were Chevies, while the national figure is 11.7%.

The average fuel economy of the vehicles sampled at Malvern is 20.76 miles per gallon. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average mpg of all vehicles on the road in 2014 is 20.

The most common colors at Malvern were black with 27.1%, silver with 18.8%, and grey with 17.6%. Blue and white then both scored 11.8% According to Kelley Blue Book, the most popular car colors in the US are silver with 23%, white with 15%, black with 12%, and grey with 10%.

The popularity of model years at Malvern declines steadily, with the exception of a noticeable drop to only one 2008 vehicle. According to the publishing company IHS automotive, the average age of vehicles on the road in 2014 is 11.4 years.

The average age of the vehicles sampled at Malvern is 7.9 years.

According to autotrader.com, 5.5% of vehicles on the road today have manual transmissions. 4.7% of the 85 vehicles at Malvern have manual transmissions.

The most common body st yles at Malvern are the SUV, with 25.9%, and the sedan with 24.7%.

Answer: Senor Red-Again Mr. Redican

Matthew Lanetti ‘15 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF rom December 9th through the 12th, a survey of student drivers was conducted at Malvern. The survey asked 85 juniors and seniors about their vehicles.

Seventeen juniors and 68 seniors were sampled across a period of four days. The goal of the survey was to represent the automotive trends of Malvern students. The survey took into account a student’s vehicle’s make, model, color, model year, fuel economy, body type, and whether the vehicle has a manual or automatic transmission.

In most cases, the automotive trends of Malvern are similar to those on the national level. There are, however, noticeable differences including large popularity of Jeeps, lower percentage of sedans, and an absence of compact cars in the Malvern lots.

The most popular brand was Ford, with a total of 17.6% of vehicles, followed by Toyota and Jeep, both with 11.8%. According to the automotive information website Edmunds. com, Ford has a market share in the US of 13.9%, Toyota has a market share of 11.8%, and Jeep only has 4.2%.

Over 9% of the 85 students sampled drive Jeep Wranglers.

Besides Jeep, the only other noticeable

According to Auto Alliance, an association of 12 vehicle manufacturers including Ford, GM, Volvo, BMW, Chrysler, Toyota, and Volkswagen, SUVs only account for 6.7% of the US market. Sedans make up 20% in the national survey.

The most popular type of vehicle on the road, and the largest segment of 2014 sales, are crossovers with 25.5%. Of the vehicles sampled at Malvern, only 7, or 8.2%, were crossovers.

Compact cars, which make up 12% of the US market, did not appear in the survey done at Malvern.

None of the vehicles sampled were considered compact cars. The survey conducted at Malvern used the body style as defined by the manufacturer. Priuses, for example, are defined by Toyota to be hatchbacks, although they are commonly considered to be compact cars. n