Humans of Bolles: The Bolles Bugle, October-November 2019

HUMANS OF BOLLES THE BOLLES BUGLE • OCTOBER–NOVEMBER • 2019

The Bolles Bugle Staff Co-Editors-In-Chief: Avani Bansal Gabriel Bassin Online Editor: Su Ertekin-Taner Copy Editor: Thomas Keaveny Writing Coach: Ellie Anderson Design Editor: Ian Peiris Perspective Editor: Sarah Scherkenbach Coffeehouse Promoters: Taylor Ford Soraya Rafat Condributing Writers: Kloe Brill Katie Creveling Atticus Dickson Hannah Edwards Daniel Fewell Cameron Gratz Megan Howard Ashley Khoo Camden Pao Tucker Sharp Ava Sickler Clariss Valdivia Nina Zhao Advisor: Ms. Jacobson Questions or comments, contact: jacobsona@bolles.org or bollesbugleonline@gmail.com

Letter from the Editor Dear Human of Bolles, The process of creating this issue is like a complicated circuit board. Without every wire and resistor in the right place, there would not be a completed circuit--no light, no heat.

At the beginning of October, the Bugle staff did an exercise with a little ping-pong ball that is wired to light up as a continuous circuit. If you close the circuit, putting a finger on a small metal plate on each side of the ball, the ball lights up and makes noise. But if you break the circuit, take your fingers off the plate, the ball is silent, inert.

We stood in a circle and held hands, two people with the ball between them.

We found that when any person detached themselves from the circle, whether they were close to or far away from the ball, breaking the circuit, the ball stopped lighting up. If everyone contributes, we as a group, close the circuit and light up the room.

The Humans of Bolles idea was derived from the Humans of New York project by Brandon Stanton. His goal was to collect man-on-the street interviews from 10,000 people around New York to show how the humanity of every person flows into the current running through that giant city.

While we could not reach all the members of our community, our staff of 21 students was able to interview 150 students, faculty, staff, and alumni! If you count the people we asked for interviews but weren’t currently available for interviews, I am sure we reached 200! Don’t be shy, we hope to be able to interview even more people next year!

Without any one member of the Bugle staff, this issue would not have been possible. Every person on staff and everyone interviewed played a crucial role in the production.

It’s the same for a school, everyone has a place, everyone counts, everyone has a role to play, and when we all step forward, we light up the place and the school sings.

Thank you for picking up this issue! We hope you enjoy! And please reach out to us if you have a suggestion for an interesting profile in the future!

Sincerely,

Editorial Policy: The Bolles Bugle is the newsmagazine created by the journalism class at The Bolles School. Our publication focuses on increasing community awareness of in-school events and topics relating to the five news values: relevance, proximity, timeliness/novelty, conflict/ controversy, and human interest.

Content in the Bugle is the responsibility of the editorial staff and not meant to reflect the views of the school’s administration or the student adviser. Please reach out to our faculty advisor, Ms. Jacobson, with any questions or comments. She can be reached at jacobsona@bolles.org or at bollesbugleonline@gmail.com.

Copyright 2009-2019, The Bolles Bugle

2 humans of bolles

Avani Bansal Avani Bansal Co-Editor-In-Chief

A Note from the Adviser: While I don’t usually do this, I snuck in here after layout was done to give praise to the editorial team and the writers. This issue is a true labor of love and takes hours of organization and planning. The staff worked together and held themselves to high standards and I could not be more proud. We really hope you enjoy this issue and if you don’t see yourself in these pages, know that your contribution was valued and check out our Humans of Bolles feature on our website, www.bollesbugleonline, throughout the year.

Thanks for this one, Bugle Blossoms! Ms. J

Table of Contents Cover Design Ian Peiris Bianca Piza ‘21: Feijoada With a Side of Hugs Ashley Khoo

6

Dr. Zubair Ansari: Alum Has Eyes on a Better World Atticus Dickson

8

Mark Frampton: Starting a Rowing Legacy Ava Sickler

13

Falkner and Array: Alumni Choose Kitchen Over College Avani Bansal

14

Havana Frakes ‘19: Studies in Scotland Sarah Scherkenbach

17

Faith Curry ‘20: An Artist of the Future Clariss Valdiva

18

Ms. Deborah: The Woman Behind the Register Daniel Fewell

19

The Changing Life of Dr. Yeakel Camden Pao

22

Mrs. Phillips-Bourass: A Life of Loving Languages Hannah Edwards

24

Brock St. Denis ‘22: Comedian, Traveler, Thinker, Friend Cameron Gratz

25

Will Ropp ‘12: Journey to Hollywood Kloe Brill

26

Ibrahim Sisters Arrive in the U.S. Megan Howard

29

Jenny Chen ‘21: Once an Athlete, Always an Athlete Nina Zhao

30

Mr. Brewer: You Think You Know Him Sarah Scherkenbach

32

Olivia Landolfo ‘21: Finding Herself Through Music Soraya Rafat

36

The Tepas Family Makes Music Taylor Ford

39

Luke Selmont ‘20: Sets the Scene for Success Su Ertekin-Taner

40

Sensei Braren: From Japan to the States Tucker Sharp The Barton’s Family Tree: Rooted in Bolles Ellie Anderson Caden Matson ‘18: Driving the Dream Thomas Keaveny

43 46 49

Congratulations to the winners of Perspective’s October multimedia and writing contests!

Multimedia Winner: “The Temple” by Ian Peiris Writing Winner: “Run... “by Sam Josephson

humans of bolles 3

Proustian Questionnaire One of the tools we incorporated into our interviews was the Proustian Questionnaire, a list of questions used to explore the complex lives of everyday people. Used by Marcel Proust, 20th C French author—first as answers to a friend’s game and later to help him bring life to his fictional characters—the questions are listed below:

1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?

2. What is your greatest fear?

3. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself ?

4. What is the trait you most deplore in others?

5. Which living person do you most admire?

6. What is your greatest extravagance?

7. What is your current state of mind?

8. What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

9. On what occasion do you lie?

10. What do you most dislike about your appearance?

11. Which living person do you most despise?

12. What is the quality you most like in a man?

13. What is the quality you most like in a woman?

14. Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

15. What or who is the greatest love of your life?

16. When and where were you happiest?

17. Which talent would you most like to have?

18. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

19. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

20. If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

21. Where would you most like to live?

22. What is your most treasured possession?

23. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

24. What is your favorite occupation?

25. What is your most marked characteristic?

26. What do you most value in your friends?

27. Who are your favorite writers?

28. Who is your hero of fiction?

29. Which historical figure do you most identify with?

30. Who are your heroes in real life?

31. What are your favorite names?

32. What is it that you most dislike?

33. What is your greatest regret?

34. How would you like to die?

35. What is your motto?

4 humans of bolles

How to Interview People Tips from the Bugle Staff 1. Show you’re listening by asking good followup questions. If a source gives a one-word answer or vague answer, keep prompting them until you earn a more in-depth answer.

2. Make the source comfortable—if you come off as rude or snarky, the source will may not be genuine with you.

3. Starting off the interview, don’t be afraid to ask the simplest questions, even if you think you know the answer. As you develop rapport, you can delve deeper into more complex questions.

4. Treat the interview as a conversation rather than a quick question-and-answer session.

5. However, don’t take the interview too lightly.

If it is too unprofessional, then your source won’t take you seriously.

6. Check for accuracy- don’t be hesitant to ask the same question twice, especially to double check important information. It’s better to have right information than wrong information!

humans of bolles 5

Bianca Piza Feijoada with a side of hugs comfort you, they don’t really know how to help you.”

Bianca looked down at her phone another time, still no text. Her demeanour seems to have changed and sensing an opportunity, I inquired about what she would like to do when she grew up, wondering if her answer would be different. “I would like to be a psychiatrist.” Piza said.

“I would like to help people who have just come out of jail go back to living normally. When you come out of that kind of situation after a long time people treat you differently, and they need someone to help them so that it does not become too overwhelming.”

Bianca Piza holds her signature bag of Glad trash bags It was the second week of school after summer ended.

Homework had already piled up on my desk and next to it a list of upcoming tests I would not have time to study for. I heard a knock on my door and, flustered, I got out of my chair, prepared to yell at whoever it was.

“Why be mad, why be sad, when you can be Glad?” In front of me, a girl in plaid pajama pants holds a box of Glad trash bags.

Bianca’s phone pings and she looks down excitedly but her face becomes downcast. It’s not her aunt.

A girl away from home, Bianca knows the overwhelming feeling of being out of place all too well, and she sees it in her friends around her. Her life has been characterised by intervals of sticking encouraging notes on room doors of her dorm mates, hugs for students who look like they have been having a bad day, school, homework, swimming, and homesickness.

She is known to her friends as the girl-who-refuses-togrow-up, the one-with-lame-puns, and the selfless one.

She wakes up to her roommate’s alarm ringing, runs to catch the bus, occasionally forgets her school shoes and When someone rolls the salt across the lunch table, Piza eats cafeteria food morning, noon, and night, and, just says, “I hate when people drag the salt on the table. It is so bad in Brazil and when people do that, I have to throw like every other boarder, has more to tell behind her bright brown eyes. the salt over my shoulder, and they stare at me like I am the craziest person alive, but I guess that’s okay.”

Bianca steals another glance at her phone, sees a text and her face breaks into a smile. They are here. Maybe As for her dream job, Bianca says in all seriousness, “I they brought feijoada. Later when they leave, the feeling would like to be the President of Mars.” of incompleteness will take its usual spot like a monster under her dorm room bed, ready to creep up on her Tentatively, I asked her about Peter Pan and how she felt about growing up. She replied, “Did you know there is a unexpectedly. “This is just how it is,” she says when I ask her about homesickness, “I used to feel homesick conspiracy theory? That in the movie Peter Pan collects all the time but after a while you get used to it and keep the bodies of dead children?” going.”

Bianca comes from a family that holds humour as a combatant against the normalcy of the world. Her family Tomorrow Bianca will make her usual rounds. Knocking on her friends doors with her cleaning product nights in Brazil consist of stand-up comedians and good jokes, leave a reminder for another dorm sister that she food. Through intervals of giggles, Bianca’s eyes conis loved, and goes out of her way to make sure another stantly glance down at her phone. She is waiting for her aunt, visiting from Brazil, to text her to let her know she boarder does not feel the same way she does. is here.

The girl in plaid pajama pants at the door grins. Her eyes are tired from late nights and a Brazilian cross Living in the dorms for three years, you learn through every smile and every sparkle in someone’s eyes there is a hangs around her neck. “I have Pacoquinta,” she calls to story to be told. Having moved to Bolles when she was 15, my roommate and me, “or do you want a hug?”

Bianca knows a little about growing up away from home, including learning to fear solidarity. “When we don’t have anything to do, when I’m just sitting on the couch, homesickness hits me the hardest and when somebody tries to Bianca De Toledo Piza, a Brazilian native and an 11th grader, is beginning her third year in America.

6 Humans of Bolles

Ashley Khoo Contributing Writer

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“They are understanding. You know friends are supposed to be nice and support each other and always be there for you.”

Charlie

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

“Perfect happiness. When I think of that, I think of no violence. That’s the obvious answer. But maybe that isn’t perfect happiness, you never know. Could just be nothing, or, what makes someone happy, what they enjoy doing. I don’t really have a clear answer for this.”

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2) What do you value most in your friends?

What fictional character do you most relate to?

If you could save one article of clothing from a fire, what would it be?

“Uh… oh! Gohan from Dragon Ball.”

“My Kobe Nine Christmas’s.”

Why? “Because he was really strong, and then he decided that he wanted to go to school ‘cause, like, he wanted to get smart.”

Why is that?

“They’re the most expensive.

It’s practical.”

Humans of Bolles 7

Dr. Zubair Ansari: Alum has Eyes on a Better World Dr. Zubair Ansari, an alumnus of the class of 2004, is now an ophthalmologist with a specific area of expertise.

“My specific focus and expertise is in cataract surgery and what we call anterior segment surgery, which is basically surgery of the front of the eye” Ansari said. He has his eyes on making the world a better place through his study of global ophthalmology.

“Appreciate this!”

-Dr. Ansari

Dr. Ansari (right) preforming surgery.

He says going to India is connecting to his roots while in Haiti, he feels like he makes the biggest difference. But, at the top of his list at the moment, are Burundi and Rwanda

8 humans of bolles

Even though he’s made his career in science, Ansari said that writing and acting skills have helped in his field, especially in terms of communication for moments like cultural sensitivity and explaining the science behind the surgeries. “Communication is like, 90% of my job, and show[ing] them [the patients] the science behind taking care of patients, which is where it all breaks down.”

Ansari said learning languages makes his job easier. “I am trying to learn French, for my trip to Haiti because Haiti speaks a dialect of French.

There’s also a lot of Sub-Saharan African that also have French roots as well. Through my residency training in Miami, I essentially had to pick up Spanish, a really important one, not only just for travel to different countries, but also to practice in the state of Florida.”

In India, he was a student for six weeks, because he was training on how to do a specific, low-cost type of cataract surgery. “When I travel to for example, Rwanda or Haiti, I stay [for] about 3 weeks, and the reason why is because I’m actually training future eye surgeons, so my primary focus there is to be an educator,” Ansari said.

Ansari enjoys looking back on his travels. He said, “In my mind, each of the countries I travel to, it’s almost like your children, right, where it’s really hard to pick out one that you love the most.”

Although, he adds, “But it’s not really fair to knock all the other countries that I have traveled to.”

Dr. Ansari gave some advice to his high school self. “I’d knock him in the head a few times and say, ‘Appreciate this!’ because it’s very short, it doesn’t last that long and the things that you learn in those short years are very important for your future.”

Global ophthalmology is a fairly new field that Ansari said originated within the last five to six years. It’s basically a specific type of ophthalmology devised to “concentrate on how we can deliver high efficiency, good practice eye surgery at a low cost in a low resource environment,’’ said Ansari in a phone interview.

Global ophthalmologists usually focus on third world countries. In the past year, Ansari has visited India, Rwanda, Burundi, and Haiti. He usually stays in each place for about three to six weeks, depending on the purpose of the trip, and even as little as one week for some surgical missions.

“They were the unknown, and I enjoy that aspect about travel, which is navigating through a new area that I have never been to before, so I’d have to say that they took the edge over the other places.”

Ansari in Miami Beach.

Photo Credit: Ansari’s Facebook page

While this is a new field, Ansari stated global opthamology is growing. “Believe it or not, there’s a lot of people who are vastly interested in being able to reduce global blindness, so people come to me with a lot of interest and enthusiasm to volunteer.”

Atticus Dickson Contributing Writer

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What person do you hate the most?

What is your favorite future occupation?

Which talent would you most like to have?

“I don’t really hate anybody. Hating people is so much energy.

Energy that I really don’t have.”

“Probably either [something to do with] medicine or meteorology. I like understanding how things work in detail.”

“Invisibility.”

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What kind of car do you drive?

Is there any any favorite movie overall then?

Overall? It changes, the answer I usually give is Jaws That’s a classic. That’s a good answer.

Okay, so least favorite movie then?

Batman and Robin.

Really? Why? Basically it’s a two hour clipmercial.

Is there the least favorite genre that you just don’t like seeing?

Um, I don’t know. Because there are exceptions to every genre.

“I drive a Toyota Tacoma.”

What does that car say about you?

“It says I have to fit in with the rest of Bolles baseball society and drive a truck. Or, if you want something more professional than that, it can trace my southern heritage… because it’s a truck.”

“So that if I wanted to go somewhere, without my parents knowing, I could.”

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Why?

Why do you like marine biology?

“I don’t know where my love for the sea came from exactly, like when it started, but I’ve just always grown up with going to the beach with my family.” humans of bolles 9

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“Just try to make the most of everyday that you can. You wake up you’re alive!”

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“Yes, everything happens for a reason. I believe in destiny, so don’t worry. Destiny is written, and what will happen will happen” Hanna hH ell (‘22)

“Well, I learned from tennis that sometimes you have to be ruthless, and be aggressive.”

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“If you’re gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough.”

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“Stuff happens in life. I just try to figure it out. It’s not a problem to ask for help. I guess...go with the flow.”

Trisha Cha

“We don’t have a clear definition of kindness. It’s overused. Every time people are asked about traits of themselves, the first thing they say is “kind.” But are you really kind?”

“Probably hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard”

What is your motto or philosophy?

10 Humans of bolles

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“I most dislike when people act as hypocrites, snakes, going back from what they say. I like when people go straight forwards.”

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“Jodie Whittaker currently plays the female doctor for Doctor Who. It’s just that female actresses usually don’t get to play male parts.

And she’s the first person ever in the history of Doctor Who to play it. And it’s kind of like, Wow, this person is actually willing to face on the fans, and the sexism of the fans, to do her job and have fun with it, and she really likes to do it. And it’s kind of amazing how she’s influenced so many women.”

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“My mom. She’s always done what she wants and she’s always kind.”

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“My real life hero, Toussaint L’Ouverture. He is kind of the reason my country was freed from the French.”

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“Instead of focusing on what Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, or whoever, is doing, you should be able to focus on what you’re doing. Essentially, you need to form your own identity. The best place to do it is high school, so you’ll own your identity in high school. The main thing I’m looking for is originality.”

“Kylie Jenner mostly because she is the youngest billionaire ever and that’s a good goal to have.”

Humans of bolles 11

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“I would say that is my whole journey as an adult, and even my journey as a teacher. I continue to learn from my students and receiveing a lot more than I give. It has just been just a great journey of 35 years which never gets old.”

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“The journey with my peanut allergry. When I was five, I was diagnosed with a peanut allergy, and you know, had to deal with that for like, ten years. When I lived in New Jersey, I wasn’t accepted for therapy that would desensitize me to peanuts because I was too old. But when I moved here, I live near Mayo Clinic and was accepted for the therapy here. I made a lot of progress on that, and now I’m desensitized. Had a bit of a situation last week. It was really scary, but like, medically, that would be a thing I’ve made a lot of progress on.”

What is your favorite journey?

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12 Humans of bolles

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“This might be cheesy, but probably my journey through high school. Because I feel like it’s been very eventful and there has been ups and downs, but I’ve met really great friends along the way and I think my experience has been really good.”

Mark Frampton: Starting a Rowing Legacy Can you give a basic outline of your life?

Born in 1958 in Lake City, FL. Never lived there. Son of a naval officer. Lived in a number of cities, and one other country, while I was growing up. Graduated high school from Lemoore, CA, where a major naval air station is located. Attended Jacksonville University for my undergraduate and graduate degree.

Earned my MBA in 1987. Went into banking until 1992, then I was doing professional development, soft skills training, was a marketing consultant, and taught out at UNF. And then Bolles wanted to start a rowing program, and I was teaching adults how to row over at the Jacksonville Rowing Club. So I came over to answer a few questions at Bolles about rowing, and what it would take to start a program, since 60 students here signed a petition saying they wanted rowing.

I came over. Answered a few questions. Forgot to say no to the big question, “Will you coach?” And that was a career-changing move which I have not regretted.

first year of trying to balance both, that’s when the school was gracious enough to allow me to teach economics, manage the waterfront, act as a 10th grade advisor, and coach rowing. So they were able to pull together a full time job, I was able to transition totally into Bolles.

When and where have you been happiest in your life?

What has been the lowest point of your life?

Here at Bolles. It’s primarily because every year is different, with a new dynamic of students to come in. It’s the youthful energy, being around a High School campus made up of motivated, driven teachers, administrators, and most of all, just being around students that are just thirsty for life. That’s been the most exciting part of the last 25 years.

I had the benefit of growing up in different environments. With every two years moving, I was unhappy every time we moved, because it was an adjustment. I didn’t know anyone, and didn’t know how I’d fit in. And with each one of those, it turned out to be even better. So that’s the gift I think my parents gave me—this constant change has allowed me to adapt to just about any situation.

How long have you been rowing?

Mark Frampton, coaching the Bolles Crew team in the 90’s, photo courtesy of Mark Frampton

Has there ever been a time when you felt that you truly failed?

Since 1977. So, learned to row at Jacksonville University, and took a brief period of time off during my banking days- it was impossible to row or to coach during that time period. And then once I was able to shift some of my job responsibilities, I was able to get back into coaching as well as to row. I still do it to this day.

A multitude of times. So those biggest failures come from just the point of making a decision, making the wrong decision, not getting too stressed out about it, and just redirecting and moving forward. But yeah, the list is long and distinguished, with many, many mistakes along the way.

What is the Jacksonville Rowing Club (JRC)?

What’s the greatest piece of advice you’ve ever received?

So JCR is significant in Bolles history, because when the Bolles program was starting, I was president of the Jacksonville Rowing Club, and provided the initial shell (boat), which was a four, to help the Bolles students get on the water. The first season, the fall of 1994, Bolles rowed under the Jacksonville Rowing Club name. And because it was very successful, this sport became an official varsity sport in 1995.

Work hard play hard. It was from a former boss in my banking days. As a whole, play would be going and pursuing passions…

I had an opportunity to go up and see the white coat seals off the coast of the Magellan Islands, north of Nova Scotia, which was a true adventure. Or, an adventure such as going up to Alaska and enjoying just another part of the world, another part of the country, or traveling Europe, going into Russia, which was Soviet Union at the time, to see a different part of it. Playing in the sense of just going outside normal life activities.

Why did you transition out of banking and consulting, and into teaching and coaching?

Well, it became a time issue. I attempted to consult and coach at the same time, and that was very difficult. So then, after that

What would be your most treasured memory?

Time on the water.

Humans of bolles 13

Alumni Choose Kitchen over College Isabella Array ‘17 Array ‘17 was a Neuroscience major and on the Pre-Medical track at Washington University in St. Louis. One summer, she filled out an application on a whim to be the assistant chef at a camp for social justice. She said, “ Everything there was entirely vegan since it was climate focused. I was working in these miserable conditions in the kitchen of a farm for 12 hours a day, no AC, and I just loved it so much.

vegan cooking in New York City.

She said, “It was becoming a vegan that got me to be into cooking at all just because my parents had no idea how to feed me. It is a lot of fun, it is a little science experiment every time I cook.”

With this amazing plan for her future, her only fear is regret. She explains, “Sometimes I do think of if I will be enjoying this at 40, 50, 60 years old. It is not as secure and I am scared of all this all going poorly.”

“One foot in front of the other. Take it moment by moment. Keep moving forward and moving through it.”

Array had an epiphany. “I was like, wait a second, I can’t go back to college. I need to do something In the coming years, she sees from this.” herself in New York City and wants “to stick to restaurants Array graduated from the for the time being because I love National Gourmet Institute this the thrill and the intensity of the year and is now specializing in kitchen.”

“I am resilient.”

Array works on her sautee techniqueat the National Gourmet Institute.

At the National Gourmet Institute, Array works on a glaze for a fruit tart.

Photo Credit: Array

Avani Bansal Co-Editor-In-Chief

14 Humans of bolles

Naiha Falkner ‘13 Falkner ‘13 was attending Berkeley City College in California as a political science major. She started working in kitchens during college and just got so involved in the cooking so she started working in fine dining in San Francisco. She said, “It was a lot of hard work but it was really fun.”

She will return to college this year to get certified in holistic nutrition which will help her in the private business she is currently starting up. Falkner’s passion for this kind of cooking goes back. I have been a vegetarian since I was 8 years old, I am really into healthy eating.”

Currently she is working in recipe development for a company called Thistle. She explains, “ I took on this job 3 years ago, and my company doesn’t use gluten, and I love using gluten. Not being able to use this ingredient made me learn about 30 other alternatives that I could work with.

She just started her own company this past month, where she focuses on her private clientele and making meals for more fine dining. She considers this her greatest achievement in life.

She looks up to her dad for his work ethic, he started his own business which is what inspired Falkner to start hers. Falkner says, “I want to

“We can make that better.” be like him where I am not afraid to work hard even though I am good at what I do.”

The quality she loves the most about herself is, “I am very honest and willing to put myself out there. I really enjoy being different and being myself in a way that when someone tries something I make, they know that I made it.”

“I really enjoy pushing boundaries and making combinations that people or I didn’t think would work. I love proving myself wrong.”

Falkner posts images of her gluten-free recipes on Instagram to help promote her business.

Photo Credit: Falkner

Humans of Bolles 15

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What are you passionate about?

“Not achieving what I want “Acting. I think seeing to and regretting not work- someone perform something ing hard and or doing what’s they’re passionate about, best for me. I don’t want to you can see it in their face, have and it makes me so happy. regrets.”

I’m relaxed in the moment, I’m like, in the moment.”

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What do you fear most?

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Which historical figure do you most identify with?

“Probably Abraham Lincoln. The Emancipation Proclamation. There’s no point in separating people by race because in the end all of us bleed the same blood.”

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What is your greatest fear?

What is your motto?

“Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.”

16 Humans of Bolles

Zoey C lon tz

What is your motto?

“My greatest fear is not making any impact to the “My motto: just breathe, because sometimes I world.” don’t and that’s an issue.”

Havana Frakes in Scotland Shortly before a new school year and new adventure 4,084 miles away, Havana Frakes (‘19) recalls “frantically trying to pack about sixty pairs of socks for no apparent reason. Packing kind of came down to the last minute, and I had somehow convinced myself I was going to desperately need every sock I owned to survive the winter.”

It wasn’t until November of her senior year that she decided on attending the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

“Go for it. There’s a lot of extra steps involved going abroad, like registering with a doctor overseas and setting up a phone plan and all of that, but it’s definitely worth the extra effort.”

With a family completely supporting her decision to study abroad, she is now doing joint honors in international relations and philosophy. Additionally, she is taking sustainable development as an additional course at her dream school.

Frakes acknowledges, “There’s definitely more work than high school, but infinitely more freedom. The vast majority of the day is yours, so you get to decide how to spend it.

Most of the work here is expected to be done independently, so you have to budget your time on when to do what.”

On most mornings, she has classes at 9:00 or 10:00, and an evening class at 5:00pm; other lessons are usually spread throughout the day.

In comparison to Bolles, St. Andrews has “definitely more work

than high school, but infinitely more freedom. The vast majority of the day is yours, so you get to decide how to spend it.”

Frakes emphasizes the need for self-reliance and time management.

“Most of the work here is expected to be done independently, so you have to budget your time on when to do what,” Frakes said.

Fun evening activities in the small town of St. Andrews sometimes include “going to pubs or a club since the legal drinking age here is 18. We have a movie theatre, but the options are limited in terms of both movies and timing. Honestly, a lot of fun nights are spent just watching movies with my friends in one of our rooms.”

Frakes emphasized a main difference between the United States and Scotland is the food. She mentioned, “If you order a lemonade you’ll get a Sprite. When I described what American lemonade is (sugar, water, and lemons) to an English boy, he was appalled.”

Havana Frakes at the beach in Saint Andrews. The beach is about a ten minute walk from her dormitory.

Photo Credit: Bill Frakes (Havana’s father) For any students yearning to study abroad, Frakes recommends, “Go for it. There’s a lot of extra steps involved going abroad, like registering with a doctor overseas and setting up a phone plan and all of that, but it’s definitely worth the extra effort.”

Sarah Scherkenbach Perspective Editor

Humans of Bolles 17

Faith Curry ‘20: An Artist of the Future

Keep an eye out for the young lady doing her homework in Schultz Hall courtyard, often wearing eyecatching red sandals. “I was born and raised in Jacksonville and I grew up in a house down the street from my grandparents,” She said, “It has changed since new people live there.”Curry’s memory and eye for detail prove her an artist and a storyteller.

Faith Curry has been at Bolles since 9th grade, coming from KIPP Middle School. She defines her most marked characteristic as her quiet nature. “I’ve always had a hard time making friends because I’m quiet and don’t really talk much.”

Her quiet nature has not kept Curry from being involved in the arts.

Curry worked on props for both Lion King and High School Musical.

“There’s lots of layers to Faith,” said college counselor Mrs. Moloney.

For college, Curry thinks she might study art or Psychology.

Psychology or a career related to managing data might work well for

18 humans of bolles

Curry. Moloney said, “She has an incredibly caring side to her. In busy times or stressful times, Faith stays calm and patient.”

Moloney mentioned Faith’s love of the natural world, “If you ever see Faith with a free period, you will see her outside.”

On trips to the zoo, Curry combines her love of nature with her growing interest in photography, taking many photos.

Curry said that part of being quiet is that her biggest fear is being abandoned. “It’s because since I’ve had trouble making friends from an early age, I feel like people will leave me for someone better and there’s always going to be someone else who has more to offer.” But Curry has grown more confident. She statedthat in the past,” I didn’t know my own worth as a person.”

When Faith’s dad brought her a book of anime from Japan, her interest in anime and manga began.

Moloney said Curry writes and publishes her own stories.

But home life wasn’t that easy for Faith. “My dad told me that my grandmother pitted her children against one another. When I came along she started to treat my dad’s kids differently than my uncle’s.”

Despite this rocky period in her life, Curry stated everyone in her family supports her. “My dad because he always pushes me (to succeed), and my mom because she undestands me.”

Curry enjoys drawing and cooking, and said her greatest accomplishment is when her art turns out like she wants it to. Her favorite things to cook are cupcakes, cakes, and cookies, and she hopes to learn how to make macarons in the future.

“Overall, I feel we’re (family) all content with life,” Curry said.

So, when you walk by the quiet girl studying in Schultz, know that sometimes a stellar story was left unsaid and those bright red sandals show the heart of their wearer.

Clariss Valdivia Contributing Writer

Deborah Henry

The Incredible True Story “I was in the navy, I drove tractor trailers, I’ve been a printer running printing press machines and high-speed copiers. I used to work at Virginia Wesleyan University. I’ve done a lot of things in life so far.” says Deborah Henry, cracking a small grin from across the table.

Ms. Deborah can usually be found in the Bolles Hall, filling plates, working the registers, and keeping the cafeteria running. Every day, she speaks to hundreds of students and staff members, as they file through the breakfast and lunch lines. Despite the volume of interaction between members of the Bolles community and herself, many are unaware of the incredible life that Ms. Deborah has lived.

“I like to travel because my father was in the army. When I was younger, maybe third or fourth grade, we lived in Ethiopia. I went swimming in the red sea and I got to travel around the country,” began Ms. Deborah, thinking pack to some of the earliest chapters in the story of her life.

As the child of a career soldier, Ms. Deborah has lived all over the globe.

Her experience with living in different places, was what sparked her wanderlust.

As a young adult, she joined the Navy, in part, to continue seeing the world. “I went in when I was 17,” she said. “I went overseas to Japan for a year and a half and I liked it so much that I extended for six months. Over there (Japan) we ran crash rescue for the airfield. We had these big 40-foot-long metal cabinet cruisers that we would take out if they had an emergency aircraft come in. Our runway was set up where there was water on the beginning side and water on the end so if they missed the runway, they were going in the water.”

At 17 Ms. Deborah was recovering downed aircraft and training to fish planes out of the water. The nonchalance with which she described her former job was stunning. “I worked bottom jobs on boats, using big sanders and getting all the barnacles and the nastiness off there and then repainting them,” she continued.

Ms. Deborah, standing at the entrance to the kitchen in Bolles Hall.

“One time we were asked to help find a body. He (the deceased marine) washed his way out to where the river came to the ocean.”

After years of working in the Navy, she got the itch to move on. Now a civilian, Ms. Deborah decided to attend truck driving school. “I wanted to drive the big rigs; I was always fascinated with that. I didn’t want a traditional job,” she said.

She did that for a few years then transitioned to working in an academic setting. “After I got out of truck driving, I got a job at Virginia Wesleyan. I was running their high-speed copiers. I basically made all the tests and handouts for class. I did all the photocopying for all the faculty and staff. I was there for a good 10 years and while I was there, I went and got my education.”

Later, Ms. Deborah left Virginia Wesleyan and relocated to Jacksonville to be closer to her mother and brother. She got a part time job running concession stands at the Arena, Prime Osborn, and the ballpark. “I’ve seen Cher, Prince, Elton John, you name it. Whoever’s been to the Arena. I’ve pretty much been there for it.” She recalled.

However, thirteen years later, Ms. Deborah wanted to return to an academic environment. “That’s how I ended up here (Bolles). I wanted to get back into the education field.”

Combining her experience running concession with her passion for working in a school, Ms. Deborah joined the Bolles’ food service team.

In the brief periods when she’s not on campus, Mrs. Deborah likes to watch MotoGP. MotoGP stands for Grand Prix motorcycle racing and is the pinnacle in international motorcycle competition.

Mrs. Deborah remarked, “You wouldn’t know I’ve been everywhere,” with a chuckle.

Now, we do.

Daniel Fewell Contributing Writer humans of bolles 19

Elliana

Zekun

Wa n

1)

‘21) “Probably having the patience to put up with other people”

Satvik

“I enjoy coding. I found that I can dissolve complicated things into simple steps and orders. I feel accomplished after solving it. ”

Mrs. D ale (

)

(‘2

3)

What makes life worth living?

“Love. I have really gotten to know so many people and students through the years and I hope that they feel like I love them and treat them fairly. I hope I exude love.”

“Strategy. It can be useful for academics and using the knowledge you gain. From that, you train your brain.”

Kenn y

‘0

nes (

So gb (‘20) an es

3) “I have always loved peace and love. I always have been a free spirit from a young age.””

20 Humans of bolles

S ff ta

Red dy

Carla Jo

g (‘2

( ry

Em e

“Dance. Loud in a good way. It’s very expressive.

You can be powerful and vulnerable at the same time.

Relatable, athletic.”

Nilesh

Valen ti

D

h (‘21)

na

rac

ota

) ‘22 “My room because it is my own safe place. My room is filled with all of my favorite things and pictures that remind me of what I love.”

“Looking on the bright side.”

Christi

Nick S t

na C ea (‘21) orr

l(

Pa te

“ London. I’ve been to New York, I’ve been to the big cities and something about London and living there is so much better than what I experienced here. ”

ee

1) “Poetry. We focus on the idea that it’s okay to use your voice instead of violence.”

2) (‘2

b (‘2

What makes life worth living?

Joey M orr is

“The journey. You don’t know where you’re going, and you don’t know what you’re going to find when you get there.”

Aiden He ll e

Aidan C

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an

g( “My family is from royalty. Before and during the slave trade, my family actually had kingdoms but that was taken from us by the French. So I am royalty.”

(‘23)

‘2 1 )

‘21)

( in “Friends. Their willingness to do dares, to do crazy things with me.

I don’t like it when they withhold from telling me things if they are afraid of telling me things. I want to be open and I like friends that are open.”

Nadia Nia n

“Being surrounded by people you love and just having all you need.”

humans of bolles 21

The Changing Life of Dr. Yeakel Life is changing all around Doctor Jeff Yeakel.

This year Dr.Yeakel has stopped teaching Latin I and started teaching 9th grade World History alongside Latin II. He welcomes the change and is excited for the new experience. Dr.Yeakel said, “I really like the change and being able to do lots of different things in the different classes. There is a different skill set, different types of lessons and things in World History. So being able to do them all, my day is different every day which I kinda like.”

Dr.Yeakel has taught at Bolles for six years since completing college and graduate school. In 2014, he went around Greece for Bolles filming locations so students in his precivilization could watch and learn about Greece. Dr.Yeakel’s service to Bolles has not gone unnoticed, being awarded the National Honor Society Teacher of the Year award a few years ago.

Dr.Yeakel did not always plan to be a teacher, it wasn’t ‘til college that his passion for learning truly formed.

“Once I got to college, I really enjoyed learning and wanted to continue learning so went to graduate school to learn more about ancient Greece and Rome.”

It was this joy of learning that developed a passion for Latin and ancient history. Dr.Yeakel explained “Latin allows you kinda access to the direct thoughts of the people that lived 2000 years ago. When you are reading authentic Latin text, it is sort of a way of communicating with people from a long time ago.”

Not only does Dr.Yeakel spend time working hard at teaching, but also spends time raising a family. In April, he had his second daughter named June with his wife Lauren, whom he met in high school. When asked, Dr.Yeakel said having June and

22 Humans of bolles

his three-year-old named Rosemary is one of his greatest achievements.

He explained that life with two daughters is “busy, but really rewarding and nice. It is really good seeing them play together.”

Dr. Yeakel’s greatest influence is his own parents, who he credits with teaching him the values so important to him today. “They instilled a value of education and being kind to other people.”

“You have higher joys and higher highs, but then also it makes life a little scarier because you are responsible for somebody else’s life.”

A value supported by Dr. Yeakel’s favorite Latin motto, esse quam videre, which means “to be instead of to seem to be.” He elaborates by explaining “it is sort of the idea that what matters is who you are and what you think and what you do instead of a persona that you put on.”

Dr.Yeakel even said his father is his reallife hero. “He just a very kind person and patient. He was a physical therapist, so he liked helping other people. All things that I value.”

As for his mother, she is now retired and spends her day taking care of Yeakel’s children while both parents are at work.

Having two daughters has given Yeakel a new perspective on life. Yeakel explained that that parenting makes “you have higher joys and higher highs, but then also it makes life a little scarier because you are responsible for somebody else’s life more so than in the past.”

Balancing both school life and family life, changing curriculum or changing diapers, it has been a year of change for Dr. Yeakel.

Dr.Yeakel’s personalized coffee mug with a photo of him holding his daughter Rosemary, the word Pater written on the other side.

Photo Credit: Camden Pao

Camden Pao Contributing Writer

Ms.San

Campbe ll F or d

der (F a

lty) cu

(‘2

3) “My biggest fear is probably trying my best to be a good person and failing”

Grace P rint y

“I think my greatest fear is letting someone down that I really care about.”

What is your greatest fear?

d

2)

“You know when you’re swimming, right? And then you feel like seaweed or something brush up against you. I am scared, a giant squid is gonna pull me under and I’m gonna die. To attribute that fear there was a Magic Tree House book about the Kraken, dude.”

kar

(‘2

) 20

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Will St an

“I hate heights. I don’t like looking down. You know what? I’ve just always been scared of heights.

Makes me… makes me weak in the knees. I get sick.”

humans of bolles 23

Mrs. Philips-Bourass: A Life of Loving Languages Mrs. Philips-Bourass began studying French her freshman year of highschool. Little did she know this would lead her into pursuing a lifleong love of linguistics.

When asked about what lead her into pursuing French as her college major, she cites an immersion program she took in ighschool as the reason: “In Indiana they had this immersion program where I spent six weeks in France not being able to speak English. That’s sort of what cemented that I came back knowing French.

That’s what lead me into being a French major and then a teacher.”

While in college, she began learning Arabic too. “I wanted to learn like ten languages”, she explains, lauhging, “and then Arabic took like twenty years so I got stuck in Arabic.” However, she doesn’t regret this decision, and received her undergraduate degree in both French, Arabic, and linguistics.

She sutdied linguistics in grad school as well. Initially, she pursued the field because she thought it would help her learn languages better. But, as she explains, “[Linguistics} is a study of languages in theory and not in practice. [..]I know a lot about other languages.”

While lingusitics didn’t help her learn other languages, it did help her find something else...love.

24 Humans of bolles

While stuyding abroad in Morocco as part of her graduate program, Mrs. Philips-Bourass met the man whom she would later marry.

Although Morocco is a mostly Arabic speaking country, French and English are commonly taught to schoolchildren. This gave the couple multiple ways t0 communicate. “The first year that we were dating we spoke french. After that, once we realized that we’d be getting engaged and moving to the United States and that he’d have to take the test of English as a foreign language in order to work here we decided to talk in English so he could improve.”

Mrs. Pilips-Bourass explains.

body’s accent. [...] The whole point is that you shouldn’t judge people by their accents and we use color because it’s a reference to race. So, in the same way that we shouldn’t judge people by the color of their skin we shouldn’t judge people by their accents. That’s what my mug means.”

Mrs. Philips-Bourass ensures that her students are epxosed to a variety of cultures and accents, most often using Morocco and West African countries to teach both French and Arabic. As such, her students benefit from her globally-focused style of teaching.

After graduating, the couple moved back to Indiana where they lived for several years. However, the Moroccan community there was extremely small, so when Mrs. Philips-Bourass was offered a position at Bolles, they were glad to move to a city with a larger Arabic community.

Mrs. Philips-Bourass’ studies have enriched her exprerience with other cultures, and she has experience with many different accents. As such, accent “color” is something she feels strongly about. This is shown by the mug she keeps on her desk.

When asked about the mug, she’s stated, “one topic in sociolinguistics is accents and when people talk about vowel color that’s what they’re

cueing into when they hear some-

Hannah Edwards Contributing Writer

Brock St. Denis:

Comedian, Traveler, Thinker, Friend Brock St. Denis prides himself on being funny. Occasionally to others, but always to himself.

Now in his fourth year at Bolles, this year as a sophomore, St. Denis defines his most obvious, public personality trait as being his tendency to tell jokes whenever he can possibly fit them into conversation.

Most people tell jokes to make their friends laugh or to lighten the mood of a conversation. His goal, however, is to make jokes that are funny to him. He noted, “Most of the time when I make [jokes] … I don’t adhere to anybody else. They are mainly to make myself laugh. Because at the end of the day, I’m going to know me for my whole life, so I want to give myself good standards.”

Beyond comedy, some other themes of his life are travel and volunteering. Since he was an infant, Brock St. Denis has been going on missionary trips to the Czech Republic; on his recent trips, he has been helping the students there learn English.

St. Denis said that his favorite journey has been his travels to the Czech Republic, because “it expands your horizons not only physically, like, now you know more about the world around you, but mentally you are more aware of others. It allows you to be more empathetic towards others, you’re more understanding of other issues.”

During his trip over the past summer, he spent the first week volunteering at the camp, where he worked mostly with toddlers, an age group where he says he did “less teaching and more chaperoning.”

The second week he spent traveling around Europe, going sightseeing.

St. Denis also has a fascinating perspective on personality and friendship.

He believes that while some traits have positive effects and others negative, the traits themselves are neither good nor bad. “I don’t think there is such thing as a bad characteristic per se. I feel like there is no such thing as a good characteristic either, there are just characteristics. That’s an aspect of you- that’s a part of you. I am horribly flawed, as is everybody, so I do have characteristics that are by no means good or helpful. But they are part of me, so I can’t really say they’re bad,” he said.

If he had to define one as having the most negative effect, however, he says he would choose prejudice, which he describes as being unfortunately widespread.

He says he isn’t quite sure why he is friends with the specific people he is friends with. Of what he values in his friends, he said, “I honestly couldn’t tell you why I’m friends with some people … it’s just- they’re my friends.

We probably shared some common interest, probably met in some random place, do the same activity, I can’t say. I guess I like people that spend a lot of their time thinking, philosophical I guess. I like to have someone to argue with.”

Brock St. Denis likes to describe his philosophy with a motto. “Conflict isn’t what defines us, it’s our response to it that does,” he articulates.

Cameron Gratz Contributing Writer humans Humans of bolles 25

Will Ropp ‘12: Will Ropp’s dad raised him to persevere, to stick up for his dreams, and to live life to be a good person.

Ropp ‘12 remembers what his father taught him when he is faced with adversity.

In Ropp’s business, he is faced with adversity more times than not.

He goes out for nerve-wracking auditions in bleak white rooms in front of a row of intimidating blank stares.

He keeps a level head because of his ability to trust in his training and the craft of acting.

He said, “I think, for me, performing is just a good way of expressing yourself and it’s just, like, where I feel most comfortable is on stage or in front of a camera. And I’m obsessed now with it and I really wasn’t at the time when I was in Bolles.” He added, “But once I got to college I kind of learned more about the process of filmmaking and how things are made and directing. And so now I’m just a film nut. I’m obsessed with film and television, I watch everything.”

The Connecticut native began his Bolles experience as a boarder his junior year.

Ropp’s experience “was so great because you really become like family and brothers with your fellow boarders. Some of my people I boarded with I’m still friends with today. They visit me out in LA. I am connected with a lot of Bolles people actually out here.”

Ropp was a part of the junior varsity baseball team, however acting eventually became his true passion. Ropp played Beethoven in Still Life with Iris along with Romeo in Romeo and Juliet and Cornelius in Hello Dolly.

“My goal as an actor is to, I don’t know, make the audience or viewer think--just to change the audience or viewer in a way that they didn’t feel before they entered the theater, or TV screen or whatever they’re watching it on. Just to like, cause change and effect and inspire or shed light on certain topics discussed often.”

26 humans of bolles

Head of the Arts department, Mrs. Laura Rippel, influenced Ropp’s acting. She even coached Ropp on his monologue to audition for college.

team, you’re with your coach everyday.

He really became our coach in a sense.

Not only literally in the movie, but like a life and career coach along the way.”

He said, “She was kinda the one that first told me that she thought I could do this professionally. She really took me under her wing.”

On the last day of the shoot, Affleck gave his ‘basketball team’ framed jerseys signed with personalized messages on them. For Ropp, the jersey serves as “a reminder to myself of the hard work and the effort that it has taken to get to where I am.”

Rippel even helped Ropp a few months ago when he was in Jacksonville when he needed a reader for an audition tape.

They recorded it here at Bolles in Lynch.

Following his 2012 graduation from Bolles, Ropp pursued his passion for acting with a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Michigan. He began acting professionally right when he got out of college.

After one of Ropp’s plays at Michigan, an acting agent approached him and asked if she could sign him. She said that he could finish school, but once he graduated she could be his agent.

This led to Ropp taking his second semester junior year ‘abroad’ in Hollywood, learning and gaining experience on how to get started as an actor.

Most of the projects Ropp has ever worked on recently wrapped which has left him in an excited state of mind.

One of the projects he wrapped is a Warner Brothers movie called The Way Back about an alcoholic widowed basketball coach played by Academy and Golden Globe Award winner Ben Affleck, who returns to his former high school to coach the basketball team.

The team is going to have a screening of the movie at Affleck’s house. He also flew the team out on his private jet to Vegas to celebrate wrapping the film. Ropp added that Affleck is a good blackjack player.

Last summer Ropp did a movie called Silk Road which is a thriller based on a true story about a 20-year old cyber drug dealer. Ropp plays a DEA officer, and Jason Clarke’s boss.

Ropp said that “Jason is amazing. Jason is like a really, really good actor. Just like all about the work, all about the script.

He’s very good at improving and taking the character in unexpected, spontaneous directions. He’s Australian, which I never knew and he plays an American so amazingly.”

Anticipating the feedback of a movie by critics and the public is stressful. In Ropp’s profession extreme competition is the norm. Ropp said actors often don’t even hear back from auditions.

To cope with the reality of rejection Ropp said, “You have to trust your training and trust the work and keep pushing.”

Ropp spent ten weeks on set with Affleck and said the experience “was great.

He is just a really amazing guy and an amazing actor. He took us under his wing and taught us so much about filmmaking and directing and acting. He didn’t treat us any less than the other actors that he works with. It doesn’t matter that we’re not Matt Damon, he treats us with the same respect.”

Ropp said Affleck “was our coach so it was just like if you’re on a basketball

Kloe Brill Contributing Writer

A Bolles Student’s Journey to Hollywood

Will Ropp began his acting career after completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Michigan.

Ropp with ‘team’ boarding Affleck’s jet to Vegas.

On set with mentor, Ben Affleck.

Ropp with Jason Clarke on the set of their movie Silk Road.

Photo credits: Will Ropp humans of bolles 27

Yoel Pi per n

o(

Sadie C r ad

do ck

)

1) (‘2

23

‘

On what occasion do you lie?

Who is your real life hero?

“Normally I don’t lie to people I don’t know but if it’s to my parents then I might.”

“Selina Irkham, she is a professor at the American University in Cairo in Egyptology, she’s very smart and cool, and whenever anyone films a documentary about Egypt, she’s always interviewed.

She’s very chill.”

Catheri ne H oll

Aisha H asa n

) 23

d an

(‘

(‘22) What is your best quality?

What do you most fear?

“Crabs.”

28 humans of bolles

“The quality I like the most is that I like to listen to the people. Like if they have a problem I like to listen and like to give my advice. Cause like I know that everyone has their own problems and goes through stuff so.”

Ibrahim Sisters Arrive in the U.S. 6,376 miles from the sand-stormed city of Cairo, Dalia (‘23) and Yasmeen Ibrahim (‘22) found their new home in Jacksonville 4 months ago.

Dalia and Yasmeen Ibrahim have lived quite the unconventional life. Born in Houston, Texas, the two sisters come from a Catholic Mexican American mother and a Muslim Egyptian born father.

When they were young, the girls and their parents moved from Houston, Texas to Cairo, Egypt. The dark haired Dalia and Yasmeen went to an American school where they were surrounded by many different cultures.

“I grew up in an American school, so all my friends were from all around the world. I grew up around many different languages and cultures.” Yasmeen recalled.

For the Ibrahim sisters, culture characterizes their lives.

“Culture defines you. I need to know a culture and tradition to respect it and follow it.” Dalia explained.

For many people, culture is your identity. It’s how you define yourself. Like waking up in the morning and putting on your great grandmother’s necklace.

Like many other people, religion has played a big role in Dalia and Yasmeen’s life. Being Muslim in a nonMuslim country can be tough when it comes time for holidays such as Ramadan or Eid. “Obviously it’s harder to be a Muslim in a nonMuslim country, because it’s part of the country’s identity as a Muslim country. Praying is more common, fasting is an event that you can share with friends. Being more solo in religion is harder here. I’ve yet to find a Muslim community.” Yasmeen described.

However, the girls do not let religion define them. Dalia feels that “being Muslim in the media is misinterpreted but I think at Bolles it’s bias free. I wasn’t really worried about religion. I was worried about trying to fit in, as a person.”

To Dalia and Yasmeen, home is where their family lives.

Whether that is in the ancient city of Cairo, the bright streetlights of Houston, or the pools of Jacksonville, the girls adapt and learn wherever they go.

Megan Howard Contributing Writer

Yasmeen believes she is her culture, “my identity comes with a little bit of everything I am surrounded with. So, when I use the word culture, I guess I just interchange that with identity.”

Growing up in Egypt, a republican Government with an ever-changing constitution and censorship, Yasmeen and Dalia have come to understand what it is like to live in a military controlled country.

After spending ten years of their early lives in Cairo, the Ibrahim’s moved to Jacksonville, Florida for the swim program here at Bolles.

Yasmeen described the move, “It was definitely a transition. There is a culture shock. I used to spend my summers here (in the States) and now knowing this is my home for the next few years it’s interesting to see how I adapt. Being a kid from many different cultures and having many different cultures around you allows you to adapt very easily. It hasn’t been too much. It’s very different from Cairo. It’s a good and strange thing. America is definitely a place that’s contrasting with Egypt so it’s cool to live and see in both sides.”

Dalia contributes the swim team as the main reason she was able to adapt so well to the new environment, “The swim team helped a lot. If I didn’t swim and I came here, I don’t think I would have survived.”

Left to Right: Dalia and Yasmeen by the Lobrano Pool. Photo Credit: Howard

humans of bolles 29

Wenyi (Jenny) Chen ‘21 :

Sports have always been an important part of Wenyi(Jenny) Chen’s (‘21) life. “I started swimming at 5-year-old, then I turned to modern pentathlon at 11-year-old.”

Chen trained in China as a professional athlete for two and a half years before she came to the United States. She participated in eight sports: modern pentathlon (crossing country, swimming, fencing, shooting, horseback riding), OP sailing (one-person sailing), volleyball, badminton, field hockey, lacrosse, roller skating, and soccer. According to Chen, modern pentathlon acquired its name from a French soldier’s experience at war time.

Chen always has great passion for sports. “I love moving around,” Chen laughed, “My mom once suspected that I was hyperactive. I just can’t stand still at one place for more than five minutes.”

30 humans of bolles

When Chen was young, she suffered from lung problems, so her mom sent her to swim to improve her health.

“Training was tough,” Chen said, “We have to do weightlifting for shooting.”

She also shared about her training experience, “Shooting is combined with running. We run 800 meters then shoot. The hard thing is to control your breath and accuracy.”

Chen was chosen to play modern pentathlon in a swimming competition when she was 11-yearold. “I was so happy.” She said.

Chen then trained and competed at Shanghai team for two years, and she stayed at the national team for half of a year.

Chen performed well in modern pentathlon, “My best performance at individual division was the 3rd place at Youth National when I was 12 or 13 years old, and I got 1st place in Two People Relay.”

However, her memory wasn’t fully filled with glory. The pre-requirement of joining the national team is to sign a four-year contract. Chen said, “It’s like getting a job. Your passport and ID are taken so that you can’t go anywhere. You got paid monthly depending on your performances. If you go against the coaches, they won’t pay you or treat you well.” She paused, “Your life isn’t yours anymore.”

Despite these drawbacks, Chen said she has no regrets. “It was special.

I got to meet people from all ages.

When I was younger, I thought that sport is a part of my life that I can never live without.” Chen said.

Now, although Chen stopped training in the national team, sports is still part of her life. As she said, “Sports spirits will always support me.”

Chuqiao (Nina) Zhao Contributing Writer

Once an Athlete, Always an Athlete

Chen practicing shooting in Shanghai (opposite page) Chen running in the United States (upper left) Chen at the dorm, heading to dinner (upper right) Chen fencing in China (lower)

Photo Credits: Courtesy of Chen

humans of bolles  31

Mr. Brewer: You Think You Know Him “Education has always run in my family. It was kind of one of the things that you just fall into, and I really enjoy doing it,” explained Ryan Brewer, freshman biology teacher.

In August of 2013, Mr. Brewer joined the Bolles faculty and has had a strong impact on the Bolles community ever since.

Before he began teaching, Brewer was on the path to become a police officer. “I had it laid out to where I would’ve become a Sergeant for three years and then a detective. So that was my career path... almost.”

Mr. Brewer has always wanted to teach biology because “with teaching you have to really enjoy the subject for you to be able to teach it to somebody else. Biology is one of those things that I love. It’s science; it’s who you are as a human being.

It’s kind of learning about yourself.”

perform up to the standards that he knew you could, he would call you out on it,” he reflected.

“You need that sometimes.”

Mr. Brewer admitted that he wasn’t always the great role model that he is today. His own greatest role model is his mother. “She has just always shown me life skills and how to deal with things. She’s always been that listening ear. Even when she was disciplining, I used to get in trouble a lot as a child, you could tell that she really cared and just wanted to make me a better human. Even to this day, we still have a really close relationship.”

When he taught a class for the first time, Brewer recalls feeling nervous, but once it was over, he says that he “was glad that I did it, and I knew that it was what I needed to be doing.”

“I like to teach freshmen because I get to see that growth within the four years. I get to see you from wide-eyed freshmen to more serious, focused, seniors. I definitely enjoy that,” It is evident that Brewer has adopted the good qualities of his former professors, and he uses them in his teaching style. “I would say my [favorite] college professor taught me anatomy and physiology. He was a great storyteller, but he was also one of those people that just kept it real with you. If you were stupid, he would call you stupid. If you did something dumb, he would call you dumb. He held you accountable for your actions, and if you didn’t

32 humans of bolles

I get to see that growth within the four years. I get to see you from wide-eyed freshmen to more serious, focused, seniors. I definitely enjoy that,” he explained leaning back in his chair.

Brewer is also the JV basketball coach and has played basketball since around the age of five. It “has always been a sport that I have enjoyed. I played in high school; I didn’t really play in college, but I have always been around it. My dad is the head coach at my alma mater, Morehouse College, so I’ve always just learned the game from him. I enjoy being around it and teaching it. It gives me another way to build relationships with students outside the classroom.

It lets me explore my passion of basketball, too.”

Mr. Brewer explains with a large grin and a chuckle that he thinks, “I’ve become a little bit more empathetic and compassionate [since I first started teaching]. I think I have started to understand the students’ point of view. It is not about as much material but about being able to learn and carry that onto the next level.”

As Mr. Brewer says at the end of each school year, “follow your passion, find out what you’re passionate about, and be happy. I think that we move so fast daily, and we don’t just focus on what makes us happy in life.

If you’re happy, a lot of other things will fall into place.”

Mr. Brewer’s desk reflects his busy life.

Photo Credit: Sarah Scherkenbach According to Mr. Brewer, building relationships with students is his favorite aspect of teaching. He especially enjoys the differing personalities and backgrounds in his student.

“I like to teach freshmen because

Sarah Scherkenbach Perspective Editor

Mrs. Br

uns

Mr. Spr i

(F a

“My dad was a biology teacher, and when it came time for when I had to pick one path or the other my dad suggested ‘you know if you’re a math teacher you don’t have to clean up labs.’”

What career path did you first choose?

“Well, my first EMT job was at a state mental facility. That was interesting.

Yeah, the mental facility, the state prison, war veterans, and the criminally insane.

So a little bit of everything.

It taught me kind of how to deal with people.”

Mrs. Ra e (S taf f

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Mr. Lyo ns ( Fa c

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“I’ve always enjoyed math.

So, then, I actually got into elementary education, and the more placements I did in schools, the older the age group I liked. I’ve always loved math, so then that’s what got me here.”

nge r(

“So I was working for the district for Duval public county schools, I worked there for seven years, I was a teacher and I was a specialist for the district.”

humans of bolles 33

Mitch H en sh

Kristo p

Jake M cG ra

w 1) (‘2

“A fish. Fish are awesome. Just living in water would be so cool because it is 3D space. I could move up down and around and it is a whole different world. I would be a pleco, a suckerfish.”

If you could re-incarnate as any animal, what would it be and why?

“It depends. If you’re a bright and shiny person, you want to wear bright colors; you want very patterned [clothes].”

34 Humans of Bolles

“Can I choose from like anyone? This is a difficult question. I would be Gomez, from the Addams Family, because he’s a very eccentric personality, and he’s very out there and totally himself and a lot of people aren’t willing to accept that, but he’s very much willing to accept that and who ever he loves, he loves passionately.

And also, he’s just a character who’s trying to help, even if sometimes people don’t respect the help that he gives.”

Kate B u

rto n 3)

) ‘22 How do you think personality can be incorporated into fashion?

“I feel like an eagle. There’s just like something about them. They’re just like the image you know, taking Latin, of Rome. You know, symbol of Romesymbol of America. The emblem of bravery, courage, is an eagle. Also, you know you get to see those far distances.”

What fictional character do you most relate to?

(‘2

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Krithika G ang set t

S (‘21) tam

(‘20) aw If you could be reborn as an animal what would you be?

her

What do you most value in your friends?

“Trust and loyalty. Why? Trusting someone is a big part of a relationship with that person. Loyalty, so you know that, this is also part of trust, but it you tell them something it stays between you.”

Emmet

Kog a

Gianlui

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0)

nd

(‘2

sH er n a

‘2 0 ) What is your favorite instrument and why?

What sport do you play?

“Usually I shoot outside of school.

Skeet, it’s a clay target sport. It is a competitive shotgun sport where clay targets are launched on either side and you shoot them out of the air.”

“I have been doing it for about 7 years now.”

n bo rn

3) (‘2

How long have you been shooting for?

Liam S a

“It has to be the piano. Personally, I love the sound of the piano, and the opportunity that is open to the many genres that it can be in. Also, it’s just really fun to play.”

Wow, have you gone for any competitions?

“Of course. Locally and last year, I guess I won most of them, and also at Junior worlds a few years ago in San Antonio (Texas) I won a few titles.”

How do you think the development of new technology fits into the scheme of history, coming all the way from ancient times, all the way to today and into the future?

“Well, we started off with just a stick and a stone. That was the original technology. It was just how to get your food at the end of the day, and now we’ve come to a point where we use electrical energy that we harness to do things like wash our clothes and clean our dishes.

So I think that from the early ages to now we’ve come a long way- we’ve come this far, and we can go even further.”

Humans of Bolles 35

Olivia Landolfo: Finding Herself Through Music twelve years old.

“It’s about the music within me,” she said. She has never performed it live, but she still knows the whole song.

A few years later, Landolfo became the vocalist of a band called Indigo Burn.

While they were still together, they performed in warehouses, wrote songs, and covered songs like “Island in the Sun”

by Weezer.

Landolfo playing guitar. Photo credit: Rafat When she stood on the stage at the 2019 Spring Coffeehouse, everyone in the audience watched in awe as she sang her heart out. Her voice filled the Lynch Theater. This powerful voice came from Olivia Landolfo (21).

The band recently ended, but Landolfo thought of it as “a really good experience because I got to practice with other musicians, and I’ve never done that before. That helped me learn way more than I would’ve ever expected to learn.”

Landolfo usually writes by herself at night. “It’s weird, like, I get into a zone. I think I just think a lot at night,” she said.

People who have never been to Coffeehouse would never know what a powerful performer the easy going, beachy-haired Landolfo is.

Another song she wrote is called “Align,” which was about being pulled in by someone who lied to her. She performed it live on the river campus back in April.

3 years ago, Landolfo learned how to play guitar. She learned songs like Paramore’s “The Only Exception”, and eventually, she began to write her own songs.

Although Landolfo writes most of her songs by herself, she loves collaborating. “If I feel like I’m by myself, there’s no one to share my feelings with,” she said.

“I just wrote about how I feel, but in music form,” she said.

There is one person she would love to work with: Elton John.

“He’s had so much happen to him, and he also had so many people think that he wasn’t gonna make it.

Landolfo wrote her first song, “Away,” when she was eleven or

36 Humans of Bolles

I think just getting over that bump is unbelievable.”

People like Elton John inspire Landolfo to push herself. As a member of the chorus, Landolfo admits that she does not always try out for solos, but she wants to try out more in the future. “I have to be comfortable.

But that’s what I don’t like. I don’t always want to be comfortable.”

Another inspiration behind her writing is her sister, Gabriela (18), a former Bugle staff member. “She’s a really great individual, ,” Landolfo said. “She’s very passionate about what she writes and what she believes in.”

Landolfo’s mom is another reason why she continues to make music.

“Even when I don’t want her showing any videos of me singing or playing guitar, she’ll literally show every single person on the earth because she’s so proud of me.”

Having a shared interest in music makes her feel equal to everyone, no matter who they are.

Landolfo is currently working on more songs, which are mostly about finding who you are as a person. She explained, “I always have a really positive outlook on the world, and sometimes it disappoints me, but you just have to get through that. Life can suck, but it gets better. Some of my songs are about who I am as a person. I don’t know who I am, but I’m still figuring that out.”

Soraya Rafat Coffeehouse Promoter

An a n y a

Sri dh

Jeremy

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Dav i

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“I am at my happiest now because I like to live in the present.”

Zoe Lie

When and where were you happiest? b (‘

23 )

“This is gonna sound weird but when I watched my first horror movie. I really like scary stuff, and that kind of introduced me into it.”

Mrs. As h

ma n

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)

“I think it exists as it does now.

I just need to find it and take the time to reflect upon myself. I think it’s something that happens over time, and you just need to wait and be patient.”

“I think happiness comes from within, I don’t think anyone can make you happy.”

Humans of Bolles 37

Mac Wa lter s

Jack Be r nh

ard

) ‘23 t(

) 22

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“When I’m playing games where it can give me an edge.”

“I usually lie to my parents about something super stupid like my rooms clean but then they walk into my room.”

On what occasion do you lie?

Sophia

D’yasia

For d

(‘

)

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22

ga

Ma nte

‘21)

“I lie if the truth is more painful than the lie.”

38 Humans of bolles

“I don’t really lie like that because I know I am gonna get caught. I am a horrible liar.”

The Tepas Family Makes Music Mr. Tepas has been teaching at Bolles for going on 12 years. On the first day of school, he specifically tells his students that he doesn’t reply to emails after 7 pm.

Not because he doesn’t want to respond to them, but because he’s spending time with his family instead.

Tepas’s hobbies are, well, his kids’ hobbies. He said, “I really like to play guitar, my older son JJ has been taking piano lessons for 6 or 7 years now, and it’s not always his favorite thing to do but I appreciate his ability to read sheet music.”

one doing kind of formal lessons, but my son Patrick, he really loves playing on the drums, he plays along with his favorite song, so he’s de-

“In our home we have electric guitars, keyboards, pianos, [and] a drum set.” veloping a sense of rhythm, sometimes they’ll play together.”

Tepas tries to create a musical household. He said, “In our home we have electric guitars, keyboards, pianos, a drum set but JJ is the only

Patrick is 9 and JJ is 13 going on 14 in November. Their favorite songs to play together are “Feel Good Inc.” and “Clint Eastwood” by Gorillaz. Besides playing music together they also pretty much do everything together.

Such as playing video games, watching TV, drawing pictures.

Sometimes hobbies aren’t activities you do by yourself, but that you can do and enjoy with other people.

Tepas said, “But in terms of hobbies there’s nothing I really have to do like every day I have to do this or else my day isn’t complete, but I like music and I like to play music and I like my sons to experiment with it, so that’s something we enjoy.”

I like music and I like to play music and I like my sons to experiment with it, so that’s something we enjoy doing.”

Mr. Tepas and his youngest son, Patrick, have never had formal music lessons, “I said ‘Yeah, I can’t do that,’ and he said back ‘Yeah, I can’t either,’” But Tepas said he was glad he and Patrick could still find a way into music.

bass, so he’s asking for a bass guitar.”

When told that he could pose however he wanted Mr. Tepas asked if he could have his bobble heads in the picture.

Photo Credit: Taylor Ford

Mr. Tepas also has some musical skills of his own and likes to join in at times.

He said, “I like to play with them, they have an electric guitar and Patrick has been down tuning the top string Taylor Ford because now he wants to play Coffeehouse Promoter humans of bolles 39

Luke Selmont Sets

40  humans of bolles

Luke Selmont (far top left) and his friends, amateur actors, are all dressed up in their military costumes post-shooting for his short film.

the Scene for Success “I like to be able to get into that character, to transport myself,” Luke Selmont (‘20) said about acting.

Selmont, who recently filmed a short movie of his self-written, directed, and produced film, began his interest in the film industry through acting classes taken as a child. He decided to apply to film school this year because of this childhood hobby which he finds that he can apply to his other interests: playing guitar, videogames, and football.

On the football field, Selmont finds himself breaking from his shell of being a self-identified “quiet and modest” person. As a senior, he motivates his younger teammates to get into a game mindset. He believes in leading by example. “I don’t like talking a lot if I can live up to what I say, so ‘lead by example’ is something I like to do.”

Although, Selmont is a leader on the football team now, he admits that he was unable to assume this position as a leader in middle school due to his lack of confidence. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten more comfortable with myself, so I’ve gotten more confident.”

This change made him ‘self-fulfilled’, but Selmont also agrees that not he nor anyone is ever completely done developing. “You always have to keep on working, I don’t think you’re ever completely fulfilled…that’s the whole point of life, it’s an endless battle... you’re never going to be perfect but you want to get as close to perfection as you can.”

He aims to be a mentally tough and confident person with ambition enough to accomplish his goals, but enough compassion to help other people accomplish their goals. However, he says, “I want to be able to improve what I do, but I don’t really

want to change exactly who I am...I don’t want to be a shell of a person and change my shell to appease different people.”

Bimilin Lahiri set this example for him, Selmont says. Lahiri is a well-known physician, teacher, and to Luke, a grandfather. Lahiri was born in India and moved to America where he joined the military and later taught students at the University of Connecticut. Selmont admires his perseverance and morals. “He’s very happy and successful and not just in the material way, in a moral way as well.”

Selmont has been interested in his family history as well as the history of the world since the beginning of high school. From talking to men in the Military Academy, he learned of the tribulations of PTSD after war.

This inspired the topic of his film school application: a Vietnam war movie. Influenced by his dad, former Emmy winner, to use the setting of Jacksonville to make his film stand out, he decided to film in a forest. Within the film, he uses a sequence of the past events of the war with scenes of the soldiers with PTSD in the present.

to establish a sense of brotherhood in the film. “My friends are close to each other… if I got a bunch of random actors, it would be a lot harder to have that same appreciation for everybody.”

Even as a child, he was interested in directing. He describes a particular flip video camera which he filmed memories of his family and friends all over the world. Because he frequently moved as a child, his camera was lost. He even describes his father making homemade movies with similar video cameras.

Selmont says about directing: “I was always kind of around it so I grew to like it, but I never realized it.”

Su Ertekin-Taner Online Editor

Although Selmont wanted the movie to be ‘big on acting’ he decided to use his Bolles friends, Julian Morris (’20), Jeremiah Johnson (’20), Patric Menk (’22), Sam Levin (’20), and Andre Parker (’20), for the film, working around their acting experiences. He decided Selmont instructs Julian Morris (‘20) and to use his friends in order Jeremiah Johnson (‘20) in Morris’ characters’

death scene.

humans of bolles 41

Grayso

Caulde rM c

Why do you think you are an introvert?

“I’ve been quiet for as long as I can remember. I think it’s who I am, I would get exhausted being loud all the time.”

by (

‘2 1)

Ald a

(‘21) iff

Why would you say you go towards the sad aspect of poems?

“I think it’s interesting to explore the sad parts of life... I’m drawn to that sort of thing, but I feel like I’m an optimistic person.”

Joe Lib

Carissa

yk (

)

What is your greatest extravagance?

“I dress like a clown. Like a neo-clown.

I like to wear hats. Hats are one of my favorite articles of clothing, because like, you can have shirts and pants and stuff that match, but like a hat, puts it together in a vertical direction you know? Because pants and shoes, and then you go up, and the hat is on the top, because it’s on your head.”

Cali Fu r

0 ‘2

‘21) ire ( What is your greatest achievement?

“Carrying on my dad’s legacy of playing the banjo and meeting the people that were near and dear to him. Continuing that tradition, after he’s gone, for his friends. “

Gr

Gu

nM c

What is your favorite trip you’ve been on?

“Coming into the summer before my freshman year I did a backpacking trip with Moondance out in Washington and Oregon. That was the coolest thing ever, I loved it, loved the area, loved not having my phone, and just loved living out in the woods. It was so great.”

What is your motto?

“I would probably have to say its my family motto. Why not. Like we kind of grew up not doing the safest, or stupidest things. Like learning to drive stick at 9 years old. Why not.”

na

( na

Katrina Ald a (‘21)

‘21) What is your prized possession?

What was your favorite experience in Japan?

“I think that exploring the city and searching for everything in it.

After school we could just go out and do whatever we want.”

42 Humans of Bolles

“I don’t know, probably my car.

It takes me places, if I ever feel stressed about something, I can always just go take a drive and cool off. “

What was your favorite experience in Japan?

“We did karaoke. It’s so different because everyone does it.”

From Japan to the States: Sensei Braren’s New Home 28 years ago, Japanese teacher Yukari Braren moved from central Tokyo, Japan to Jacksonville, Florida. That nest year, she became Bolles’ first Japanese teacher.

She moved because she met her husband, a scuba diving instructor from Florida.

“His whole family is here, and he doesn’t speak Japanese,” Braren said.

Braren notices cultural differences when she is checking out at the supermarket, at home with her husband and even when she is teaching.

“Students’ eyes are shining here.

Japanese high school students are tired always. They are nervous about the college entrance tests.”

along with studying to be a museum curator.

Although she has lived in this country for almost 3 decades, Japan is always on her mind. She says that she fears her future. “I’m confused which is my home country, America or Japan.” she confessed.

Six weeks out of every summer, Braren spends in Japan with her friends and family.

She also loves to eat food there.

“Food is very important!” She even has annual passes to Orlando’s Disney World so that she can attend the food and wine festival there, every year.

Back in her classroom, Braren Sensei leans over a student’s shoulder to Sitting in her class, these bright eyes check his work. She smiles a smile are noticeable. Braren speaks fluently that could bridge any cultural gap. with the students. There is a happy air to the classroom. “This class is always fun!” says one student.

Being a Florida teacher was not what she had pictured herself doing. She majored in economics in college

Braren is the sponser for the Japanese club. The club is in charge of Japanese week as well as holding meetings to watch anime, play games and eat cultural food. Photo credit: Sharp.

Braren monitering a student’s work in class. Photo credit: Sharp.

“Students’ eyes are shining here.

Japanese high school students are tired always.

They are nervous about college entrance tests.”

Tucker Sharp Contributing Writer

Humans of Bolles 43

Tyler Sc

David A dew ale

him pff 2) (‘2

1) (‘2 “I want to be successful…

I want to go to a big school for football. Even if I don’t get offered by a big school I would like to go to a big school for education.”

Tomohi

Elaborate on some of your interests.

Sophia

Qui rk

(

ki

)

(‘2

3 ‘2

ro N oz a

“Well, my talking style has always been to talk about nothing in particular for as long as possible.

And I think I leaned that that’s not going to take me very far in this. So I had to radically change the way I talked for this debate.”

2) “Watch anime or listen to music...” *as he is tuning his newly bought ukulele and sings along to Vance Joy’s Riptide*.”

44 humans of bolles

“I think it taught me that it’s not just one process; it can be different every time. It doesn’t have to be one set of instructions. You can switch it up whenever you feel and so it your own way every time,” Quirk said about impromptu speaking.

Dahlia Han d

Dahlia Kir ov (

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) 21

ou

‘21) “I love making jewelry for kids my age at an inexpensive price.”

Elaborate on some of your interests.

Grace M aro o

“With music and dance, because you’re not focused on trying to be better than anyone else, I think you have fun and are able to express yourself.”

Jayden n

2) (‘2

1) (‘2

“Singing is a big part of my life and a big part of the friends I have, I have a big gratitude towards the arts.”

Too me y

“I have leased 3 horses and I have bought one.”

humans of bolles 45

The Bartons: Rooted in Bolles In the corner of the Bolles Hall courtyard, overlooking the historic building, a cozy room basked in sunlight lies. The man walking to and from this room every day from 7 AM to 11 AM might not grab one’s attention instantly.

Quinn Barton (‘46) has the stature and formality of an army man, the composure of a First Lieutenant Judge Advocate General, and a dedication for his former high school that emanates from his demeanor and deep immersion in the school 73 years after his graduation.

Barton was the first member of his family to have attended Bolles, coming in tenth grade and finishing his senior year as valedictorian. After getting his degree from Princeton University and going to law school at the University of Florida, Barton worked as a Judge Advocate General, based in Stewart, Georgia. Barton now works as a volunteer as the school’s archivist and historian. He clearly has the credentials.

The sun pouring into the room gave his eyes the bright luster of wet pearls as he spoke admirably of his time at Bolles and his later dedication, including thirty years on the Board of Trustees.

His walls are adorned with photos of his family, who went to Bolles after him. Along with his four children, his youngest son, David (‘90) went to Bolles, and his children too, Ben (‘18) and Marley (‘20). David Barton’s wife, Susanna, also works at Bolles as a communications coordinator in the Office of Communications and Marketing.

You get the picture. This family is immersed.

Does this deep affiliation with the school affect the family’s perspective?

Quinn Barton chuckled, acknowledging the almost melancholy contrast of the outside world, and said,

46 humans of bolles

We then talked about his family. He told me of his children who went to the school, and of their children, too.

He told me about David Barton’s wife, Susanna.

She holds the same respect for Bolles that her father-in-law has, saying, “It’s a real honor to see firsthand how expertly our faculty and staff work each day and how friendly, outgoing and respectful Bolles students are toward adults.”

“Bolles is just an ideal community.

Everyone knows the rules, everyone plays by the rules, everyone respects everyone else. It’s not like the real world where everyone’s killing each other. It’s just an ideal world.”

Her husband, David Barton says, “It’s easy to grow beyond the glory days of high school, but today what I find most meaningful are the connections and friendships I’ve made along the way in the Bolles community and the opportunity to see our children flourish in the same environment surrounded by the same traditions and standards of excellence.”

And so the family line continues with Marley, who is now a senior. To me, carrying on such a legacy seems a daunting task. And at a time, Marley agreed, saying, “I used to think there was all this pressure on me but I realized later in my high school career that my family only wants me to have a great time at the school they love and still trying my best.”

This mentality was radiated by Quinn Barton’s persona, embodying the respectful, inquisitive nature that he sees in his family.

So we continued our conversation, talking about our similar ties to the University of Florida in the fifties, even finding out that he and my grandfather roamed the same campus for a period of time.

The whole time, his eyes danced with the rays of the sun, challenging its brightness more with each story he told.

Quinn Barton in his senior yearbook photo.

David Barton in his senior yearbook photo.

Ben, with his dad and mom, David, Susanna, and daughter Marley ‘20, on a family vacation.

Photo Credit: Susanna Barton

Ellie Anderson Writing Coach

Quinn Barton ‘46 stands with his four children and their spouses. (Left to right) Tom Kimbrough and Dr. Margaret Barton ‘82, Quinn R. Barton III ‘84 and Lindsey Barton, Quinn R. Barton Jr. ‘46, Ellis Barton ‘87 and Stacey Barton, David Barton ‘90 and Susanna Barton.

Photo used by permission of Mr. Quinn Barton

humans of bolles 47

Nihar E ttig i (‘

Deiya P and y

How would you like your last moments to be?

“I’d probably say a movie star for sure. Yeah, that sounds pretty cool.”

“Oh, I’ve thought about this so much. In a hospital, in a bed, a black bean burger in one hand and a chocolate milk in the other.”

Aurora Ber nh

a( ‘

) 22

21 )

If you were to be reincarnated as a person or a thing, what would you be?

ar

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0) (‘2 “I feel like I’d need to be a low-key predator. But I want to be a big fish, big fish in big ocean. I think I’d be a Mahi Mahi. I would be a Mahi Mahi because they’re pretty, fast, and they taste delicious.”

48 humans of bolles

“Maybe Bill Gates…. I was gonna say Jerry Gracia but that wouldn’t end well for me. I was also gonna say Tom Brady so I could be the greatest quarterback but I don’t really like him that much.”

Matson ‘18: Driving the Dream “I’ve been restoring it since high school, this past summer I finally got it in a condition where I was able to drive it over 6000 miles across the country.”

The car that Matson is referring to is a 1986 MercedesBenz 560SL. Bought soon after his 16th birthday, he knew exactly what he wanted to do.

Caden Matson, Bolles alumnus, now a sophomore the University of Florida, majoring in mechanical engineering. Matson was a former Bugle staffer, entering during his senior year with specialties in medias including cinematography and visual arts. His favorite subject in school was art, with physics following closed behind.

“I grew up a Gator fan, going to football games with my dad since I was very young, so UF has always been in my life… ultimately [I] came to UF, which has turned out to be the best decision.”

“I bought it a few months after turning 16, and that’s when I started getting it road trip ready. When I first began taking it on mini trips down the coast on A1A, I realized how much I wanted to drive the car out west, and that led me to start planning the road trip that I completed this past summer.”

As Matson ventured west, he filmed his experiences and edited his footage into a six-minute video available on YouTube. He also reached out to @mbclassiccenter on Instagram with his story and a written version is to be featured in the end-of-year edition of The Mercedes Benz Star Magazine, later this year.

“My favorite part was definitely just Utah as a whole.

There are so many different parts of the state that look completely different, from the deserts in Moab to the cool weather in Bryce Canyon, it was filled with amazing roads and amazing scenery.”

Check out Caden Matson on YouTube for his classic Mercedes road trip video and many more adventures.

“It’s one of those things that I think I’ll keep forever, because, at this point, the car has so much sentimental value to me.”

Caden Matson driving (top) and posing (bottom) with his 560SL. Photos courtesy of Caden Matson.

Check out Caden’s Youtube channel here!

If you have iOS 11 or later on an Apple device, scan this QR code with your camera, or use a QR code-reading application.

Thomas Keaveny Copy Editor

humans of bolles 49

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“The journey of being a mother and raising my children. Because my family is very special to me.”

Ms. Bo ylan

What has been your greatest journey so far?

“In the summer, my daughters played soccer. The older one held the younger one’s hand and encouraged her to play. And that was a really happy moment for me. But I have always loved sketch writing for comedy. Creative writing. One class that I loved is creative writing at UF and I was the valedictorian of the class. Ms. Gomez and I want to open a karaoke bar someday, but a sophisticated one, not the American one. My priority shifted from myself to my children. I want to go back to creative writing when they get older.”

50 Humans of bolles

“Raising my four kids has been a hard journey, but it’s also the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”

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“I think Children’s Home Society was my biggest, and right when I graduated college, I went to Lame Deer, Montana on a Native American reservation and I worked as a foster mom for three months in a home. I think there is still that parallel of that interest in my life.”

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“Whenever I was in Aruba. That was fun. It was just with my family and my sister’s best friend like two years ago. ”

Katie F arr

“[Hockey] taught me a lot of lessons on resilience and hardwork. With hockey, it’s really easy for me to see progress.

I’ll work on something, and I’ll be working on it for awhile.

And then, I’ll see the result. And, I’ve made a lot of really good friends from hockey. It’s a big part of my life.”

Halle G old

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“When I’m older, doing something that I love as a career and not being bored.”

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y (‘ 2 1) Loyalty, trust, and truthfulness. If I’m gonna have your back, I want to know that you have mine. And with all of my friends, I think that’s very true. I know that if I were ever in a situation, they would drop everything and rush over as best they could.

And they know I would do the same.

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“Democrat candidates. They are willing to stand up in front of the world to challenge [corruption], when it has been challenged so many times and it hasn’t worked. I think that it’s really brave. They are trying to represent the most powerful country in the world for the good of humanity.”

“I have the St. Christopher’s Medal for athletes that my great great grandfather had, who gave it to my great grandfather, who gave it to my grandfather, who gave it to my father, who gave it to me. I don’t wear it anymore. I used to wear it when I was younger, but I got scared I was going to lose it. I know where it is, but I don’t wear it. But, I always have it just in case.” humans of bolles 51

What is your motto in life?

“I guess the Latin motto I like the best is esse quam videre. It’s the state motto of North Carolina. It means ‘to be’ instead of ‘to seem to be.’ It’s sort of the idea that what matters is who you are and what you think and what you do instead of a persona that you put on.”

-Dr. Yeakel