Arts and Enertainment | 4
Spirit week: January 18-21
Double trouble Almost, Maine features faculty couple Bill and Cheryl Kanzinger
Tuesday: Tie-Die Day
Thursday: Tourist Day
Pep rally at assembly
Hawaiian shirts
Wednesday: Zoom Day
Friday: Blue and Gold Day
(formal top, casual bottom)
Senior Toga Day, Parade at lunch
The Hurricane CAPE FEAR ACADEMY
Wilmington, North Carolina
January 18, 2022
All things holly by Makenzie Mills
Finally. After a year-long absence due to COVID-19, Holly Ball 2021 returned on December 4 to Shell Island Resort. Planning for the highlyanticipated event took place early in the semester, despite the fear that COVID would cause another cancellation. “We looked at the venue together a few weeks in advance to plan for decorations,” Cameron Tait said. Because of health concerns, attendance was limited. Seniors had priority to purchase tickets during the week of November 15, while others could only buy them during the week of the dance. Students could invite outside guests with permission from the school administration. “The process to bring an outside guest was fairly simple and it introduces new people to the CFA community,” Collin Hinson said. The formal dress code inspired shopping for cocktail
dresses and dapper suits. Some students clung to the hope that nothing would interfere and purchased their outfits months in advance. Others waited to find their formal attire only days before.
Return of traditional Holly Ball launches holiday festivities
“I ordered a forest green suit from Amazon a few weeks before the event,” Ted Jones said. Traditionally, parents of each grade level planned a group dinner for the classes before
Johnny Luke’s Kitchen. “I enjoyed baked ziti and macaroni and cheese with my friends at Cape Fear Country Club,” Jane Wells said. Following dinner and other pre-dance festivities, students arrived at the venue. The formal occurred from 7:30-10:30, as students were expected to stay until at least 10. All students and their guests were subject to a random alcohol breathalyzer testing when entering and leaving the dance. COVID-19 protocols were implemented to ensure safety. Students had to wear masks within the building and could take them off when outdoors at the venue. When students were not dancing to what the DJ played, they gathered around the snack table and on the patio outside. “My first Holly Ball experience was unforgettable. After last year’s cancellation, I was so excited to attend,” Sophie Wahoff said.
Officially official
Jack McErlean signs letter of intent
NHS inducts members
by Makenzie Mills
by Makenzie Mills
What’s inside
the dance. The ninth graders dined at Cape Fear Country Club; sophomores gathered outdoors at Ben Kane’s home; juniors ate at Sweet and Savory Café; and seniors took advantage of the buffet at
Holi-date. Aurelia Colvin, Nash Riebe, Mary Elizabeth Spiers, and Sydney White pose together on the patio at Shell Island Resort on December 4. “I loved spending time with my friends on the dance floor,” White said. Photo: Julia Johnston
It’s an honor During assembly on December 7, a ceremony was held to recognize National Honor Society inductees. Current members of NHS and family were invited to acknowledge their achievements. Daley Carney, Jack Boggio, Jenny Carrera, Izzy Gherardi, Miles Gibson, Jessi Jacobs, Bella Santos, Makena Scanlon, Kyle Smith, Henry Steven, Bennett Warshaw, and Maryn Weber were inducted as new members. The National Honor Society is a nationwide organization that recognizes the academic and extra-curricular achievements of students. Students in grades 11 and 12 were eligible for membership for the fall semester. A student must have a cumulative GPA
Volume 17, Issue 2
On December 1, senior Jack McErlean signed his official letter of intent to play Division II basketball at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Georgia. McErlean’s teammates, coaches, friends, and family gathered in the conference room to celebrate his accomplishment. At Georgia Southwestern State, not only will he join
former teammate Gavin Guion ‘21, but he will also remain a Hurricane, since GSW’s logo and colors are similar to CFA’s athletic logo and colors. “To play with my brother Gavin again is so surreal because for four years we talked about committing to the same college and getting to be teammates again after high school-- and we made it happen,” McErlean said.
Pledge of honor. Makena Scanlon, Henry Steven, Kyle Smith, Bennett Warshaw, and Maryn Weber hold up their right hands and candles as they are inducted on December 7. Photo: Rilee Bahner
of 3.5 or better and exemplify scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Bella Santos left CFA at the end of her sophomore year. “When I came back, I was excited to learn I could apply,” the senior said.
Sophomores will be able to apply for membership during the spring semester of 2022. “It was an accomplishment to be inducted, and I am thankful to apart of the community,” junior Makena Scanlon said.
Gold ink. Jack McErlean is joined by his parents John and Julie as he signs his official letter of intent on December 1. “I chose GSW because from the second I stepped on campus, it felt like home,” he said. Photo: Cole Dittmer
Academics...................................2 Arts and Entertainment...................4 Lifestyles.....................................6 Senior Stats...........................................8 Activities..........................................3 Sports.........................................5 Opinions..................................7 Senor Feature ......... .................................8
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Tuesday, January 18, 2022
ACADEMICS
Beyond the basics Robotics classes take on coding, drones
by Isabella Rieker
Robotics class has many key parts. You must go beyond the “robot” to really understand the time and effort it takes to learn the basics of building. At the beginning of the year, teacher Gabriella deSouza introduced the class to coding, which plays a vital role in giving robots the capability to move around. Once they finished their introduction to the basics of “robot life,” it was time to fly their drones in the courtyard. From there, students learned to design items for threedimensional printing. The items were then sent in to be
taken from a “screen dream” to be printed into real life. From oreo-picker-uppers to dip your favorite cookies into milk, to light switch panels, robotics students were very creative. For their final semester project, students had the option to either code, engineer, or 3D print. A few students created code to put into their robots. “My favorite part about being in robotics are the constant hands-on projects. My favorite was when we used the 3D printers. It was cool to be able to print my design,” Ford Tate said.
Screen time. Cash Morgan checks his settings and watches his drone take flight in the Cameron Quad. Students used drones and artificial intelligence technology to create a machine that can recognize images based on a target, such as grass, to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy patches. Photo: Gabriella de Souza
Minding your own business
Civics and Economics students learn to be entrepreneurs
Turning the tides
by Camden Sheally
Students learn about characteristics of the beach
by Megan Connaughton
On November 2-4, freshmen in Civics and Economics classes presented their Entrepreneurship Projects classmates and others in the community. The assignment was to create businesses in a partnership, or individually, and get students to invest in their companies. Teacher Julie Capps assigned them to make a business plan that was environmentally friendly or based in the technological industry. The project gave students the opportunity to take their creative ideas and turn them into professional business pitches. In the process of the project, students learned to make a business plan, collaborate with peers, and narrate an informative presentation that is both professional and persuasive. After students presented their pitches, “sharks”questioned them about their company to determine how prepared they
College is calling! Senior checklist for January by Lilly Scoutelas
Send thank-you notes to recommendation writers Plan a tour of your top colleges Create portals for colleges you have applied to Complete the FAFSA Look into scholarship opportunities Complete supplemental essays for upcoming deadlines Start completing honors applications
Controlling the waves. Students Imran Armstrong and Collin Hinson work together on trying to control currents in a model of a beach in Coastal Physics and Engineering. Photo by Lilly Scoutelas
Practice makes perfect. Freshman Riley Palmer presents his business, Little British Lad, to students. “My project was like a doll that was in a pub. The main goal was to get investments, and be the overall winner. I loved making the project funny, which helped me win in the end,” he said. Photo by Elle Harmon
are. “The questions were usually pretty specific in detail, and we didn’t always have it completely worked out, so we had to improvise,” Porter O’Brien, who presented Grow Masks, said. Overall winners of the competition were Riley Palmer with his business Little British Lad; Ryan Burton and
Ian Itzkowitz with Zapata; and Adam Politi and Owen Cannon with Caring about Candy. “The hardest part was getting the slideshow timing correct, it was hard to get in all the information we needed. It was helpful to meet with Adam after school and practice presenting,” Cannon said.
UNCW’s Marine Quest came to the Cameron Commons on November 10 to make a profile of the beach. Juniors and Seniors in Coastal Physics and Engineering learned about the physical characteristics of the beach, including how the sand moves in response to waves and currents. Students took creative control and used their engineering skills to design models in groups of three. “We were given a variety of materials and a bin. [Students] had to create a structure that we believed would stop or prevent erosion. We had to
put a jet underneath the water to blow sand. We had to see how effective our structures were,” Merrit O’Brien said. “They worked together and used their knowledge from jetties and groins to minimize erosion of wind water and other natural resources at the beach,” Keni Rienks, Coastal Physics and Engineering teacher, said. The UNCW Marine Quest is the official outreach program that provides students, with the opportunity to learn and interact with the coastal environment.
Testing, testing Practice PACT, PSAT helps students prepare
by Eloise Jones and Nikita Ivanov
The PSAT and the PreACT aren’t just tests: they actually help to predict college success. Most freshmen take the PSAT, which is based on a total of 1440 points; sophomores and juniors take the PSAT NMSQT, based on a cumulative 1520 points added from each section. The PSAT is administered mid-October. Students can share their information with colleges they may be interested in attending, and those colleges may communicate information about scholarships and other opportunities. Juniors who earn an exceptional score may qualify for the
National Merit Scholarship, an nationwide academic competition with a $2500 scholarship to any college. Students can use their PSAT scores to decide whether to take the SAT or the ACT for their standardized testing choice. The PreACT is an entirely different test from the PSAT. It includes a science section while the PSAT does not, and students often feel like they have a time crunch on the PreACT. Some may prefer the added science section, while others may not. Some students think the math is easier on the SAT, while others prefer the math
on the ACT. College counselor Leigh Ann Hodges offered more information. “A university will take either the SAT or ACT during the college admission process. Although both are standardized tests, the tests are different and students will prefer one over the other. Colleges have no preference of which test is submitted in an application,” she said. In a survey of Upper School students, most (72.7%) took the PSAT; only 18.2% took the PreACT. Sixty-eight per cent of students surveyed said they planned to take both tests as they prepared for college.
Freshman Sam Strickland offered some strategies for future test-takers. “Focus, always put an answer down, take your best guess if you’re conflicted, and put your best effort forward,” he said. To improve their scores, most students in the survey planned to study on their own, take a preparatory course, or get a private tutor. “I would suggest private tutoring if you are really set on getting a higher score. The SAT is all strategy, and you have to get acquainted with the different types of questions,” senior Betsy Porter said.
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
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ACTIVITIES
‘Tis the season Holiday celebrations keep spirits bright By Martha Trask
During the winter season there is so much to celebrate. Students enjoyed a weeklong Thanksgiving break to celebrate who and what they are thankful for and get some last-minute rest before final exam preparations started. “I’m thankful that I [had] a week off from school during Thanksgiving break and the time to spend it with my family,” Jack Papagikos said. When Hanukkah began on November 28, students celebrated traditions such as lighting the menorah or opening up a gift each night. “I like getting to celebrate Hanukkah with my siblings
and parents because they make it super fun,” Max Sherman said. As students finished their first semester and final exams on December 17, they could celebrate the holidays as well as two full weeks out of school before returning on January 4. Some students stayed local, including their extended families in their celebrations. “For Christmas, I am staying home and [spending] time with my close family and friends,” Carolina Bariglio said. Over break, other students planned to travel outside of the country for a change of
scenery. “I am going to Puerto Rico for Christmas break; I am excited to celebrate Christmas in a different place,” Louis Burney said. Food was a important tradition to many students. Some like to make the food and others like eating it. “My tradition in my family is to make the bread rolls. They are my favorite to make,” Grant Peebles said. Special traditions made holidays more memorable. “I enjoy waking up early every Christmas and opening up gifts with my family,” Kathleen Moulton said.
Bonding at Bald Head Ninth graders explore island by Sarah Anderson
The ninth grade trip to Bald Head Island on October 27 was their first group excursion, and the “Niners’’ hoped it would not be their last. The day started early; once the students, mentors, and faculty arrived at 6:30 am, they headed to Southport where they took the ferry to Bald Head. They were accompanied by faculty members Leigh Ann Hodges, Lynne Kenny, Chris Meehl, Ed Naessens, Becky Clamme, Paul Pindt, Carr Fullagar, and Justine Worthington. They split up into their peer mentor groups as soon as they got there. Peer mentors included Makena Scanlon, Daley Carney, Katie Meine, Sebastian Landenberg, Logan Aimone, Audrey Dahl, and Makenzie Mills. “I loved engaging and getting close with my classmates that I wasn’t close with before,”
Learning to lead
YAG students prepare for conference by Maggie Clucas
Up ahead. Camden Sheally prepares to climb to the top of Old Baldy, the lighthouse on Bald Head Island on October 27. “My favorite part of the trip was going all the way to the top of the lighthouse because there were windows that [let you] see all of Bald Head,” she said. Photo: Makenzie Mills
Jane Wells said. This trip gave the students a chance to see Old Baldy, paddle board, bike, and sightsee in their small groups. “My favorite part of the Bald Head trip was my peer
Spiking the funds
G2 Global Fundraiser nets $2000 with spikeball, movie night at Wrightsville Beach By Ryan Burton
On October 22, several upper school students participated in the G2 Give Global fundraiser activity at Wrightsville Beach to raise funds for underprivileged kids in third world countries. The night involved games of spikeball, a movie, food, and drinks. Ben Kane participated in the event. “Each event was $10 per person and food and drink were available for purchase as well. Laura Sutherland, the organizer of the event, was in charge of the money along with a few other volunteer mothers. This money was first sent to elementary schools in town that needed funding. After that, money was sent to other struggling schools
Trip to remember. Sophmore Liza Wells smiles for a Christmas photo with her two brothers in Key West during the Christmas holidays. “I liked getting to spend Christmas with my extended family. I also liked getting to relax and get a tan,” she said. Contributed photo
outside of the country,” he said. “It was nice to see a group of people come together for a good cause and a beautiful sunset on the beach,” Tyler Beacham said.
Net gains. Sophomore Ben Kane poses at Wrightsville Beach on October 22 with his spikeball net. “We had a great turnout and doubled our profits from last year,” he said. Photo: Tyler Beecham
mentor Sebastian Landenberg and I ran into the freezing cold water followed by my classmates; afterward we were all freezing on the bike ride back,” Adam Politi said.
The Youth and Government program had to switch gears on January 11 when it was announced that the state conference will no longer take place in person in Raleigh. Instead, it will be held February 17-20 via Zoom. “Obviously, with a program the size of YAG and with the wide range of schools from across the state that participate, the unknowns surrounding the current Covid spike were too many to overcome,” adviser Julie Capps said. Officers were informed of the change on January 11 in a Zoom meeting. “I was really, really sad. It was upsetting as a senior, because this is my
last year, and my first year having an executive officer position,” Julia Johnston said. With less than a month to prepare, officers met regularly to discuss plans and deadlines. “For the freshman forum, I am setting up a bill-writing workshop for the Niners and also reaching out to them to make sure they feel comfortable in getting prepped for the conference,” Cooper Herrett said. Club president Nash Riebe offered guidance to newcomers and freshmen. “With the bill submission deadline coming up, we’ve been doing workshops to help new members,” he said.
Delegation officers: Nash Riebe, President; Gavin Bahner, VP Legislative; Julia Johnston, VP Media; Katie Meine, Judicial; Cooper Herrett, Speaker Pro Tempore
Hooked on the books
Book clubs offer reasons to read outside of class by Jeb Losch
If you don’t have enough to read, or want more than an assigned text from English class, there are two new book clubs to satisfy your craving for literature. Senior Julia Johnston created The Book Club in the fall. The club has roughly 25 students, although it is flexible because people can join whenever they want. Members have read The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V. E. Schwab, Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid, and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. They read a new book every month and meet on the first Wednesday of each month to discuss their choices. On January 12, English
teacher Teresa Lambe introduced a new book club based on the topics of diversity and inclusion. The first two books participants will read are The Black Friend by Frederick Joseph and The Other Talk by Brendan Kiely. According to Ms. Lambe, who has a biracial son in preschool, she started
this club in order to raise awareness about having an inclusive community in our school, which students will then be able to translate into the outside world. Anyone who is interested should be on the lookout for future meetings either on the bulletin board or during advisory.
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Tuesday, January 18, 2022
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Fall production welcomes audiences by Cameron Toler
It’s good to be a(live) production. After a two year absence, audiences returned to the Brown Family Theater on November 5-7, for the upper school production, Almost, Maine; the first time since The Tempest in 2020. Much like last year with The Light Before We Land, theatre students were unable to travel to the North Carolina Theatre Conference to compete, so a full scale play was produced in place of it.
The Maine event
Almost, Maine was chosen because it was conducive to rehearsals in case school went remote, and is recognizable to a large variety of audiences. The show consisted of a series of vignettes, all telling different stories contributing to a common theme of love and relationships. “Some of the stories, like mine, were uncertain as they started but resolved with happy endings,” Dalton Mitchell said. There were seven
individual scenes, bound with a prologue, interlogue, and epilogue with the characters Pete and Ginette. “It told the story of a Ginette who walked around the whole world to prove her love to Pete,” Abby Smith said. Every scene took place at the same time in the same unorganized fictional town of Almost, Maine, with the northern lights appearing between each. Mr. and Mrs. Bill and
Cheryl Kanzinger played the roles of Phil and Marci, a married couple having an argument after having gone ice skating on the pond. “[A] challenge was having to have very heated arguments with my wife on a regular basis, something that is not common in our daily life. This was more of an emotional struggle than a performing one,” Bill Kanzinger said. There was music that
underscored the show. “I had to learn how to balance the volume of the music with what was going on onstage,” soundboard operator Wade Johnson said. Scenically, the set consisted of a raked stage with painted trees and set pieces that rolled onstage to create each location. “We had to hand paint every single tree after tracing them from projections,” Production Stage Manager Arynn Baginski said.
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The dead of winter. 1. Pete (Lucca Gaddini) forms a snowball with Ginette (Abby Smith). 2. East and Glory (Grant Peebles and Audrey Dahl) talk in front of the northern lights. 3. A waitress (Megan Vogel) carries drinks to a table for Jimmy (Dylan O’Neill) and Sandrine (Anna Knorr). 4. Marvelyn and Steve (Sophie Schroeder and Ben Kane) confide in a boarding house. 5. Lendall (Dalton Mitchell) proves his love to Gayle (Kathleen Moulton). 6. Phil and Marci (Bill and Cheryl Kanzinger) argue by Echo Pond. 7. Hope (Abigail Berkoben) returns to Maine to find a stranger (Cameron Toler). 8. Rhonda and Dave (Riley Lallathin and Bennett Warshaw) gaze at a pointillist painting. Photos by Jan Reid and Cameron Toler
It takes a village
Lights, camera, action
by Tyler Beacham and Louise Wells
by Nadia Pasquarette
With the traditions of the holiday season come choral and band concerts, complete with quartets, solos, and grand finales to excite. Director Alexa Skelly’s nine-person ensemble worked for the majority of the fall semester on what they would perform at their return to live concerts. Director William Camp and the upper school band trained to bring back both the holiday concert and the Pep Band at basketball games. When it comes to performing, Camp and Skelly mean business. Their focus reflects in the attitudes and skill level of their students. “We will have no more shortcuts or easy days until we get this music down,” sophomore Jack Papagikos said. With ornate decorations and songs involving audience interaction, the holiday concert is a spectacle to remember. To make sure everything is up to par, Skelly has her students running their hardest and longest songs more frequently than with other simpler arrangements. “We are rehearsing ‘Deck the Halls’ and ‘The Midnight Clear’ a lot,” Riley Lallathin
An average day in Mr. Ben Fancy’s filmmaking class consists of learning about different camera angles and movements so that students can use those skills for their next project. They also watch and critique movies. “A day in film class is a day of fun, creativity, and hard work,” Dakota Snyder said. In the first part of the semester, students studied the basics such as lighting, sound, and shot types. “We learn to use a video camera to tell a visual story and how to lead an audience through the use of dynamic camera techniques and
Musicians train for holiday concerts, Pep Band makes a comeback
What an average day in filmmaking looks like creative editing,” Fancy said. Students had to complete a silent short film as their final project. “My favorite part of filmmaking is viewing movies and working on my projects,” Sloan Spencer said. Filmmaking notably had a small class size, but that meant students got more one-on-one time with their instructor. “Mr. Fancy’s teaching style for helping us create films makes the class fun,” Julia Johnston said. The goal of the course was to help the students to express themselves through film, and The Art of Filmmaking accomplished that goal.
Pep in your step. The Upper School Band performs at half time during the Varsity Girls Basketball game on Friday, December 3. Photo: Elle Harmon Shake it up. Boys in Upper and Middle School Chorus perform with maracas for the Holiday Chorus Concert. Photo: Cole Dittmer The perfect note. Laura Austria plays the xylophone during the Holiday Band Concert. Photo: Cole Dittmer
said. The return of in-person performances is exciting for viewers and musicians alike. “I’m relieved we are not streaming [the concert] this year and are in front of an audience,” Cooper Herrett said. Director William Camp and his band have been
anticipating the return of game-time music since its most recent go in 2020. The setlist of their revival included titles such as “Tongue Tied” by Grouplove and “Hey Ya!” by OutKast alongside classic “Rock You like a Hurricane” by Scorpion.
Behind the scenes. Julia Johnston works on her silent short film which will count as her semester assignment. Photo: Cameron Toler
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
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SPORTS
Winners take all
Hurricanes defeat Parrott Academy 5-4, bring home state tennis championship By Makenzie Mills and Cameron Arné
Team triumph. Senior Julia Johnston holds the trophy with teammates and coaches on October 30 in Kinston. The team defeated Arendell Parrott Academy to capture their first state championship title since 2010. Contributed photo
The road to victory led the varsity girls tennis team to Kinston, North Carolina, on October 30, where they earned the NCISSA 3A title as the reward for their 11-2 season. A hard-fought 5-4 win over #1 seed Arendell Parrott Academy, on their home court, was anything but easy. The team received the #2 seed in the state NCISAA 3A playoffs at the end of their regular season. Losing the championship to Asheville School the previous year was additional incentive. “After the loss from last season, we felt we had earned the opportunity to win this year. We felt very encouraged and motivated overall due to our skill,” Liza Wells said. The title was sealed when Elle Harmon battled to win a tiebreaker at the #4 singles spot. “I knew it was all up to me. I was the only person left on the court, and everyone was watching. I won the first set, but lost the second because I was so nervous. In the tiebreaker, I was down 3-5, then won seven points in a row to win the championship,” Harmon said.
“The team’s reaction when Elle [Harmon] won the final point was unforgettable,” Julia Johnston said. Although the athletic department arranged a bus for students who wanted to attend and support their peers during the match, the bus left too early for most students. Only one student, Max Weckel, ended up taking the bus. “Last year, as a member of the varsity boys tennis team, winning was a very exciting experience, and I wanted to be able to share that with the girls,” Weckel said. For Taylor Garriott, the only middle school player to be ranked in the top six on the team, the win was especially exciting. As the #3 seed, she played doubles with senior Julia Johnston. “It was very exciting to win especially because I was playing up from middle school and because it was [Julia’s] last year on the team,” Garriott said. In addition to the trophy, rings are awarded to the top six players on the state championship team. They will receive their rings in early 2022.
Fall Sports Almost famous Awards
Varsity Soccer: MVP: Cameron Arné Leadership: Logan Aimone Coaches: George Wall Varsity Volleyball: MVP: Carolina Bariglio Leadership: Kathryn Emmart Coaches: Kathryn Emmart Varsity Girls Tennis: MVP: Elle Harmon Leadership: Julia Johnston Coaches: Taylor Garriot Varsity Girls Field Hockey: MVP: Jessi Jacobs Leadership: Lilly Scoutelas, Rilee Bahner Coaches: Makenzie Mills Varsity Boys Cross Country: MV Runner: Tanner Macpherson Leadership: Kieran Barclay Coaches: Christian Miller Varsity Girls Cross Country: MV Runner: Avery Bishop Leadership: Cameron Tait Coaches: Sydney Cortina Varsity Girls Golf: MVP: Elle Burnette Coaches: Isabel Bellamy, Scarlett Sweyer Surf Team: MV Surfer: Fin Austin Leadership: Will Johnson Coaches: Ryder Adams JV Volleyball: MVP: Riley Lallathin Leadership: Syriana Pasquantonio JV Girls Tennis: MVP: Lilia Wall, Corrina Basta Leadership: Havens Adams JV Boys Soccer: MVP: Rowan Forkin Leadership: Cabe Lee
Soccer falls in semifinals by Delia McFarlane
For the second year in a row, the varsity boys soccer team made it to the semi-finals round of the NCISAA playoff tournament. In the first round of the playoffs, Cape Fear Academy faced Carolina Day School on Saturday, October 23. After senior Jeb Losch scored to tie the game with seven seconds remaining, it took two overtimes to secure the 4-3 win. On October 26 Cape Fear hosted the NCISSA state semifinal. The Hurricanes played local rival Coastal Christian, whom they had defeated twice before, 5-3 and 1-0. “Going into the game I was
just excited to be playing with my team again. It’s important to always start a game feeling confident,” Adam Politi said. Despite the two previous wins, the boys were unable to score. The game ended 0-1 in favor of the Centurions, who lost in the championship round on October 30 to Concord Academy 2-0. “I was proud of the way the team played that day and throughout our entire season. While the result was not in our favor, that doesn’t take away from our accomplishments. We won the conference tournament for the first time in 20 years and earned the top seed in the playoffs,” Coach Meade McFarlane said.
Prepare for battle. Players await the announcement of the starting lineup on October 26 in the semifinal match with Coastal Christian High School. The Hurricanes lost 0-1. Photo: Rilee Bahner
Brothers and sisters
Triple play. Jack McErlean shoots a three-pointer against University Preparatory Academy on December 10. The boys won 50-39. “We played well; I am glad our fans decided to show up and motivate us,” he said. Photo: Delia Mcfarlane
Varsity teams rebound, recover
Bouncing back by Virginia Sprunt and Cameron Arné
November 19 marked the return of basketball season. with two home games. Both boys and girls’ teams suffered tough losses to Greenfield School. The girls lost 21-49, and the boys 51-61. “After the first two games we really had to focus on our communication. Communication is the key recipe for success,” Vytas Nausedas said. Going into Christmas break the boys and girls both
participated in tournaments. The boys headed to South Carolina for the North Myrtle Beach HS Chiefs Classic, where they defeated Dreher HS and North Myrtle Beach HS, and fell to First Baptist HS. While the boys were in Myrtle Beach, the girls battled West Brunswick and Dixon high schools at home. Although they fell to WBHS 35-50, they bounced back and earned their first win of the season against Dixon HS 36-35.
Cheerleaders expand “family” ties
by Betsy Porter
Drink it up. Varsity cheerleaders decorate and hand out gatorades as an extra motivation for the season. “Decorating and giving out the gatorades was a really fun opportunity for us girls to come together before the season,” Fraley Kelley said.
At the start of the winter season, the varsity cheerleading team found a new way to support players before their games: basketball brothers and sisters. Already assigned to their own cheer “families” within the team, cheerleaders were also assigned a few basketball players to call their brothers
and sisters, promoting more interconnectivity and support between the two sports. “Once I brought up the idea to the cheerleaders, they were super-excited to brainstorm ways to show how we care,” cheerleading Coach Kelly Courtney said. At the last practice before the first basketball game,
cheerleaders prepared Gatorade for the boys team and Celsius energy drinks for the girls. Each drink was wrapped with a positive message and a gold ribbon. “I think having basketball brothers and sisters is really fun and I love supporting the players,” Jessi Jacobs said. On November 19, the
cheerleaders handed out the drinks to their basketball sisters before the varsity girls’ game, and later to their brothers at the varsity boys’ game. “I believe collaborative efforts that bring programs together is a great idea,” varsity boys basketball coach Tony Martin said.
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Tuesday, January 18, 2022
LIFESTYLES
The giving season by Julia Johnston
The holidays look different for all families in terms of food, traditions, and spirit. No matter what though, one thing remains the same; friends and family come together to acknowledge their blessings and spend time with one another. Although there is the typical turkey and mashed potato combo for many families’ Thanksgiving dinner, there are also unique dishes that range from household to household, that are important to shine a light on. “I know it’s unconventional, but on top of eating traditional American dishes for Thanksgiving, my family goes to the Hispanic grocery store and buys food to make traditional carne asada,” Bella Santos said. During the holidays, traditions are less about the food, and more about who makes it. Nash Riebe celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas. “On the eighth night of Hanukkah, my family enjoys the traditional Jewish dish of Kugel, made by my mom. Essentially, it is a baked casserole made with sweet noodles and sour cream,” Riebe said. Some students take the cooking into their own hands,
and make a dish for the rest of their family. “I am vegetarian and I told my family that this year I would make Thanksgiving dinner but completely vegetarian. I just looked up inspo online for recipes. I am hoping me and my sister won’t completely ruin the holiday,” Porter O’Brien said. Outside of just food, some families have eventful traditions that take place during the holidays to look forward to every year. “Every Christmas, my parents hide a pickle ornament in our tree and on Christmas morning whoever finds it first gets to open the first gift,” Lilia Wall said. Some people visit family or have family come to them. “I go to Florida every Thanksgiving to see my grandparents. We go to the Keys and Key Largo. Every Christmas Eve I go to my cousin’s house,” Jane Wells said. No matter where students go or what they eat, the holidays are a time to reflect on the past year and the things in our life that we are grateful for. With more relaxed COVID restrictions this year than last, the holidays seemed a bit more “normal.”
Holidays bring familiar foods, faces, traditions
Run it up. Audrey Dahl and her family (Jocelyn, Will and Bennett) run the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. “We decided to start this new tradition and were inspired by my cousin who got shoes with turkeys on them,” she said. Contributed photo.
Holly Ball proposals seal the deal
The art of persuasion by Isabel Bellamy
Short and sweet. Fraley Kelley pins a bouttoniere on the blazer of her date KJ Kernan before leaving to attend the winter Holly Ball dance at Shell Island Resort on December 4. Contributed photo
Must-watch holiday
MOVIES
Go-to movies for comfort when it’s cold outside by Julia Johnston
1. It’s a Wonderful Life 2. Home Alone 2 3. Miracle on 34th street 4. Elf 5. The Nightmare Before Christmas 6. A Christmas Story 7. Christmas Vacation 8. Polar Express 9. Harry Potter Series 10. Santa Paws
Constant chatter regarding Holly Ball filled the hallways during the last few weeks of November. Students excitedly discussed plans such as transportation, hair appointments, grade dinners, and especially their dates, as they planned for Holly Ball on December 4. As the day for the dance approached, proposals were the spotlight topic. Most students used devices
to communicate. “I asked Landon, my date from outside of CFA, over text,” Caroline Houston said. Some people went with a more direct approach and simply asked their dates during a casual conversation. “Hayden Godusi just asked me when we were sitting and talking in the car,” Leah Murtagh said. Others chose more elaborate methods, such as
New year, new me
Holiday wishlist by Maliha Bahamadi What is your #1 item on your holiday list? “A new phone.”
2022 resolutions
Nadia Pasquarette ‘25
by Julia Johnston
Alas, it is here, 2022. With so much opportunity for an amazing year, many students and faculty decided to make New Year’s resolutions. From working out to reading more, procrastinating less, or maybe just putting in your contacts every day, setting realistic, reasonable goals is key to success in a new year. The most common resolutions are the ones about fitness and diet. “I want to go running in my neighborhood more often,” Katelyn Apollonio said. Some people have more large-scale fitness goals. “I want to run the Boston
flowers and posters, to find their dates. Basketball player KJ Kernan asked cheerleader Fraley Kelly with flowers which had a ticket to the dance attached. They dined at the True Blue restaurant after their first home game. Another student used chocolate to sweeten his proposal. “My boyfriend Tate Sheally asked me on my doorstep with peanut M&Ms,” Eve Berg said.
What didn’t you get last year, that you still want?” “More lacrosse gear.” Cole Donner ‘22
Kill ‘em with kindness. Members of the Random Acts of Kindness Club work to bring more postivity in campus life. “This past semester we made positive affirmation signs and lollipop grams for Halloween. I am excited to see what we come up with for the new year,“ Havens Adams said. Contributed photo
Marathon,” Shana Barclay, Assistant Head of School for Finance and Operations, said. A lot can change in a year, especially for seniors: graduating high school, leaving home, going to college, and becoming a legal adult. Many have unique resolutions to finish high school strong.
“My resolution is to get out of bed on time,” Hayden Godusi said. Some seniors are trying to become more independent before leaving the nest. “I want to start making my lunches instead of having my mom make them,” Cameron Arné said.
Who in your family is the most diffiiclt to buy for? “Mom.” Blake O’Keefe ‘23
What was the worst gift you’ve ever received? “A book about paper-making; that’s what I did for my science project.” Laura Austria ‘24
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
7
OPINIONS
Letters Editor to the
Our readers write
I would like to complain about the parents who pick up and drop off their students in the senior and junior parking lot. I have seen parents idling in the middle of the road at the end of the day waiting for their child to get out of school, consequently blocking other cars and making it harder for the juniors and seniors to smoothly exit the parking lot. A solution to this is to remind parents that this is against the rules and explain the other places where they can more efficiently pick up their child. If that doesn’t work, then perhaps we need a faculty member to stand at the entrance of the parking lot during pick up and drop off to monitor who comes in and out. Anne DeVeaux Trask I would like to complain about the lunch location rule. With the cold weather rolling in, it is harder to sit outside for lunch while being comfortable at the same time. I think we should be able to sit inside so we have more of an enjoyable lunch. Virginia Sprunt I would like to acknowledge Mrs. Rachel Hatfield for constantly pushing her students to better their understanding of Spanish culture, in and out of the classroom. It is more than obvious that Mrs. Hatfield cares about her students and their development and
understanding. My favorite activity in her class is the “Martes de Misterio” that we complete every Tuesday. I am so glad that I have her class this year. Maggie Clucas I would like to acknowledge the Flik lunch workers. They are always extremely helpful and available. Their job can be very stressful but they are always patient and kind when checking you out or helping you with your food. Delia McFarlane I would like to express my appreciation for “The Fear” student section. Although most students do not show up until the varsity boys game begins, the environment at the game last Friday was exciting and energetic. I would like to encourage more students to attend the varsity girls game as well: we could use the support. Makenzie Mills I wanted to thank the CFA administration for helping make Holly Ball possible. Instead of saying it won’t happen again this year due to COVID, they made restrictions for us which is nice because students can actually attend. They also made the exception for non-CFA students to attend, which made the dance more fun. Megan Connaughton
The Hurricane Staff Editor-in-chief: Makenzie Mills Lifestyles: Editor: Julia Johnston Activities: Editors: Martha Trask, Megan Connaughton Arts & Entertainment: Editors: Cameron Toler, Tyler Beacham Academics: Editors: Lilly Scoutelas, Anne DeVeaux Trask Sports: Editors: Cameron Arné, Delia McFarlane, Elle Harmon Opinions: Group Senior Stats: Editors: Rilee Bahner, Anne DeVeaux Trask Adviser: Jan Reid
Reporters: Sarah Anderson Maliha Bahamadi Isabel Bellamy Ryan Burton Maggie Clucas Lavinia Colvin Nikita Ivanov Eloise Jones Kyle King Jeb Losch Nadia Pasquarette Betsy Porter Isabella Rieker Camden Sheally Atlin Snyder Virginia Sprunt Louise Wells
The Hurricane is published five times a year for Upper School students and faculty by School Paper Express of Wappingers Falls, New York. Unsigned opinions are those of the editors and do not reflect the opinions of faculty or advisers. We invite our readers’ opinions. You can e-mail your letters to jreid@capefearacademy.org. Please limit your letter to no more than 200 words. Unsigned letters will not be published. All letters are subject to editing and condensation.
Among the masses. Supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump gather outside the U.S. Capitol building on January 6, 2021, to protest the esults of the 2020 election. Photo: Tyler Merbler, USA, Flickr
One year later I can place exactly where I was, what I was doing, along with what I was wearing when I was alerted to the news. The insurrection on Capitol Hill was truly an event to remember. I was at home, reading in bed during a remote learning day. After a brief break from social media, I was surprised to see an explosion of news headlines and the current status of the Capitol. I quickly became overwhelmed with confusion and distress. In the days that followed, teachers encouraged us to discuss the event virtually in class. I began to recognize that this event had affected everyone differently. Some shared how family and friends
Hey, bestie I’ll be the first to admit that senior year is difficult. As a junior, I thought that once 11th grade ended, it would be smooth sailing from there. I was wrong. College applications are unnecessarily more complicated than I could’ve ever imagined, and these future-defining online forms only become more stressful when you have to prioritize your actual classes as well. Don’t let your grades drop. Take even more challenging classes-- you want to show colleges you’re on an upward trajectory. Oh, and make sure you’re still participating in extracurricular activities, and varsity sports, and maintaining a vibrant social life before you say goodbye to everyone you grew up with. This is what my mind was torn between for a long time, and I can imagine this was also the case for others. Whether you’re wrapping
Rembering the events of January 6, 2021
were in lockdown for hours, while others seemed frankly unfazed. Even though I did not know anyone who was directly impacted by the event, I felt anxious and fearful about the future of our government and its safety. Although it was difficult to separate opinion from fact while browsing articles, I was incredibly moved by the photographs taken at the event. Glimpses of Trump supporters as they clashed with Capitol police, and of frightened representatives seeking shelter as rioters tried to break into the chamber were particularly striking. As I remember the incident on its one-year anniversary,
the powerful coverage by journalists on January 6 serves as a reminder of just how necessary it is to reflect on this event as a prominent historical occurrence. Americans need to remember this day for years to come, not only how it was a disturbing and shocking event but also what it means for the health of our democracy. Even a year later, we still do not know the full truth about the events that transpired. I feel that we can best understand the importance of the event though journalism and the remarkable pictures that arose out of the turmoil. In the future, January 6 should be a day of memorial, remembrance, and gratitude.
a column by Betsy Porter
up your last few applications, celebrating that they’re all submitted, or already committed to a college, remember to be proud of yourself. It’s okay to take a mental break sometimes and catch up later. Go to sleep early when you can; your friends, family and teachers will be there to support you the next day. If there’s one thing I needed to hear throughout high school, it’s to not try to solve all of your life’s problems from your bed, staring at the ceiling at midnight. Don’t try to untangle all of your anxieties in your head (trust me, it’s impossible). Rather, plan to take a small action the next day that will start to relieve your stress and actually create progress. Even if you’re not a senior, I hope you’ll still take this piece of advice: if you ever feel exhausted, frustrated,
or upset, talk to someone about it. Verbalizing your situation to someone who isn’t experiencing it can help you gain a more rational perspective, whether they actually offer advice or are simply just listening. High school can be tough, so we’ve got to have each other’s backs. Hang in there, besties.
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Tuesday, January 18, 2022
SENIOR STATS
S
enior tats
By Rilee Bahner and Anne DeVeaux Trask
Arynn Baginski
Dakota Snyder
Dylan O’neil
What is your go-to pair of shoes? My sister’s Golf Le Fleur Converse
If you could live in any cinematic universe, what would it be? Blade Runner
What was your favorite childhood TV show? Justice League Unlimited
What song cheers you up when you’re down? “Still into You” by Paramore or “L’altra dimensione” by Måneskin
Describe your go to outfit. In cold weather, jeans, shirt, and a jacket or flannel
If you could pick a celebrity to parent you, who would it be? Why? Elon Musk. He’s definitely got enough money to donate a few buildings to get me into college.
Chloe Adler
Mclain Adams
Kevin Li
Cole Donner
Kyle King
What is your go-to pair of shoes? Doc Martens.
If you could live in any cinematic universe, what would it be? Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
What was your favorite childhood TV show? The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
What is your go-to pair of shoes? Jordan 1’s
Describe your go to outfit. Pink polo and khakis
If you could pick a celebrity to parent you, who would it be? Why? Blake Lively. She always puts family first.
If you could live in any cinematic universe, what would it be? Star Wars
What song cheers you up when you’re down? “Go to Hell” by Clinton Kane
Chatham Lambiotte
Axel Fraud
Avery Bishop
Jack McErlean
Anna Knorr
What was your favorite childhood TV show? Samurai Jack.
What is your go-to pair of shoes? Vans
What was your favorite childhood TV show? Rocket Power
What is your go-to pair of shoes? Converse or winter boots
If you could pick a celebrity to parent you, who would it be? Why? LaVar Ball, because he put all his kids in the NBA, and pushed them to reach their highest capabilities.
What song cheers you up when you’re down? “The Final Countdown” by Europe
If you could live in any cinematic universe, what would it be? The Secret Life of Pets
If you could pick a celebrity to parent you, who would it be? Why? Lebron James: he could teach me his ways.
What song cheers you up when you’re down? “Danse Macabre” by Camille Saint-Saëns
around Wilmington and at camps around the world, which is crucial for learning how to lead a group. Practice obviously plays a big role too, and I practice all the time. How often do you practice? I practice every day for the most part. I really try to fit it into my schedule, but it can be hard with homework and other stuff. Recently, I’ve been practicing for around two to three hours every day. I’ve been preparing songs for college auditions, which is not an easy process. It’s actually very intimidating, especially when trying to keep up my grades for college as well as perfect and memorize several pieces for a single audition. What are your future plans? I hope to attend a college with an established strings program that will give me more real-world ensemble experience. After college, I would love to play in an orchestra pit on Broadway, or for a touring show. This has been my dream job since I was 10 years old and saw Wicked on Broadway. I love seeing Broadway shows, but my favorite part is hearing the
orchestration. I’ve always wanted to be a part of this process. How has the violin affected yours and other peoples lives? My violin teacher reached out to me a couple of years ago and asked if I would be interested in teaching. She had a student that wanted to veer off of the traditional teaching style and was wondering if I would like to take her on as a student. I was hesitant but I decided it would be a good learning experience. I have been teaching Lily for two years now, and it’s been so rewarding. Getting to see her progress every week is so exciting. It’s really special when you can see someone become passionate about what you’re teaching. Though teaching someone young can get tedious at times, it’s been an invaluable experience and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I used to play violin on the street downtown to raise money for various charities with my sister. We were young, so at the time, we did it just because it was fun to play for people, but it’s also great to know that you’re helping the community.
What song cheers you up when you’re down? “Everywhere I Go.”
Orchestrating her future
Addie Bloom
Interview by Rilee Bahner
Some things never change. Addie Bloom practices in CFA’s Brown Family Theatre for her college application audition videos on December 7. The insert showcases Addie as a first year student of the Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra. She started out in the back of the second section but moved all the way up to second chair by the next year. Photos: Cara Bloom and Rilee Bahner
Describe your go to outfit. When I am not feeling creative, I usually go for a pair of flare yoga pants and a sweatshirt.
How did you get started; what made you continue playing violin? My sister started violin when she was seven, so I got into playing because of her. It’s fun to have something that you can always be improving at, which I think is why I started music in the first place. What is your official title? I am the Concertmaster of the Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra. I tune everyone before rehearsals and at concerts, as well as assign bowings and fingerings to the violin section. I play solos in songs where there are solos. Basically, I just make sure the violins stay together with each other and with other instruments. How did you receive this title? I have been in youth symphony since fourth grade. I have progressively worked my way through the violin section, and in eighth grade I became the concertmaster of the middle school orchestra. Now, as a senior, I’m concertmaster of the high school orchestra. I think it comes through experience and practice. I’ve had lots of experience working with various ensembles, both
Describe your go to outfit. Jeans and a hoodie or flannel