THE AUTO SHOW ROLLS INTO PHILADELPHIA WITH THE
NEWEST PRODUCTION VEHICLES, SHINY NEW CONCEPTS AND ELEGANT SUPER CARS.
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VOLUME II ISSUE III
The Devon Dialogue FEBRUARY 2011
THE DEVON DIALOGUE
TIDE KEEPS ON ROLLING
DEVON PREP TRUMPETS ITS WAY INTO MUN
Steve Kohlbrenner ’12
Ryan Fulmer ’12
At the end of the regular season, the Varsity Basketball team is staring at a 17-5 record. The team won two local tournaments and defeated some excellent teams. The Tide recently won their biggest game of the year against the league powerhouse, Holy Ghost Prep. In front of one of the largest crowds in Devon history, the Tide made use of the three-point ball to rally past the visitors, 55-48. CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 - SPORTS
The delegates who braved the snow to journey to the YMCA Model United Nations Conference (MUN) were excited, armed to the teeth and willing to subject Mr. Collins to two hours and six episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants at full blast. Taking place at the luxurious Hershey Lodge, the conference was designed to imitate the global United Nations organization, which has 192 member countries. The seniors boisterously led Devon Prep’s charge into the fray that took place in the numerous conference rooms, ranging from small, private areas to two airplane-hangar size caverns which held the General Assemblies. There were uni-color spandex suits hidden beneath crisply pressed suits, nerf-pistols within concealed holsters and a DVD of Jersey Shore safely secured within an aluminum briefcase that was then handcuffed to a trustworthy senior’s wrist for the conference. Joining 1,600 other delegates, the Devon Prep seniors and their underclassmen apprentices were ready to change the world, or at least this chocolateinfused replica. The Devon Prep Delegation separated into various committees dealing with world crime, economic sanctions and the security of the world. Every committee was faced with serious and grave crises and dilemmas present in the world today and had to address them accordingly. Harry Crimi ’11 and Albert Emhof ’11 headed the movement to CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
JJoe Geiger ’12
MR. HOLLOWELL JOINS THE DEVON PREP FACULTY MID-YEAR AS A MEMBER OF THE MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT. PAGE 3
Alex Sidor ’11 hurdles defenders on the way to a decisive victory against New Hope-Solebury.
COURT IS IN SESSION
The courts have been in session since January 24th and will continue to be until mid-March as the Mock Trial season kicks off. Twohundred ninety high schools throughout Pennsylvania will compete in a series of trials in this state-wide competition. The trials are realistic, including a “jury,” which is filled with experienced career attorneys who grade and assess the student prosecution and defense teams. This year’s Mock Trial case, Estate of Simone Langston vs. Lefu Harrison, involves a medical battery charge, the intentional violation of a patient’s right to direct his or her medical treatment. Avery Langston, the only surviving child of Simone Langston, is suing Dr. Lefu Harrison for medical battery, regarding a contract that Simone Langston allegedly gave informed consent for the removal of her cells. Dr. Harrison claims that these cells have a special property and may be able to cure cancer. The interesting twist of the trial lies with the overall competency of Simone Langston; she was undergoing a serious chemotherapy regimen. In addition, Simone was a member of the Temple of Bona Valetudo, which forbids the removal of cells from the body. Nevertheless, the religion has an exception, germodlin, which allows for the removal of cells for the betterment of humanity. Each side of the case, the defense and the plaintiff, calls three witnesses. The defense will call Dr. Lefu Harrison, the defendant; Dr. Quincy Ebardiar, a competency expert; and Nurse Gopi Anandganda. The plaintiff will call Dr. Farley Davis, a competency expert; Dr. Tabor Caget, an oncologist; and Avery Langston, Simone’s son. Dr. Harrison will explain his desire to cure cancer, while the plaintiff will try to demonstrate his desire to achieve greatness. Dr. Ebardiar will explain that the competency test that he administered and interpret the results. The plaintiff will try to undermine the Montreal Cognitive Assessment as well as Ebardiar’s interpretation of the re-
sults. Finally, the defense will call Nurse Gopi Anandganda, Simone Langston’s primary care nurse. Nurse Gopi is also a member of the Temple of Bona Valetudo and will explain the religion, particularly germodlin. The plaintiff will attempt to expose Nurse Gopi’s alliance with Dr. Lefu in getting consent for the removal of the cells. The defense will use the competency exam, as well as the conversations between Nurse Gopi and Simone, to explain Simone’s true desire to give up her cells for 200,000 dollars. Avery Langston, Simone’s son, will testify to his mother’s steadfast religious beliefs as well as the ridiculous desire of Dr. Harrison to get his mother’s cells. The defense will attempt to undermine the relationship of Avery and Simone. Dr. Farley Davis will also
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Joe Geiger ’12 (left) participates in Mock Trial at the West Chester Courthouse.
NEWS AT DEVON PREP COURT IS IN SESSION
DEVON PREP TRUMPETS ITS WAY INTO MUN
testify for the plaintiff. Dr. Davis will tell the jurors about the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mrs. Langston’s deteriorating state of mind, while the defense will try to uphold the MoCA and challenge the characterization of Mrs. Langston’s deteriorating state. Along with Avery and Dr. Davis, Dr. Caget will also testify for the plaintiff. Dr. Caget will explain that the chemotherapy, not the “special cells” of Mrs. Langston, was destroying her cancer. This year, Devon’s team hopes to once again advance to the state tournament. Mr. Collins, longtime team moderator and coach, has high hopes for this year’s team. Brandon Mitchell ’08, a Devon alumnus who helps coach the team, described this year’s team, “The team has great potential to go very far, they remind me a lot of the 2008 team that finished third place in the state.”
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A CLASSIC CHRISTMAS CONCERT Stephen Sloto ’11, Lead Correspondent and Associate Editor of News Snow tumbled down from the skies on the day of Devon Prep’s sixteenth annual Christmas Concert. Some members of the Devon Music Society feared that the concert would be cancelled, but the Music Society’s fearless leader, Dr. Radu, decided that the show must go on in spite of the harsh weather conditions. Jazz Band guitarist Doug McParland ’11 complained of “over an inch of snow on the road in some places,” and said the roads were “impassable.” Though some members of the Music Society could not make it to the concert because of the harsh conditions, they still put on a great concert. Family members in the adoring audience were pinned to their seats by the Jazz Band’s performances of “White Christmas” and “Jingle Bell Rock.” The Choral Tide’s angelic voices delighted the audience during “Merry Christmas, Mozart,” “Ave Maria” and “Hodie.” The elite singers of Rip Tide excited the audience with passionate performances of “Et in Terra Pax” and “Grinch! A Christmas Choral Medley.” In addition, solo singers and pianists performed many other great songs. Singer and French horn player Richie Gargano ’13 certainly enjoyed the concert. “I always enjoy the Christmas Concerts, because I get to perform songs that I have actually heard of before,” he said, smiling. Trumpet player, singer and Concert Coordinator, Brendan Richter ’11 thought that the concert was one of the best Christmas Concerts he has performed in in his Devon Prep music career. “I have been to some pretty good Devon concerts in my seven years here,” he said, “but this one had to be one of the best. In spite of its problems, it is definitely in the top three.” Certainly, these two young musicians were not alone in enjoying the concert. The applause of the audience reverberated through the gym, speaking of the success of the performers.
Jazz Band drummer Ryan Carson ’11, pounds away on his drums during the annual Devon Preparatory School Christmas Concert.
procure clean drinking water for poor African families. To celebrate his own successful passage of a hard-fought resolution, Justin Wickersham ’11 blasted a vuvuzela, the monotone horn which became popular at this year’s World Cup, which echoed throughout the halls, while Ryan Litchert ’11 sat glumly silent since his vuvuzela had been confiscated when he had attempted to use it to assemble support for a resolution to distribute alphabet soup to Africa to solve the predicament of both illiteracy and hunger. He soon perked up, however, when he remembered his mission for the weekend: to find the River of Chocolate in the Hershey Lodge. Donned in a classy hat, white gloves and a fake mustache, Ryan was eventually led to the backpack of the Secretary General, David Hays. When the deception was revealed at Ryan’s expense, he and some of his fellow senior colleagues mounted a coup against the leadership of Secretary Hays and “assassinated” him with their concealed nerf pistols to the bafflement of the rest of the conference. Yet it was not all fun and games at MUN. In the midst of politicking, a crisis struck the committee of Alex Teplyakov ’12; nucleararmed Iran was preparing itself for World War III. Alex single-handedly managed to substitute his own amendments to resolutions that would have produced war, diffusing the potentially explosive situation. Connell White ’12 and Sean Bevan ’14 headed the judicial team in the International Criminal Court that convicted two heartless mass murderers and acquitted two innocents accused of heinous crimes.
The seniors made MUN an interesting and enjoyable weekend. From the Saturday night mixer, to the pizza party, to the debate and speeches, the Devon “delegates” left Hershey with many claiming to have just experienced the best days of their lives. The transfer of power to the leaders of the next Devon Delegation passed smoothly, with no assassinations or coups this time. Dan Lewis ’12, Chase Weber ’12 and Alex Teplyakov ’12 were appointed next year’s officers of Devon Prep’s Model United Nations Club. The main change this team expects to implement next year is the birth of an “envoy” program at Devon. Envoys are middle school students who wish to participate in MUN. They perform the same exercises and represent the same countries as their upper school counterparts. Hopefully, next year Devon Prep sixth, seventh and eighth graders will be able to travel to Hershey with the bigger MUN delegation and train to seize the reins of MUN when they reach the high school level. Who knows, maybe even the next Secretary General will hail from Devon Prep. Connell White ’12 was elected as Chairman of his committee, the ICC, for next year. In addition, Ryan Fulmer ’12 was elected Editor-in-Chief of the Video Press, which films the entire conference from start to finish. Devon Prep is rising in prominence as a potent and insightful force at YMCA Model United Nations. The new delegation leaders envision a much larger delegation traveling to next year’s conference. If this year’s delegation could achieve so much with only thirty students, just imagine what double the number of students could accomplish. Peace on Earth or anarchy are most likely. Either way, the Devon Prep MUN would be at the head of it, 2 blaring its trumpets.
INTELLIGENT + WITTY = MR. HOLLOWELL
DEVON SCHOOLS WEEK THRILLS STUDENTS! Stephen Sloto ’11, Lead Correspondent and Associate Editor of News Contributors: Brendan Richter ’11 and Zach Adams ’11
Nate Stauffer ’12, Associate Editor of Opinions and Interviews From the Christmas Semi-Formal to the start of Christmas break, December was a great month at Devon. However, it was also rather nostalgic as the members of the Devon community were forced to bid farewell to one of Devon’s longtime math teachers, Mr. Robert Fielding. For eight years, Mr. Fielding taught as not just a teacher to the students, but both a mentor and a friend. He will be missed. As sad as this ending was, it also opened the door for a new member of the Devon Prep family, Mr. Charles Hollowell, an experienced electrical engineer and math teacher. The Dialogue staff recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Mr. Hollowell to ask him a few questions.
The excitement in the air was so thick you could cut it with a knife. All around Devon Prep, students were awaiting the beginning of Devon Schools Week, a week of fun events designed to entertain and instill school spirit in both the faculty and students. The mood of the school was easily summed up by Joe Petras ’15 who said, “I always look forward to our annual Devon Schools Week. It is the most fun, action-packed time of the year, and I just love all the cool events.” But, beneath the cloud of excitement, there were some students who were worried about the quality of this year’s Devon Schools Week. Zach Adams ’11 said, “In previous years, it seemed like Devon Schools Week was just another week of school with a little ‘appreciation’ thrown in. The previous student councils failed to rally the interest of the very students that they represent. Will this year be any different?” But, it was. This year, things changed. The student council was determined to make this Devon Schools Week the “best one we have ever had!” according to President Albert Emhof ’11. The week began with the first annual Students vs. Teachers ACT match, an academic challenge match between the members of the esteemed teaching staff and the Devon Prep Academic Challenge Team. As anyone could have predicted, the students lost by a massive amount of points. A member of the Academic Challenge Team, Clem Stormes ’11 said “We lost by eighty points, but it was all worth it to see Fr. Shea get a physics question wrong.” Fr. Shea said that the event was “successful.”
Devon Dialogue: Tell us a little about your background. Mr. Hollowell: I received my Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Temple University. I then went on to work for a number of companies including Motorola, NxtWave Communications and ATI Technologies. Recently, I taught a number of subjects at New Hope Academy, specifically: Algebra I & II, Geometry, PreCalculus, AP Calculus, Conceptual Physics and Electronics. DP: How did you discover your interest in math and engineering? CH: From a young age, I loved tinkering around with and building things, as well as discovering how they worked. As I got older, I further realized this interest which led to me to get my degree. DP: What do you think of Devon so far? CH: I absolutely love it, everything about it. DP: What is your favorite movie? CH: I have a number of them. In no particular order, I would say Gladiator, Cool Hand Luke and Braveheart, to name a few. DP: If you could have dinner with any one person, living or dead, who would it be and why? CH: Well, I know this is probably a common answer, but I would have to say Jesus, for obvious reasons. I mean, who would not want to have dinner with the Son of God? DP: Do you have any unique or interesting hobbies outside of math and engineering? CH: In general, I just like to relax. I enjoy reading a good book, usually something off-topic, but because I am usually so busy, that does not happen often. I also love to ride my bike. No cute little pants or helmets, but on sunny, cool days I like to just take it out and ride. It makes me feel like a kid again. DP: If you could have been present during any period in history, which would it have been? CH: That is a tough one. I think our society went to the dumps in the 1960s, so I would say the late ‘60s. DP: What do you hope your students take away from your class? CH: It might not make sense but a sense of reality and integrity. Just because it looks dirty does not mean it is bad. Cool is not always cruel. It is hard to find the right word, but it is something along those lines. DP: Lastly, because naturally we need to ask every math teacher, what is your favorite or “lucky” number? CH: [grins] Well, I cannot say that I have one in particular. I suppose if I was to pick one off the top of my head I would say three. Mr. Hollowell, from all of us at Devon, we hope you enjoy your time here, and we look forward to many more years of learning from you!
Eighth-graders solve equations on the board in new teacher Mr. Hollowell’s class.
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The esteemed members of the Devon Prep faculty join in a huddle before the Faculty vs. Student ACT match. At the end of the day on Tuesday, President Albert Emhof announced a Devon Prep dress down day on Wednesday, where students could throw off their shirts and ties in favor of more comfortable clothing as long as they wore Devon Prep apparel. But, the dress down day was postponed until the following week when Devon Prep closed for an ice storm. One student, Jordan Kelly ’11, was very disappointed by this turn of events. “I was really excited for the Devon Prep dress down day!” he said. “I got out all my DP gear the night before, so I would not forget. I was going to wear as much Devon Prep stuff as I could find. I wanted to show off my school spirit but then school was cancelled, and I was sad.” Most of the other students, however, felt that a day off was better than a dress down day and waited to see the events Thursday would bring. Thursday afternoon, students were called into the gym to participate in a pep rally. Pep rally leader, Colin Feeney ’11, shouted “Roll Tide!” and encouraged students to attend the varsity basketball games to support the team. Each member of the team was given special recognition, and the unofficial school mascot, the Banana Man, arrived to have some fun. Students responded very positively to the pep rally, clapping and shouting for their sporty peers. Kyle Engel ’11 enjoyed the pep rally, saying “The pep rally inspired me to be a better athlete.” On Friday, jubilant students enjoyed the last day of their eventful week. This year’s Devon Schools Week was a blast, as the student council had so accurately predicted. Hopefully, future student councils will continue to set up such events and even work to make them better.
THE BEGINNING OF THE END
CAP CRUSADES FOR THE NEEDY
Roshan Patel ‘12
Kevin Fulmer ’13
On December 9, 2010, members of the Class of 2012 took part in one of the most important events of their high school careers, second only to graduation. The Junior Ring Mass was a stirring experience that the Class of 2012 will remember for years to come. The ceremony was accompanied by wondrous music from the Faithful Band of St. John Chrysostom Parish. During the homily, Father Shea, a member of the Class of 1966, told the students that their ring is a symbol that links them to the Devon Prep Family for the rest of their lives. In the closing moments, Father Richard Wyzykiewicz called the recipients up one by one and presented each member of the Class of 2012 his class ring. Following the Mass, a reception was held in Calasanctius Hall. Although the occasion was a happy one, it was bittersweet in the students’ realization that their time at Devon would soon be coming to an end. Congratulations to all the members of the Class of 2012, their innumerable accomplishments are a testament to their abilities and a sign of great things to come!
From clothing the needy to donating blood, Devon Prep’s Christian Action Program (CAP) is continually engaging in events that benefit the less fortunate. A dozen guests from the St. Edmund’s Boy Scout Troop came to Devon to celebrate Christmas with over twenty CAP members. With spirits high, they merrily partook in Christmas Bingo, “Pin the Carrot on Frosty,” gingerbread cookie decorating, and watching holiday cartoon classics. Coming out of a busy first semester, CAP enters the second semester with a full schedule, with some major events already taken place. One such event was the annual “SpeakUP!” forum on January 29, 2011. SpeakUP! is a unique program in which students from Villa Maria, Notre Dame, Malvern Prep and Devon explore and discuss the issues that affect the lives of teens in the surrounding communities. Senior Ryan Litchert ’11 who attended the event and also helped to plan it commented, “It was a fun-filled day of understanding between youths, educators and parents.” The mission of SpeakUP! is to “emphasize the development of communication skills to foster productive dialogue at home, at school, and within the community.” Breaking into multiple small groups with a mixture of students, parents and educators from all different schools, the event allows for an open discourse that is typically unforeseen outside of the unique forum. Moderator of CAP, Mrs. Eshleman, remarked that the event is “a truly wonderful opportunity for everyone in attendance.” On February 17th, Devon Prep hosted the annual Red Cross Blood Drive. In this charitable event, students over the age of 16 had the opportunity donate blood to help save a life. Devon Prep’s students have always been supportive by eagerly taking part in the blood-giving process that takes less than an hour. The students were driven by the incentive to help others – and go home early after they donated. On the horizon, CAP begins to move into a period of rest and recovery following almost two months of non-stop events. In March, CAP stages its middle school version of the extremely popular “Up for A Cause” event. Run by upper school students, with support from middle school CAP members, the event is an abbreviated version that ends at midnight. The event brings out great attendance. CAP continues to plan the details of the fun-filled event.
Ben Senss ’12 receives his ring from Fr. Shea during the Junior Ring Mass on December 9, 2010.
GAINING BY GIVING Nick van Schaijik ’12 In the last few days before Christmas break, while far too many teachers rushed to give tests and collect projects, nearly every student at Devon could not wait until Friday when he could go home to sleep. The idea of going to sleep without setting an alarm clock is wonderful, everyone loves the well-deserved treat. Eight students, however, volunteered to give it up. These particular students gave up their extra sleep, comfy beds, video games and first few days of break to drive twelve hours to the mountains in Kentucky where they would help those in need and spread Christmas cheer. The volunteers included; Albert Emhof ’11, Justin Wickersham ’11, Alex DiMarzio ’11, Austin Davis ’11, Dan Lewis ’12, Connell White ’12, Ray Kalivas ’12 and Nick van Schaijik ’12. Bright and early on Saturday morning, the group got into two cars with Fr. Rich and Mr. Lewis departing for Kentucky. The journey was long, but the scenic route and camaraderie made the time pass quickly. The first dilemma of the trip was not being able to get the cars up the steep slippery driveway to the house where they were to stay. The students had to get out and push the cars, a process that would be repeated many times over the next few days. When that was taken care of, everyone got inside and settled in for the evening. In the morning, the group met up with local social workers. After the meeting, the cars were loaded with Christmas presents for the community members and the team was ready to spread some Christmas cheer. The scale of poverty in the area was unimaginable. After the trip, Dan Lewis said, “Until I witnessed it first-hand, I would have had no idea that people in our country were living in these horrible conditions.” The next two days were spent delivering presents and experiencing the area. It was an amazing trip. Both the students and community members benefitted from the rewarding experience. Connell White was expressed great satisfaction in the trip when he said, “This was a way to spend a small part of my break. I have helped people and learned a lot, all while having a great time with my friends.” Everyone agreed with him.
Shyamal Patel ’16, Scott Clancy ’16 and Josh Lee ’16 assist a guest from St. Edmund’s during the CAP Christmas party.
ARMED WITH ROSARY BEADS
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The cold, harsh January air was not enough to keep nearly three-quarters of Devon Prep’s student body from loading onto four coach buses in a pilgrimage to the annual March for Life in Washington D.C. An annual Devon Prep tradition led by the members of the Pro-Life Club, the event is organized as a peaceful protest to the landmark 1973 Supreme Court ruling, Roe v. Wade, in which the Court ruled that a woman had the right to decide whether or not to abort her child until the child reached a “viable” age. In recent history, Devon Prep has been applauded for sending an extraordinary percentage of its student body to the event year after year. In addition, the Devon Prep troop prides itself in participating in the peaceful nature of the event. As comoderator of the Pro-Life Club, Mr. Lewis, said, “Everyone is armed with rosary beads, not weapons!” The March brought together an estimated 400,000 member crowd and included numerous United States Representatives and Senators.
ENTERTAINMENT CAR SHOW CAREENS INTO THE CONVENTION CENTER
MARCH MOVIE MADNESS Ryan Carson ’11, Associate Editor of Entertainment March is sure to cultivate much more than sports fervor as the month also promises to be one with multiple new movie releases. happythankyoumoreplease, Red Riding Hood and Limitless look to be front-runners in a battle for the top-bracketed spot of March movies.
Jordan Kelly ’11, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Every January and February, the Philadelphia Auto Show rolls into the Pennsylvania Convention Center and this year was no exception. The show provides a unique experience for attendees to get up close and personal with the latest and greatest products from car makers spanning the globe. A sensory overload, the auto show experience is one of bright lights, exciting sounds, as well as the ever popular new car smell. Whether doing research for a new family vehicle or dreaming of one day owning a super car, the Philadelphia Auto Show appeals to the young, the young at heart, and anyone who loves the sound of a roaring engine. The auto show benefits more than just those in attendance; it is also a major fundraiser for the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation. On Friday, January 28, 2011, the auto show kicked off with the Black Tie Tailgate. It was a night of dinner, dancing and donations, all benefitting a great cause. But, this is only the beginning of the donations. A portion of each ticket price also goes towards the foundation, which gives the money to the Center for Autism Research at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Overall, the auto show is a win-win situation that benefits charites.
MARCH 4TH – happythankyoumoreplease Actor Josh Radnor ((How I Met Your Mother) releases his first film as writer and director who plays a character named Sam, who has hit a writer’s slump and cannot find his true love. Happythankyoumoreplease was released at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, where it received the audience award for best dramatic feature. The film also stars Malin Akerman (Couples Retreat)) and Kate Mara ((Iron Man 2). MARCH 11TH – Red Riding Hood Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke goes from vampires to werewolves on a new spin of this childhood fairy tale. Amanda Seyfried (Mean Girls, Dear John) plays little Red Riding Hood as she gets tangled in a relationship with a boy, Shiloh Fernandez ((Red Red), Red ), until things start to get complicated on the night of a full moon. The movie co-stars Dark Knight actor Gary Oldman. MARCH 18TH – Limitless Starring Bradley Cooper (The Hangover) and Robert DeNiro, this action-packed, brain-numbing thriller is about a failing writer (Cooper) who is given a top-secret drug that allows him to access his entire brain allowing him to have super human abilities. His new skills attract the attention of an unknown force led by DeNiro’s character who tries to get down to the bottom of this new drug. The movie is directed by Neil Burger (The Illusionist.)
Partially built with light weight carbon fiber, the Audi R8 Spyder launches from 0-60 in a brisk 4.1 seconds. The show opened to the public, the Devon Dialogue included, on Saturday, January 29, 2011. As the crowds flooded in, the glint of the shiny, new cars made the vast convention halls glow with excitement. From Ford to Fiat, Volvo to Volkswagen, car manufacturers from around the world put their best feet forward. Prospective customers were able to explore every aspect from tip to trunk, as Photography Editor Doug McParland ’11 did. He emerged from the show as a self-proclaimed “trunk expert,” having ventured to deepest depths of many trunks and truck beds. Doug was not alone in his endeavor; many were able to see their cars of choice from every angle. The stars of the show were the sleek and secretive super cars. Exclusivity is what makes a super car, making the auto show a rare opportunity to see some of the most expensive cars in the world in person. Cars such as the Lamborghini LP 570-4 Superleggera and the Audi R8 Spyder dropped jaws and left many dreaming of the day they own such a beautiful machine. Other favorites were the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, a unique car with fan-favorite gullwing doors, and the Bentley Supersports convertible which boasts an impressive top speed of 202 m.p.h. No matter how unlikely, the prospect of owning one of these cars is the subject of many dreams. Seeing is believing, and the Philadelphia Auto Show is an opportunity to see the foremost examples of engineering mastery. From sedans to super cars, and everything in between, there is something for everyone to enjoy. While this year’s show has come to an end, the 2012 Philadelphia Auto Show promises to be even better. 5
A Cadillac is no longer a car for the elderly to drive around town; it is now a pure bred race car in the body of a luxury sedan.
DEVON PREP SPORTS DP GETS NEW LAX BRO
OH WHEN THE TIDE COMES ROLLING IN
Joe Geiger ’12
secure the victory for the Tide. Andrew Walsh ’12, Sam Nardi Coming around the bend ’12, Mike Giampietro ’13 and and heading for the final straight- Zac Hallinan ’12 also had standout games in the shocker over away of the 2010-11 basketball Conestoga. season, the Devon Prep junior The key to Devon Prep’s varsity team is gaining speed and heading towards the front of the success has been more than just pack. Led by the newly acquired the play of the starting five. The two things that make this team head coach, Mr. Al Gentile, the victorious are its ability to work JV started out the season with as a team and its depth coming an outstanding fifteen victories off the bench. Whether it is Ben and only four losses. The Tide Jonik ’13 lighting it up from celebrated victories over larger deep, Ryan Shannon ’13 dribschools such as Octorara, Holy bling through the press with his Ghost Prep and Conestoga. While every single game eyes closed, the inside play of Ian McConnell ’13, Connell White is exciting for both players and ’12, and Matt DiDonato ’13, the fans, one game stood out the defensive presence of Richie most. Devon Prep showed that Gallo ’12 or the consistency of they are a force to be reckoned baseline knuckleballer Dan Mcwith when they defeated their Garry ’12, you cannot find any much larger rival, Conestoga holes in the ability of this team. High School, to become chamThe junior varsity team pions of the Annual Devon Prep is a venue for players to develop Christmas Tournament. Tournatheir skills and prepare for the ment MVP, John Kane ’13, led varsity level. With players such the team scoring double digits as Andrew Walsh, Sam Nardi, in games against Upper Merion John Kane and Mike Giampietro and runner-up Conestoga. Playing through the pain of a sprained playing up on the varsity team, there is a strong base for next wrist, Kane ignored his injury year’s varsity team. and knocked down foul shots in the final seconds of the game to
The Devon Dialogue recently had the opportunity to talk with the new lacrosse coach, Mr. Joe Lore.
Sam Nardi ’12
Devon Dialogue: Where did you grow up? Coach Lore: I grew up on Long Island. I migrated to New Jersey after I was married at age twenty-seven. I have resided in Cherry Hill, New Jersey for twenty-eight years. DP: Where did you go to high school? JL: I played lacrosse at Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, NY. My teams went 54 - 6 over three years. Sewanhaka holds a National High School Boys Lacrosse record with ninety-one consecutive wins. DP: What sports did you play growing up? JL: When I was growing up, I played virtually every sport. Formerly, I played football, basketball and lacrosse. DP: Did you have any favorite hobbies as a kid? JL: Sports were my hobby growing up, both as a player and a fan. DP: Where did you go to college? JL: I attended Nassau Community College (NCC) in Garden City, New York. My teams won two consecutive National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Mens’ Lacrosse National Championships. I was selected to both All Region and All American teams. NCC owns a total of twenty-one NJCAA National Mens’ Lacrosse National Championships. After graduating from NCC, I played lacrosse at Cortland State University in Cortland, New York. My teams went to the Division II Mens’ National Lacrosse Quarterfinals in my Junior season and the National Semi-Finals in my senior season. Cortland owns three Mens’ Lacrosse National Championships, one in Division II and two in the last four years in Division III. DP: What did you major in? JL: At Cortland, I majored in Physical Education with a concentration in Athletic Coaching. DP: What is your favorite place to vacation? JL: My favorite place to vacation is Cape May, New Jersey. My wife and I hope to retire there some day. DP: What is your favorite sports team? JL: My favorite sports team is the Mens’ Lacrosse team at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. I like their tradition in lacrosse and the way they play and conduct themselves. Each summer, I work as a Coach in their Blue Jay Boys’ Lacrosse Teaching Camps. DP: What sports have you coached? JL: I have coached football at the high school level, basketball at the middle school level and boys’ lacrosse at the high school and college levels. DP: How long have you been coaching? JL: I am currently celebrating my forty-second year involved with the sport of lacrosse. I have been coaching lacrosse since I graduated from Cortland in 1979. DP: Where have you coached? JL: I have coached lacrosse on Long Island at Manhasset High School and locally at Upper Dublin High School and Cherry Hill High School West in New Jersey. I also have my own school to train lacrosse goalies. DP: What do you hope to bring to Devon’s lacrosse program this year? JL: I hope to bring to Devon Prep a lacrosse philosophy consistent with building a program that will look like, sound like and feel like what the players can expect to experience at the college level. DP: Is there a particular sports player that inspires you? Why? JL: My high school teammate, Eamon McEneaney, who graduated from Cornell University continues to inspire me to this day. We grew up playing sports together since we were five years old. Eamon is considered by many to be the greatest attackman ever to play the game of lacrosse. Unfortunately, my friend was lost on 9/11 at the World Trade Center. DP: Is there a particular sports coach that inspires you? Why? JL: I admire and am inspired by my high school lacrosse coach, Bill Ritch, who is a member of the US Lacrosse National Hall of Fame. He taught me how to play the game of lacrosse intelligently.
Sam Nardi ’12 dekes out a defender in a junior varsity game against Marple
BICENTENNIAL LEAGUE INDEPENDENCE DIVISION STANDINGS (VARSITY) TEAM Holy Ghost Prep Devon Prep Lower Moreland Springfield MaST Charter Christopher Dock New Hope-Solebury 6
LEAGUE RECORD OVERALL RECORD 11-1 9-3 9-3 5-7 4-8 4-8 0-12
15-7 17-5 17-5 8-12 7-14 7-14 0-22
DEVON PREP SPORTS TIDE KEEPS ON ROLLING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 More recently, the team routed Delaware Valley Friends School 62-22. The game boosted the team’s confidence even further, with every player on the team making a contribution in the decisive victory. The team has received contributions from all of its players throughout the season. Duncan Becker ’11 has been a force to be reckoned with in the post on both offense and defense. The outside shooting game has been carried out by junior guards John LaPrise ’12, Kyle Koehler ’12 and Steve Kohlbrenner ’12. Not to be forgotten, the defensive specialists and “glue guys” have played a large part in the success including: Mike Raftery ’11, Terence Walsh ’11, Alex Sidor ’11, J.J. Kiely ’11, Matt Burke ’12 and Nick Weis ’12. The team has also seen bright play from sophomores John Kane ’13 and
Mike Giampietro ’13, the future stars of the Devon Prep squad. A team is nothing without its fans. “The Pit” is like a sixth man on the floor, guiding the team to victory. The enthusiastic cheers led by Pit captains Colin Feeney ’11 and Vince Quintiliani ’11 put fear in the hearts of opposing teams. This year the Pit has displayed new chants beyond the perennial “ROLL TIDE!” With enthusiasm and school spirit certainly not lacking, the Pit is always full of students ready to support the team in good times and bad. Although, with the strength of this year’s team, bad times are certainly not a frequent occurrence. The team’s success has not gone unnoticed, snatching headlines and cover pages of many local publications. Recognition of the team’s prowess extends beyond the Philadel-
phia area, making headlines state-wide. In one set of recently-released rankings, the team was ranked as the fourth best AA school in the state. Numerous other lists have the team inside the Top Ten. Under the leadership of Coach Frio and senior, big-man Duncan Becker, the coaches and players have high aspirations and hope to win the District 1 Title and League Championship. In addition, hopes are high for a deep run in the State Playoffs. With the way the team has played lately, they definitely appear poised to make some noise through the month into March.
THE BOYS OF SUMMER ARE BACK Jordan Kelly ’11, Deputy Editorin-Chief Snow may be falling in Philadelphia, but in Clearwater, FL the grass is green and the sun is shining, perfect baseball weather. Well-rested after the unfortunately long off season, the Phillies are enjoying spring training in a temperate climate. But, spring training is not as simple as the players showing up and playing ball, it also means moving the team headquarters over 1,000 miles from Citizens Bank Park in South Philadelphia to Bright House Networks Field in Clearwater. Supplying the team for a month and a half away from home requires much: 15 cases of gum, 12 cases of sunflower seeds, 20 coolers, one-half pallet of Powerade mix, 250 batting practice tops, 300 helmets, 350 pair of shorts, 450 pair of socks, 600 pairs of pants, 600 hats, 200 fleeces, 1,200 bats, 2,000 Tshirts, 10,000 12 oz. cups, 15,000 baseballs and 150 pairs of batting gloves. The temperature may be vacation-like, but there is much work to be done in order for the Phillies to put their best product on the field. Last year’s addition of Roy Halladay made many people believe that November baseball would be taking place at Citizens Bank Park for years to come. Halladay’s no-hitter in the first
game of the National League Division Series against the Cincinnati Reds reaffirmed previous claims that Roy Halladay was, and still is, the best pitcher in baseball. The difficult loss to the San Francisco Giants in the National League Championship Series left the team wondering what it needed to get back to the World Series once again. The questionable departure of Cliff Lee after his successful endeavors in 2009 left the baseball world, Lee included, wondering what had happened. It did not take long for the situation to be rectified, with the Phillies reacquiring Cliff Lee as a free agent this past offseason. Since then, the Phillies starting rotation has been the talk of the baseball world, with some saying it may be the best in history. Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels are some of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball - any team would be lucky to have one, let alone four. Although it is still February and not even a spring training game has been played, it is hard to say that a starting rotation is the best in history without ever taking the mound. Time will tell if these claims are factual, but all signs point to a parade down Broad Street next November. The life of a baseball player is one that usually means moving from city to city in search of the best chance to win a
championship or in some cases a bigger salary. Sadly, the latter is true in the case of Jayson Werth, who signed a hefty contract with the Washington Nationals instead of returning to the Phillies. This leaves a void in right field and no favorable solution to fill it. A conclusion cannot be reached until Opening Day, but it currently appears that veteran outfielder Ben Francisco and sensational rookie Dominic Brown will share the job. Both have shown flashes of brilliance, but neither have experienced the rigors of a 162 game schedule. If this is the biggest problem that the Phillies experience, all should be well in
South Philadelphia. Shortly, the snow will melt, spring will be in the air and the boys of summer will be taking the field at Citizen’s Bank Park to take on the Houston Astros. Philadelphia fans are famous or infamous, depending on the point of view, for being passionate about their sports teams. Recently, they have come out in droves to support their hometown baseball team, with the Phillies selling out the last 123 regular season games dating back to the 2009 season. The Phillies’ formidable roster, elevated by the fiery fan base, should prove to be winning combination for 2011 season.
SPORTS SNAPSHOT
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Matt Burke ’12 shoots free throws after one of four technical fouls in the Tide’s tough loss to Church Farm School. Down their leading scorer, Steve Kohlbrenner ’12, who was out with the flu, the Tide fought hard against one of the best teams in the area. Down but never out, Devon fought back valiantly, but ultimately came up short.
EDITORIALS
OUT WITH GREEN, IN WITH THE SOLAR PANELS
Greg Bokar ’11, Editor-in-Chief
Despite what popular belief may hold, the annual State of the Union address is not a fixture of the United States Federal Government’s history but rather is a speech that has seen multiple exits and reentries into existence since George Washington’s first address on January 8, 1790. In fact, Thomas Jefferson was the first President to discontinue the practice of the annual speech, due to his belief that the speech resembled too many of the actions of monarchial figures. In recent years, the State of the Union has become a polarizing operation of the country’s political parties as the minority and majority parties find themselves either chanting in adoration or screaming in admonishment. What was designed to be a speech that would bring the country together has turned into yet another hyper-partisan event that has particular resemblance to any speech that might be given on the campaign trail. In the days leading up to the 2011 State of the Union, it was unclear whether or not Chief Justice John Roberts would be in attendance. Enormous speculation surrounded the uncertainty as Chief Justice Roberts released a statement saying that it was the decision of the individual justices whether or not they would be in attendance. In the end, Justice Roberts did in fact attend the event but certainly not without some degree of hesitation. In 2010, President Obama’s action did something previously unseen in the realm of past States of the Union and emphasized the partisan nature of the event. In the speech,
President Obama said, “With all due deference to separation of powers, last week the Supreme Court reversed a century of law that I believe will open the floodgates for special interests -- including foreign corporations -- to spend without limit in our elections,” in reference to the Citizens United v. FEC 5-4 Supreme Court ruling. The words of President Obama clearly demonstrated his rookie status in that he, the executive branch, ignored the separation of powers and put forth his own opinion on the matter. Most unfortunately for President Obama, his remarks prove his naivete in that Supreme Court decisions are not to be based upon popular opinion, or even what is necessarily “right,” but rather the constitutionality of a particular matter. It was per these remarks that Justice Roberts “RSVP’d” as a “maybe” in the days leading up to the State, possibly in an attempt to avoid the crossfire of partisan America. Nevertheless, the hyper-partisanship stretches into far greater territories at the annual State of the Union addresses. For anyone who watches these speeches, it becomes more than clear that an enormous amount of the time is spent clapping and wailing by party supporters. Yes, Nancy Pelosi, we know you love Universal Health Care; sit down. But the fact that members of Congress are not capable of holding their applause to the end of the speech only exemplifies the lack of decorum in the House chamber. This year’s State of the Union was, quite frankly, hollow. Spending an enormous amount of time discussing how we will all be running off of the natural juice of the sun in
the next few decades, Obama failed to truly face the difficulty that America is really facing – a mounting deficit. Currently sitting at a little over sixty percent of the country’s annual gross domestic product, the national debt is the enormous elephant in the room that was introduced but was not told how to get out. Spending more money is not a rational manner for solving the problem of our national debt – as Obama indicated in his speech. In fact, it is not even possible to make a dent in the debt without making cuts that will really hurt, such as those failed programs created under Lyndon B. Johnson in the Great Society. The “Great Society” is finding itself in one heap of trouble as the number of people who actually pay income taxes hovers around only fifty percent. Facing these problems is politically grinding and an extreme challenge for anyone who faces it, but President Obama failed to show us any indication that he would be making any major moves in the next year to cut the deficit. Clearly, this was his largest failure in the State of the Union. Telling people only what they wanted to hear, President Obama has joined the career politicians that he claimed he would not be like and continues to fail the American people, as indicated by his State of the Union. In addition, this year was yet another year of hyper-partisan activities, which only emphasized the polarity that the country is facing, whether or not Democrats sat with Republicans. Thanks for the solar panels, but the American people are more concerned about the State of the Union.
GOOGLE TAKES ON MICROSOFT AND APPLE Ryan O’Shea ’12, Associate Editor of Sports Up in Mountain View, CA, the folks at Google are hard at work on an operating system called Chrome OS for netbooks. The name comes from Google’s Internet browser, Chrome, and it is more indicative than you might think. The new OS is entirely a single browser window and is purely a portal to the web—one which Google hopes can steal profits from the two companies who dominate the market today, Microsoft and Apple. It is an interesting, if not radical concept, closely linked to the emergence of cloud computing, that is, the migration of programs from a user’s computer onto the web. Most people take part in this trend without even noticing. Most everyday tasks are now accomplished online. Google has a massive stake in the cloud computing market, in its myriad of online products. Chrome OS is their attempt to complete the experience by selling a product that offers us the Web, nothing more. Physically, a Chrome notebook is just a small laptop, but the difference is evident under the lid. The machine turns on almost instantly. Enter your credentials, and you are in—there is no time-consuming setup process. Browse the web, chat with friends or do anything you normally would. There is no file browser, no Start menu, no dock, and no windows. In fact, the only “programs” to speak of are glorified bookmarks on the home screen. Many see this browser-based approach as too prohibitive, and cannot live without dedicated desktop programs. The majority of users, however, spend most of their time on a computer browsing the Internet, and for what few tasks they use desktop applications, they can almost always find online equivalents. “Most operating systems today … were designed before the web even existed,” commented Sundar Pichai, a Google Vice President. By reducing functionality, Google has also vastly improved the security of its OS. Google invented a few elegant technologies like “verified boot” to make
Chrome OS safer and more secure. And best of all, because it is linked to your Google account, your bookmarks, settings and apps are identical across all the machines you happen to log on to. Google has taken the first step into their dream of a fully online computing experience. It is a vision of the future which diverges radically from the concept of today’s PCs, but with support from a corporate behemoth, Chrome OS may prove to be the first major step in a revolutionary direction. Whether this offering will be cheap enough to justify its limited capabilities, however, has yet to be determined. You can expect to see Chrome notebooks by mid-2011. The Devon Dialogue is a member of the esteemed Quill and Scroll Society, an international honor society for exceptional high school journalists. Executive Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief: Greg Bokar ’11 Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Jordan Kelly ’11 Photography Editor: Doug McParland ’11 Associate Editor of News: Stephen Sloto ’11 Associate Editor of Entertainment: Ryan Carson ’11 Associate Editor of Opinions and Interviews: Nate Stauffer ’12 Associate Editor of Sports: Ryan O’Shea ’12
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Faculty Moderator: Mr. Larry Theuer Assistant Faculty Moderator: Mrs. Liz Eshleman