The Devon Dialogue
volume iv, issue ii | december 2012
proudly publishing for five decades
Devon Preparatory School
Rolling Out the Tide Devon Prep’s basketball season has just begun. See Page 6
Welcoming Visitors Devon Prep’s annual open house was another big success. See Below
Honoring Scholars
Devon Prep inducts twenty new members into its chapter of the NJHS. See Page 4
A Real Can-Do Attitude Devon Prep students collected over 6,000 food items for families in need. See Page 2.
Journalists Light the Way
Open Doors, Open Arms, Open House
Ryan Mattox ‘13, Associate Editor for Entertainment
Michael LaBella ‘13
Hardworking journalists have once again been recognized for their contributions and talent. For the third time, the Devon Preparatory Chapter of the Quill and Scroll International Honor Society for High School Journalists has welcomed new members. On November 15, 2012, a candlelight ceremony officially inducted ten new members into the Chapter. The ceremony was performed by current members of the Society and the Executive Board of The Devon Dialogue. The Quill and Scroll Society was founded by George H. Gallup, of Gallup-Poll fame, at the University of Iowa in 1926. To date, all fifty states and forty-five countries host chapters of the Quill and Scroll Society. To qualify for the Devon Chapter, students must maintain at least a 3.00 GPA for the last two semesters and contribute at least two quality articles to the Dialogue in the last year. The ceremony itself was for current and incoming members. A candlelighting tradition lit up the values of the Society: truth, learning, leadership, loyalty, initiative, integrity, judgment, and friendship. The inductees were presented with certificates of their acceptance. The senior year inductees also received honor cords to be worn at the Commencement Ceremony in June. Devon is building up its ranks in the Quill and Scroll Society. The ceremony was a huge success and work is already underway on the next issue of the newspaper. No doubt it will feature all the talent recognized by the event. The Dialogue congratulates all its journalists for their achievements and welcomes Ryan Shannon ‘13, Rafael Suero ‘13, Justin Barker ‘13, Jake Kampman ‘13, Michael Tolvaisa ‘13, Brian Koskinen ‘13, Tim Crowe ‘13, Sean Melvin ‘13, Andrew Bright ‘14, and James Stanish ‘14 into the Devon Preparatory School Chapter of the Quill and Scroll International Honor Society for High School Journalists.
The open house on October 14 proved to be a great success for everyone involved. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the front doors were met by a steady stream of interested families taking advantage of a unique opportunity to
expertly prepared by Devon Prep staff and entertainment provided by members of the Music Society. Mr. Patrick Kane, the fantastic new Director of Admissions, was extremely pleased with
Antonio Muscarella ‘13, Sean Melvin ‘13, and Michael Tolvaisa ‘13 at the Newspaper & Yearbook table, planning the very issue you’re reading.
get to know Devon Prep. Students provided extensive tours while allowing families to stop by classrooms, meet members of the faculty, and receive firsthand information about some of Devon’s most popular classes. In the gym, visitors had the opportunity to examine a multitude of panels representing the many sports, clubs, and organizations that Devon offers. From the Yearbook Committee to the Music Society and from CAP to the ProLife Club, young men interested in attending Devon were able to meet students and learn how they could get involved in various extracurricular activities. Visitors also had the opportunity to attend a presentation by important faculty members. They were undoubtedly roused by an inspiring speech from Mr. Larry Iezzi, and were able to learn about Devon’s philosophy and environment. After the presentation, families enjoyed delicious refreshments
the open house. He was impressed by the large turnout and the presentations, and was especially proud that the open house illustrated that Devon is truly a family environment. The students and teachers provided information for potential students and their families. The parents of the Devon community were absolutely crucial in the preparation and execution of the open house. They helped to prepare and organize refreshments, keep track of tours, and many other important tasks. Mr. Kane also heard many compliments about the hospitality and respect of Devon students who acted as tour guides and panel experts. Eighth graders who attended the open house loved the opportunity to learn about the school and are very interested in attending Devon Prep for high school. They are looking forward to their shadow visits to become more exposed to Devon’s philosophy and everyday lifestyle.
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A Musical Menagerie Patrick Shields ‘14, Associate Editor for News
It’s been a great year so far for the Devon Music Societ y. The group, consisting of the instrumental Jazz Band and two singing groups, Choral Tide and Rip Tide, performed its first two concerts of the year with a great success, the first being the Oktoberfest Concert on October 19, and the second being the Grandparents Day Concert on November 21. Anyone who came out to see either concert heard a wonderful variet y of music spanning multiple genres. The Jazz Band, led by the fearless Dr. Valentin Radu, played rock and roll classics like “Rock Around the Clock” and “Rock & Roll Part II (The ‘Hey’ Song).” The Choral Tide, also directed by Dr. Radu, brought some religious pieces, such as “Kyrie Eleison,” and some classic rock songs as well, including “Rock & Roll Is Here To Stay.” The Rip Tide, which is headed by Mrs. Donna Radu, was just as diverse, with the traditional spiritual “Dr y Bones,” the theme from The Pink Panther, and the Latin “Agnus Dei.” It didn’t stop there, though. Devon students are just as talented individually as they are in a group. There were various student soloists among the three groups. The audience was treated to students playing the piano, including Drew Brekus ’14 and his rendition of Chopin’s “Revolutionar y.” Other students sang: Andrew Loper ’15 performed “At Last” by Etta James at the Oktoberfest Concert; and C.J. Nave ’15 sang and played piano for “New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel. The Devon Music Societ y will be busier than ever in the coming months, with Christmas approaching, and all of the music that accompanies it. After that, Dr. Radu, Mrs. Radu, and many students will be involved with the spring musical, The Scarlet Pimpernel.
Dialogue News
Generosity CAPs off Food Drive Brian Koskinen ‘13
It was t he t i me of t he yea r aga i n when ma ny fa m i l ies ca me toget her a nd sha red i n t he T ha n k sg iv i ng spi r it, but some fa m i l ies were not so for t u nate. Ma ny lacked t he i ng red ients for a proper T ha n k sg iv i ng mea l. Ever y yea r,
t he st udent led d r ive has been a huge success. W it h t he i ncreasi ng econom ic problems, fa m i l ies needed ou r a id even more t h is yea r. T he Devon com mu n it y col lected 6,055 ca ns t h is yea r.
Fr. James Shea ‘66 blesses the food collected by the generous Devon Prep Family during Thanksgiving Mass on Tuesday, November 20.
Devon helps less for t u nate fa m i l ies t h roug h a massive ca n ned food d r ive. Devon’s Ch r ist ia n Act ion Prog ra m orga n i zes t he d r ive each yea r, col lect i ng ca n ned goods, f rozen t u rkeys, a nd ot her food items. Devon accepts food donat ions as wel l as moneta r y donat ions for St. El i zabet h’s Com mu n it y Center i n Nor t h Ph i ladelph ia. In t he past yea rs,
T he food was blessed by Fr. Ja mes Shea ‘66 du r i ng t he T ha n k sg iv i ng Mass on Tuesday, November 20 a nd prompt ly ta ken by C A P members for d ist r ibut ion. T he food d r ive suppor ts ma ny fa m i l ies i n need a nd is a testa ment to t he generosit y of t he ent i re Devon com mu n it y. O vera l l, t h is yea r’s ca n ned food d r ive, l i ke past food d r ives, was a huge success.
A Tribute to Our Nation’s Sixteenth President Ryan Mattox ‘13, Associate Editor for Entertainment
Can anyone truly appreciate the strain of the presidency? Can we know the power, the will, and at times, the callousness it takes to lead a country as divided by hatred as Civil War America? Abraham Lincoln certainly knew it. Lincoln is not about the battles of the Civil War, at least not the physical ones. Its plot is about the struggle of President
Abraham Lincoln in passing the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would at last bring liberty to the slaves of the United States. Master actor Daniel Day Lewis is no stranger to the late Nineteenth Century. His landmark performances include Gangs of New York and There Will Be Blood. The feelings of separation permeate Lincoln in every aspect. The political division regarding slavery’s prohibition takes center stage along with the increasing division Lincoln himself faces from his own family. Lewis portrays a leader seeking resolution as well as a father seeking to do right by his children, two impossible tasks by themselves. As the war and debate rage, Lincoln and his cabinet seek out any way to acquire the necessary votes to pass the amendment and finally answer the question, “Should all men be inherently free?”
Lincoln calls to mind the current climate of our own partisan government. As one watches two parties that are supposed to work together become increasingly divided, it should humble many people with stonewall party beliefs, whether Democrat or Republican. The war is hinted at with scenes of battlefield gore. It’s the horrors of these battles that remind us of the extent to which hatred and division can grow. It embodies the words Lincoln once said, “We are not enemies, but friends…” The number of actors that nearly steal the show is almost as long the cast list itself. Tommy Lee Jones (Men in Black) plays the ardent Republican Thaddeus Stevens. Lincoln’s embattled Secretary of State, William Seward, is played by David Strathhairn (Good Night and Good Luck). Finally, Sally Field (Mrs. Doubtfire) plays the wife and first lady, Mary Todd Lincoln.
Mathletes Reborn Shyamal Patel ‘16
This year, Mr. Charles Hollowell has made some exciting changes to the Devon Math Circle, formerly known as the Devon Mathletes. The Devon Math Circle has begun preparation for the American Mathematics Competition (AMC) and Project Euler. “These changes will really help the Math Circle reach a whole new level,” said one member of the Math Circle. Each new facet of the club focuses on a different aspect of mathematics. In Project Euler, students learn how to program and then use this knowledge to solve mathematics problems. This not only teaches students programming, but it also allows them to use their math skills in a very practical way. While some students are programming, others are using pencils and paper to prepare for the American Mathematics Competition. In this competition, students solve challenging problems and compete against other student mathematicians across the country. Those with high scores will proceed to the next competition, the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME). Although the club has undergone many changes, the original Mathletes competition still remains. In the Mathletes competition, Devon Prep students learn new mathematical concepts and compete against other schools across the county. This allows club members to both mingle with students from other schools and to see how they stack up against the competition. With all of these new additions, the Devon Math Circle is looking better than ever. Students participating in the Math Circle will not only learn mathematics, but will learn to enjoy it. Hopefully, the Math Circle will continue to grow and expand throughout its years at Devon Prep.
Sunny Senior Sojourn Jake Kampman ‘13
After a grueling two months of college applications, the senior class took a much-deserved break in early November for their class trip to Naples, Florida. The trip is a beloved tradition and highlight of many senior years past, and this year was no exception. A change from the usual “wandering and wondering” of underclassmen trips, the Class of 2013 spent the five days enjoying the seventyfive degree days on the beach by playing volleyball, getting a tan, drinking fresh milk out of coconuts, or simply taking naps. However, the beach was not the only part of the trip. In addition to an air boat tour of the Everglades, groups of students chose to shake up the schedule by going golfing and fishing. Senior Kevin Fulmer summed up the trip quite nicely: “It was an awesome time of bonding with the bros. We had great weather and good times relaxing on the beach and playing volleyball.”
I Can’t Hear You... SpeakUp!
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Kevin Fulmer ‘13, Associate Editor for Interviews & Polls
On January 24, something extraordinary will happen. Parents will have an easier time communicating with their sons and daughters. Kids will respect their parents and realize the reasoning behind their parents’ logic. W hat magical miracle is taking place on January 24? SpeakUp! will be taking place, and will hopefully have the same impact that it generates every year. So what exactly is SpeakUp!? Kevin Fulmer ‘13 at a meeting of the leadership SpeakUp! is a non-profit event that puts team for SpeakUp! teens and adults in a room together to talk about everyday problems. These Nature’s Finest topics can range any where from college Kevin Fulmer ‘13, Associate Editor for Interviews & application stress to understanding how Polls depression affects a teenager. What has Devon’s eco-friendly club SpeakUp! is successful in opening a been up to lately? A look in any one of the dialogue between parents and teens that classrooms will give you the answer, or at least helps each see life from the perspective of part of it. Blue bins are strategically placed the other, encouraging teamwork to solve in classrooms to collect paper recyclables. future problems. SpeakUp! was founded Every week, members of the Environmental by Martie Gillin after her son passed Society make their rounds and gather every away after battling HIV/AIDS. She sought scrap of paper in sight. While this routine to continue his battle by reaching out to procedure is important, the Environmental youth in hopes of stopping bad habits at Society has bigger goals. the source. Due to her efforts, 150,000 The Environmental Society is a new urban and suburban youth, educators, addition to Devon, but has been productive and parents at over 250 schools and since its inception. Last year the club was community organizations have had a able to plant over twenty-five trees, spruce helping hand extended to them. up Devon, and educate Devon students and Currently, a squad of Notre Dame faculty about the dangers of pollution. Justin Academy, Malvern Preparatory School, Barker ’13, president of the club, laid out his Villa Maria Academy, and Devon ambitions for the remainder of the year. Preparatory School students composes “We are looking to expand this movement the leadership team. By meeting every to restore and protect the environment, and month, they are working to plan the one of the most basic ways to accomplish event so that the maximum effect is this is to plant trees. So we want to do that, achieved. SpeakUp! attempts to enable but we also want to be more creative so each youth to make positive life choices as week we are brainstorming to come up with they navigate the journey to become new ideas. Earth day is a long ways away but happy, confident adults. Even if there that is the height of our movement so we are seem to be no tensions in existence at planning to capitalize on that opportunity.” your home or school, this event is highly Mr. Roger Mecouch, the club’s moderator, recommended. All who go can benefit in has a background rooted in nature. The some way or another. So if you think your teacher of the Advanced Placement communication at home or at school Environmental Science class at Devon, he could improve…SpeakUp! explains the interworkings of nature every Scholars Shine day. When asked about the Environmental Society, he replied, “It’s a great club. It Michael Tolvaisa ‘13, Deputy Editor-in-Chief teaches students the importance of our This year, four Devon Prep seniors, environment, and demonstrates the effects that our seemingly routine actions have Paul Johnson ’13, Thomas Seykora ’13, on it.” The possibilities are endless as to Rafael Suero ’13, and Michael Tolvaisa, what we can do for the environment, and were recognized for their outstanding the Environmental Society is hard at work performance on the Preliminary SAT and were named Commended Students discovering them. by the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program. The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition for recognition and scholarships; each year, over 1.5 million students in over 22,000 American high schools enter the program by taking the Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Of these students, only 50,000 are recognized as high scorers; these four Devon students ranked among just 34,000 who were recognized as Commended Students. Devon congratulates these The seniors enjoying a game of volleyball young men on their achievement.
Behind the Scenes
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Rafael Suero ‘13, Assistant Photography Editor
T h i s ye a r, t he De v on P rep s pr i ng mu s ic a l i s T h e S c arl e t P imp e r n e l . T he ac tor s a nd ac t re s s e s w i l l probabl y b e g lor i f ie d for t he pro duc t ion . How e ver, t here i s a n u n s e en forc e t h at w ork s i n t he d a rk to m a k e t he w hole pro duc t ion pos s ible, w it hout w h ic h none of t he De v on pro duc t ion s c ou ld h ave e ver be en pos s ible. T he s e pe ople w ho w ork i n t he d a rk to m a k e t he pe ople on s t a ge s h i ne a re, of c ou r s e, St a ge C re w. T he y w ork long , t h a n k le s s hou r s to bu i ld t he s et on w h ic h t he produc t ion w i l l t a k e pl ac e. T he y s t a r t w ork muc h e a rl ier t h a n t he ac tor s a nd ac t re s s e s, a s t he y h ave a l re ad y s t a r te d to s et t hei r pl a n s i n mot ion . T h e S c arl e t P imp e r n e l re qu i re s a
plet hor a of c omple x proje c t s to be properl y done. T he mos t c omple x of t he s e i s t he tower i ng g u i l lot i ne t h at t he te a m s mu s t bu i ld . T he s e u n s u ng heroe s w i l l a l s o bu i ld a pr i s on, a l ibr a r y, a boat , a nd m a ny ot her pie c e s a nd props. Not on l y do t he y s t r i ve to bu i ld t he s e t h i ng s a s qu ic k l y a nd s t rong l y a s pos s ible, but t he y mu s t a l s o m i n i m i z e c os t s, re c yc l i ng m ater i a l s f rom pre v iou s ye a r s a nd c om i ng up w it h i ngen iou s w ay s to re duc e m ater i a l s u s e d . O nc e a l l of t he bu i ld i ng i s c omplete, t here i s s t i l l muc h w ork to be done. A l l of t he c on s t r uc t ion s mu s t be pa i nte d to go on s t a ge. T h i s mu s t be done w it h ver y s te ad y a nd pre c i s e h a nd s. It i s a n a rduou s t a s k t h at t a k e s
up a n i m men s e a mou nt of t i me. T he y mu s t pa y at tent ion to e ver y det a i l, en s u r i ng t h at t here i s not a s mudge of pa i nt out of pl ac e. A nd w hen a l l of t he c on s t r uc t ion i s f i n i s he d a nd e ver y t h i ng i s pa i nte d, s t i l l mu s t t he y t r udge on . St a ge C re w i s a l s o i n c h a r ge of mov i ng t he s et onc e it i s on s t a ge. T he y pr ac t ic e long hou r s w it h t he ac tor s a nd ac t re s s e s to m a k e s u re t h at St a ge C re w memb er s move u n s e en, l iter a l l y s et t i ng t he s t a ge for t hos e ac t i ng a nd t hos e w atc h i ng. T he y w ork i n t he s h adow s s o t h at t he pro duc t ion s c a n b e w h at t he y a re. No doubt t h i s ye a r ’s pro duc t ion w i l l b e a not her huge s uc c e s s due i n pa r t to t he h a rd-w ork i ng St a ge C re w.
Being Prepared
A Christmas Spectacular
Matthew McDevitt ‘14
Mitchell Young ‘17
The Boy Scouts of A merica is a nonprof it organizat ion which helps young men learn dedicat ion and leadership sk ills. The Boy Scouts of A merica is t he largest yout h-led organizat ion in t he United States, created to help young men become better cit izens and selfreliant young adults. The prog ram was founded on Februar y 8, 1910 and is st ill t hriv ing, w it h over 2.5 million members in t he United States alone. Boys can join t he Boy Scouts of A merica star t ing at t he age of ten; t he program develops t heir characters and inst ills such values as loyalt y, helpf ulness, and organizat ion. Many Devon Prep students and alumni have made t heir way t hrough t he ranks and even achieved t he rank of Eagle Scout.
This prest ig ious award is g iven only to scouts who are capable of show ing t he qualit ies of a t rue leader. To earn t he t it le of Eagle Scout, one must be dedicated and go t hrough years of preparat ion, including acquiring basic scout sk ills such as f irst aid and w ilderness sur v ival. The prog ram allows k ids to start from a young age and develop sk ills t hat w ill assist t hem t hroughout life. Scout ing also g ives k ids a chance to ex perience leadership f irst hand and ult imately become leaders t hemselves. Many Devon students have gone t hrough local scout t roops — such as Paoli 1, Devon 50 and Willistow n 78 — to achieve t his rank. Scout ing teaches important lessons t hat last a lifet ime.
Middle Schoolers Honored in Candlelight Ceremony Antonio Muscarella ‘13, Editor-in-Chief
Twent y m idd le school st udents were i nducted i nto t he Devon Prep Chapter of t he Nat iona l Ju n ior Honor Societ y (NJHS) on November 28 at 7 p.m. T he Nat iona l Ju n ior Honor Societ y was fou nded i n 1929 a nd honors st udents who have demonst rated excel lence i n t he a reas of schola rsh ip, leadersh ip, cha racter, ser v ice, a nd cit i zensh ip. Cer ta i n ly t he t went y i nductees su r pass even t he h ig h sta nda rds of t he honor societ y. Cu r rent eig ht h g rade NJHS members conducted t he ceremony a nd Mr. Ba r r y Bra zu nas, t he Midd le School Di rector, made open i ng a nd closi ng rema rk s. T he ceremony enta i led a read i ng of t he NJHS creed, a ca nd lel ig ht i ng ceremony, a rol l ca l l of new members, t he awa rd i ng of cer t i f icates to new members, a nd t he sig n i ng of t he reg ist r y by new members. T he new i nductees a re eig ht h g raders Dav id Ha r uch, Kev i n Hol mes, Bra ndon Smoot, a nd Jack Wag ner; a nd sevent h g raders T homas Brower, Just i n
Cha mbers, Michael Hi n ke, Kyle Husa r, Ja m ie Lorg us, Brenda n McGrat h, A k u l Na i k, Mat t hew O’Br ien, Jacob T homas Pabia, Michael Piet ra f it ta, Ch r istopher Ru fo, Pa r is Shuster fa l lou, Mat t hew Si racusa, Stephen Sm it h, Jacob Snyder, a nd Aug ust i n T hompson. Devon Prep cong rat u lates t hese st udents on t hei r i mpressive ach ievements.
O n Mo n d a y, D e c e m b e r 3 , t h e e i g h t h g raders went on a f ield t r ip to New Yo r k C i t y. O n t h e t r i p , t h e y v i s i t e d va r ious musica l loca les a nd even enjoyed a d i n ner where t hey were serenaded by aspi r i ng per for mers. M r. B a r r y B r a z u n a s , M r. P a t Na t t l e , M r. L a r r y I e z z i , a n d D r. Va l e n t i n Radu ser ved as t he chaperones for t h e t r i p. D r. R a d u a l s o s e r v e d a s t he musica l tou r g u ide du r i ng t h is advent u re. T he f i rst pa r t of t he t r ip was a tou r of t he L i ncol n Center for t he Per for m i ng A r t s, where t he eig ht h g raders were able to sit i n on a rehea rsa l of t he oldest orchest ra i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s , t h e N e w Yo r k Ph i l ha r mon ic Orchest ra, wh ich was fou nded i n 184 2. T hey were a lso able to see pa r t of a rehea rsa l of Les Tr o y e n s , a p l a y a b o u t t h e Tr o j a n Wa r, a t t h e M e t r o p o l i t a n O p e r a Ho u s e . A f ter wa rds, t he st udents saw t he Ch r ist mas Spec tacu la r at Rad io C i t y Mu s i c H a l l . I n a d d i t i o n t o t h e Rocket tes, t he show a lso i ncluded a n entou rage of da nci ng Sa ntas. For ma ny st udent s, t h is w as t he h i g h l i g h t o f t h e t r i p. C o n n o r R y a n ‘17 s a i d , “ I t w a s v e r y g o o d . T h e y w e r e v e r y w e l l s y n c h r o n i z e d .” N e x t , t h e s t u d e n t s w e n t t o E l l e n’s S t a r d u s t D i n e r f o r d i n n e r. A t t h i s u n ique restau ra nt, t he wa iters a nd wa it resses si ng songs for t he customers. T he ser vers a re people w h o w a n t t o p e r f o r m o n B r o a d w a y, b u t d i d n o t m a k e i t r i g h t a w a y. T h e y c o n t i n u e t o p r a c t i c e e v e r y d a y, hopi ng one day to get t hei r brea k . F i n a l l y, t h e s t u d e n t s w e n t t o t h e A p p l e S t o r e a n d FAO S c h w a r z t o go shoppi ng a nd wa l k a rou nd t he stores. T hey had roug h ly t h i r t y m i nutes to go ex plore t he t wo stores. O vera l l, t he eig ht h g raders had a f u n a nd excit i ng t i me du r i ng t hei r t r i p t o N e w Yo r k .
Dialogue Profiles
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This year, Devon Prep welcomes new faculty members Mr. Patrick Kane, Ms. Melissa Browne, Mr. Dave Evans ‘08, and Ms. Michelle Tedeschi. Mr. Kane, Ms. Browne, and Mr. Evans were featured in our previous isssue. This issue, Dialogue writers interviewed Ms. Tedeschi, Devon Prep’s new music teacher.
Making Music Michael LaBella ‘13
A s huge f a n s of mu sic , my f r iend T i m C rowe ’1 3 a nd I
enjoye d t he oppor t u n it y to i nter v ie w De v on P rep’s ne w gener a l mu sic te acher, M s . M ichel le Te de s ch i . We h ad a ch a nc e to a sk her a l it t le bit ab out her s el f a nd w h at she t houg ht of her f i r st s eme ster at De von P rep.
Mik e L a B e ll a (M L): How di d you f irst h e ar about D evon P re p? M s. M ic hel le Te de s c h i (M T): I f i r s t he a rd about De von P rep t h roug h my job w it h Nor t he a s ter n Mu s ic P rog r a m s. M L: You t e a c h mu si c h e re on We dn e s d a ys . W h at d o you d o wh en you’re n ot t e a c hing at D e von? M T: I w ork i n fou r s c ho ol s. I te ac h ba nd i n t h re e, a nd gener a l mu s ic here. I a l s o te ac h i n E x ton, We s t C he s ter, a nd Ne w C a s t le, Del aw a re. M L: W h at i s your favor it e mu si c topi c to t e a c h? M T: Mu s ic t he or y, h a nd s dow n . M L: In th e p a st s em e st e r, wh at qu alit i e s h ave you s e en in D e von th at you re all y lik e? M T: E ver y b od y i s e x t remel y re spe c t f u l a nd ver y re s pon s ible. T here’s a re a l l y go od g roup of k id s here. M L: T h ank you , we d o our b e st . W h at i s your favor it e in st r um ent , eith e r to pl a y or to t e a c h? M T: I l i k e pl a y i ng a nd te ac h i ng f lute, be c au s e t h at ’s w h at I pl a ye d i n fou r t h g r ade. T h at ’s w h at I s t a r te d w it h . M L: Any favor it e h obbi e s b e si d e s mu si c? M T: H m m, t hat ’s a t r ic k y one…I l i ke c ook i ng. I love c ook i ng s oup; I c ou ld h ave s oup e ver yd ay. For bre a k f a s t , I l i k e m a k i ng omelet s. M L: I l ove om e l e t s ! Tim Crowe (T C): Eg gs are goo d . M L: W h at i s your favor it e g enre of mu si c? M T: A lter n at i ve. Def i n itel y mo der n d ay a lter n at i ve. M L: Qui c k , wh at are your top f ive b an d s? M T: Oh b oy, t h i s i s a h a rd que s t ion . I re a l l y h ave to t h i n k ab out t h i s. ( pau s e) I l i k e t he Be at le s, t he y ’re i n my top. A nd t hen I l i k e a lot of moder n d ay one s. I l i k e Ben Gibba rd’s s olo a lbu m . I l i k e Pa s s ion P it . M L: Tim went to th eir c on c e r t n ot e ven a we e k ago! M T: I love E l l ie G ou ld i ng ; I’m goi ng to s e e her. Grouplove i s a l s o pret t y go o d . T C: I s aw th em . M T: You s aw t hem to o? T he y ’re re a l l y good . I l i k e c u r rent mu s ic , a ny t h i ng ne w. We a l w ay s h ave mu s ic f rom t he pa s t ; you c a n a l w ay s pic k t h at up a nd l i s ten to it , but t h i s i s t he s t u f f t h at ’s h appen i ng r ig ht now. But I prefer a lter n at i ve, not pop. M L: T h at ’s awe s om e; we c oul d n ot ag re e m ore . We w ent on to d i s c u s s M s. Te de s c h i’s k n ac k for w i n n i ng t ic k et c onte s t s. She h a s re c ent l y s e en T he Bl ac k
Ke y s l i ve at t he Su s queh a n n a Ba n k C enter a nd Met r ic at t he Un ion Tr a n s fer C enter. T i m a nd I w ere ple a s a nt l y s u r pr i s e d to f i nd t h at ou r mu s ic te ac her h ad muc h of t he s a me t a s te i n mu s ic a s w e do. It w a s a ver y i ntere s t i ng a nd lovel y i nter v ie w, a nd w e w ere ver y h app y to get to k now M s. Te de s c h i b et ter.
Upcoming Events December 18 - Dress Down Day December 19 - Christmas vacation begins December 24 - Christmas Eve Mass 9:00 p.m. January 3 - Classes resume January 9, 10, & 11 - Mid-Term Exams (11:50 a.m. dismissal) January 11 - Second Quarter and First Semester end January 15 - ACT Meet at Lionville with Downingtown January 18 - Eighth Grade Pizza Party 7-9 p.m. January 21 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No classes) January 22 - Report card distribution begins January 24 - SpeakUp! 7 p.m. January 25 - Rally and March for Life in Washington, DC January 31 - Dress Down Day February 1 - Middle School Dance 7-10 p.m. February 4 - ACT Semi-Finals February 5 - Junior College Guidance Night February 9 - Battle of the Bands 7:30-10:30 p.m. February 13 - Ash Wednesday February 18 - Presidents’ Day (No classes) February 22 - Middle School Up for a Cause February 28 - Dress Down Day
6
Fighting the Freeze
Dialogue Sports
Soccer’s High Tide
Sean Bevan ‘14
T h r ou g h t he f re e z i ng r a i n t he y r ac e, t h r ou g h t he s now t he y s t r ide, a nd t h r ou g h t he c old of w i nt er t he y c omp e t e. T he w i nt er t r ac k t e a m h a s b e en t r a i n i n g h a rd i n t he c old w e at her for t hei r f i r s t me et i n Ja nu a r y. L e d b y t hei r ne w he ad c oac h M r. Dav e E v a n s ’0 8, a v e t er a n of t he w i nt er t r ac k t e a m, a nd t e a m c apt a i n s Tom S e y kor a ’1 3 a nd Ja me s O’She a ’1 4 , t he t e a m i s w ork i n g h a rd a nd g a i n i ng moment u m w it h e v er y m i le. T h i s s e a s on s hou ld b e a g re at one, a nd t he w i nt er t r ac k t e a m i s hopi n g for t he b e s t . I f y ou a re lo ok i ng for a t r ue c h a l len ge t h i s w i nt er, t he w i nt er t r ac k t e a m i s w here y ou s hou ld b e. For more i n for m at ion ab out joi n i n g t he w i nt er or s pr i ng t r ac k t e a m s, s e e Tom S e y kor a or M r. E v a n s .
Michael McKenna ‘14
The 2012 season was another successful campaign for the Tide. The varsity team won the Bicentennial League President’s Division under Coach Jeff Jewitt, 2012 President’s Division Coach of the Year. The team had strong performances all year by league first team seniors Dan Fletcher, Ryan Shannon, Justin Wright, and Luka Zacharczuk. Key offensive contributions were made by second team sophomore Andrew Shannon, who lead the team in goals, and Justin Barker ’13, whose late second half goal tied the BAL Constitution Division’s champion, Faith Christian. The Tide clinched the President’s Division with a 2-1 victory over Church Farm on October 9 with two goals from striker Luka Zacharczuk. Seniors displayed tremendous leadership this year with Ryan Shannon leading the team in assists, Justin Wright, Michael McCarthy ’13, and Justin Hayden ’13 anchoring a tough defense, and Dan Fletcher,
who recorded six shutouts all in league play, in goal. The defense would have been incomplete, however, without Matt Sidor ’14, who assumed the sweeper position two weeks into the season. The strong regular season rewarded the Tide with a fourth seed in the A district playoffs where they ultimately lost in heartbreaking fashion to a Plumstead Christian team they had beaten only a week before. The Tide fell behind early in the match but were uplifted by Matt Bevilacqua ’16, who hit the post from twenty five yards out and followed the rebound with a strike inside the far post with his left foot. The game went to sudden death overtime in which the Tide fell 2-1. The varsity soccer team looks to build off this season’s success with returning players Drew Brekus ’14, Eric Toddy ’14, and Tanner Daggett ’16 next year. Overall, it was a great season.
Devon Prep’s Varsity Soccer Team proudly posing for a photo after a great season. From left to right: Daniel Fletcher ‘13, Ryan Shannon ‘13, Luka Zacharczuk ‘13, Justin Wright ‘13, Coach Jeffrey Jewitt, Michael McKenna ‘14, Andrew Shannon ‘15
Basketball Tide Rolls In Patrick Kinsella ‘13
It’s finally here. The 2012-2013 Devon Prep varsity basketball season began on December 7 at the Radnor Tournament against Episcopal Academy. Much of the student body has been waiting for the season to arrive since the end of the soccer season. This year is looking promising because Devon has strong senior leadership under John Kane, Ian McConnell, Mike Giampietro, and Matt DiDonato. In the first two scrimmages, Devon swept Unionville and Faith Christian Academy. The junior class has a wide range of talent available with the likes of Chris Bauers, C.J Kohlbrenner, Mike McKenna, Matt McSurdy, and Matt Sidor. Many people surrounding the program are optimistic about the season. Devon Prep Athletic Director Mark Aquilante ’94 and Pit Captain Justin Wright ’13 sat down for an interview about the upcoming season. Mr. Aquilante said he expects to have a good
crowd for all of the home games and some of the away games. There will be a strong upperclassmen turnout, and hopefully a strong underclassmen turnout.” He went on to say that underclassmen can get rides to away games from seniors. This year’s schedule may prove to be tough, but it can be assured that Devon welcomes the challenge. Center Ian McConnell ’13 and forward John Kane ’13 sat down for an interview and discussed the team’s strengths. John Kane said “Our best team characteristic is our chemistry.” Another season and that Devon will win the district strength that can be noted is the outstanding championship. He went on to say that he all-around defense that Devon plays. This can was interested to see how the current group be attributed to the dedication of the Head of players would go on to play against tough Coach Bill Frio, Assistant Coach Matt White, teams such as Episcopal Academy, Church and Assistant Coach Daniel Massimini. They Farm School, and Holy Ghost Prep. Justin have truly elevated the team through their Wright, after being asked about the pit coaching and leadership. One thing that is for attendance for the games, said “I expect a big sure is that this season will be exciting.
Dialogue Editorials
7
The Rights of People in Contemporary Society
Tolvaisa’s Corner
Andrew Bright ‘14
Michael Tolvaisa ‘13, Deputy Editor-in-Chief
I n 19 4 1, a f a s c i s t gov er n ment i n G er m a ny a nd a n i mp er i a l gov er n ment i n Japa n w ere w a g i ng tot a l w a r a g a i n s t t he w orld . I n t he s a me ye a r F r a n k l i n D el a no Ro os e v elt rem i nde d u s, i n a b old St at e of t he Un ion A dd re s s, t h at it i s up to u s to defend ou r f re e dom s a nd t he f re e dom s of ot her s . T he fou r f re e dom s he out l i ne d — t he f re e dom of s p e e c h a nd e x pre s s ion, t he f re e dom of w or s h ip, t he f re e dom f r om w a nt , a nd t he f re e dom f rom fe a r — w ere t he re a s on A mer ic a l at er b e c a me i nv ol v e d . A fe w mont h s a f t er t he
t he I s r ael i m i l it a r y, for m a l l y k now n a s t he I s r ael i Defen s e Forc e, h a s u s e d m i l it a r y forc e a nd propa g a nd a to oppre s s t he Pa le s t i n i a n p e ople. I s r ael h a s at t ac k e d Ga z a’s c i v i l i a n i n f r a s t r uc t u re u nder t he g u i s e of “defen s e,” de s pit e t he f ac t t h at I s r ael w a s t he one w ho to ok l a nd f rom t he Pa le s t i n i a n p e ople a nd o c c upie d it m i l it a r i l y i n 19 47. For t he mos t pa r t , w e s t er n s o c iet y h a s t u r ne d it s he ad w hene v er t here i s ne w s of at ro c it ie s, oppre s s ion, a nd c en s or s h ip i n ot her pa r t s of t he
Hostilities have intensified in the Middle East, leading to an eruption of violence and tragedy.
s p e e c h, Nor m a n Ro c k w el l i n s c r ib e d t he s e f re e dom s i nto a m a s t er pie c e of t he Tw ent ie t h C ent u r y. He i m mor t a l i z e d t hem a s s y mb ol of hu m a n it y at a t i me w hen t he w orld w a s bl i nde d b y h at re d, av a r ic e, a nd ig nor a nc e. Ju s t a g l i mps e of T h e Four F re e d om s b y Ro c k w el l w i l l rem i nd u s t h at t he s e fou r f re e dom s w i l l s h i ne on lon g a f t er w e a re gone, long a f t er ou r w ord s h av e b e en s p ok en a nd for got t en, a nd long a f t er ou r w a r s h av e b e en foug ht a nd ou r t e a r s h av e b e en s he d . T he y h av e b e c ome a t e s t a ment of ou r c i v i l i z at ion . S e v ent y- one years l at er a nd p e ople s’ f re e dom s a re s t i l l b ei ng i n f r i n ge d up on b y gov er n ment s . I n S y r i a, Ba s h a r a l-A s s ad h a s u s e d c en s or s h ip to depr i v e t he S y r i a n s of t hei r f re e dom of e x pre s s ion a nd m i l it a r y forc e to oppre s s a ny b o d y t h at c h a l len ge s t he aut hor it y of h i s t w el v e y e a r re g i me. T he S y r i a n reb el s h av e s t r u g g le d to f ig ht bac k , de s pit e a l ac k of me d ic a l s uppl ie s, mu n it ion s, a nd ot her ne c e s s it ie s . O n t he Ga z a St r ip,
w orld . A s s ad’s t ro op s h av e fou g ht i nd i s c r i m i n at el y, w ou nd i ng c h i ld ren, w omen, a nd i n no c ent p e ople e v er y d a y for t he pa s t t w o ye a r s; Pa le s t i ne h a s b e en depr i v e d of re c og n it ion a s a n at ion — a s a p e ople — b y I s r ael . C ou nt le s s ot her c ou nt r ie s h av e c en s ore d, mu rdere d, depr i v e d, a nd tor t u re d t hei r p e ople. How e v er, t he s e a re s eldom t a l k e d ab out . It h a s b e c ome i nc onv en ient i n ou r mo der n s o c iet y to d i s c u s s t he r ig ht s of ot her s . It i s t i me t h at w e, a s fel low hu m a n s of t h i s pl a net , defend t he r ig ht s of ot her hu m a n s . T h i s m a y b e i nc onv en ient to s ome, e v en heret ic a l to ot her s, but it i s a pr ic e w e mu s t pa y to c o e x i s t i n t h i s w orld . I f w e a re not able to defend t he r ig ht s of ot her s, how w i l l b e able to defend t he r ig ht s of ou r s el v e s? I n t he end, it i s up to u s, t he ne x t gener at ion, to de c ide w het her or not w e w i l l pa s s on a b et t er w orld to ou r c h i ld ren t h a n t he one t h at h a s b e en lef t to u s . To bu i ld t h i s w orld for tomor row, w e mu s t b e g i n to d a y.
Take just one step outside, and you’ll be able to tell that it’s that time of year again. The weather has grow n cold, and there has even been some snow fall right here in Devon. Lights and decorations hang outside many homes, and inside each stands a glorious evergreen. And of course, people are out at the stores, hoping to find that gift for their special someone. Yes, in the words of Bing Crosby, it really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. In this day and age, it’s easy to get caught up in the commercial idea of Christmas, w ith its emphasis on the importance of expensive gifts and colorful decorations and tall trees. But Christmas isn’t about presents, or lights, or decorations, or Christmas trees, or snow. Christmas is about family. Christmas is about getting together w ith relatives, no matter where they live, to spend time w ith the people you love. Indeed, at its heart, Christmas is about love. On Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Christ, who loved us so much that He died for our salvation. We celebrate Christ’s great love by spreading that love ourselves, bringing food to the hungr y and drink to the thirst y; clothing the cold and sheltering the homeless; and bringing hope to the hearts of the hopeless. We extend a helping hand to anyone who w ill grasp it, just as Christ has done for us. Love is the true spirit of Christmas. But the end of the Christmas season does not have to mean the end of the season of love. Ever y day we must continue helping those who need help, living as Christ lived. We must never forget the poor man living on the streets, just as we must never forget the rich man sitting at his fireplace, should their time of need ever come. We must never turn our back on our neighbor. This is not our dut y as Catholics, nor out dut y as Christians; this is our dut y as humans. Yes, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, just as it does this time ever y year. Next, let’s make it feel like Christmas — a season of love, family, and friendship — ever y day. As humans, this is something we must do.
8
A Season of Traditions Antonio Muscarella ‘13, Editor-in-Chief
W it h t he advent of t he Ch r ist mas season, A mer ica ns a re rem i nded of t hei r t rad it ions a nd fa m i ly va lues, w h e t h e r t h e y b e t h e u s u a l g a t h e r i n g a t a f a m i l y m e m b e r ’s house for d i n ner or t he t h r i l l a nd excitement of a cr isp December day ca ref u l ly selec t i ng a Ch r ist mas t ree. It is too easy to become swept up i n t he consu mer ism of Ch r ist mas a nd forget what t he rea l mea n i ng of t he season is. T he rea l spi r it of Ch r ist mas is celebrat i ng t he bi r t h of ou r L ord, Jesus Ch r ist. Et h n ic t rad it ions du r i ng t he hol iday season a lso of fer us a n oppor t u n it y to lea r n more about ot her cu lt u res. W het her it is t he Ita l ia n t rad it ion of t he “Seven Fishes” o n C h r i s t m a s E v e o r t h e P o s a d a s (r e e n a c t m e n t s o f t h e s t o r y o f J o s e p h a n d M a r y s e e k i n g s h e l t e r i n B e t h l e h e m) com mon i n Mex ico, t he u n ique hol iday t rad it ions a rou nd t he world present a n oppor t u n it y to foster tolera nce. By lea r n i ng more about t he t rad it ions of ot her cu lt u res, we w i l l bet ter appreciate t hem a nd we w i l l l e a r n t o r e s p e c t e a c h o t h e r.
t he a n nua l celebrat ion of t he bi r t h of Ch r ist. Jesus hu mbled H i msel f to sha re i n ou r hu ma n it y so t hat we m ig ht be saved. W it hout t h is, we wou ld be forever i n t h e g r i p o f s i n a n d w e w o u l d n e v e r k n o w G o d ’s s a v i n g p o w e r. T h e b i r t h o f C h r i s t i s t h e u l t i m a t e g i f t , f a r g reater t ha n a ny present you ca n open on Ch r ist mas mor n i ng. Devon Prep has t rad it ions of its ow n du r i ng t h is h o l i d a y s e a s o n , i n k e e p i n g w i t h D e v o n P r e p ’s C a t h o l i c va lues. T he a n nua l C A P Ca n ned Food Dr ive prov ides T ha n k sg iv ing mea ls to fa m i lies in need, a nd t he a n nua l Gi f t Dr ive ma kes t he Ch r ist mas season specia l f o r t h o s e l e s s f o r t u n a t e . E a c h y e a r, D e v o n P r e p h o l d s a specia l Ch r ist mas Eve Mass for t he Devon Prep c o m m u n i t y. T h e s e t r a d i t i o n s a r e p a r t o f t h e “ D e v o n Di f ference” a nd ma ke Devon Prep a specia l fa m i ly of st udents, teachers, pa rents, sta f f, a nd a lu m n i t hat u n ite i n one com mu n it y i n Ch r ist. A s y o u g a t h e r a t a f a m i l y m e m b e r ’s h o u s e o r e a g e r l y tea r open presents on Ch r ist mas mor n i ng, ref lect on t he t r ue mea n i ng of Ch r ist mas: t he l ig ht of Ch r ist g iven to us as a mea ns of sa lvat ion.
The Mexican tradition of Las Posadas is just one of the many Christmas traditions celebrated throughout the world.
Tr a d i t i o n i s a n i n t e g r a l p a r t o f o u r w o r l d . C h r i s t m a s of fers us a t i me to ref lect on t h is fact. T he Ch r ist mas season is a t i me of g iv i ng a nd a t i me of sha r i ng, a nd sha r i ng t rad it ions br i ngs fa m i l ies toget her a nd ca n h e l p f a m i l i e s g r o w. A d d i t i o n a l l y, b y l e a r n i n g a b o u t t he t rad it ions of ot her people, we ca n spread tolera nce t h roug hout t he world a nd t he Ch r ist ia n world w i l l g row spi r it ua l ly as one body i n Ch r ist. Ch r ist mas, of cou rse, celebrates t he bi r t h of ou r L ord, Jesus Ch r ist a nd t he my ster y of t he I nca r nat ion. We h e r a l d t h e a r r i v a l o f C h r i s t m a s t h r o u g h C h r i s t m a s t rees, outdoor decorat ions, shoppi ng sprees, a nd ot her t r a d i t i o n s , b u t t h e h e a r t o f C h r i s t m a s i s G o d ’s g i f t o f H is on ly Son, Jesus Ch r ist. Ch r ist mas t hen becomes a t i m e o f g i f t- g i v i n g a n d s e l f - d o n a t i o n . W h i l e m a n y people focus on receiv i ng g i f ts, Ch r ist mas is i n rea l it y a t i me of g iv i ng. In t he words of St. Fra ncis of A ssisi, “ F o r i t i s i n g i v i n g t h a t w e r e c e i v e .” I n keepi ng w it h t he C h r i st ma s t heme of sel fg iv i ng a nd sel f lessness, Elea nor Roosevelt once s a id, “Happi nes s i s not a goa l, it i s a b y-produc t . P a r a d o x i c a l l y, t h e o n e s u r e w a y n o t t o b e h a p p y i s del iberately to map out a way of l i fe i n wh ich one w o u l d p l e a s e o n e s e l f c o m p l e t e l y a n d e x c l u s i v e l y. A f t e r a shor t t i me, a ver y shor t t i me, t here wou ld be l it t le t hat one rea l ly enjoyed. For what keeps ou r i nterest i n l i fe a nd ma kes us look for wa rd to tomor row is g iv i ng p l e a s u r e t o o t h e r p e o p l e .” We e a s i l y g e t s w e p t u p i n t h e h u s t l e a n d b u s t l e o f da i ly l i fe, a nd Ch r ist mas a f fords us a t i me to stop a nd ref lect on what is t r u ly i mpor ta nt i n l i fe. T he hol iday season g ives us precious t i me to spend w it h ou r relat ives, somet h i ng t hat we shou ld a lways cher ish. T h r o u g h t h e g e t- t o g e t h e r s a n d g a t h e r i n g s o f t h e h o l i d a y s , f a m i l i e s g r o w c l o s e r t o g e t h e r, a n d t r a d i t i o n s a re passed dow n f rom generat ion to generat ion. At t he core of a l l Ch r ist mas t rad it ions is, of cou rse,
Presepe by Giuseppe Sanmartino
Editorial Board
© 2012 Devon Prep
Editor-in-Chief: Antonio Muscarella ’13 Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Michael Tolvaisa ’13 Photography Editor: Timothy Crowe ’13 Faculty Moderator: Mr. Lawrence Theuer Assistant Photography Editor: Rafael Suero ’13 Associate Editor for Entertainment: Ryan Mattox ’13 Associate Editor for News: Patrick Shields ’14 Associate Editor for Editorials: Sean Melvin ’13 Associate Editor for Sports: Ryan Shannon ’13 Associate Editor for Interviews & Polls: Kevin Fulmer ’13 All photos, unless otherwise noted, taken by newspaper staff or Ms. Rose Lombardo, for Devon Preparatory School. Special thanks to Fr. Shea for his tireless assistance and guidance.