The Devon Dialogue
volume vi, issue i | october 2014
Devon Preparatory School
proudly publishing for five decades Reading with a Purpose
The Book Club embraces its new moderator, Mr. George Sheehan. See Page 2
CAP Summer Drive
CAP donates school supplies to those in need. See Page 3
Mr. George Sheehan and Mrs. Tara McKenna The Devon Dialogue interviews the two newest members of our Devon faculty. See Page 7
State Champs! The Baseball team brings home a state championship to Devon! See below.
The Tide Rolls In
Field of Dreams
Graham Alabdulla ’15
Zach Delphais ’16 and Joe Orsatti ’17
O n Aug u s t 2 8, t he De von P rep Pa rent s A s s o c i at ion (DPPA) prepa re d a d ay of f u n, ba rbe c u i ng , a nd a n oppor t u n it y to s o c i a l i z e w it h bot h old a nd ne w f r iend s. It w a s a w a r m s u m mer d a y, t he per fe c t s et t i ng for t he Welc ome Bac k to S c hool P ic n ic . It w a s f i l le d w it h dele c t able h a mbu r ger s a nd hot dog s, g r i l le d b y t he pa rent s of De von P rep, a s w el l a s mout hw ater i ng de s s er t s broug ht b y t he s e vent h a nd n i nt h g r ade s. It w a s a g re at w a y to w elc ome ne w f a m i l ie s a nd s t udent s i nto t he De v on P rep f a m i l y. St udent s h ad t he oppor t u n it y to me et t hei r ne w te ac her s a nd c atc h up w it h t hei r old one s. It w a s a memor able e vent b e c au s e of t he memor ie s m ade a nd t he e x per ienc e s h ad t here. It w a s u ndoubte d l y a f u n, memor able e vent w h ic h c re ate d l a s t i ng memor ie s for ne w a nd ret u r n i ng s t udent s a l i k e.
As you arrive on campus, there is no doubt where the PIAA Class A state championship resides for 2014.
While many people consider Friday the 13th a day of misfortune, this past June it brought nothing but good fortune to Devon Prep’s baseball team. After an hour-long rain delay and nearly nine complete innings the game was still tied, but that all changed in a single moment. After stealing third base, Chris Bauers ’14 immediately saw his opportunity and took it. The ball had been thrown over the third baseman’s head and into left field. He sprinted towards glory, securing Devon Prep’s first state championship in its fifty-eight year history as he dove in to home. After losing the team’s top two pitchers to injury in Zach Schellenger ’14 and Sean Phelan ’15, many people doubted that the team could go back to the state playoffs for a second straight season. They couldn’t have been more wrong. With strong performances on the mound by Pat Rohr ’15, John McSurdy ’16, and CJ Kohlbrenner ’14 and a lineup that could hit from top to bottom, the Tide certainly did start rolling. They rolled right past some of the area’s top teams, such as Conestoga. They rolled right past Calvary Christian in a rematch of last year’s district championship to win their first district title in four years. Finally, they rolled right past the previously undefeated Elk County Catholic in the state final at Penn State University and succeeded in bringing a hard-earned state title back to Devon. Last year was truly a year to remember. Now, we are looking at what could be the most anticipated
season of Devon Prep baseball in the history of the school. The players and coaches who gave us that great memory will take the field next spring under that beautiful banner that reads, “Home of the 2014 PIA A Class A State Champions.” With fourteen returning players from the championship squad, things look promising for back-to-back state titles. The Tide is led by seniors Pat Rohr (pitcher), Dominic Hardaway (catcher), Eric DiPietro (third base), Sean Phelan (first base), and Tyler Klicka (left field) in addition to a strong supporting cast of sophomores and juniors. With many positions left open by the departing of the Class of 2014, coaches Mark Aquilante ’94, Pat Kane, and Tom Graham will look to field the best team that they possibly can and attempt to form another championship team and make sure that the presence of the Tide will be forever felt in Nittany Lion territory. But what was it that set last year’s team apart? Was it the solid pitching performances? Or perhaps it was the near f lawless defense? Or maybe the top-notch first base coaching, or the luck brought by Devon’s secret weapon, Mr. Pat Nattle? Whatever it was, the tight-knit baseball team looks to change Devon’s history books once again. We can look back at last year’s Cinderella story and see the emergence of an everlasting dynasty of dominance over PIA A baseball for years to come. Let’s put our faith in the coaching staff and the team that has already produced a championship win for the record books at Devon Prep.
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Dialogue News Young Men on a Mission James Lucas ’15
L a s t s u m mer, s t udent s f rom De v on P rep joi ne d toget her w it h pa r i s he s a nd yout h g roups f rom a l l over A mer ic a for a f i ve d a y m i s s ion t r ip i n Ma g nol i a, Del aw a re. T h i s w a s t he s e c ond ye a r t h at De v on P rep pa r t ic ipate d i n t he C at hol ic He a r t Work C a mp prog r a m, a nd t he e x per ienc e w a s ju s t a s re w a rd i ng a s t he pre v iou s one. St udent s f rom ac ros s t he c ou nt r y c ombi ne d t hei r t a lent s to a id f a m i l ie s i n ne e d i n t he Ma g nol i a a re a . From pa i nt i ng to c le a n i ng to y a rd w ork , s t udent s s pent t hei r t i me a nd ef for t on m a k i ng l i fe bet ter for t he f a m i l ie s. De v on s t udent A nd re w St au f fer ’1 5 re c ou nte d h i s e x per ienc e: “My g roup helpe d a w om a n w ho c ou ld no longer t a k e c a re of her l a r ge hou s e. I n prepa r at ion for her move, we helpe d her c le a n out her at t ic a nd w e d id s ome muc h ne e de d y a rd w ork .” How e ver, t h i s w e ek w a s not s olel y de d ic ate d to w ork . T he c re w of t he C at hol ic He a r t Work C a mp g u ide d t he s t udent s on a jou r ne y of f a it h,
b e g i n n i ng w it h Ma s s i n t he mor n i ng , a nd c u mu l at i ng e ac h d a y w it h a n e ven i ng prog r a m, w h ic h i nc lude d s k it s, s i ng-a long s, a nd a per io d of me d it at ion a nd ref le c t ion . T h roug h bot h prog r a m s a nd w ork , t he s t udent s were broug ht not on l y c los er to Je s u s, but c los er to e ac h ot her a s w el l . De von ju n ior M ic h ael Nic ol a s ’16 ent hu s i a s t ic a l l y s t ate d, “C at hol ic He a r t Work C a mp w a s a n a m a z i ng e x per ienc e. I met ton s of i ntere s t i ng pe ople a nd h ad a n aw e s ome t i me.” A f ter t he we ek , t he s t udent s ret u r ne d to t hei r home s to c a r r y out s er v ic e i n t hei r ow n c om mu n it ie s, w het her t h roug h s er v ic e or g a n i z at ion s s uc h a s G o o d Work s, or t h roug h s c hool g roups l i k e t he C h r i s t i a n Ac t ion P rog r a m . T he v i r t ue of s er v ic e l i ve s on t h roug h t he s e s t udent s, a nd hopef u l l y ne x t ye a r, t he y w i l l s e e t he ret u r n of m a ny of t hem to C at hol ic Hea r t Work C a mp.
Passing the Torch Rieve Bule ’15, Co-Deputy Editor-in-Chief
T he ne w s c ho ol ye a r h a s broug ht about m a ny c h a nge s w it h i n t he w a l l s of De von P rep. O ne of t he s e c h a nge s w a s t he i nt roduc t ion of t he ne w St udent C ou nc i l . T he ye a rl y s pr i ng ele c t ion y ielde d prom i s i ng re s u lt s, w it h Pat Roh r ’1 5 ele c te d a s pre s ident , Gabe Pa l l a nte ’1 5 a s v ic e pre s ident , a nd A nd re w Daw s on ’1 5 a s t re a s u rer. Pat Roh r h a s be en one of t he mos t i nv ol ve d s t udent s at De von P rep s i nc e f re s h m a n ye a r. W het her it b e le ad i ng t he C h r i s t i a n Ac t ion P rog r a m on ret re at s or or g a n i z i ng De von’s for m a l d a nc e s, he a l w a y s pl ay s a pa r t i n ju s t about e ver y t h i ng. He i s b ou nd to m a k e a n ef fe c t i ve s t udent bo d y pre s ident . Gabe Pa l l a nte h a s t a k en it upon h i m s el f to be c ome t he mos t ver s at i le v ic e pre s ident De von P rep h a s e ver h ad . Hav i ng be en a s oc c er te a m c apt a i n a nd homeroom pre s ident
mu lt iple t i me s over t he ye a r s, he i s t he def i n it ion of a te a m pl ayer. A nd re w Daw s on i s a s de d ic ate d a s t he y c ome a nd he’l l c er t a i n l y be able to c h a nge t he g a me a s he t a k e s over a s t re a s u rer. He h a s be en a f u nd a ment a l pa r t of t he s t a ge c re w for a l l of De von’s mu s ic a l produc t ion s over t he pa s t fou r ye a r s a nd he w i l l s u rel y put t h at k i nd of le ader s h ip abi l it y i nto h i s ne w pos it ion . E ac h h a s s teppe d up to t he c h a l lenge of repre s ent i ng ou r s t udent b od y of De von P rep. A l re ad y t he t h re e h ave b e g u n to m a k e a l a s t i ng i mpre s s ion w it h f re s h ide a s a nd a more h a nd s- on approac h to t he s c ho ol’s pol it ic s. We c a n a l l lo ok for w a rd to s e ei ng t hei r i n nov at i ve pl a n s u n fold i n t he c om i ng s c ho ol yea r.
Bibliophiles Bond Over Books Will Moreno ’15
A f ter a br ief s u m mer h i at u s, Book C lub ret u r ne d t h i s S eptember deter m i ne d to c ont i nue c h a l leng i ng it s member s. T he u n for t u n ate depa r t u re of t he b elove d M s. Pat r ic i a T iehel br ief l y d i s he a r tene d m a ny s t udent s, i nc lud i ng t he s en ior s of t he Book C lub, but t he member s w ere more t h a n h app y to a s k M r. G e or ge She eh a n to over s e e t he d i s c u s s ion s of t he you ng s c hol a r s. W hen pre s ente d w it h t he oppor t u n it y to t a k e t he pro c tor s h ip, M r. She eh a n ent hu s i a s t ic a l l y ac c epte d . Ne w to t he De v on f a m i l y, M r. She eh a n h a s be en w hole-hea r te d l y welc ome d b y t he c om mu n it y, e s pe c i a l l y b y t he Book C lub. A f ter t he s e e a rl y w or r ie s, t he fou nder s, Jos h L ieb er m a n ‘1 5 a nd Nic k Ippol it i ‘1 5, c om menc e d Book C lub ac t i v it ie s on t he s e c ond Tue s d a y of S eptember. T h i s a l l-s en ior c lub boa s t s it s l a r ge s t pa r t ic ipat ion i n t he l a s t t h re e yea r s w it h a rou nd f i f te en de d ic ate d re ader s. Av id re ader s l i k e D re w Ha yden ’1 5 a nd Joe Tet i ’1 5 a re proud to h ave c ont i nue d t h i s c lub for a t h i rd s t r a ig ht ye a r. Howe ver, before s t a r t i ng d i s c u s s ion, t he c lub h ad to f i r s t c hoos e a bo ok . Hav i ng t ac k le d T h e Shining b y Stephen K i ng a nd T h e Met am or ph osi s b y Fr a n z K a f k a, t he Bo ok C lub w a s bou nd to h ave a w ide v a r iet y to c hoos e f rom . T he s ele c t ion of b ook s w a s
c re ate d b y i nput s f rom e ac h Bo ok C lub member a nd f rom M r. She eh a n . A f ter muc h del iber at ion, t he you ng l iter a r y c r it ic s c hos e He ar t of D ark n e s s b y Jos eph C on r ad . T he f i n a l l i s t i nc lude d Unit e d St at e s of B an an a b y Gi a n n i n a Br a s c h i, Fath e rs an d S on s b y Iv a n Tu r gene v, Kok oro b y Nat s u me S os ek i, a nd T h e Pl ag u e b y A lb er t C a mu s. Gi ven le s s t h a n t w o w e ek s to c omplete t hei r f i r s t w ork , t he Bo ok C lub l au nc he d it s f i r s t rou nd of l iter a r y d i s c u s s ion s at it s s e c ond me et i ng on S eptember 18 t h . A home for i ntel le c t u a l c onver s at ion, t he Bo ok C lub i s deter m i ne d to hold it s s t rong c om m it ment to re ad i ng a nd i nter pret at ion du r i ng a r igorou s t i me for t he s en ior s, w ho mu s t de a l w it h om i nou s appl ic at ion de ad l i ne s a nd A P c l a s s e s. T h at bei ng s a id, t he love for me a n i ng f u l bo ok s h a s not s toppe d i n w a k e of t he s e d i f f ic u lt ie s. D re w Hayden elo quent l y s u m m a r i z e s t he c lub i n s ay i ng t h at “Bo ok C lub i s w here t r ue en l ig hten ment c ome s upon t he d i s c iple s of l iter at u re t h roug h t he enjoy ment a nd d i s c u s s ion of t houg ht provok i ng bo ok s.” T h i s pa s s ion a nd love for re ad i ng a long w it h t he v a lue d i nput of M r. She eh a n w i l l en s u re t he s u r v i v a l a nd pros per it y of Book C lub i n t he f ut u re.
The Election
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Drew Hayden ’15
E very year, Devon Prep puts on a Christy Martin, who has no friends, Mark Davenport, Rieve Bule ’15 as
consistently entertaining Fall Drama which showcases the numerous talented actors who attend the school. This year’s show will be no different. The show is The Election, a comical representation of a high school student body election. The play wright describes his play as: “After an embattled student body president resigns in disgrace, Mark Davenport figures he will cruise to victory in the special election. After all, his only opponent is nerdy
and is proposing eliminating football. But that’s before she gets an extreme makeover, raises millions of dollars through a mysterious SuperPAC, and starts running vicious attack ads on local television. Now Mark is in for the fight of his life, and it’s either face total annihilation or accept the services of a slick professional campaign manager with questionable ethics and his own SuperPAC. A hilarious and timely satire on the contemporary political scene.” With CJ Nave ’15 as
Jesuit College Fair Sean Fulmer ’16
O n T hu r s d ay, S eptember 2 5, t he ju n ior a nd sen ior cla sses a ssembled i n t he g y m for t he Je s u it C ol le ge Fa i r. T here w ere 16 Je s u it s c hool s i n at tend a nc e: Ma rquet te Un i ver s it y, L oyol a Un i ver s it y Ma r y l a nd, L oyol a Un i ver s it y C h ic a go, L oyol a Un i ver s it y Ne w O rle a n s, S a i nt Peter ’s Un i ver s it y, S c r a nton Un i ver s it y, Re g i s Un i ver s it y, W he el i ng Je s u it Un i ver s it y, Fa i r f ield Un i ver s it y, X av ier Un i ver s it y, St . L ou i s Un i ver s it y, C a n i s iu s C ol le ge, Le Moy ne C ol le ge, Spr i ng H i l l C ol le ge, Joh n C a r rol l Un i ver s it y, a nd St . Jos eph’s Un i ver s it y. T he C ol le ge Fa i r w a s ver y i n for m at i ve a nd helpe d m a ny ju n ior s a nd s en ior s get i n touc h w it h repre s ent at i ve s f rom t hos e c ol le ge s. Ma ny s t udent s i n at tend a nc e w ere ver y i ntere s te d i n goi ng to a Je s u it c ol le ge a nd t hos e s t udent s t h at w ere not c onv i nc e d b efore t he C ol le ge Fa i r bet ter u nder s tood a nd appre c i ate d t he
b enef it s of goi ng to a Je s u it c ol le ge a f ter t he C ol le ge Fa i r. For m a ny of t he s e ju n ior s, t h i s w a s t hei r f i r s t enc ou nter w it h t he c ol le ge proc e s s. Ju n ior E dd ie Mc Gi n le y ’16 s a id, “Per s on a l l y, I w a s re a l l y g l ad to h ave t he oppor t u n it y to le a r n more ab out d i f ferent C at hol ic u n i ver s it ie s. T here i s s o muc h to le a r n w hen look i ng at a c ol le ge s o it w a s g re at to s e e it l i ve a nd i n per s on .” T he C ol le ge Fa i r helpe d t he s en ior s n a r row dow n t hei r s c hool s t h at t he y w i l l appl y to a nd helpe d t he ju n ior s u nder s t a nd w h at e x ac t l y t he y w a nt i n a c ol le ge. T here w a s a l s o t he oppor t u n it y to c ompa re s c hool s be c au s e t he y were a l l toget her i n t he s a me room at t he s a me t i me. T he ju n ior a nd s en ior c l a s s e s w ou ld l i k e to t h a n k t he D i re c tor of C ol le ge Pl a n n i ng a nd Pl ac ement , M r s. E l i z ab et h E s h lem a n, for put t i ng a l l of t h i s toget her.
CAP Summer Drive Eddie McGinley ’16
One of t he chief priorit ies here at Devon Prep has a lways been to g ive back to t he communit y a nd to t hose less for t unate t ha n we. This was cer ta in ly t r ue t his past summer, when t he Christ ia n Act ion Prog ram (CA P) held yet a not her dr ive in order to ea rn supplies for t hose in need. This specif ic drive’s goa l was to collect va rious school supplies and have t hem delivered to St. Elizabet h’s Communit y Center in Nor t h Phi ladelphia. Nearly 3000 items were gat hered and subsequent ly dist r ibuted, consist ing of ever y t hing f rom pens and pencils to ca lcu lators a nd back pack s. Senior CA P Presidents Pat Rohr ’15 and A ndrew K ra mer ’15, as well as junior CA P Vice Presidents Eddie McGin ley ’16 a nd Kea ne W hite ’16, headed t he orga nizat ion a nd dist ribut ion of t he items. Fa mi lies of Nor t h Philadelphia received t hese
supplies at St. Elizabet h’s a nnua l Communit y Block Pa r t y, where t he items were dist ributed direct ly to t he chi ldren at tending school. CA P
Pictured, from left to right: CAP Vice Presidents Eddie McGinley ’16 and Keane White ’16 and Presidents Pat Rohr ’15 and Andrew Kramer ’15
w i ll a lso tea m up w it h St. Elizabet h’s Communit y Center in t he upcoming Tha n k sg iv ing Food Drive t hat w i ll direct ly benef it t heir food pa nt r y a nd t he fa mi lies of t he surrounding a rea.
Karl Merriweather, and Jack Wagner ’17 as Gary McMaster, and under the strong direction of director Mr. Paul Recupero, this show is guaranteed to be a good time for the whole family. The Election takes place on November 7,8, and 9, right in the middle of election season, and after all the hard work and time the director, actors, actresses, and volunteers have put forth—and considering how funny the show is—this play should be attended by everyone!
Fresh Princes of Devon
Michael Knudson ’15, Co-Deputy Editor-in-Chief
Fre s h m a n or ient at ion i s a n e x c it i ng t i me for ne w a nd ret u r n i ng s t udent s a l i k e. W ide- e ye d f re s h men h ave t he oppor t u n it y to e x plore t hei r ne w s c ho ol w h i le e x per ienc e d s en ior s proud l y s how of f t he i n s t it ut ion t h at h a s be en t hei r home for t he l a s t t h re e ye a r s. T he ne w n i nt h g r ader s were f i r st led to t he c a feter i a w here t he y m a ke ner vou s c onver s at ion w it h one a not her. It i s a n u nder s t a nd abl y u nc om for t able e x per ienc e: a ne w pl ac e, ne w pe ople, a nd c on f u s i ng ide a s a s to w h at t he h ig h-s c ho ol e x per ienc e w i l l ac t u a l l y ent a i l . Fr. R ic h a rd W y z y k ie w ic z ’61 c lea r s h i s t h roat to c apt u re t he s t udent s’ at tent ion before open i ng t he e vent w it h a pr ayer. H i s s uppl ic at ion i s fol low e d b y a br ief s pe e c h f rom A s s i s t a nt Head m a s ter M r. L a r r y Ie z z i, w ho t hen h a nd s t he rei n s over to t hos e member s of t he s en ior c l a s s i n at tend a nc e. S en ior s Pat Roh r, Luc a s Wat s on, E r ic D i P iet ro, M ic h ael K nud s on, Ty ler K l ic k a, A nd re w Daw s on, Gabe Pa l l a nte, a nd Jac k He g a r t y a re eac h a s s ig ne d to a g roup of f re s h men . E ac h s en ior le ad s h i s g roup on a br ief tou r of t he f ac i l it ie s, prov id i ng i n for m at ion about te ac her s a nd c l a s s e s a s w el l a s a n s w er i ng a ny que s t ion s. Fol low i ng t he tou r s, s t udent s a re le d to t he g y m w here t he y eng a ge i n c l ic hé ic ebre a k er s a nd h ave a not her oppor t u n it y to eng a ge w it h one a not her, now t h at s ome of t he i n it i a l ner vou s ne s s h a s abate d . W h i le it m ay not s e em l i k e a l i fe- c h a ng i ng e vent on t he s u r f ac e, t he i mpor t a nc e of f re s h m a n or ient at ion c a n not be over s t ate d . It i s t he ver y f i r s t e x per ienc e t h at t he s e you ng men w i l l h ave w it h t he member s of t he De von P rep c om mu n it y : pe ople w it h w hom t he y w i l l be w ork i ng , c ompet i ng , a nd jok i ng for t he ne x t fou r ye a r s of t hei r l i ve s.
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Dialogue News (Continued)
ACTing Smart
No CAP on Charity
It’s All German to Me
Josh Lieberman ’15
Andrew Kramer ’15
Sean Fulmer ’16
One aspect of Devon Prep that makes it such a unique school is the academic achievement of its students, which is clearly personified through Devon’s Academic Challenge Team. This team of information hungry students is a manifestation of Devon’s intellectual power. The team has ambition and wits, both of which make it a formidable opponent in regional competitions. Mr. Mecouch, the activity’s proctor and head, alongside captains CJ Nave ’15, Soham Bharne ’15, and Josh Lieberman ’15, helps prepare these students at least three times per week to sharpen their memories and reflexes, seeing as buzzing in and answering is a task not only reliant on brain power but also on hand-eye coordination. The necessity of these skills is what prompts Devon to begin practicing early, during lunch and recreation periods throughout the week, with the intention of giving Devon an edge over other schools. Will this year’s Academic Challenge Team pull through and deliver on their positive prospects? Only time will tell, but rest assured that ACT will no doubt try its best to represent Devon as the academic powerhouse it is known to be.
The 2013-2014 school year was a great year in many regards. A long list of achievements and accolades can be tallied, among them a Baseball State Championship title. The charitable works of the Christian Action Program certainly reside atop that list. Each year it is truly remarkable the impact a relatively small group of students can have on our surrounding communities. Turkeys were donated, gifts were wrapped, sleepless hours ticked by, and peanut butter did in fact meet jelly. Through these well-known and loved events, CAP members made a difference. Whether it was opening a gift on Christmas morning or sharing a meal with loved ones on Thanksgiving, lives were changed. At this early point in the school year, Devonites have a chance to consider the question “How can we improve upon our charitable capacities?” Led by Presidents Pat Rohr ’15 and Andrew Kramer ’15, Devon Prep students will once again work tirelessly to make a difference. With the help of junior Vice Presidents Eddie McGinley ’16 and Keane White ’16, it will be a very successful year. Hopefully, throughout the 2014-2015 school year, the CAP leaders will continue to outdo themselves, just like they have in previous years.
The German Club kicked off a new school year with its annual election. The results were as follows: Jack Wagner ’17 won the presidency, August Piro ’16 became vice president, and Sean Fulmer ’16 was elected secretary. The German Club immediately began to plan its annual Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest occurs every year in early October and is eagerly anticipated by the student body. There is bratwurst and sauerkraut in abundance. Everyone can come out and enjoy some great food as well as a taste of German culture. The German Club is open to anyone interested. You do not even have to be taking German to join. The German club would also like to thank Mr. Steve Lukens for his great leadership and dedication. In the words of Vice President August Piro, “German Club is a great way to learn about the cultures of other countries. As vice president, I’d encourage anyone to come out and learn more about the wonderful German culture.” The German Club meets on Tuesdays immediately after school in Mr. Lukens’ room.
Speak Up and Be Heard Eddie McGinley ’16 and Matt Kelly ’16
T he pre s s u re on te en s t he s e d a y s i s e x c r uc i at i ng. T hou s a nd s of te en s c onc ea l t hei r problem s w it h i n; t he t houg ht of bei ng judge d b y t hei r pa rent s a nd t hei r pe er s pet r i f ie s t hem . Luc k i l y, Spe a k Up i s a s a fe h aven for a ny te en s w ho w a nt to t a k e t he bu rden of e ver yd a y l i fe of f of t hei r s hou lder s. Spe a k Up i s a n i ntere s t i ng a nd u n ique e x per ienc e for a l l i n at tend a nc e. S ome s t udent s w ho at tend repre s ent t hei r s c ho ol s. T he y a re h a ndpic k e d b y t hei r g u id a nc e c ou n s elor to be a c ont r ibut i ng member of t he Spea k Up le ader s h ip c om m it te e. T he s e te a m le ader s h ave a k n ac k for c re at i ng a n i m me d i ate c on ne c t ion w it h te en s f rom m a ny loc a l s c hool s. Upon a r r i v a l at S eptember ’s e d it ion of Spea k Up, a l l t he st udent s were i m me d i atel y d i re c te d i nto Ma l ver n P rep’s t he at re bu i ld i ng , w here t he y were enc ou r a ge d to s tep out of t hei r c om for t z one a nd s it w it h s t udent s f rom ot her s c ho ol s. A f ter t he i nt ro duc t ion s w ere
c omplete d, t hos e i n at tend a nc e le a r ne d ab out t he or ig i n of Spe a k Up f rom it s fou nder, M r s. Ma r t ie Gi l l i n . M r s. Gi l l i n’s e x per ienc e s w it h her f a m i l y a nd her c h i ld ren le d her to e s t abl i s h Spe a k Up a s a pl ac e w here te en s c ou ld c om mu n ic ate w it h t hei r pa rent s a nd t hei r pe er s. A f ter M r s. Gi l l i n’s i nt r ig u i ng a nd emot ion a l t a le, e ver yone w a s spl it i nto g roups to d i s c u s s pos s ible topic s for t h i s ye a r ’s a n nu a l Spe a k Up bre a kout e vent . S ome of t he topic s d i s c u s s e d i nc lude: S oc i a l Me d i a, S e x a nd P re s s u re, D r ug s a nd A lc ohol, a nd C om mu n ic at ion w it h Pa rent s. De spite f ierc e debate s ab out t he topic s at h a nd, it ende d a s it b e g u n w it h a s t udent-le d pr a yer. Spe a k Up t r u l y w a s a c om for t able a nd pe ac ef u l w a y to de a l w it h te en a ge problem s. St udent s felt r ig ht at home i n t he open env i ron ment i n w h ic h Spe a k Up w a s c onduc te d . E ver yone w a s reluc t a nt to le ave, w it h s o m a ny w ord s a nd ide a s s t i l l h a ng i ng on t hei r tong ue s. Howe ver, t he y w i l l
h ave to w a it for t he ne x t Spea k Up me et i ng i n O c tober to f u r t her del ve i nto t he problem s a l l te en s i ne v it abl y f ac e. Spe a k Up prov ide s a fou nd at ion for a l i fet i me of pos it i ve c om mu n ic at ion . All De von P rep s t udent s a re i nv ite d a nd enc ou r a ge d to pa r t ic ipate i n t he Spe a k Up Brea kout E x t r av a g a n z a on Ja nu a r y 2 7, 201 5 at 6:30 pm . T he Spe a k Up le ader s h ip c om m it te e w i l l be e x pe c t i ng you !
Dialogue Sports
5
Victory for Varsity
ReLAXing in Summer
Sam Young ‘15
Anthony Walker ’16
T he end of s u m mer me a n s t he s t a r t of a ne w s o c c er s ea s on . T h i s ye a r ’s v a r s it y s o c c er te a m ret u r n s w it h f i ve s en ior s on t he s qu ad . A nd re w Sh a n non ’1 5 a nd Gab e Pa l l a nte ’1 5 a re t he c apt a i n s of t he te a m . T he re s t of t he s en ior s i nclude A nd re w K ra mer at m id f ield, Dave R a nd a l l at defen s e, a nd S a m You ng i n goa l . T he ju n ior s a re w el l repre s ente d b y Ha r pre et C he em a, Ta n ner Da g get t , Tony Ga l lo, Mat t Kel l y, M i k e L ove, Gr a nt McK n ig ht , A nd re w Wel s h, a nd Ke a ne W h ite. T he s ophomore s s t a nd s t rong w it h
W i l l s on C a mp, De v on L aut , Ji m my L of t u s, a nd Da n Sh a n non . I n add it ion, D re w Ma s l a n k a ’18 a nd Ty ler Wr ig ht ’18 t a k e on t hei r role s a s ne wc omer s a nd c omplete t he T ide’s ros ter for t h i s ye a r. T he season has st a r ted of f slow a nd s te ad y a s t he te a m prepa re s to r a mp t h i ng s up w it h s e ver a l le a g ue g a me s approac h i ng. T he v a r s it y te a m s how s prom i s e a nd potent i a l a s t he pl a yer s c ont i nue to t we a k t hei r per for m a nc e for t he b et ter. Joh n Hood h a s a s s u me d t he he ad c oac h i ng dut ie s due to C oac h Je w it t ’s f a m i l y c om m it ment s. T he J V he ad c oac h, T i m McNa l l y, i s s teppi ng up a nd f i l l i ng i n a s a v a r s it y a s s i s t a nt c oac h . T he te a m— a long w it h e ver yone at De v on— w i s he s M r. Je w it t a nd h i s f a m i l y wel l . T he te a m look s to m a k e M r. Je w it t a nd a l l t he memb er s of t he De v on c om mu n it y h app y b y re c re at i ng a not her g re at s e a s on of v a r s it y s oc c er !
The soccer team in a last-minute huddle
O ver t he cou rse of t he su m mer, f ive Devon P rep st udent s pa r t ic ipated i n t he a n nua l B.E . L a x su m mer lac rosse leag ue. I n 201 3, Devon P rep a nd Delco Ch r ist ia n for med a combi ned tea m k now n as Tea m 2 1. However, t h is su m mer, Met hac ton joi ned t he m i x . T he leag ue lasted f rom Ju ne 18 t h roug h Aug u st 7. Su m mer leag ue is a f u n w ay to keep one’s sk i l ls sha r p i n t he su m mer, w h i le a lso encou rag i ng t he adopt ion of new posit ions. Ta k i ng r isk s t hat a player nor ma l ly wou ld not t a ke is a lso a component of t he su m mer season. T he tea m played aga i nst Spr i ng ford, Boyer tow n, Pope Joh n Pau l I I, a nd Da n iel Boone h ig h schools. Of ten h i ndered by lack of at tenda nce, t he Tea m 2 1/Met hac ton tea m w as able to f ig ht for a 4-4 record u nder t he leadersh ip of coach Ma rk Consolo. Tea m 2 1 look s for w a rd to a not her g reat su m mer lac rosse season nex t yea r.
Goal-Oriented
Out Running the Flash
Grant McKnight ’16
Michael Nicolas ’16
Under t he g u id a nc e of he ad c oac h T i m McNa l l y, t he J V S o c c er te a m i s of f to a n e x c el lent s t a r t . W it h k e y v ic tor ie s over Fa it h C h r i s t i a n Ac ademy, Ac ademy of t he Ne w C hu rc h, a nd Del aw a re C ou nt y C h r i s t i a n S c ho ol, t he rem a i nder of t he 201 4 s ea s on appe a r s br ig ht . T he J V te a m h a s held t he oppos it ion s c orele s s i n t w o w i n s t h i s ye a r t h a n k s to s tel l a r per for m a nc e s f rom goa l k e eper A nd re w Bet t s ’16 a nd t he or g a n i z e d defen s e i n f ront of h i m . T he tea m a l s o boa s t s a potent of fen s i ve t h re at spe a rhe ade d b y ne wc omer AJ Ga rd i ner ’18. C o - c apt a i n E dd ie Mc Gi n le y ’16, w ho c er t a i n l y fe el s t h at t h i s ye a r w i l l c ont i nue s t rong l y, s ay s, “ T he te a m i s f i l le d w it h s ol id pl ayer s w ho h ave load s of t a lent a nd potent i a l . I re a l l y t h i n k we c a n s uc c e e d t h i s s ea s on .”
It is a new school year and a new season for Devon Prep’s Cross Country team. Training nonstop since mid-summer, the runners have been hard at work for some time. Of course, their training has been augmented by the expertise and guidance of head coach Paul Sanborn ’64 and assistant coach David Evans ’08. With the aid of these two coaches, our runners have gotten faster, stronger, and broken barrier after barrier. From the trails of Wilson Farm Park to the roads of Devon, our runners have been working hard, running far, and seeing the sights. These Devonites have braved heat, hills, and intimidating talks by Mr. Sanborn and Mr. Evans. The team has run time trials on Radnor Trail, a converted railroad track, has jogged through the rolling hills of Valley Forge National Park, and has traveled almost every road within three miles of Devon Prep. Aside from training, the team has competed in several meets, invitationals,
and scrimmages. Most recently, on September 30, the team raced at Rose Tree Park. On this hilly course in the bright sun, the Devon runners faced off against schools such as New Hope, Church Farm School, and Valley Forge Military Academy. Leading the team was one of the captains of the team, senior Lucas Watson ’15, with a second place finish. The other captains are James Enderle ’15, Daniel Azarian ’15, and Andrew Stauffer ’15. The Devon Prep Cross Country team has been and is still running hard and pushing onward to the finish line. Its members have all been persevering, improving, and growing. They have been pushed by Mr. Sanborn and Mr. Evans to be the very best they can. Cross Country is a tough sport. It just is. Nonetheless, our runners have accepted that fact and thrived. Even though the season is nearly over, the Devon Prep “Cross Countrymen” are still working as hard as ever.
Blue and Gold Succeed on the Green Dan Crowe ’15
This fall, the varsity golf team has shown a strong sense of spirit and determination on the golf course. Under the superb guidance of coach Frank Casey, the team has improved its performance in each individual match as well as the skills of each player. W hether it be a practice or a match,
the team has continued to rise to the occasion. Significant improvement in scores can be seen across the board. Eric DiPietro ’15 and Bryan Donato ’18 have both made it to districts and Eric set the school record for the lowest score during a match with a 32. In a recent interview, Dan McCallister ’15
was quoted as saying, “If I had to pick what defines the team, I would say it would be our strong work ethic and that we’re all having fun out there. I think if you can have fun in the match, and as a byproduct play your game well, then that’s a beautiful thing.”
6
Dialogue Profiles
In the following profiles, the Devon Dialogue interviews the two newest members of the Devon Prep community: Mr. George Sheehan and Mrs. Tara McKenna. Mr. Sheehan teaches tenth grade English, AP Language and Composition, and AP Literature and Composition, and Mrs. McKenna teaches ninth grade Geometry, eleventh grade Precalculus, eleventh grade Physics, AP Statistics, and AP Physics Labs.
Out of the Courtroom and Into the Classroom Pat Blumenthal ‘15, Digital Editor
De von D i a log ue: Bei ng a teac her w a s not you r f i r s t c a re er c hoic e. W h at w a s you r c a re er before you be c a me a teac her? M r. G e or ge She eh a n : I pr ac t ic e d l aw for over t went y ye a r s, pr i m a r i l y c ou r t room a nd c i v i l l aw. DD: W h at m ade you w a nt to s w itc h c a re er s? GS: I enjoye d t he pr ac t ic e of l aw for a long t i me. A nd t hen, I d id n’t . T he bu s i ne s s c h a nge d, t he profe s s ion c h a nge d, a nd it no longer prov ide d me t he emot ion a l s at i s f ac t ion t h at it h ad . I enjoye d bei ng i n a c ou r t room t remendou sl y, but a s oppor t u n it ie s to be i n a c ou r t room be c a me le s s a nd le s s, I s pent more t i me s s it t i ng beh i nd a de s k — t a l k i ng on t he phone a nd ne got i at i ng. Paper w ork w a s not t he re a s on I be c a me a l aw yer i n t he f i r s t pl ac e. DD: W h at spa rk e d you r i ntere s t i n E ng l i s h? GS: I w a nte d to be a n E ng l i s h te ac her s i nc e t he t i me I w a s i n h ig h s c hool . I s uppos e my g re at i ntere s t
i s t h at it i s a ver y ac c e s s ible avenue i nto how pe ople t houg ht a nd felt i n t he pa s t — a l it t le more ac c e s s ible t h a n h i s tor y b e c au s e pe ople re ve a l how t he y fe el a nd how t he y t h i n k b e s t t h roug h s tor ie s. T he y a l w a y s h ave, for t hou s a nd s of ye a r s, a nd E ng l i s h prov ide s you w it h t he oppor t u n it y to re ad t hos e s tor ie s a nd to le a r n f rom t hem, a nd to s e e how, de spite a n aw f u l lot of c h a nge s a nd a n aw f u l lot of prog re s s, a s m a n h a s e v ol ve d, t here a re s ome t h i ng s t h at m a n s t i l l w re s t le s w it h, t h at he h a s w re s t le d w it h s i nc e t he e a rl ie s t d a y s of w r it i ng. DD: W here d id you get you r de g re e f rom? GS: I got my u nder g r adu ate de g re e a nd my l aw de g re e f rom V i l l a nov a . DD: W hen you a ren’t re ad i ng or w r it i ng , w h at a re you doi ng i n you r f re e t i me? GS: I c ou ld tel l you w h at I w ou ld l i k e to be able to do. I’d love to h ave more oppor t u n it ie s to w r ite,
w h ic h perh aps I w i l l h ave i n t he ne a r f ut u re, but it i s ver y d i f f ic u lt bei ng a te ac her to h ave a g re at de a l of e x t r a t i me. Be c au s e, to do it r ig ht , it t a ke s a lot of t i me — prepa r i ng , g r ad i ng paper s —but mos t l y to prov ide you r s t udent s w it h t he be s t , a nd t h at t a k e s a s muc h t i me a s get t i ng re ad y for a trial. DD: How long h ave you be en te ac h i ng for? GS: E le ven ye a r s. T h i s w i l l be my t w el f t h ye a r. DD: I s t here a ny t h i ng el s e you w ou ld l i k e to add? GS: It ’s w onder f u l to be at De von . I h ave be en w elc ome d b y e ver y bod y i n t he De von c om mu n it y i n a n e x t remel y w a r m w ay a nd I look for w a rd to g row i ng old here, i f I h ave t he oppor t u n it y. S o, it h a s be en a w onder f u l c h a nge for me a nd h a s bre at he d ne w l i fe a nd ne w ener g y i nto my t i re d bone s, w h ic h i s g re at .
Out of the Fire and Into the Frying Pan Michael Knudson ’15, Co-Deputy Editor-in-Chief
De von D i a log ue: Obv iou s l y you a re ne w here at De von, but how long h ave you be en w ork i ng a s a n e duc ator? M r s. Ta r a McKen n a : Ten ye a r s. DD: W h at k i nd s of c ou r s e s h ave you t aug ht over t hos e ten ye a r s? T M: I’ve t aug ht a ton of d i f ferent t h i ng s. It ’s mos t l y be en m at h a nd s c ienc e, w h ic h i s w h at I te ac h here, but I’ve t aug ht s ome pret t y ne at c l a s s e s on t y pi ng a nd ele c t r ic it y. DD: W here d id you go to c ol le ge? T M: I w ent to V i l l a nov a . DD: A lot of s t udent s r ig ht now a re w or r ie d about c ol le ge a nd t hei r f ut u re s. Wou ld you s a y t h at you r e duc at ion at V i l l a nov a prepa re d you w el l for a c a re er a s a n e duc ator? T M: Ye s, I t houg ht it w a s a g re at s c hool . I got my m a s ter ’s t here a nd I t houg ht it prepa re d me e x t remel y w el l . But u lt i m atel y h a nd s- on e x per ienc e i s t he be s t te ac her. DD: W h at h ave you le a r ne d f rom s w itc h i ng per s pe c t i ve s? W h at do you t r y a nd k e ep i n m i nd a s a te ac her, t h i n k i ng bac k to you r ow n d ay s a s a s t udent?
T M: W h at I a l w ay s t r y to rememb er i s t h at my c l a s s i s n’t t he on l y c l a s s. It ’s i mpor t a nt to k e ep i n m i nd a s a te ac her t h at you r k id s h ave lot s of ot her w ork for lot s of ot her s ubje c t s, a nd t h at you r pa r t ic u l a r c l a s s m ig ht not b e t he mos t i mpor t a nt to t hem . T h at ’s w h at I a l w a y s w i s he d my te ac her s w ou ld c on s ider bac k w hen I w a s a s t udent , a nd now t h at I’m a te ac her I a l w a y s k e ep t h at i n m i nd . DD: I u nder s t a nd t h at you h ave t w o you ng c h i ld ren . W h at i s it l i k e ba l a nc i ng a c a re er a s a f u l l t i me te ac her w it h t he s t re s s e s of mot herhood? T M: It c a n b e a l it t le t i r i ng. But I love w h at I do a s a te ac her a nd I love spend i ng t i me w it h my k id s, s o my d a y i s u s u a l l y f i l le d w it h ac t i v it ie s I enjoy. You ju s t h ave to rol l w it h t he pu nc he s. DD: W h at a re you r f irst i mpre s s ion s of De v on a s a br a nd ne w memb er of t he f ac u lt y ? T M: I’ve be en ple a s a nt l y s u r pr i s e d w it h how f r iend l y e ver yone i s to tel l you t he t r ut h . I w a s n’t e x pe c t i ng e ver yone to
be s o w elc om i ng. T he te ac her s, s t udent s, a nd pa rent s h ave a l l be en g re at . DD: Do you h ave a ny pa s s ion s or hobbie s out s ide of te ac h i ng ? T M: Wel l I’m re a l l y pa s s ion ate about f i ref ig ht i ng ac t u a l l y. My f a m i l y h a s a l w ay s be en f u l l of f i remen . I ac t u a l l y ju s t at tende d a f i remen’s c onvent ion i n W i ld w oo d, N J t h i s mont h . But I a m a l s o a big s por t s f a n . DD: Fi ref ig ht i ng i s a ver y ad m i r able t h i ng to be pa s s ion ate about . W h at a re you r f avor ite s por t s te a m s? T M: I love t he Ne w York Met s a nd t he Gre en Bay Pac k er s. But I a l s o l i k e t he E a g le s. DD: W h at ad v ic e do you h ave for t he s t udent s here at De von P rep? T M: St ud y, s t ud y, s t ud y ! But it ’s i mpor t a nt not to s t re s s. I f you s t re s s a nd get ner vou s a nd t h i n k you’re goi ng to f a i l, you’re more l i k el y to. It ’s s o i mpor t a nt to k e ep a pos it i ve at t it ude. I f you t h i n k you’re goi ng to do w el l t hen you w ill.
Dialogue Editorials
7
Mock Trials and Real Results Michael Knudson ’15, Co-Deputy Editor-in-Chief
T he A mer ic a n le g a l s y s tem i s a c omple x one. It i s u n i m a g i n abl y i nt r ic ate a nd it s s ubt let ie s of ten e s c ape e ven t he mos t s e a s one d l aw yer s. To s uc c e e d a s a c ou r t ro om at tor ne y, one mu s t h ave a f i r m g r a sp of t he s e i nt r ic ac ie s. Ru le s of e v idenc e mu s t be memor i z e d, le g a l pre c e dent mu s t be ver i f ie d, a nd t he c a s e it s el f mu s t b e a n a l y z e d . But k now le dge a lone i s n’t enoug h to s uc c e e d, not b y a long s hot . Add to t h at k now le dge a l it t le poi s e, a lot of c on f idenc e, a nd s ome wel l c r a f te d ac t i ng a nd t hen, a nd on l y t hen, w i l l you h ave a s uc c e s s f u l l aw yer. T he s e s k i l l s a re e x ac t l y t hos e t h at a re i mpa r te d t h roug h pa r t ic ipat ion i n h ig h s c hool moc k t r i a l - s k i l l s ne e de d not on l y to be c ome s uc c e s s f u l i n t he le g a l f ield, but s k i l l s t h at c a n be t r a n s l ate d a nd appl ie d to v i r t u a l l y a ny c a re er. “Moc k Tr i a l” m ay s ou nd l i ke a d au nt i ng ac t i v it y to t he v i r g i n e a r, a nd to s ome de g re e it i s, yet it c a n be brok en dow n a nd e x pl a i ne d qu ite s i mpl y. It i s e x ac t l y w h at it c l a i m s to be: a “mo c k t r i a l .” Te a m s c on s i s t of t h re e at tor ne y s a nd t h re e w it ne s s e s w ho a re g i ven a pre w r it ten, f ic t ion a l c a s e a nd a s k e d to a r g ue for a pa r t ic u l a r s ide. T he y mu s t prepa re t h i s a r g u ment a nd pre s ent it i n t he for m of a t r i a l . T he t r i a l it s el f fol low s t he s a me for m at a s t h at of one you m ig ht s e e at you r lo c a l c ou r t hou s e. T he t w o s ide s be g i n b y del i ver i ng open i ng s t atement s to t he ju r y, prov id i ng a br ief over v ie w of t he a r g u ment s t he y w i l l b e pre s ent i ng. T hen, w it ne s s e s a re c a l le d to t he s t a nd . E ac h w it ne s s i s s ubje c t to t w o “e x a m i n at ion s”: a d i re c t e x a m i n at ion a nd a c ros s e x a m i n at ion . T he d i re c t e x a m i n at ion i s t he w it ne s s’s c h a nc e to tel l h i s or her s tor y. T he quest ion s a re a s ke d b y a suppor t i ng at tor ne y a nd a re s t r uc t u re d to bol s ter t h at at tor ne y ’s s ide of t he c a s e. T h i s n a r r at i ve d i re c t e x a m i n at ion i s fol low e d b y a n of ten t i me s g r uel i ng c ros s e x a m i n at ion . T he “c ros s” i s a c h a nc e for t he oppos i ng at tor ne y to u nder m i ne t he w it ne s s’s c re d ibi l it y, a nd make h i s/ her n a r r at i ve le s s bel ie v able. It i s du r i ng t h i s pa r t of t he que s t ion i ng t h at you w i l l he a r t he d r a m at ic , c ont rover s i a l que s t ion s s o c h a r ac ter i s t ic of L aw & O rd e r. Fol low i ng t he d i re c t a nd
c ros s e x a m i n at ion s, at tor ne y s a re per m it te d to del i ver c los i ng a r g u ment s. T h i s i s a n oppor t u n it y to t a k e a l l of t he i n for m at ion t h at w a s re ve a le d t h roug h que s t ion i ng , eloquent l y c on s ol id ate it , a nd del i ver it to t he ju r y i n t he for m of a c onc i s e s u m m at ion of you r a r g u ment . W h i le t h i s i s on l y a br ief over v ie w of t he proc e e d i ng s, t he w hole pic t u re of moc k t r i a l i s u n i m a g i n abl y more c omple x . Mont h s of c a ref u l prepa r at ion go i nto c a ref u l l y c r a f t i ng e ac h a spe c t of t he c a s e to mos t ef fe c t i vel y a r t ic u l ate a pa r t ic u l a r s t a nc e. E ac h que s t ion a s k e d of a w it ne s s i s wel l t houg ht out , a f it te d pie c e i n t he pu z z le of t he c a s e. E ver y h a nd ge s t u re a nd i n f le x ion of t he v oic e i s pre c i s el y t i me d to eng a ge t he ju r y ’s at tent ion . E ver y si ng le det a i l of t he c a s e i s a n a l y z e d, e v a lu ate d, a nd u s e d to b e s t ef fe c t . A t le a s t t h at ’s how it w ork s at De v on . It re qu i re s a l a r ge a mou nt of t i me a nd a n a r g u abl y l a r ger a mou nt of ef for t , a nd t h i s of ten d i s c ou r a ge s i ntere s te d s t udent s. But t he w ork i s u nden i abl y over s h adowe d b y t he re w a rd s. Moc k t r i a l, pa r t ic u l a rl y De v on P rep moc k t r i a l, h a s a nu mber of b enef it s t h at m a k e it w or t h a l l t he t i me a nd s t re s s. T he nu mb erone fe a r A mer ic a n s h ave i s t he fe a r of spe a k i ng publ ic l y. T h i s e x c e e d s t hei r fe a r of ter ror i s t s, i n s e c t s, de at h, or a ny t h i ng el s e. Moc k t r i a l i s a n ac t i v it y t h at , i f it doe s not c ompletel y el i m i n ate it , w i l l at le a s t a l le v i ate t h at fe a r. Del i ver i ng eloquent spe e c he s, a s k i ng que s t ion s, a nd re c it i ng le g a l def i n it ion s i n f ront of a g roup of s t r a nger s i s a t r u l y ef fe c t i ve w a y to i mprove one’s publ ic spe a k i ng abi l it y. W it h s ome proper c oac h i ng a nd a lot of pr ac t ic e, a l l pa r t ic ipa nt s i n moc k t r i a l e vent u a l l y re ac h a s t a ge of s el f- c on f idenc e t h at a l low s t hem to a r t ic u l atel y e x pre s s t hem s el ve s. T h i s i s a n i nv a lu able s k i l l t h at c a n b e appl ie d to a ny d i s c ipl i ne. Do c tor s, bu s i ne s s men, re a ltor s, a nd e ven c ler g y men ne e d to be able to ef fe c t i vel y a r t ic u l ate t hei r b el ief s a nd pos it ion s i n order to s uc c e e d, a nd t h i s abi l it y i s le a r ne d, s t reng t hene d, a nd pol i s he d t h roug h moc k t r i a l . Add it ion a l l y, t h i s ac t i v it y c a n b e a me d iu m for c r it ic a l t h i n k i ng a nd a n a l y s i s.
T here a re t w o m a i n element s to t he mo c k t r i a l c ompet it ion : t he per for m a nc e (w h ic h prov ide s t he s pe a k i ng s k i l l s a nd c on f idenc e ment ione d above) a nd t he prepa r at ion . T he prepa r at ion of a mo c k t r i a l c a s e, e s pe c i a l l y at De von P rep, prov ide s s uc h a w ide r a nge of f a r re ac h i ng , i ntel le c t u a l, a nd appl ic able ad v a nt a ge s t h at it w ou ld be a l mos t i mpos s ible to c over t hem a l l i n a s i ng le a r t ic le. I nten s el y e v a lu at i ng pa ge a f ter pa ge of w it ne s s s t atement s, e x h ibit s, a nd s t ipu l at ion s te ac he s a member of t he mo c k t r i a l te a m to re ad w it h a c r it ic a l e ye. O ne s e em i ng l y i n s ig n i f ic a nt det a i l c ou ld m a k e or bre a k a n ent i re c a s e, s o t he i mpor t a nc e of t horoug h a nd a n a l y t ic a l e v a lu at ion i s s t re s s e d a nd i mpa r te d w it h g re at d i l igenc e. T h i s s k i l l, a g a i n, c a n be appl ie d to v i r t u a l l y a ny d i s c ipl i ne, w het her t he m ater i a l t a k e t he for m of a s c ient i f ic paper, a bu s i ne s s repor t , or a ne w s paper a r t ic le. P repa r at ion for a mo c k t r i a l a l s o c onve y s a hol i s t ic s t y le of t h i n k i ng. I n order to for mu l ate a s uc c e s s f u l c a s e t he or y, a l l a s pe c t s of t he c a s e mu s t be t a k en i nto c on s ider at ion at a l l t i me s. E ac h i nd i v idu a l ad v a nc ement , e ac h ne w ide a or per s pe c t i ve, mu s t k e ep i n m i nd t he g r a nder pic t u re of t he c a s e a s a w hole. It i s to o e a s y s omet i me s to get c aug ht i n t he t r ap of m i nut i a . A hol i s t ic s t y le of t h i n k i ng , a c on s ider at ion for s omet h i ng l a r ger t h a n t he i m me d i ate i s ju s t a not her of t he m a ny a nd v a r ie d benef it s of mo c k t r i a l . Ta k e s ome t i me to ref le c t on w h at you hopef u l l y re c og n i z e now a s a n i ndubit abl y ad v a nt a ge ou s ac t i v it y. I n w h at ot her c lub c a n you le a r n t he i n s a nd out s of one of t he mos t h i s tor ic a l l y s t able a nd i n f i n it i vel y i nt r ic ate le g a l s y s tem s i n t he w orld? I n w h at ot her ac t i v it y c a n you s u r mou nt hu m a n it y ’s g reate s t fe a r w h i le s i mu lt a ne ou s l y aug ment i ng you r c on f idenc e? W h at ot her e x t r ac u r r ic u l a r add s to you r a r s en a l t he s k i l l s of publ ic s pe a k i ng , c r it ic a l a n a l y s i s, hol i s t ic t h i n k i ng , a nd te a mw ork i n a n i ntel le c t u a l l y s t i mu l at i ng a nd d i ver t i ng m a n ner? Mo c k t r i a l i s a de c ide d l y u n ique e x per ienc e a nd a n e x per ienc e t h at c a n a nd s hou ld be pu r s ue d at De von P rep.
Long Live Rock
8
CJ Nave ’15, Editor-in-Chief
Summer is supposed to be a time for relaxation and fun. Going down to 40th Street in Ocean City, New Jersey was both of those things. Lying on the beach for five hours, playing washers and bocce in the sand, and getting Manco and Manco’s pizza and Aunt Betty’s ice cream is practically my dream day. However, this summer, I experienced something more fun and, at times, more stressful than I ever have before: going on tour to play music. I first went on tour with a group from the Main Line School of Rock known as the Delta Squad. This is a collection of the best students from that school. The itinerary included stops in Cleveland, Chicago, and Milwaukee. But first, an eight-hour bus ride to Cleveland was required, and due to a magnificent tour bus breakdown in exotic Canfield, Ohio, that ride stretched out to twelve-hours. However, as a severe thunderstorm rolled through with the band on the side of a highway in a sweaty, gross bus, everyone realized that this was the true meaning of rock-and-roll. Well, not really. After finally getting to our hotel in Cleveland, we spent the night and woke up the next morning ready to go. That day, we went to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and performed right in the main lobby, a venue played by countless rock legends. We were able to walk around for a few hours beforehand, and seeing all the rock history in that museum was something truly special. The gig had four bands alternating sets: Cleveland School of Rock, Toronto School of Rock, Fort Washington School of Rock, and of course, Main Line School of Rock, right down the road from Devon Prep. After this gig and yet another rainstorm in the city of Cleveland, we returned to the hotel to get some rest. The next day, we were off to Chicago. The band played two shows in the Windy City. The first show took place at another School of Rock, namely the new Oak Park location. Main Line, along with Fort Washington, Oak Park, and Chicago, gave a great show to all those in attendance. The following day, we played at a very nice venue called Lincoln Hall. We were able to walk around in the city before the gig, and all of us were able to absorb the beauty of the city of Chicago. The Lincoln Hall show turned out to be a show with about twenty other School of Rock house bands, so one can only imagine how long and how loud that performance was. That being said, hearing Rage Against the Machine and seeing the crowd’s reaction was simply great. After the Chicago stop, it was time for our final destination: Milwaukee. The first show in Milwaukee was at an outside venue directly adjacent to a bar and brewing company. That show was quite possibly the loudest performance ever put on by humans, on record. Even Father Shea would not have been able to measure how many decibels of sound were created with the intensity formula because the numbers would be so huge. After that destruction of everyone’s ears, the next two days were what we had been waiting for. We were competing with over fifty other house bands in the GEMBA competition at Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival. We had the privilege of playing for judges including Jimmy Chamberlain, the drummer for the Smashing Pumpkins, Earl Slick, the guitarist for David Bowie, James Williamson, a member of the Stooges, Damon Ranger, an Emmy-award winning composer, and many, many more. We also played at the same festival as Dave Matthews, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Outkast, Luke Bryan, Usher, Arctic Monkeys, and just about every other well known living musician. It was an absolutely tremendous experience, meeting fellow School of Rock members and legendary musicians (getting a selfie with Earl Slick was unreal to me) and getting to play with some of my best friends. We eventually Editorial Board
© 2014 Devon Prep
Editor-in-Chief: CJ Nave ’15 Co-Deputy Editors-in-Chief: Rieve Bule ’15 and Michael Knudson ’15 Digital Editor: Patrick Blumenthal ’15 Photography Editor: Andrew Loper ’15 Faculty Moderator: Mr. Lawrence Theuer Associate Editor for Entertainment: Graham Alabdulla ’15 Associate Editor for News: Soham Bharne ’15 Associate Editor for Editorials: Josh Lieberman ’15 All photos, unless otherwise noted, were taken by newspaper staff or Ms. Rose Lombardo, for Devon Preparatory School. Special thanks to Fr. Shea for his tireless assistance and guidance.
made it to the finals of the GEMBA competition and came very close to winning. After GEMBA, it was time to head home with a stop in Sandusky, Ohio to stay at the Great Wolf Lodge. Our third tour bus, however, had other ideas, and decided to break down in the middle of Indiana. Despite this, all was good, because it broke down right near a rest-stop with a Starbucks in it. After almost five hours of waiting, we were on the road again. Finally, after logging what felt like 10,000 hours on the bus, we arrived home after one of the best weeks of my life. That was only half of my touring last summer. The rest of the time I spent touring was with the School of Rock Allstar program, an audition-based program that accepts the top 2.5% students of all Schools of Rock internationally. Amazingly enough, and as a testament to the level of the Main Line School of Rock, six Allstars were chosen from my school, including myself. The first three days were, in a word, brutal. Each day was filled with hours and hours of rehearsals and tens of thousands of water bottles. Seemingly, every meal we had was pizza, which I was thrilled with, frankly. After rehearsals, we played our first gig at the World Café Live in Philadelphia with the Main Line Delta Squad and one other house band. It was an unbelievably fun experience, because both the Allstars team and our house band were fantastic. It was a blast playing with new friends and old. After this show, we went back to our hotel and all hung out and got to know each other just a bit more. There were kids from Downingtown, Fort Washington, Philadelphia, Princeton, Long Island, and Baltimore, and each and every one of them was a great person and a great musician. Following our concert in Philly, we played a very relaxed show on the Wildwood Boardwalk and went on the greatest wooden rollercoaster known to man. The next day was a long one, just like every other day. We played a show at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, and by the time the five hour show was over, people were falling asleep while carrying the gear out to load up the bus. Our last stop was a three day stay at Gathering of the Vibes in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where I was honored to play saxophone with the horn players from jam band Deep Banana Blackout. Gathering of the Vibes was such a great experience and it really did live up to its name(with a very interesting smell, I might add). John Fogerty, Widespread Panic, and just about every Grateful Dead cover band in existence played at Vibes, and by the time it was over, everyone was heartbroken. Everyone on our team had become such good friends in such a short amount of time, but it was time to go. After two week-long tours of playing music with great people, I can unequivocally say that without music, life would be far less interesting, emotional, and fun. Music makes life worth living.
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