Devon Dialogue 2013-14, issue 4

The Devon Dialogue

Volume V, Issue IV | May 2014

Devon Preparatory School

proudly publishing for five decades Mr. Collins

The Devon Dialogue interviews Mr. Michael Collins ’68, teacher and moderator. page 5.

Passing the Torch

Former Devon Dialogue Editors find the new Editorial Board. page 6.

Crimea Conflict on the Crimean peninsula has raised many international questions and concerns. page 7.

Oklahoma, OK! Devon Prep’s Spring Musical is a smashing success. See Page 2.

Playoff Bound

Students, Then and Now

Jack Hegarty ’15

Rieve Bule ’15, Co-Deputy Editor-in-Chief Elect

The Devon Prep varsity baseball team has been led this year by the key maturity of its seniors: Zach Schellenger ’14, CJ Kohlbrenner ’14, Grant Latran ’14, Chris Bauers ’14, and Bobby Watters ’14. Zach suffered an arm injury early in the season that has kept him sidelined ever since.

CJ, Grant, Bobby, and Chris have been great role models for the younger players. Juniors Dominic Hardaway ’15 and Sean Phelan ’15 have led the team with their offensive talent. Dominic committed to play college baseball at Boston College and Sean committed to play at the University of Pennsylvania. Dominic and Sean make up a dynamic duo that is respected by the whole league. Dominic is hitting .417 and has 18 RBI’s, while Sean is hitting .422 with 22 RBI’s.

Pat Rohr ’15 has been a pivotal part of the Tide’s success with his role in the pitching rotation. Pat Rohr and John McSurdy ’16 have had to pick up their play with Zach Schellenger’s injury. The shortage of pitchers has also led CJ Kohlbrenner to become more involved in the rotation and he has performed admirably. He has an ERA of 1.47 and Pat Rohr has an ERA of 1.70. The Tide have also benefited greatly from the key contributions of sophomore Tony Gallo ’16. Tony is hitting .449 and has 20 RBI’s.

The Tide finished the year 10-8 overall and 8-5 in the Bicentennial League. They are seeded number one in the PIAA District playoffs. The team hopes to make it further than they did last season in the state tournament. The team was eliminated last year in the second round of the state tournament. Hopefully, the Tide can bring a state title to Devon Prep.

Founded in 1956, Devon has been an important source of education for generations of students. This school has provided knowledge and inspiration since it began and continues to do so today. However, Devon has changed fundamentally since the day it first opened its doors. Those of us who go here as students today might not notice such drastic changes, but there are those who have witnessed first-hand the alterations this school has undergone. A handful of teachers who work here now actually attended Devon in their youth. These alumni were all present to see this progress take place and were eager to share their feelings about the experience.

The 1950s were clearly different than today.

One of the most notable differences between then and now is the use of computers and the internet. Devon Prep, as well as the entire world, has been affected by the rise of computers. Both Mr. Michael Collins ’68 and Mr. Paul Sanborn ’64 list this internet revolution as the number one change that has occurred since their time here.

They believe that the introduction of computers has affected the way the classroom operates, and they’re right. Now-a-days, students’ grades are entirely computerized, and handy devices such as Devon’s Smart Boards have completely changed the way students learn. The internet has practically made libraries extinct. If students require information, they can just go online.

However, there are other changes that have taken place within Devon Prep itself. The school’s athletic program is very different than what it used to be. Mr. Dave Evans ’08 was a student at Devon a mere six years ago, yet he claims that since his time here, Devon has drastically improved

its athletic program. Other changes include the increasing number of female teachers, which Fr. Richard Wyzykiewicz ’61 cites as being hugely significant. There has also been a large increase in the number of classes, AP and regular, offered at Devon. Despite these gains, however, Devon Prep has also had some losses. Among these, Mr. Joseph Donahue ’66 recounts, is the noticeable decrease in priests that are teaching in the classroom. In addition, Devon no longer requires four years of Latin, though one rarely hears students complain about that!

Devon has undergone many less obvious changes as well. Sure, the school itself may have grown in student population as well as physical size, but there are other differences so subtle that only those who truly know Devon could notice. When asked what they believe is the most significant change that has taken place, Fr. James Shea ’66 and Mr. George Beothy ’68 both admitted that the spirit of the school is fundamentally different than it was all those years ago. This change in spirit has taken many forms. The school is much less regimented and strict than it once was. It addition to that, the attitude of students towards the school and towards learning is much more prominent now than it was back then. In other words, there has grown a newfound pride here at Devon that has had a major impact on everyone in the school.

Devon has become very different. We are grateful that most of these changes have been for the best and have made going to school here a more precious experience. However, I believe Mr. Mark Aquilante ’94 put it best when he said “[Devon] is a much more pleasant place now.”

Battle of the Bands Sean Bevan ’14

Good music, confetti canons, crowd surfing, and a balloon drop sound like the key ingredients to having a fun night, right? Well, this was certainly true for this year’s annual Battle of the Bands, hosted on April 5. Before the six local high school bands competed for the cash prizes, the Main Line School of Rock’s Delta Squad started the night’s festivities. Riley Road, a brand new band to the Devon stage, took home first place, followed by Minor Setbacks in a close second. Not only was the night filled with great performances by all the bands that competed, but a guest performance by last year’s winner, Skitch, made the event one of the greatest this year. To top it all off, the long awaited return of Toolbox, a long time Devon fan favorite, finally occurred near the end of the night, performing two songs which had the entire crowd going crazy. Devon’s sixth annual Battle of the Bands was a huge success due to great planning by the Student Council, fantastic music, and energized fans. Only next year will Devon get a more successful event.

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Student Electorate Speaks Michael Knudson ’15, Co-Deputy Editor-in-Chief Elect

Spr i ng i s peren n ia l ly a s o c ia l ly v ibr a nt t i me at De von Pre p. Ba s eba l l ga me s , Spr i ng Tide , a nd f ield st ud ie s a re ju st s ome of t he e vent s t hat ma ke t he s e a s on s o note wor t hy. A rg u ably t he most i ntere st i ng , a nd c er t a i n ly t he most i mpac t f u l e vent s to o c c u r du r i ng t h i s end- of-t he-ye a r st re tch, howe ver, a re t he st udent cou nc i l ele c t ions . A s elec t few e a ger ju n iors s c r a mble f r a nt ic a l ly to put t he f i n i sh i ng touche s on t hei r spe eche s b efore del iver i ng t hem to a g y m na siu m f u l l of e a gerly l i steni ng st udent s . T he s e spe e che s g ive pro spec t ive of f ic e-holders a cha nc e to demonst r ate t hei r com m it ment to t he s cho ol a nd voic e t hei r ide a s for t he up com i ng ye a r. It i s a lway s a t h r i l l to s e e t he pa s sionate opi n ions of t he c a nd id ate s a s t he y compe te to ma ke De von P rep a b e t ter plac e . A f ter t he f i na l word s have b e en sp oken, st udent s a re i nv ited to vote for t he c a nd id ate s who t he y fe el be st re pre s ent t he i ntere st s of t he s chool . Pr i ma r y, a nd t hen s e conda r y, elec t ions a re held u nt i l t he w i nners a re f i na l ly a n nou nc e d . T he w i nners for t h i s upcom i ng 201 4-2015 s cho ol ye a r a re A nd rew Daw s on, G abe Pa l la nte , a nd Pat Roh r who w i l l o c c upy t he p osit ions of t re a su rer, v ic e pre sident , a nd pre sident , re spe c t ively. A l l t h re e you ng men have be en he av i ly i nvolve d i n st udent cou nc i l ac t iv it ie s si nc e t hei r a r r iv a l at De von Pre p t h re e ye a rs a go, a nd t he y cle a rly k now t he i ns-a nd- out s of t h i s u n ique i nst it ut ion . A l l t h re e a re wel l l i ked by t he st udent b ody a nd t he fac u lt y, a nd a l l t h re e have f re sh, pr act ic a l ide a s w it h wh ich t he y pla n on i mprov i ng t he s cho ol . T he s e ide a s r a nge f rom sma l l s c a le , such a s i nc re a s e d vend i ng mach i ne ma i ntena nc e , to la rge s c a le , such a s t a i lgate s a nd f ield t r ips .

T h i s new te a m of st udent cou nc i l le aders work s exc ept iona l ly wel l toge t her consider i ng t hat t he y have be en clos e f r iend s t h rou g hout t he ent i re t y of h ig h s cho ol . T he s e g re at ide a s combi ne d w it h good chem i st r y ma ke t h i s g roup a forc e to be re ckone d w it h, a nd g ive t he 201 4-2015 s cho ol ye a r t he p otent ia l to b e one of t he b e st De von Pre p ha s e ver s e en . I n t he word s of Pat Roh r, i ncom i ng st udent body pre sident , “De von P rep i s a g re at plac e f u l l of g re at k id s , a nd we a re goi ng to do e ver y t h i ng i n ou r power to ma ke it e ven b e t ter. It ’s r a re to f i nd a plac e l i ke t h i s , s o it ’s ou r re sp onsibi l it y a s you r ne w st udent cou nc i l le aders to ma i nt a i n a nd i mprove t hat De von e x per ienc e .”

Dialogue News

The Farmer and the Cowman Andrew Loper ’15

T h i s ye a r, De von P re p put on a n ent h r a l l i ng produc t ion of “Ok la homa!”

by Rogers a nd Ha m merstei n for t he s e cond t i me i n t he De von Mu sic P rog r a m’s h i stor y, much to t he aud ienc e s’ del ig ht .

T he plot fol low s t he t y pic a l b oy-me e t sg i rl sit u at ion, but w it h a we ster n spi n a nd ma ny c atchy s ongs t hat ma ke t h i s show st a nd out a s a n a l l-t i me A mer ic a n cla s sic . Cu rly, t he ma le le ad , a s playe d

by Pat r ick Sh ield s ’1 4 , fa l l s i n love w it h t he b e aut i f u l M i s s L au r ie Wi ll ia m s , brou g ht to l i fe by Fa r rel l McVay of R ad nor H ig h S cho ol a nd K ay la Br ad le y of Gre at Va l le y H ig h S cho ol .

Howe ver, con f l ic t a r i s e s b e t we en Cu rly a nd a n i l l-ma n nere d fa r m ha nd na me d Jud , p or t r aye d by A le x Byg r ave ’16 a nd Jack Hol me s ’15, who wa nt s L au r ie for h i m s el f. I n t he end , Jud i s ac c ident a l ly k i l le d a nd Cu rly ge t s t he g i rl . C om ic re l ief wa s prov ide d by A l i Ha k i m, a Per-

sia n pe dd ler, por t r aye d by t he ent husia st ic Jo e Te t i ’15 who stole t he show a long w it h h i s come d ic cou nter pa r t , Au nt E l ler, t he elderly au nt of L aur ie . Au nt E l ler wa s double- c a ste d a nd playe d by K at ie Hor ner of R ad nor H ig h S cho ol a nd Mel Derder ia n of Not re Da me Ac ademy. O ver a l l, t he show wa s a n e x t remely enter t a i n i ng col le c t ion of to e-t appi ng mu sic , s qu a re d a nc i ng , a nd t a lente d ac t i ng. St a ge c re w wa s able to s e a m le s sly br i ng t he show toge t her t h rou g h e xc el lenc e i n s ou nd , l ig hti ng , a nd props , a s le d by t he s ens at iona l Te ch Di re c tor M s . B a rba r a Me d i na a nd A s si st a nt Te ch Di re c tor B en S ens s ’1 2 . Wit h smo ot h co oper at ion b e t we en t he t a lente d c a st a nd t he ha rd-work i ng c re w De von wa s onc e a ga i n able to put on a jaw- d roppi ng per for ma nc e for t he st udent b ody a nd t he whole com mu n it y.

Scholarship and Service Celebrated David Randall ’15

On T hu rs d ay, Ma rch 13, a la rge g roup of st udent s wa s i nduc te d i nto t he De von P re p chapter of t he Nat iona l Honor S o c ie t y. On t h i s c elebr ator y n ig ht , De von P re p’s b e st a nd br ig hte st were honore d for t hei r de d ic at ion to t hei r st ud ie s a nd s er v ic e to fel low st udent s .

T h i s ye a r fe at u re d one of t he la rge st nu mb er of i nduc te e s e ver.

T he honor i s b e stowe d up on st udent s who p os s e s s t he qu a l it ie s of s chola rsh ip, le adersh ip, s er v ic e a nd cha r ac ter.

I n order to apply for i nduc t ion, st udent s a l s o mu st ma i nt a i n a GPA of 3 .0 or b e t ter for t h re e s eme sters , a s wel l a s d i splay le adersh ip a nd s er v ic e i n t hei r com mu n it ie s . T he Nat iona l Honor S o c ie t y i s not ju st for i ntel l igent st udent s , but r at her for t hos e st udent s who a re

wel l-rou nde d a nd v a lu able memb ers of t he com mu n it y.

T he c eremony wa s i nc re d ibly movi ng. It b e ga n w it h a Ma s s c elebr ate d

by Fat her Ja me s She a ’66 a nd wa s followe d by t he i nduc t ion it s el f. Cu r rent Nat iona l Honor S o c ie t y memb ers gave spe e che s on t he qu a l it ie s re qu i re d to b e i n t he s o c ie t y, a nd t hen a l l of t he ne w memb ers were c a l le d up to t he f ront of t he g y m to re c eive t hei r pi ns , s a she s , c er t i f ic ate s a nd f i r m ha nd sha ke s f rom t hei r favor ite he ad ma ster. A f ter wa rd s , t here wa s a fa nt a st ic re c e pt ion held i n C a la s a nc t iu s Ha l l . A l l i n a l l, t h i s ye a r’s Nat iona l S o c ie t y I nduc t ion c eremony l ive d up to it s re put at ion a s a wonderf u l a n nu a l e vent .

Hosting Exchange Students Broadens Horizons Sam Young ’15

The third annual Spanish Exchange Program took place over the course of two weeks from March 22 to April 5. The exchange program allows several gracious Devon families to host Spanish students from Zaragoza, Spain. This year, Devon Prep welcomed twelve Spanish exchange students and three chaperones from Colegio Cristo Rey. These foreign students participated in all of their hosts’ classes at school.

They got the chance to observe how a Piarist preparatory school in the United States is run. However, it wasn’t all work and no play. The students, along with their chaperones, visited many national landmarks that are key features in American history and society. From Central Park to the Lincoln Memorial, the students were able to make their experience in this country one to remember. However, their time here was not complete until they visited Philadelphia and had a legendary Philly cheesesteak. As their time here came to a close, the exchange students said their last goodbyes boarded a bus to Philadelphia International Airport, in anticipation that they would be able to come to this country again soon.

Running Like the Wind Andrew Shannon ’15

Devon Prep’s last day of track occurred at Coatesville’s track stadium on May 19, 2014. All of the stretches, striders, sprints, long eight-mile runs, and core workouts culminated in a single day. The District 1 Championship was an all-day event that featured eight Devon Prep athletes.

Shane Norris, an up and coming sophomore, competed at his first District Championship in the high jump. In the 4x800m relay, juniors David Randall, Lucas Watson, and James Enderle ran with sophomore Grant McKnight. They finished in third place, bringing Devon four hard earned district medals. Matt Kelly ’16 won a fifth place medal for the Tide, competing in the 1600m. In the open 800m, senior James O’Shea and junior Andrew Shannon both medaled fourth and eighth respectively. Coach Dave Evans ’08 spoke about how he is excited about the future of the program. “We only had one senior compete in the district finals. I’m excited about all of the young guys who will compete at a higher level in years to come.” Coach Evans is a firm believer in giving the younger runners experience in these meets. He believes that senior James O’Shea had a top five finish because of his experience in the 4x800m last year. “That’s why I put in juniors and sophomores in this year’s 4x800m, so that next year they’ll feel more comfortable in their individual events.” Coach Evans has encouraged all of the athletes to join the Cross Country and Indoor Track team in order to keep in shape year-round. With Cross Country only a few months away, Coach Evans doesn’t take much time off. With such a dedicated coach, it’s easy to see why Devon Prep’s Track and Field program is growing with speed.

Devonites Dominate Science Fair

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Russell Emery ’15

Nearly 500 students competed in the Chester County Science Research Competition on March 3, 2014. Among those students were Russell Emery `15, Christopher Zack `20, Dylan Smoot `20, and Matthew Siracusa `18. Christopher and Dylan competed together with their team project “Yogo or Yogrow: Measuring the Amount of Life Cultures of Bacteria in Different Brands of Yogurt.” They earned Second Place in their category at the Chester County fair. Matthew Siracusa’s project, a “Moving Vehicle Study of Fracking Sites,” earned an Honorable Mention in Environmental Science. Russell Emery earned First Place for his project, “Finding Efficiency Over Time of a Rotary Flywheel for Kinetic Energy Storage.” Russell, Christopher, and Dylan all went on to the regional Delaware Valley Science Fair. Russell won an Honorable Mention from the IEEE for his project.

The research competition gives hundreds of students the opportunity to show how much they understand their topics. The Chester County fair takes place in a school gymnasium and the Delaware Valley fair, which brings in students from Pennsylva-

nia, New Jersey, and Delaware, is housed inside the Philadelphia Convention Center in Oaks. For a few hours, students present their projects to official judges for the fair and special awards judges from a variety of different companies for each category.

Even though competing requires months of preparation and data collecting, it is worth it to spend the day enthusiastically explaining to judges and nearby students why you chose your project and what it accomplishes.

The research projects allow students a large degree of freedom in choosing what they want to do. There are many categories: social sciences, math and physics, chemistry, and biology. Devon has been encouraging students to compete, partly because of the recognition that is available to its students and the prizes offered for competitors. In competing in the fair, especially during junior year, students have the capability to earn large college scholarships to multiple schools, among them Drexel University, and also visits across the country to smaller fairs whose sponsors are interested in the student’s project.

Campus and Music Ministries Lucas Watson ’15 and CJ Nave ’15, Editor-in-Chief Elect

The Campus Ministry Team, which can be seen occupying the first row at Mass each Friday, is a select group of students responsible for running most of the religious activities at Devon Prep. Religion is a major aspect of Devon life.

There are daily Masses held in the chapel, school Masses every Friday, and a monthly praying of the rosary. Some of Campus Ministry’s jobs at Devon are to set up the altar in the gym each Friday for Mass, organize the living rosary, and be religious role models for the students at school. Rev. Francisco Aisa is Devon’s chaplain as well as the leader of Campus Ministry. While it may be his first year at Devon Prep, he has already managed to inspire the Campus Ministry

team and the students at Devon Prep.

What would Devon Masses be without the music? Every Friday, Music Ministry joins together to provide the music for each Mass. Led

by Mr. Mark Griswald and Ms. Melissa Browne, the choir performs songs including “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord),” “Open the Eyes of My Heart,” and “Our God is Greater.” The music provided makes Friday mornings livelier and people throughout the hallways are constantly humming the songs from that morning. Music Ministry is always looking for new members, so if you are interested in providing the wonderful music for Devon students during Friday Masses, come and join Music Ministry!

Dr. Radu’s Twentieth Rocks CJ Nave ’15, Editor-in-Chief Elect

This spring, the Devon Music Society put on yet another phenomenal Spring Concert. This Spring Concert marked the end of Doctor Valentin Radu’s twentieth year as the leader of the Devon Music Society. Jazz Band played classics such as “We Will Rock You” and “Old Time Rock and Roll.” Choral Tide brought their “A game” with the perennial favorites “Puttin’ on the Ritz” and “At the Hop.” The audience was enthralled by the music, especially by Rip Tide’s excellent harmonies on “Thulalila Lele.”

There were also performances by Patrick Shields ’14, Joe Teti ’15, Jack Holmes ’15, and Alex Bygrave ’16, as they showcased some songs from the spring musical “Oklahoma!” Afterwards, CJ Nave ’15, the president of both Choral Tide and Jazz Band, presented Dr. and Mrs. Radu with student-funded gifts to show how much they are appreciated. It was a wonderful night and yet another wonderful year for the Devon Music Society.

T he Tr u mpe t S ec t ion of t he Ja zz B a nd , led by t he fa nt a st ic Dr. Va lent i n R adu

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The Class of 2014

Dialogue Profiles

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In this multi-part interview, The Devon Dialogue staff sits down to interview Mr. Michael Collins ’68, who teaches freshman history, AP U.S. History, and AP Political Science, as well as coaching Mock Trial and moderating Model U.N. Mr. Collins discusses his decision to teach at Devon.

Mr. Collins — The Herodotus of our Time Pat Blumenthal ‘15, Digital Editor Elect

DD: You are one of several teachers who graduated from Devon and are now back here teaching. What is your story at Devon?

Mr. Collins: My life from the time that I can recall revolved around Devon, because my dad was the first lay teacher here. When the Piarist Fathers founded the school in 1956, they were a European order. As a consequence, they had very few (teachers) who could actually teach English. So, my dad at the time was an English teacher at Monsignor Bonner, a high school in Delaware County. He heard about Devon through Father Joe Kershner and Joe was teaching at Bonner as well, but he was a Piarist. So, he gave my father a heads-up saying, “You know they are going to start this new school up, and they desperately need an English teacher.” So, my dad came out here and interviewed for the job and got the job as the first lay teacher at Devon, and that was when I was six years old. So, clearly, Devon has been a part of my life as long as I can recall.

So, that’s how the contact originally started, and clearly because my dad was teaching here, even though I was scheduled to go to West Catholic, because I grew up in the city, and our local parochial high school was West Catholic. When I graduated eighth grade, I was destined to come to Devon, but my friends who were still in the city had no idea where Devon was. I tell this story because I think it’s a funny one, but they enrolled me in West Catholic. As anyone who came out of the parochial school system in the city was automatically enrolled in the local parochial high school. So, I was enrolled in West Catholic. Well, the guys who graduated from my grade school, which was Saint Francis De Sales, would yell “Here” every time the teachers at West Catholic read my name off of the attendance sheet. They issued me a report card, a first quarter card and a semester report card, before they knew I wasn’t there. In the semester report card, I passed every subject with either an A or a B, except for gym.

They failed me in gym because apparently, the gym teacher knew I wasn’t there. Everybody else thought I was in class —never took a test — never took a quiz —never was in the school itself, and yet I got a report card. I still have that report card today with my grades on it. So, while I was at Devon, I was apparently also at West Catholic.

DD: So after forty-two years of teaching, what’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the student body and Devon as a whole in the past forty years?

Mr. Collins: Clearly, it’s the technological revolution that has occurred.

When I first started at Devon, there were rotary telephones. There was no such thing as a computer outside of the room-sized computers of the army and major universities. So, the whole technological revolution has been the biggest change, and I have mixed feelings on it. When the Industrial Revolution first occurred, there were clearly benefits as well as drawbacks. Technology is a double-edged sword in a way. The benefits of industrialization clearly were to mass produce cheap goods; to allow ordinary consumers for the first time to be able to afford goods that previously had been manufactured by artisans and therefore were expensive.

So, that was the good part that came out of that technology. I think the bad part that came out of that technology was the simple fact that you cheapened the process of producing the good. What I mean by that is that the artisan no longer took pride in what he produced. It was being produced on an assembly line. It was being produced where a worker didn’t have control over the product that he was actually in charge of producing.

This was all done at the upper level. So, I think, given that the technological revolution in communication between cell phones, between the technologies of tablets, the computer — I think it’s a double-edged sword.

I applaud the fact that it makes information instantaneously available. So, the world has become smarter in one sense, because of the computer. But the downside on it is I think students have become lazy. Intellectually, I think they are less curious. There are a lot of people in my generation that talk about this generation and what we call instant gratification, where the current generation has to be gratified immediately. And the computer in many ways does that, as does the cell phone. But it makes people, I think, in areas of research, creative thinking, lazy. With just the click of a button, if you need to analyze a poem — in the past, you actually had to think about that poem. Well, that’s both good and bad. It can be a good thing if it sparks your interest. It is a bad thing if you are going to just rely on that and are not going to think about that interpretation — that analysis. And I think it’s the same with research today. A lot of people just over rely on that computer for answers. Cell phone technology I think is again, a double-edged sword. I think that students are too dependent on their phone. I think that this whole texting revolution is crazy; I think

for a student to text a hundred times a day is more than excessive. I think it has led to a breakdown of communication skills. If you take a look at things like grammar, punctuation, they are non-existent. That translates into formal writing — people have much more difficulty writing than they did it in the past. If you read letters from the Civil War and you read what people that had an education up to what we would call eighth grade, in a one room school house, wrote back home to their parents or their loved ones — if you read these letters, you would be absolutely amazed at their beauty.

DD: So what changes in education do you think are necessary, reform wise?

Mr. Collins: I think we have to rely less on computers and I don’t see that that’s going to happen anytime soon. I think the revolution is here to stay. I think that students need to be cautioned on the use of the research end of it all. There’s a lot of bad stuff out there, there’s a lot of misinformation out there, and I think that it forces teachers unfortunately to do a lot more work in class because if that tablet is not there, if that cell phone is not there, for that student to hit that button, they’re going to be forced to in class write creatively. So I think more and more teachers are going to have to take more time out of class. To have students do what maybe could have been done at home, but now because of the temptation to hit that button, I think that it’s causing teachers to do more work in the classroom.

DD: Because we are on the technology topic, a lot of people would argue that all these technological innovations have made society more ordered, and also it’s led to the invention and introduction of mass surveillance.

What’s your opinion on the recent NSA scandal, with some people arguing that it is trampling on the Constitution and with others saying it is protecting it?

Mr. Collins: I have my concerns. I really have my concerns about constitutional rights and civil liberties. I had my seniors last year read a book on domestic spying, and I realize in an age of terrorism how important it is to be able to get into communications between these groups that do threaten the United States, from both within and without. I understand, but I do have my concerns and I think that in some cases, in the aftermath of 9/11, the Patriot Act, the subsequent legislation passed by Congress, can be an invasion of privacy. Virtually every major server, from AOL to AT&T, any of them, they have complete access to all that information.

They can, at the request of the government, provide that information to the government. That’s a concern for me. Privacy rights, I think, are very important. It should be important that we have our own thoughts and those thoughts can’t be read by others. I don’t think that the government should be privy. I understand that there are all kinds of safeguards that the government has in place, trying to protect one’s privacy rights, but I do have concerns about it. As surveillance-type technology improves, I think the temptation is going to be for the government to use it.

DD: Where do you see the United States twenty to thirty years from now with emerging global powers, such as China and India? Do you think the United States will still be as dependent on oil?

Mr. Collins: I think the United States will become less and less dependent on oil. Clearly, we’re moving in that direction now. I think the United States, given its past history, still places a big emphasis on oil. We are the number one economic power in the world. I mean you always hear about China, you hear about Brazil, you hear about India, but I think there’s something unique here in this country that those countries don’t have. There is a competitive drive that we have here in the United States; we can be kicked, we get back up, and if you look at the economy of Brazil that everyone was touting just a few years ago, that growth has slowed down. India’s growth has slowed down. So we’re resilient. We are an extremely resilient people and I believe that the United States will always have a competitive edge because we are a free people. The world’s largest democracy is India, but the freedoms that those people have in India are not necessarily, and don’t equate with, the freedoms that we have here, so as long as we remain free, I believe that the United States will be competitive and will lead the world. Everybody wants to come here, and they want to come here for a reason. They wanted to invest here for a reason, because they realize, I think, that aspect of the uniqueness of the United States. I teach Manifest Destiny every year, Manifest Destiny is American exceptionalism, but I do believe in one sense that God has blessed us.

6

A “Bright” Student — Valedictorian Andrew Bright ’14 Patrick Blumenthal ‘15, Digital Editor Elect

DD: Clearly, obtaining valedictorian is a task that requires tremendous amounts of work and effort. What has motivated you to strive for such academic excellence?

Andrew: While academic excellence has allowed me to get into better colleges, my biggest goal has been to make a change in the world. By attending reputable universities and gaining access to the resources that they have to offer, I have a better opportunity to make a difference in the world. My achievements, specifically academic excellence, are motivated by my drive to make a change in the world. It is why I selected, “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they’ll never sit in.” as one of my quotes in the yearbook. I believe every generation should be better off than the last, and I want to be a part of the improvements necessary to make that happen.

DD: Which university have you decided will help you achieve those goals?

Andrew: Ultimately, I decided that the University of Pennsylvania is the best fit for me and I will be attending there in the fall.

I had to make a very difficult decision as I was accepted into several other colleges that I was seriously considering such as Cornell and Dartmouth. However, after visiting

University of Pennsylvania’s campus and seeing what they had to offer, I decided it would be the most beneficial in helping me achieve my goals.

DD: What do you plan on majoring in at the University of Pennsylvania?

Andrew: As of now, I will be majoring in biochemistry because it is a field that is of great interest to me. By majoring in biochemistry, I hope to make an impact in a world that desperately needs solutions for issues that are plaguing society more and more every day.

DD: How do you plan on accomplishing your goals by majoring in biochemistry?

Andrew: I think that one of the most interesting things about society is that one person in a world of seven billion has the power to propel mankind forward drastically.

In nearly every case, this is done through research which leads to new discoveries that benefit the world. By majoring in biochemistry and pursuing research afterward, I can become a part of this process. In the past century, biochemistry has led to serious advancements, both in academia as well as practical applications in our everyday life. I think this will only increase in the years to come, with biochemistry leading the fight for advancements in medicine and other fields.

DD: What are your plans after obtaining your degree at the University of Pennsylvania in biochemistry?

Andrew: I will likely pursue a master’s degree, and possibly a doctoral degree. It would be a very large time investment, but I think it will allow me to achieve better results in research as my wealth of knowledge will have greatly expanded with graduate degrees.

The average age of a Nobel Prize winner is nearly sixty, and this is largely a result of the fact that progress does not come without years of hard work and dedication. As a result, I don’t expect to achieve significant results without large time investments, which I think at this point is best spent in academia.

DD: Is there anything Devon has taught you that will be with you for the years to come?

Andrew: The biggest thing that Devon has taught me is that there is nothing better than to be yourself and celebrate individuality.

Individuality is one of the greatest attributes of mankind and it is one that should be embraced. By not thinking for yourself, and developing your own character, you are doing a great disservice to everyone, and especially yourself. Instead of following in the trail of another, forge your own path in life driven by your passions and your goals.

Salutatorian Sheng Shines Soham Bharne ’15

Each year, two seniors are recognized for their outstanding academic performance over their four years at Devon Prep. The title of valedictorian is given to the senior with the highest GPA, and salutatorian to the senior with the second highest. This year’s salutatorian is Kevin Sheng ’14, a model Devonite who exemplifies the characteristics of hard work, kindness, and eagerness to help.

Kevin is indisputably an intelligent person. He is an invaluable member of the Devon Academic Challenge Team, competing in interschool competitions.

He has taken 12 AP classes during his

Devon career, and is an AP Scholar with Distinction. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, Quill and Scroll Honor Society, and the National French Honor Society.

A man of many talents, Kevin has a myriad of interests and is an integral part of Devon society. He is the leader of the prestigious Computer Club of Devon. Also a member of the respected Devon Mathletes A team for more than two years, Kevin has helped the team win two trophies in the past two years. He is an important part of the Devon Science Olympiad Team, medaling in one of his events this year. He

was the Digital Publication Editor for our school newspaper for this 2013-2014 school year.

In addition to these many accomplishments, Kevin Sheng has great character. He is one of the most hardworking people at Devon. He is always looking to help his community, and is volunteering regularly at his local hospital. He is willing to help his friends and the school whenever he can.

Although Kevin will not be at Devon next year, he has had a lasting impact. We hope that Kevin will make the same impact on Cooper Union that he has made on Devon.

A New Era of Editors Drew Hayden ’15

R ie ve Bu le ’15 i s t he ma n to go to when you ne ed a re sp onsible , i ntel l igent , a nd o c c a siona l ly hu morou s pers on . R ie ve i s one of t he ne w De put y E d itors-i nC h ief, a nd he w i l l br i ng a st rong s ens e of st abi l it y to t he ha rd-work i ng r a n k s of w r iters for t he D e von D ial og u e. We a l l k now R ie ve a s t he sm i l i ng g uy who w i l l e a gerly help a st udent i n ne e d , a nd it i s obv iou s t hat t h i s tendenc y towa rd s mentor i ng w i l l t r a nslate wel l to h i s posit ion i n t he ne w spaper. R ie ve i s one of t he most re sp onsible pe ople out t here , a nd t he De von de ad l i ne may not have to be t a ken adv a nt a ge of i n t he ne x t ye a r for ne w spaper a r t icle s , si nc e he w i l l su rely be rem i nd i ng pe ople to t u r n i n t hei r a r t icle s prompt ly. R ie ve ha s b e en a n i mp or t a nt pa r t of t he D e von D ial og u e , a nd a s De put y E d itor-

i n- C h ief, he w i l l help e st abl i sh t he De von Dia log ue a s one of t he f i ne st s cho ol ne w spapers i n t he a re a .

M i ke K nud s on ’15 i s wel l k now n for h i s v ibr a nt pers ona l it y, a nd t h i s i s one of t he ma ny re a s ons why he w i l l b e come c emente d i n D e von D ial og u e h i stor y a s one of t he most ef fe c t ive De put y E d itors-i n- C h ief. M i ke i s a n i nc re d ibly t a lente d w r iter a nd w i l l c er t a i n ly help t a ke t he ne w spaper to ne w heig ht s . He br i ngs much to t he t able a nd w i l l a id i n t he i mprovement a nd per fe c t ion of t he D e von D ial og u e. Toge t her w it h R ie ve , M i ke w i l l not on ly a s si st but a l s o i nspi re t he ma ny w r iters of t he ne w spaper.

CJ Nave ’15 i s a forc e to b e re ckone d w it h . H i s i ntel le c t i s v a st , h i s w it le gend a r y, a nd h i s consi stenc y a nd

rel iabi l it y a re of my t h ic a l propor t ions .

T he appoi nt ment of CJ a s E d itor-i nC h ief of t he D e von D ial og u e come s a s no su r pr i s e to a ny b ody. Ster n when he ne e d s to b e , ye t gener a l ly k i nd a nd hu morou s , CJ w i l l b e at t he hel m of t he D ial og u e st a f f ensu r i ng t he suc c e s s of e ach e d it ion of t he ne wspaper. He i s k now n a l l a rou nd De von, a nd ha s had a ha nd i n ju st ab out e ver y t h i ng.

From t he mu sic a l to t he m idd le s cho ol d a nc e s , h i s enor mou s pers ona l it y a nd le adersh ip t a lent s have playe d a big role . It i s r a re to at tend a De von e vent w it hout a l s o s e ei ng h i m . CJ re a l ly sh i ne s when it come s to orga n i z i ng e vent s a nd w r it i ng , a nd we lo ok for wa rd to s e ei ng h i s pers ona per me at i ng t he pa ge s of t h i s g r a nd i nst it ut ion t hat i s t he D e von D ial og u e.

Dialogue Editorials

Crimean Conflict Continues Matthew Freney ’15

The crisis in Ukraine has stretched out far beyond the crisis in Crimea. After Crimea’s vote for secession in March following the overthrow of the pro-Russian regime of Viktor Yanukovych, revolutions in Eastern Ukraine have sprung up. Crimea was annexed by Russia after being seized by Russian forces following its overwhelming vote for secession. Since then, tensions between the west and Russia have risen to their highest point since the Cold War, and Russian troops have begun to amass at the Russian-Ukrainian border.

In response to the buildup of troops at the border and the annexation of Crimea, which Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed was perfectly legal in order to protect ethnic Russians on the peninsula, western nations have imposed sanctions on Russia and refused to recognize the annexation. Though Putin has ordered troops away from the border, tensions between the newly installed pro-Western regime and those in Eastern Ukraine are still high amid the ensuing conflict. The Russian government has already stated that it has no plans to annex Eastern Ukraine. However, in its attempts to retaliate against Western sanctions, it threatened to cut the United States off from use of the International Space Station. The Russian government has also stated that it will not use force in Eastern Ukraine or support the rebellion there, a promise kept by ordering the removal of its 40,000 troops from the border.

Adding to the rising tensions, Eastern Ukraine has also voted for secession. That being said, the fighting there, along with the absence of international election and polling officials, has caused the vote to be declared illegitimate.

A new vote for secession has been scheduled for September, with a larger voter turnout expect-

ed, especially among those against secession.

Protesters in favor of Ukrainian unity are also said to have been attacked, which may be another reason why turnout was not high enough.

A Pew Research poll in April also found that over 70% of Eastern Ukraine is in favor of keeping Ukrainian unity, which causes even more suspicion towards the legitimacy of the secession vote.

So far, dozens have died in the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. Rebel forces have begun by capturing and fortifying police stations. Ukrainian forces have moved into the East, though Eastern Ukrainians have declared sovereignty and are attempting to establish their own nations, such as the Donetsk People’s Republic.

The premier of this region, Alexander Boroday, has stated his intentions to ask for Russian annexation, much like in Crimea. However, they have seen neither aid nor intent to send aid from the Russian government.

It is not clear exactly how this crisis will turn out, but it seems as if any intervention in Eastern Ukraine from Western countries or Russia is unlikely in the near future. The Russian government, though it has complete control over Crimea, has expressed no intent to move troops into Eastern Ukraine, fuel a rebellion, or seek more Ukrainian land. The conflict will continue as more people are killed or wounded in Eastern Ukraine and more police stations are captured by rebel forces, and a campaign office for a Ukrainian presidential candidate was set ablaze by rebel forces. With no aid to either side from outside nations, tensions have certainly risen beyond Crimea and the unity of Ukraine is being seriously threatened.

Gojira!

Patrick Shields ’14, Co-Deputy Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

We all know the name. Godzilla, king of the monsters, came roaring back to the big screen this year, sixty years after his debut in the 1954 Japanese kaiju film “Godzilla.”

Director Gareth Edwards’ new “Godzilla” is the second film about the creature to be filmed entirely by an American studio, the first being the less than excellent 1998 film of the same name.

Godzilla has changed a lot through the years. From monster to savior, he has been cast in many different ways. In the original film, for example, he was a destructive force, seen as a metaphor for nuclear weapons in the wake of the bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. As the years went on, a less aggressive Godzilla emerged. Sometimes the hero, sometimes the villain, Godzilla’s true intentions were never certain. The recent film opts for a more indifferent incarnation, in line with many of the older films.

Godzilla is an antihero, a force of nature, unconcerned about human life, but still on their side against a common enemy.

Godzilla’s appearance has also changed many times. At first played by an actor in a

costume, Godzilla began at around 50 meters tall so that he was just taller than the tallest buildings in Japan at the time. However, he became larger in later films as larger buildings were built. 2014’s “Godzilla” was about 107 meters tall—the largest yet— created by computer generated imagery (CGI). Godzilla’s other characteristics have usually remained somewhat consistent, though portrayals have varied from comical to terrifying. A particular point of contention is Godzilla’s gender. Though typically thought to be male, the 1998 Godzilla involved the “king” of monsters laying eggs in Madison Square Garden. This incarnation of Godzilla was later renamed “Zilla,” distancing her from the original Godzilla.

Godzilla remains a huge cultural phenomenon, possibly the most recognizable icon of Japanese film. There have been thirty-two Godzilla films created internationally, from 1954 to 2014. The latest production is a welcome addition to the list of American contributions to this legendary franchise.

7

Hunger and Human Rights

Marco DiLeonardo ’14 and Jackson Misko ’14

Hunger is the most important issue plaguing the globe, especially in developing countries.

Recently, global hunger statistics have been on the decline, yet there are still eight hundred and forty million people starving worldwide.

While efforts have successfully lowered hunger rates, Africa continues to struggle with increasing levels of malnutrition. Exorbitant sums of money and food are contributed daily by developed countries to combat this problem. The flow of aid, however, is insufficient and ultimately not a long term solution to this crisis. To improve the quality and nutritional value of food, first world countries have implemented bioengineering as well as modern agricultural methods to increase production and yield. Modernizing infrastructure, especially basic transportation, is a fundamental prerequisite for this to occur. Technological advances aside, these goals cannot be achieved without a properly functioning democracy which upholds human rights. The root of starvation is poverty. A society that protects basic rights of the individual and promotes industrial production is the only means by which wealth can be created and poverty eliminated.

Take China, for example, which is still regarded as a developing country and yet, the condition of life has been greatly ameliorated due to a boom in industry linked to increased exportation and trade with Western developed countries. The natural aftermath of this evolution is the intensified emphasis on basic human rights in that country. A Chinese middle class is emerging for the first time in history.

The argument for the relationship between freedom in the context of human rights and the source of poverty and starvation is most evident in another developing area of the world, Africa. Widespread famine is rising.

Fragmentations of governments, civil unrest, oppressive regimes, and a prolonged history of genocide are prevalent throughout much of the continent. While an abundance of natural resources provide the opportunity for wealth, the containment of poverty and therefore hunger cannot be achieved because of these aforementioned factors. Despite the extensive humanitarian efforts from developed countries, the only solution to conquering famine resides in enforcing basic civil rights and the establishing of democratic rule. Herein lies the major obstacle faced by foreign aid to curb hunger. The help should be focused on stabilizing the political landscape, the establishing of civil rights and promoting an authentic industrial revolution. Hunger and poverty are complex issues that we as humanitarians must address by identifying the underlying components. In the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt: “Freedom means the supremacy of human rights everywhere. Our support goes to those who struggle to gain those rights and keep them. Our strength is our unity of purpose.

To that high concept there can be no end, save victory.”

8

The Essence of Devon Andrew Bright ’14, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

My pa st f ive ye a rs at De von have be en pa r adox ic a l ly bot h f le e t i ng a nd t i mele s s . I t h i n k back a nd it s e em s l i ke on ly ye sterd ay t hat I f i rst entere d De von a s a you ng eig ht h g r ader.

Ye t , I a l s o re a l i z e how much I have g row n a nd de veloped si nc e t hat t i me . I have le a r ne d to t h i n k c r it ic a l ly a nd de velop my ow n a rg u ment s suppor te d by e v idenc e. I have le a r ned how to ex pre s s my ide a s a nd pa s sions a nd a na ly z e t he ide a s a nd pa s sions of ot hers . T he “De von Di f ferenc e” i s to be t ha n ked for t h i s .

S en ior ye a r i s a bit ter-s we e t oc c a sion. It i s s we e t i n t hat it br i ngs it s re sp onsibi l it ie s a nd pr iv i lege s . S en iors a re g iven t he pr iv i le ge to enjoy a f u l l-per iod lu nch a nd e at a ny where i n t he s chool . T he cove te d s en ior “pr iv i lege” whereby s en iors a re a l lowe d to le ave s chool du r i ng s e vent h per iod i f t hei r eig ht h per iod te acher i s abs ent i s a welcomed re spite f rom s chool .

I n t he pa st fe w we ek s , it ha s be come e v ident t hat my t i me here ha s not be en me a su re d i n ye a rs but i n memor ie s . A s E d itor-i n- C h ief, I have made g re at memor ie s a nd le a r ned much about newspapers a nd le adersh ip. But a s a De von st udent , I have le a r ne d a g re at de a l more about l i fe , a nd i n t he proc e s s , made memor ie s wh ich have become t he fou nd at ion of my ch i ld hood . To pa r t w it h t he i nst it ut ion a nd t he pe ople wh ich have gener ate d t he s e memor ie s i s t he bit ter pa r t of s en ior ye a r ; it le ave s a long i ng to go back to my t i me s here a nd re pe at t hos e memor ie s . K now i ng t hat my

t i me here i s d r aw i ng to a clos e , I fe el a nost a lg ia t hat w i l l most l i kely rema i n for t he re st of my l i fe.

Nost a lg ia come s f rom t he Gre ek word á lgos me a n i ng ache.

Nost a lg ia i s fa r more t ha n a memor y, it i s a wou nd t hat c a n on ly be a s su a ged by t he fa i nt g l i m mer of a not her t i me. It c a n ne ver he a l . It l i ngers w it h you a nd wh i spers to you when t i me s a re d i f f ic u lt . Much l i ke t he wou nd s of s old iers a re ma rk s of s er v ic e , t he wou nd s of nost a lg ia a re ma rk s of a l i fe wel l l ived . Nost a lg ia br i ngs ab out ref lec t ion .

O ver t he pa st f ive ye a rs , I have ref lec ted on t he que st ion “W hat i s t he e s s enc e of De von? ” De von i s not a n i nst it ut ion, or a g roup of pe ople , or a plac e. It i s a n i nef fable fe el i ng— a con nec t ion to a l l t he pre v iou s na me s a nd fac e s w it hout stor ie s , a l l t he w i s dom a nd k nowled ge t hat wa s le a r ned at 1 1:30 p.m . t he d ay before a te st , a l l t he t r ips a nd pr a n k s played .

It i s a fe el i ng of happi ne s s when when he a r i ng a st udent a sk how ha rd t he A .P. Biolog y ex a m wa s , or wonder i ng whe t her he shou ld t a ke A .P. Phy sic s nex t ye a r. De von i s a t r ad it ion, a way of l i fe , a nd a re sp onsibi l it y to c a r r y on t hat t r ad it ion .

It i s a n ache to rel ive you r ch i ld ho od .

College Highlights for the Class of 2014 Jonathan Liu ’14 and Bobby Watters ’14

Applications Total Number of Applications: 316 Early Decision: 5 Early Action: 74 Rolling: 45 Regular Decision: 192 Institutions Applied to: 103 Accepted at: 63 Enrolled at: 26 Most Popular (applications) University of Pittsburgh: 20 Drexel University: 13 Penn State University: 12 Saint Joseph’s University: 11 Loyola University (Maryland): 10 University of Delaware: 10 Institutions with the highest enrollments University of Notre Dame: 4 Drexel University: 4 University of Pennsylvania: 2 Bucknell University: 2 George Washington University: 2 Loyola University (Maryland): 2 Penn State University: 2 Rochester Institute of Technology: 2 University of Delaware: 2

Editorial Board

© 2013–2014 Devon Prep

Editor-in-Chief Elect: CJ Nave ‘15 Co-Deputy Editor-in-Chief Elect: Rieve Bule ‘15 Co-Deputy Editor-in-Chief Elect: Michael Knudson ‘15 Digital Editor Elect: Patrick Blumenthal ‘15 Editor-in-Chief Emeritus: Andrew Bright ’14 Co-Deputy Editor-in-Chief Emeritus: Patrick Shields ‘14 Co-Deputy Editor-in-Chief Emeritus: James Stanish ‘14 Digital Editor Emeritus: Kevin Sheng ’14 Faculty Moderator: Mr. Lawrence Theuer Associate Editors for News: Michael Horbowy ’14 & Soham Bharne ’15 Associate Editor for Editorials: Jack Misko ‘14 Associate Editors for Entertainment: Jefferson Toro ’14 & Jon Liu ’14 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.