Devon Dialogue 2016 - 17, III Final

The Devon Dialogue volume

VIII, issue III | March 2017

proudly publishing for five decades

Devon Preparatory School

A M.U.Nderful Weekend

Devonites travel to the Hershey Lodge for the Annual Model United Nations competition, in which several received recognition.

See Below

Bowl Tide Three players on the Varsity Bowling team represent Devon in the States tournament See Page 2

Defending Life in D.C. Devonites head to Washington, D.C. to stand up for the right to life.

A Sentimental Season for Seniors

See Page 7

Devon’s Varsity Basketball team finishes up another successful season, saying goodbye to some seniors. See Page 3

A M.U.Nderful Weekend Tommy Brower ‘18, Deputy Editor-in-Chief

A light dusting of snow lay on the ground and trees as Nature spread her thin, timeworn blanket across the wintry Earth. Cars sluggishly plodded along the icy roads, salt grinding beneath their tires, as they drove onwards to Devon Prep. Students sleepily quit the warm interior of their cars to trundle into the lobby of the school, suitcases and garment bags in tow. An array of students stood in the lobby smartly dressed in steely-grey and black suits, ties knotted in perfect triangles, and polished dress shoes pressing against the tile f loor. Frenzied snippets of conversation f litted about the room alighting upon the ears of passersby and producing a growing roar in the room.

Clutching their phones and tablets, the students boarded the coach bus and settled into the blue padded seats awaiting the drive to Hershey. Meanwhile, at the Hershey Lodge and Hotel, the staff and Officer Corps, were preparing to host the 2017 Model United Nations Conference. Committee Chairs readied themselves to moderate their respective committees and preside over Country Caucus as the staff of the facility wheeled in carts of food into the Great American Hall for the orientation brunch.

The drive to Hershey proved to be rather moderate in terms of its duration, and soon the students filed off the bus and crowded into the lobby of the Hershey Lodge grasping their luggage. Folders were distributed among the delegation and luggage transported up into the appropriate hotel rooms, and soon everyone was down in the Great American Hall, plates laden with food, listening intently to the presentation. Anjali Ravichandran, the Secretary General, spoke animatedly about the weekend ahead and the wonderful experience the Model UN would undoubtedly provide. As she retired from the podium, applause filled the room to a thunderous volume as delegates filled with excitement and anticipation. Delegates were then dismissed from the hall for the commencement of activities with the first Country Caucus.

The hallways teemed with delegates briskly walking to his or her Country Caucus like an anthill in full throttle. Country Caucus provides delegates representing the same country to meet and discuss some of the issues and stances that their country has while also hearing presentations from other delegates representing neighboring countries. Delegates can use this time to cement their knowledge of his or her country’s views and to determine which other country’s views most closely align with their own; this process can be extremely helpful when looking for sponsors and drafting CONTINUED on Page 7.

2017-2018 Editorial Staff Elected Editors-in-Chief:

Frank Byrd ‘18

Chris Rufo ‘18

Deputy Editor-in-Chief:

Tommy Brower ‘18

Associate Editors:

Austin Cozzone ‘18

Jacob Pabia ‘18

2

A Season for Giving

Dialogue News

Bowl Tide Tyler Gazda ’18

John Curran ’18 and Chris Perullo ‘18

C h r ist m a s is t he se a son of g iv i ng, so Devon got i nt o t he C h r ist m a s spi r it by h av i ng a g iv i ng t re e r u n by t he C h r ist ia n Act ion P rog r a m (CA P). T he CA P g iv i ng t re e wa s a wel l- orga n i ze d eve nt r u n by M r.

G av i n , M r. Con solo, a nd t he e nt i re C h r ist ia n Act ion P rog r a m. T he club orga n i ze d a nd promot e d t he eve nt w it h i n t he school t h roug h m a ny det ai le d p ost e r s about t he eve nt.

T he it e m s f rom t he eve nt we re goi ng t o fa m i l ie s i n t he Ph i la delph ia a re a t h at ca n not af ford t o buy t he se it e m s, a nd t he it e m s we re t o be h a nde d i n a rou nd De ce mbe r 16, w r ap p e d w it h t he t ag, t o M r.

G av i n’s room i n Cala sa nct iu s Hal l . T he m ai n g iv i ng t re e wa s lo cat e d i n t he m ai n lobby, a nd wa s n icely de cor at e d w it h or n a me nt s, be a d s, a nd ca rd s, wh ich h a d it e m s on t he m wh ich t he st ude nt s wou ld br i ng i n.

T he it e m s we re m ai n ly g i f t ca rd s, swe at sh i r t s, sca r ve s, g love s, a nd ot he r a r t icle s of clot h i ng. T he eve nt wa s a succe ss w it h m a ny g i f t s g ive n t o help fa m i l ie s t h at m ay not h ave re ceive d pre se nt s on C h r ist m a s w it hout t he ge ne rou s don at ion s of st ude nt s a nd t hei r fa m i l ie s.

T he bowl i ng t e a m ha s ha d a g re at se a son t h is ye a r, f i n ish i ng i n se cond pla ce. T h is ha s e a r ne d some of t he t e a m me mbe r s a cha nce t o play in t he st at e championship.

T he st a r t i ng me mbe r s of t he t e a m a re Joh n Lion I I I ’19, Rya n M i l l iga n ’18, Kev i n Hol me s ’17, Mat t Si r a cu sa ’18, a nd Mat t Sz kol n ick i ’17.

T he bowl i ng t e a m re ce ntly playe d i n a t ou r n a me nt , w h e r e M a t t Si r a cu sa won 3rd pla ce. T he t e a m said t hat t hey e njoye d play i ng at t he t ou r n a me nt.

T he excit e me nt level wa s h ig h at t h is t ou r n a me nt w it h a la rge c rowd supp or t i ng t he playe r s a nd t e a m s. T h re e me mbe r s of t he bowl i ng t e a m qu al if ie d for t he st at e t ou r n a me nt , a nd a re

ve r y excit e d t o play t he re. T he capt ai n of t he bowl i ng t e a m , Mat t Sz kol n ick i, gave t he se i n spi r i ng word s t o al l st ude nt s i nt e re st e d

Matt Szkolnicki ‘17, Kevin Holmes ‘17, and Matt Siracusa ‘18 stand ready for a match.

i n t he bowl i ng t e a m: “ Rol l on ove r t o t he la ne s.”

The Beginning of a New Regime Austin Cozzone ‘18

Wit h i n t he f i r st mont h of P re side nt Don ald Tr u mp’s t i me i n of f ice, qu it e a lot h a s h ap p e ne d .

T he 2016 pre side nt ial ca mpaig n wa s r at he r p ola r i z i ng, a nd t he se p ol it ical d iv ision s cont i nue t o i n f lue nce bot h t he me d ia a nd ou r p e r son al l ive s. T he pre side nt’s f i r st mont h h a s be e n ve r y eve nt f u l, a s cabi net se c ret a r ie s have be e n ap p oi nt e d , ot he r s h ave st e p p e d dow n , a nd Tr u mp h i m sel f ha s sig ne d a nu mbe r of exe cut ive orde r s.

Pe rh aps t he most cont rove r sial of t he se orde r s wa s t he i m m ig r at ion ba n , h alt i ng i m m ig r at ion f rom seve n pre dom i n a ntly Isla m ic cou nt r ie s i n t he M idd le E a st a nd A f r ica . A f t e r bei ng sig ne d by t he pre side nt , howeve r, t h is orde r re ceive d much c r it icism f rom some A me r ica n s. A s a re su lt , it h a s be e n ove r t u r ne d by t he cou r t s. De spit e t h is, t he Tr u mp a d m i n ist r at ion ha s put a new exe cut ive orde r i nt o pla ce t h at w i l l st op i m m ig r at ion f rom ce r t ai n cou nt r ie s.

Dome st ical ly, he cont i nue s t o be a m ajor prop one nt for st ronge r borde r cont rol - e sp e cial ly t he now-fa mou s wal l t h at is t o be bu i lt along t he Mex ica n-A me r ica n borde r. O t he r exe cut ive orde r s

t hat P re side nt Tr u mp ha s sig ne d i nclude one t hat re op e n s Da kot a pip el i ne con st r uct ion a nd a not he r t itle d “ M i n i m i z i ng t he E conom ic Bu rde n of t he Pat ie nt P rot e ct ion a nd A f ford able Ca re Act Pe nd i ng Re p e al.” T he lat t e r of t he t wo, a s is cle a r by t he n a me, is t he beg i n n i ng of Tr u mp’s longprom ise d ca mpaig n ple dge t o re p e al a nd re pla ce Oba m a ca re.

Me a nwh i le, Tr u mp’s cabi net cont i nue s t o g row a s more a nd more app oi nt e e s a re approve d by vot e s i n t he Se n at e. Some of t he cabi net app oi nt e e s al re a dy app oi nt e d a re Se c ret a r y of St at e Rex Ti l le r son , Se c ret a r y of t he Tre a su r y St eve n M nuch i n , Se c ret a r y of Defe n se Ja me s Mat t is, Se c ret a r y of Tr a n sp or t at ion Elai ne C h a o, At t or ney Ge ne r al Jef f Se ssion s, a nd Se c ret a r y of E ducat ion Bet sy DeVos - t he la st t wo of wh ich have re ceive d m ajor ba ck la sh du r i ng t hei r con f i r m at ion he a r i ngs. I n fa ct , DeVos’ con f i r m at ion vot e re su lt e d i n a 50 -50 spl it a mong se n at or s, me a n i ng t h at Vice P re side nt M i ke Pe nce exe rcise d h is t ie -bre a k i ng vot e i n favor of DeVos. T h is wa s a h ist or ic o cca sion , a s it wa s t he f i r st t i me a v ice pre side nt broke a t ie on a

cabi net se c ret a r y vot e.

Fol low i ng t he de at h of Ju st ice A nt on i n Scal ia i n e a rly 2016, t he Supre me Cou r t ha s ha d a va ca ncy t o f i l l. Unde r t he prev iou s a d m i n ist r at ion , P re side nt Oba m a nom i n at e d Me r r ick G a rla nd .

A f t e r al most a ye a r, t houg h , G a rla nd’s nom i n at ion ha s expi re d .

P re side nt Tr u mp’s new nom i ne e Nei l Gor such bega n i n lat e Ma rch.

Add it ion al ly, M icha el Fly n n , for me r Nat ion al Se cu r it y Adv isor t o Tr u mp, re sig ne d e a rl ie r t h is mont h fol low i ng a sca nd al i nvolv i ng com mu n icat ion s w it h Ru ssia . Keit h Kel log g a ct e d a s t he i nt e r i m a dv isor for a t i me u nt i l it wa s de cide d t hat He rbe r t R ay mond McMa st e r wou ld succe e d Fly n n a s Nat ion al Se cu r it y Adv isor.

O ve r al l, it ha s be e n an i nt e n sive f i r st mont h for t he Tr u mp a d m i n ist r at ion. It w i l l be i nt e re st i ng t o se e how t he a d m i n ist r at ion cont i nue s for wa rd for t he du r at ion of Tr u mp’s pre side ncy, pa r t icu la rly w it h i n t he next t wo mont h s a s t he “ f i r st 10 0 d ays” come t o a close.

Dialogue Sports

3

Brady Bowl

Soccer in the Middle

Akul Naik ‘18

Ian McKnight ’21

T he score is 28 -20 Atla nt a . T he re is 3:56 lef t i n t he fou r t h qu a r t e r.

T he Falcon s h ave it , se cond dow n w it h eleve n ya rd s t o go at t he New Engla nd 25 ya rd l i ne. A f ield goal w i l l al l but se al Sup e r Bowl LI, a nd t he Falcon s a re wel l w it h i n k icke r Mat t Br ya nt’s r a nge. Ce nt e r A lex Ma ck sn aps it t o Mat t Rya n i n t he shotg u n , he d rops ba ck , t he r u sh is com i ng, Trey Flowe r s blows pa st t he ce nt e r, Rya n t r ie s t o eva de, he is w r app e d up, sa ck! T he Falcon s lose 12 ya rd s, a nd t he ve r y next play, t he Falcon s a re cal le d for hold i ng a nd force d t o pu nt. Tom Br a dy get s t he bal l; he ha s 3:30 t o go 91 ya rd s for a t ouchdow n a nd t wo p oi nt conve r sion t o t ie t he ga me. He do e s it i n 2:33, complet i ng si x pa sse s for 9 0 ya rd s.

A ga me t h at Atla nt a once le d 28 -3 is now t ie d , t he la rge st comeba ck i n Sup e r Bowl h ist or y com m a nde e re d

by Pat r iot s qu a r t e rba ck Tom Br a dy, who h a s ove rcome a pick- si x i n t he

f i r st h al f. T he Falcon s get t he bal l but fa i l t o do a ny t h i ng w it h it , a nd t h is ga me is goi ng t o ove r t i me. T he f i r st ove r t i me i n Sup e r Bowl h ist or y b eg i n s w it h a coi n t oss. T he Pat r iot s w i n a nd ele ct t o re ceive t he footbal l.

T he k ickof f go e s for a t ouchba ck , so t he Pat r iot s now h ave 75 ya rd s t o go for a ga me -w i n n i ng t ouchdow n.

Wit h si x st r aig ht complet ion s f rom Br a dy a nd a pa ss i nt e r fe re nce cal l on Atla nt a , t he Pat r iot s h ave it at t he Atla nt a one ya rd l i ne. T hey t oss it t o Ja me s W h it e who rou nd s t he cor ne r a nd mu scle s t h roug h seve r al t a ck le s t o bre a k t he pla ne. Touchdow n!

T he Pat r iot s w i n Sup e r Bowl LI. Br a dy e nd s t he ga me 43 - 62 for 466 ya rd s, a Sup e r Bowl re cord ; he is t he u nd is put e d M V P. T he Pat r iot s h ave score d 31 u n a n swe re d p oi nt s t o w i n t hei r f i f t h Sup e r Bowl. G re at e st Sup e r Bowl eve r?

Debat e able.

G re at e st qu a r t e r ba ck eve r? Fa ct.

A Sentimental Season for Seniors Frank Byrd ‘18, Deptuy Editor-in-Chief

For a t h i rd st r a ig ht se a son , t he p e r for me d b e st whe n t hey shot Tide h a s cont i nue d t o bu i ld a cu lt u re wel l, a s ev ide nce d by not able w i n s aga i n st L owe r Morela nd a nd C hu rch Fa r m School, wh i le t hey st r ug g le d most whe n t hei r shot s d id not fal l.

T he Tide’s reg u la r se a son re cord prove d st rong e noug h t o e a r n t he m t he #13 se at i n t he d ist r ict playof fs, whe re t hey we nt on t o fa ce Holy Ghost P re p. Devon playe d a close ga me aga i n st t he p e re n n ial cont e nde r s, but eve nt u al ly su f fe re d a loss wh ich e nde d t hei r se a son. T h is t u r ne d out t o b e t he f i n al va r sit y ba sketbal l ga me for t he t e a m’s si x se n ior s: Lu ke Fa r n swor t h , T hom a s Ha ng , Ji m my L of t u s, Ja ck Ma rqu is, Da n iel Sh a n non , Pau l Yoo, a nd G r a nt Kowalewsk i. Da n Sh a n non cap p e d a succe ssf u l Devon ca re e r by e a r n i ng Fi r st Te a m A l l-Bice nt e n n ial L e ag ue Honor s for a se cond st r aig ht se a son.

Senior Daniel Shannon earned his second First T he f ut u re is br ig ht for Tide Team All-Bicentennial League Honors. ba sketbal l, w it h seve n playe r s f rom of succe ss a rou nd t he Devon P re p t h is ye a r’s va r sit y t e a m ex p e ct e d ba sketbal l prog r a m by qu al if y i ng t o ret u r n next se a son. Nichola s for t he d ist r ict playof fs. Com i ng Crowe ’20 saw sig n i f ica nt ga me of f a h ist or ic se a son a nd a d ist r ict a ct ion t h roug hout h is f i r st ye a r ch a mpion sh ip r u n , t he Tide once w it h t he t e a m , a s d id Aa ron Nuble aga i n m a n age d t o re a ch t he d ist r ict ’19 i n h is se cond . Add it ion al ly, t ou r n a me nt , de s pit e t he loss of f ive ju n ior s w i l l look t o bu i ld up on seve r al key se n ior s. t hei r ex p e r ie nce t h is se a son a nd Wit h t he loss of big-m a n Da n iel le a d a st rong squ a d i nt o t he next: Br a ce ’16 t o g r a du at ion , he a d Mat t hew Fe r r ie, Et h a n G i l l i n , Br ia n coa ch Ja son Fishe r wa s force d t o O’Mal ley, C h r ist ophe r Pe r u l lo, a nd a d apt t he t e a m’s st r at eg y t o su it a Lu ke Wolt e r. Hav i ng e st abl ishe d a sm al le r l i neup. T he Tide – boa st i ng fou nd at ion of succe ss t h roug h t h is a rost e r t h at i nclude d si x se n ior s ye a r’s playof f ca mpaig n , t he school – fo cu se d on p e r i met e r shoot i ng shou ld ex p e ct m a ny more f r u it f u l a nd bal l move me nt t o comple me nt se a son s t o come. t hei r e ne rget ic defe n se. T he t e a m

Devon’ s m idd le school va r sit y so cce r t e a m , le d by he a d coa ch Jef f rey Jew it t , ha d one of it s be st se a son s eve r, h ig h l ig ht e d by i nc re d ible w i n s agai n st seve r al t oug h t e a m s. Some of t he most excit i ng w i n s we re a 2-1 v ict or y ove r Nor wood Fontbon ne, a 4 -1 w i n agai n st Wald ron Aca de my, a nd a 1-1 t ie w it h Nor wood Fontbon ne, wh ich ca me fol low i ng a n a ct ion-f i l le d M idd le School Field Day. T he Tide be at O u r L a dy of Fat i m a 3 - 0 a nd Ss. Ph i l ip a nd Ja me s 2-1 du r i ng t he Devon P re p M idd le School Tou r n a me nt , n ick n a me d “ T he Tu rkey Ja m.” I n t he ch a mpion sh ip ga me, Devon prevai le d i n a 3 - 0 shut- out agai n st Ss. Ph i l ip a nd Ja me s. T he se a son wou ld not have be e n such a succe ss w it hout t he de d icat e d ef for t of al l t he playe r s. Top score r s for m idd le school va r sit y we re A nt hony De or ia ’21 w it h 10 goals, Ja ck Esh le m a n ’21 w it h 7 goals, Pau l G r ycew icz ’21 w it h 7 goals, a nd Bre nd a n T hompson ’21 w it h 6 goals. Rya n McCabe ’21 playe d a n i mpre ssive se a son a s goal ke e p e r. T he Tide’s se a son e nde d w it h a se cond pla ce f i n ish fol low i ng a loss i n t he Cat hol ic Aca de my L e ag ue se m if i n als t o Nor wood Fontbon ne. T he m idd le school va r sit y t e a m’s reg u la r se a son re cord wa s 6 -3 -1, w it h a n ove r al l re cord of 9 - 6 -1. Rol l Tide!

Serving up a New Season Jacob Pabia ‘18

T he r etur n of w ar m spr ing w eather and the emergence of blossoming f low er s can only mean one thing: the star t of the highly anticipated D evon P r ep tennis season. L ed by Coach G r eg S auer, the team looks to impr ove on its impr essive 10- 4 r ecor d last season, w hich ear ned them a spot in the distr ict playoff s f or the f ir st time in many year s. T hough the team lost key member s such as Conor D eF aber- S chumacher ’ 16, D ean Br ekus ’ 16, Chr is Car penter ’ 16, and Matt K elly ’ 16, it still maintains a str ong cor e led by senior s Matt Tor chiana ’ 17 and H aydn L udt ’ 17. T he Tide tennis team competes in the Bicentennial A thletic L eague, w hich is composed of schools in the Chester and Montgomer y Counties.

A f ter tr youts, the team hopes to begin its season w ith a victor y at the f ir st match. Roll Tide!

4

Dialogue Profile Dialogue journalists interview several members of the Devon Prep faculty. See below to get to know more about math teacher Mrs. Andraka, soccer coach Mr. McKinney, counselor Ms. Garnett, and psychology teacher Mrs. Laprise.

Mrs. Andraka Steve Smith ‘18

Devon Dialogue: What jobs did you have before teaching at Devon?

like that it is sixth to twelfth grade because it provides a unique experience for all of the students, and it distinguishes Devon from other schools.

Mrs. Diane Andraka: I was a service engineer, electrical engineer, and then I was an analytical chemist for a pharmaceutical company.

DD: Where did you go to college, and what did you study?

DA: I went to Syracuse University, and I studied biomedical engineering.

DD: What do you enjoy about the maths and sciences?

DA: I like math and science because I like that you can think of math in different ways and still get to the same answer, and I love the logic behind both math and science.

DD: Do you have a favorite hobby, and what is it?

Mrs. Diane Andraka teaches math and Science here at Devon.

DD: Why do you think that math is essential in education?

DA: It is essential because it trains your brain to think about things in a logical and analytical sequence. It also helps in other subjects like philosophy because it allows you to put things in steps.

DA:I like to ski, and I enjoy sports. My children participate in DD: What made you want to begin teaching? high school sports so I like to go to their games. I also enjoy DA: I decided to go into teaching when my children began to the beach, gardening, and reading. go to school. I would help them with math, and really began DD: What is your favorite aspect of Devon? to enjoy it. That is when I began to look into becoming a teacher.

DA:I like that it is a small and close-knit community. I also

Coach McKinney Luke Grycewicz ‘19 and Matt Drauschak ‘19

Devon Dialogue: For those who may not know, what are you doing for Devon?

Coach McKinney: Coaching the varsity soccer program.

DD: What interested you in coaching?

CM: Playing the game for so long, sometimes you just naturally follow that trajectory into coaching. Once you do it though, it’s hard to look back.

DD: Outside of coaching, what do you enjoy doing?

CM: Spending time with my wife, Erin, and 3 sons, Jack, Alex and Nate, traveling, fishing, going to Ocean City . . . playing soccer.

DD: As a Devon graduate, what advice would you give to students today?

CM: Continue to value the education you receive at Devon; it will prepare you for life.

DD: What was your college experience like?

Mr. Brian McKinney ’95 will be coaching Varsity Soccer at Devon starting fall 2017.

chance on me 20 years ago. I came here as a junior; wish I had arrived earlier.

DD: What do you envision for the future of Devon soccer?

CM: I want the program to compete at a high level while CM: It was rewarding playing for Elizabethtown College, a developing players with strong character. program that had such history and high expectations. It was often difficult, but it showed me what it takes to compete at DD: As members of last year’s Varsity team, we would like to know what you will do to get to know the team better. a high level.

CM: We’ll work together to build a team that will compete for each other. We’ve already begun with indoor soccer and CM: Taught and coached at Malvern Prep, Marple Newtown spring league to come soon.

High School and Ridley High School. I currently teach DD: Is there anything else you would like the readers to know English at Ridley Middle School. about yourself?

DD: What made you come back to Devon?

CM: I’m very happy to be back and look forward to being part CM: The chance to give back to a school that took a of the Devon family once again.

DD: After you graduated from college, what did you do?

5

Dialogue Profile Ms. Garnett Colin Fulmer ‘20

Devon Dialogue: What made you want to become a guidance KG: Well, I was an intern at Downingtown East High School, counselor? worked at Shamona Creek Elementary, and I provided counseling services for a church in West Chester.

Ms. Kelly Garnett: My nickname in high school was Dr. Phil.

My peers would come to me for advice or to talk about DD: What is your teaching philosophy? anything going on in their lives. I quickly realized that this was my passion and therefore, I pursued a counseling career. KG: I want to always be a support for students academically, emotionally, and socially.

DD: Where did you go for high school, college, and what did DD: If you wanted Devon to know one you major in at college? thing that we don’t already know about KG: I went to Bishop Shanahan for high school. My undergraduate you, what would it be? degree is from West Chester University where I majored in KG: Two things. I am terrified of spiders psychology. I then went to Villanova University for graduate and I am very passionate about my career. school to obtain my certification and masters in school counseling.

DD: If you could bring a new club to Devon, what would it be?

DD: Who is your role model?

KG: My mom is my role model because she taught me everything I need to know in life and was a great example of the person I wanted to be. She is truly amazing.

DD: What hobbies do you like to do for fun and to relax?

KG: I enjoy being active such as playing softball, working out, playing tennis, spending time with family, and reading books.

DD: What is your favorite part about working at Devon?

KG: A Stressbusters Club.

DD: What is your favorite book?

Ms. Kelly Garnett is Devon’s KG: The Five People You Meet in guidance counselor, as well Heaven by Mitch Albom. Such an as Assistant Coach for the interesting book, it really makes you Ultimate Frisbee Team. think of things you haven’t thought

of before.

DD: What is your favorite type of music?

KG: I love working with the students and helping them with their KG: I love country music and I love artists such as Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line. success here. Getting to know the Devon Prep community has truly been an honor.

DD: If you could change one thing about Devon, what would it be?

DD: What is your favorite food?

KG: I love King Crab legs because I have always been a big KG: Devon is so great and it is hard trying to find something to change, but Devon should allow teachers to dress down on seafood fan. the first Thursday of the month, too!

DD: What previous jobs have you had before coming to Devon?

Mrs. LaPrise Luke Grycewicz ‘19

Devon Dialogue: What schools did you previously attend to pursue your teaching career?

Mrs. Marie LaPrise: I went to Gwynedd Mercy for college and then went to Villanova for graduate school.

DD: What previous jobs did you have?

ML: I have had many jobs, but my teaching started at LaSalle University teaching public presentation. I then taught psychology at Gwynedd for a couple of years. When my kids came along, I stepped back from teaching and went into adoption. I helped people adopt Russian children through the Catholic parishes.

ML: Well, as I said before, it’s a great atmosphere, and I love everything about it. I am truly lucky to work somewhere that I love.

DD: Finally, what do you like to do in your free time?

ML: I am a typical person, I enjoy gardening, reading, and watching old movies.

DD: What subjects do you teach here at Devon?

ML: I currently teach psychology and public presentation, and I enjoy both, like a favorite child.

DD: How did you learn about Devon Prep?

ML: Well my son, John, went here for high school, and I loved everything about it, including the future of the school.

The atmosphere is positive; that benefits the students and the staff, and that drew me here.

DD: Why did you chose to teach here?

Mrs. Marie LaPrise teaches Psychology and Public Presentation here at Devon.

6

Dialogue Editorials Bye Bye Birdie: Behind the Scenes Chris Rufo ‘18

If you attended this year’s Spring Musical, Bye Bye Birdie, held March 2-4, you know that the show was certainly a success. All of the actors and actresses practiced hard and worked tirelessly to put on an entertaining production, demonstrating their skill and talent on stage. However, there would be no Birdie to say goodbye to if it were not for a certain group of people: the Devon Prep Stage Crew.

This year, we were fortunate enough to have some major improvements in our Stage Crew. Mr. David Barnes, a professional stage set designer and builder, worked for several weeks in advance to prepare for the show. Starting with his work on improving the cottage, Mr. Barnes helped create a more organized and more professional workspace for building props and designing sets. Although this is still a work in progress, the upgrades in tools and space proved to be a big help for the Stage Crew in Bye Bye Birdie. Mr. Barnes also used his cleverness and skill to help design a versatile and efficient set.

The set consisted of four massive boxes with two chambers in each, used in every scene and rotated into different positions for each. Other props were then added to

the set for each scene.

Aside from design and construction, the Stage Crew was also very grateful to have another new professional, Mr. Evan

McElhinney. Evan coordinated aspects of the actual performance, from sound to lighting to props. He assigned jobs to individual students, helping them and teaching them how to succeed and run a smooth-operating production.

After several weeks and many long nights fueled by caffeine, the Stage

Crew excelled in providing a healthy medium for actors and actresses to thrive and perform outstandingly. This would not have been possible without the

Professional set designer Mr. Dave Barnes shows the Crew a model of the set for Bye Bye Birdie.

extraordinary help of Mr. Barnes and Mr. McElhinney. We look forward to doing the same in next year’s production, and many more to come.

Defending Life in D.C. Liam Stevenson ‘18

O n Fr id ay, Ja nu a r y 20, hu nd re d s of t hou sa nd s of p e ople joi ne d i n t he Ma rch for Li fe i n Wa sh i ng t on D.C. T he eve nt t ook pla ce on ly a we ek af t e r t he i n aug u r at ion of P re side nt Tr u mp w it h t he Wome n’s Ma rch slat e d for t he fol low i ng d ay. Si nce t he Wome n’s Ma rch wa s la rgely a pro - choice move me nt , t he Ma rch for Li fe se nt a me ssage t o t he n at ion t h at t he P ro -Li fe cau se h a s la rge sup p or t a nd is st i l l ch al le ng i ng t he i n fa mou s Roe v. Wa de de cision. P r ior t o t he m a rch , m a ny sp e a ke r s a dd re sse d t he c rowd on t he cont rove r sial issue of abor t ion , a rg u i ng t h at it shou ld be outlawe d i n t he Un it e d St at e s. Of t he sp e a ke r s, Kel lya n ne Conway a nd M i ke Pe nce we re t he most not able. I n fa ct , Vice P re side nt Pe nce is t he h ig he st gove r n me nt of f icial t o have sp oke n at t he a n nu al eve nt.

A lt houg h t he re wa s no school at Devon P re p t h at d ay, ove r hal f t he st ude nt body wa s st i l l pre se nt at school. A g roup of

al most 150 st ude nt s along w it h 11 chap e rone s t ook a d ay t r ip by bu s t o Wa sh i ng t on D.C. t o pa r t icipat e i n t he h ist or ic r al ly. Devon ha s ha d st ude nt s t a ke pa r t i n t he a n nu al Ma rch for Life for ove r t we nt y ye a r s.

Before le av i ng for t he n at ion’s capit al, a Ma ss wa s held i n t he g y m whe re t he don at ion s g ive n i n t he baby d r ive we re ble sse d .

After complet i ng t he t h re e -hou r t r ip, st ude nt s d i s e m b a r k e d f rom t he bu se s a nd m a rche d up Con st it ut ion Ave nue.

T hey pro ce sse d pa st t he Capit ol Bu i ld i ng t o t he Supre me Cou r t whe re t he cou r t r u le d for t y ye a r s ago t hat t he r ig ht for a wom a n t o have a n abor t ion is prot e ct e d by t he 14t h

A me nd me nt. A f t e r hav i ng at Un ion St at ion , t he st ude nt s he a de d home a nd a r r ive d ba ck on ca mpu s 9:0 0 pm.

d i n ne r Devon f i n al ly a rou nd

Father Shea blesses the many donations received during the annual Baby Drive as Devon prepares to leave for the March for Life.

CONTINUED from Page 1.

7

A M.U.Nderful Weekend Tommy Brower ’18, Deputy Editor-in-Chief

resolutions. After the admittedly brief session, delegates quit the chambers of their Country Caucus and rushed to their committee sessions.

Each delegate represents a country in a given committee; this can be in one of the blocs like the Arab League, the General Assembly, a GA Subcommittee, or any number of other committees like the Security Council or International Court of Justice. All of these committees, depending on the format of debate in each, have a number of topics for debate. For example, the Legal A Committee had three topics: rights of the individual, democratic governance, and planetary and celestial accountability, but these topics can occupy an extreme diversity of content ranging from the availability of healthcare in developing nations to cybersecurity and cyberterrorism.

Delegates are tasked beforehand with researching their assigned country’s position on these topics so that they can argue for said position at the Conference.

Debate in these committee sessions manifests three primary forms: moderated caucus, unmoderated caucus, and resolution debate.

Committee sessions automatically open in moderated caucus, one of the more formal debate settings where the committee cycles through a list of delegates as designated by the chair.

Delegates raise their placards for acknowledgement by the committee chair which allows them to secure a spot on the speakers list; the chair then recognizes the first delegate on the list to speak for two minutes about the topics. Upon the proper reservation, delegates can motion to move into the other debate formats – typically delegates first motion to move into unmoderated caucus.

Delegates gathered around for the Orientation brunch before the debates begin.

Unmoderated caucus affords delegates an opportunity to leave their seats and travel around the room, looking for countries to sponsor resolutions with. During this time, delegates can physically write their resolutions and obtain signatories for

support. In order for a resolution to be entertained by the chair it must acquire the proper number of signatories, a number equivalent to 20% of the committee.

When the resolution reaches this number of signatories, it can be submitted to the chair for resolution debate. Resolution debate occurs when a delegate motions to hear one of the resolutions on the f loor; the college advisor then distributes the resolution as the chair reads it aloud. The resolution sponsors are then called to the front of the room and present opening arguments for their resolution. Debate can then ensue regarding the resolution and delegates can simultaneously author and propose amendments to the resolutions. Once debate has ended, the sponsors give their closing remarks and the committee votes on whether or not to pass the resolution.

Throughout the weekend, passionate debate and argument filled the Hershey Lodge to the rafters as delegates delivered rousing speeches, expounding the principles their country embodies. One could almost hear the firm voice of Winston Churchill speaking vehemently against the threat of terror, the eloquent voice of Margaret Thatcher defending economic freedom and the virtue of the common man, and the impassioned pleas of Mandela for greater preservation of human rights.

Resolutions crowded the inboxes of college advisors faster than they could be printed as printers spat out papers by the hundreds to be rushed to eager committee chambers from whence they originated. Feverish debate surrounded the resolutions with some subject to intense scrutiny and others passed through unanimously. Rumors circulated throughout the Conference of resolutions proposing ideas as radical as using state-money and NGO funds to build immense skyscraper-like housing facilities for the homeless in underdeveloped countries, merging a number of Middle Eastern states into a new Persian Empire with a Pan-Islamic identity, and evacuating refugees and the poverty-stricken to a city to be built underwater.

Committees even broke out into heated hysteria as crises erupted

across the globe for nations to tackle.

Anjali burst into committee sessions, hurling papers across the room as she decried the political emergencies unfolding across the globe. A coalition of South American, North American, European, and Asian nations even formed in response to ISIS kidnapping anumber of Western journalists. These so-called “crises” represent realistic diplomatic challenges that member states of the UN may be faced with, and delegates are tasked with responding to the situation within a given time frame at the risk of potential conf lict.

The weekend itself f lew by with great rapidity and soon the delegates all faced their last Committee Sessions on Sunday with somber expressions and melancholy demeanors. Delegates bid each other farewell until the next

From left to right, Liam Stevenson ‘18, Frank Byrd ‘18, and Tommy Brower ‘18, the three students who received individual distinction at this year’s Model UN.

Conference and vowed to remain in touch, exchanging social media information and cell phone numbers.

Devon was well-represented throughout the weekend and accrued several distinctions in the Closing Ceremony. Not only did the delegation as a whole receive the Outstanding Delegation Award, three delegates merited individual distinction. Liam Stevenson ’18 who represented Belize in the General Assembly A Committeereceived the Outstanding First Year Delegate Award. Frank Byrd ’18, representing Chile in the Legal B Committee was elected as Chair for the next Conference. Thomas Brower ’18 who represented Argentina in the Legal A Committee received the Outstanding Country Research Paper Award. From the fiery debate in the committee sessions to the budding friendships between delegates, Model UN provided a truly unique and enjoyable experience unlike any other.

8

Prime Time in Britain Tommy Brower ‘18 Deputy Editor-in-Chief

Tod ay w it h t he Br it ish Empi re con f i ne d t o t he Br it ish Isle s a nd on ly fou r t e e n ove r se a s t e r r it or ie s, m a ny p ol it ical f ig u re s i n t he Un it e d K i ngdom capit al i ze up on t he ove r whel m i ng pr ide of t he for me r Br it ish Empi re. Accord i ng t o a su r vey of ove r 1,70 0 p e r son s i n G re at Br it ai n conduct e d by YouGov, 59% of re sp onde nt s fe el t hat t he Br it ish Empi re is somet h i ng t o be proud of. T he Un it e d K i ngdom I nde p e nde nce Pa r t y, or U K I P, bu i ld s on t h is rhet or ic a nd h a s al lowe d Nigel Fa r age a nd Bor is Joh n son t o orche st r at e t he Brex it move me nt t hat sho cke d t he n at ion w it h it s refe re ndu m t o le ave t he Eu rop e a n Un ion. I n al l t he t u mu lt cau se d by t he Brex it vot e a nd refe re ndu m a nd w it h Dav id Ca me ron’s re sig n at ion a s P r i me M i n ist e r, T he re sa May a ssu me d t he pre m ie r sh ip a nd ha s be come t he new fa ce of t he Con se r vat ive Pa r t y. T he re sa May cu r re ntly f i nd s he r sel f i n a p osit ion of h ig h rega rd a s t he Con se r vat ive Pa r t y r al l ie s a rou nd he r du r i ng a t i me of such p ol it ical u npre d ict abi l it y.

T he re sa May’s me ssage of u n it y, he r p ol it ical de p e nd abi l it y, t oug h ne ss, a s wel l a s he r a mbit iou s n at u re rek i nd le s fe el i ngs of nost alg ia . She rose f rom hu mble or ig i n s i n t he work i ng cla ss w it h la rgely sel f-bu i lt succe ss.

T he re sa May o cca sion al ly e mploys a pr ag m at ic ap proa ch t o p ol it ics, forgoi ng p e r son al conv ict ion s for more u n it ive p ol icie s. T he new p ol icie s pu r sue d by T he re sa May con st it ut e d a new d i re ct ion bre a k i ng w it h t he age nd a of for me r P r i me M i n ist e r Dav id Ca me ron a nd t he f iscal p ol icy pr a ct ice d by G e orge O sbor ne. T he re sa May a nd he r C h a ncel lor of t he Exche que r Ph i l ip Ha m mond a n nou nce d a n age nd a of t ig ht e r cont rol ove r t he Tre a su r y’s t a x a nd sp e nd i ng de cision s. I n h is Aut u m n Add re ss, Ha m mond f u r t he r outl i ne d T he re sa May’s e conom ic p ol icy prom isi ng t o ret u r n publ ic f i n a nce s t o bala nce a nd re duce gove r n me nt bor row i ng, cut wel fa re sp e nd i ng, e st abl ish a cap for f ut u re sp e nd i ng, a nd re duce publ ic se ct or debt a s a p e rce nt age of GDP. Goi ng along w it h t he t ig ht e r monet a r y p ol icy, T he re sa May ha s ba ck-t r ai le d on O sbor ne’s pla n for a su r plu s by 2020, a dopt i ng a pla n of le ss au st e r it y i n t he wa ke of t he Brex it vot e.

A m ajor t e net of T he re sa May’s e conom ic p ol icy de r ive s it s pu r p ose f rom he r ca mpaig n sloga n “A cou nt r y t h at work s for eve r yone.” I n ke e pi ng w it h t h is t he me, t he Br it ish gove r n me nt ha s a n nou nce d

it s i nt e nt ion t o supp or t a m a rket syst e m , but i nt e r ve ne i n ca se s of m a rket fai lu re. T h is i nt e nt ion work s i n t a nde m w it h he r de si re t o c re at e a “ prop e r i ndu st r ial st r at eg y ” t o rei nv igor at e a re a s w it h t he lowe st d isp osable i ncome s i n t he Un it e d K i ngdom.

T he Br it ish gove r n me nt pla n s t o cut cor p or at e t a x r at e s t o 17% wh i le also c r a ck i ng dow n on t a x eva sion. A sig n if ica nt p or t ion of T he re sa May’s app e al t o t he Br it ish p e ople a nd t he Con se r vat ive Pa r t y a r ise s f rom he r t oug h st a nce on i m m ig r at ion.

T he re sa May ha s t hu s expre sse d he r com m it me nt t o t he se supp or t e r s of he r plat for m t o re duce net m ig r at ion t o below 10 0,0 0 0 a ye a r. He r pla n t o re duce net m ig r at ion fo cu se s on prov id i ng e conom ic aid a nd a ssist a nce t o ref uge e s i n t he af fe ct e d a re a s.

Newly elected British Prime Minister Theresa May deals with issues such as GDP, Brexit, taxes, and immigration, during a rather politcally tumultuous time in Britain.

A not he r of T he re sa May’s st r at eg ie s t o re duce net m ig r at ion d r aws up on f i x i ng t he a sylu m syst e m i n Br it ai n. Wit h le ss t ha n 20% of a sylu m se eke r s f rom Sy r ia , a nd a sylu m con st it ut i ng ove r 49% of Br it ish net m ig r at ion a s of 20 02 , T he re sa May pla n s t o refor m t he syst e m t o be nef it t he t r ue v ict i m s of v iole nce a nd oppre ssion. I n t he t i me si nce she be ca me P r i me M i n ist e r of t he Un it e d K i ngdom , T he re sa May ha s outl i ne d a cle a r pat h t owa rd s e conom ic i mprove me nt a nd i m m ig r at ion refor m – t wo of t he most i mp or t a nt issue s t he Br it ish p opu la ce conce r n s it sel f w it h.

Editorial Board

© 2017 Devon Prep

Editor-in-Chief: Ben Rufo ’17 Co-Deputy Editors-in-Chief: Michael Bonfiglio ’17 Frank Byrd ’18 Tommy Brower ’18 Faculty Moderator: Mr. Lawrence Theuer 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.