January Issue

Architecture Class

Will Reiser ’98

Architecture students draft a new environment.

Hackley almumn Will Reiser wrote film 50/50, which stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen.

Dial

page 7

the

Hackley School

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Tarrytown, NY 10591

January 2012 Vol. 113, No. 5

living with

autism

[Above] Senior Matt Rosenstein, juniors Julie Piscina, Veronica Qu, Dilsia Olivero, and freshman Ashley McGrath carve pumpkins with an autistic student during a Hawthorne Project on a Saturday morning. [Below] Sophomore Dan Shaw and junior Veronica Qu play on a swingset with a peer from the Hawthorne School. This community service activity has grown among the student body, and will become the junior class project. Photos by Margot Shaw.

through the eyes of a sibling When junior Dilsia Olivero was about eight years old, and she entered a mall elevator with her family and some teenage boys began to stare and laugh as they whispered “retarded” to each other. They were pointing at Dilsia’s brothers, James, 14, and Lucas, 12.

She was hurt. But it would be one of many such incidents in Dilsia’s life.

“Many people have been incredibly ignorant about autism and do not realize what they say or do is hurtful and not funny,” Dilsia said. Some adults have even asked her mother to control her children, assuming that autistic behavior is the result of poor parental supervision.

But Dilsia and other Hackley students are doing their part to dispel some of the ignorance about the disability. One Saturday morning every month, a group of Hackley students travels to Hawthorne Country Day School in Hawthorne, N.Y., to spend three or four hours with autistic children.

Junior Julie Piscina, one of the leaders of the Hawthorne project, praised this face-toface experience with autistic people. “Autism is a growing epidemic in the country, so it’s hard for people to understand it if they don’t experience it firsthand,” she said.

“After you go [to Hawthorne School], you realize the three hours you spent with them makes their week,” she added.

Sophomore Dan Shaw also has a brother with autism. A fraternal twin, Andy Shaw attends the Hawthorne School. Autism, called a “spectrum disorder” because of the wide range of behaviors described, affects one’s social interaction and communication skills.

For example, Andy might bite his hand or scream in public, but he, Lucas, and James all

allymueller Staff Writer

live relatively normal lives.

A typical day for Andy Shaw is going to school, seeing a therapist who monitors his brain activity, and then returning home for dinner and a movie, while James and Lucas usually go to school in Rockland County and then come home to play video games or watch television.

“It is a particularly normal schedule,” Dilsia said of her brothers’ daily routine. “Except the difference is that their school is for children with autism, and my parents have to help them get dressed, brush their teeth, and pack their bags.”

For the last six years, Hackley has had a strong connection with the Hawthorne School, giving students the opportunity to raise autism awareness and dispel ignorance.

“It gives people a first-hand experience so they no longer guess or assume things about mental disabilities such as autism,” Dilsia said.

For his part, Dan often corrects people when they use the word “retarded” in the wrong way. “It used to bother me at first,” he said, “but I realized it’s not a personal attack.”

Dan’s example gives Julie a cause for optimism about how we treat autistic people. “I see Dan and Andy hanging out, how well they get along, and how much Dan loves him,” Julie said. “It’s very comforting to Andy to know that he has such a great brother.”

Both Dan and Dilsia agree that having a sibling with autism makes their families closer.

“I would have to say the fact that my brothers have autism makes us more united and protective of one another,” Dilsia said.

Dan also believes that his brother enriches his own life, not just the family’s life. “Andy makes me see what’s good in life,” he said.

2editorial

January

Voice of the student body.

Dial recommends study to evaluate drinking

Peer pressure thrives on doubt and ignorance. Students who are less informed about the truth of underage substance abuse may make bad decisions under pressure. Some believe that at least 75% of Hackley’s Upper School student body consumes alcohol, while others think that the number is actually below 15%.

It is important to close the gap between perception and reality in order to support students in good decision-making.

In October, The Dial attempted to conduct and publish a survey with this intent by quantifying substance usage. The administration was not so accepting of this idea originally, but after months of discussion, it has agreed to pursue such a survey through an outside company in coming months.

The Dial strongly feels that an in-depth survey and statistical analysis of student alcohol and drug usage would shed light on a problem that does not receive enough factual attention.

Parents and faculty may fear that publishing this information would be detrimental to Hackley’s image. However, this view is counterproductive.

As a community, we must address our issues truthfully.

The Freedom from Chemical Dependency Program (F.C.D.) gives us a perspective from the outside world; however, this survey will give us an introspective view. The strictness of the school’s substance-use policy leads students to fear reprisal for sharing information about their own or others’ substance use, despite the “counseling clause,” which can mitigate some of the penalties for substance use if a student discloses information voluntarily.

Communication between the student body

and administration can be awkward and difficult. It is crucial to improve this relationship and create an environment that supports students and their decisions.

In addition to increasing knowledge of the student body, this survey would give the community a chance to better understand Hackley’s current policy on substance use. Many students may currently find the details unclear.

This vagueness may even be intentional, so the administration can treat scenarios on a caseby-case basis.

But this vagueness allows misinformation and rumor to shape students’ understanding of school policy. The actual details of the policy are not well-known among students.

For example, are there different disciplinary repercussions if a student consumes alcohol rather than if he or she distributes it.

What happens if a parent is involved in such acts? What are necessary grounds for suspension or expulsion?

With Upper School Director Andy King currently attempting to meet these requests, The Dial is hoping to publish the analysis in the spring. The Dial is appreciative of the administration’s cooperation, as this exchange paves the way for constructive dialogue.

This survey is not a way for the administration to spy on the lives of students on weekends.

It is an initiative driven by students as a means of self-improvement.

Students should not fear this, as it is not a method of increasing discipline or creating a stricter policy. It is just a way of looking at the student body from a different, more realistic, perspective.

Drawing by staff artist Molly Kestenbaum.

Hilltop welcomes visitors from around the world

I

Assistant Headmaster Kevin Rea consults with a representative of a school in China. Photo by Waits May.

dialstaff Editor-in-chief randikramer Managing Editor ariannafirpo Assist. Managing Editor danielhoffman

f you’ve ever walked down the hallways or into a classroom, seen a few unfamiliar faces and wondered why you couldn’t understand what they were saying, you’re not alone.

Hackley has received visitors from all around the world, who sit in on classes, are part of an exchange program, or who come to Hackley to experience an American education. Programs like these enhance our own curriculum, offering students and teachers alike a chance to interact with diverse cultures right here on campus.

Over the past two years Hackley has received visitors from Denmark, France, Japan, China, and even a headmaster from a school in Rwanda.

Junior Kieran McEvoy enjoyed having Chinese visitors in his English classroom. “They were incredibly polite and contributed good ideas to class discussions.”

“I really liked having them in class,” junior Charlotte Clapp agreed. “They were respectful and observant, and it was a different experience.”

Visitors also challenge students. Since many of the visiting students speak little or perhaps no English at all, Hackley hosts need to find a way to overcome the language barrier.

In the classroom, breaking down that barrier becomes significantly more important when attempting to demonstrate and explain a certain curriculum to foreign guests. The visitors provide a new challenge for students, teaching them how to adapt to unfamiliar circumstances and people.

However, the community as a whole is often unprepared for these visits, knowing little until guests arive.

Junior Michael DiMilia was surprised when he walked into his biology classroom. “I hadn’t heard anything about it [the visitors] before I saw them,” he said.

“My teacher briefly introduced them the day they came, and that’s all I knew.” Kieran said. Perhaps the program could have been enriched had students been better prepared for visitors.

The sudden appearance left many asking questions and some confused. This ambiguity could have been resolved, and perhaps the conversations among the visitors and students fostered, if students were given advance notice.

Homeroom or Chapel breaks are good times to inform the community about upcoming events, including the arrival of visitors from abroad.

If the visitors are coming to observe a specific course, for example, the days leading up to their arrival in that class could also be used to let students know ahead of time what to expect and how to become involved.

Perhaps students could even take a more active role in explaining Hackley life, rather than relying on adults to do so.

Having visitors come to Hackley gives our as a community a chance to experience something new.

If given some preparation, we have the potential to learn just as much from our guests as they do from us.

Hackley School - 293 Bendict Ave., Tarrytown, NY - (914) 631 0128 - January 2012 - Vol. 113, No. 5 - www.hackleyschool.org Coordinating Editor mattmacfarlane Feature Editor paulrapisardi

Sports Editor shaneweisberg Sports Editor dominiquealpuche

Op-ed Editor rolandrizzi

Asst. Sports Editor maxparauda

Lifestyles Editor halleyweinreb

Design Editor rachelchan

News Editor maddiginsberg News Editor jackieyang

Arts Editor nickhallock

Production Editor melissawarshauer

Politics Editor bobbygrusky

Politics Editor harrisonwetzler

Copy Editor annatskhovrebov Staff Artist mollykestenbaum

Op-ed Editor alexhersh

Adviser jennielyons Adviser scottboehnen

Policy Opinions expressed in staff editorials reflect the majority view of The Dial Editorial Board. Opinions expressed in signed articles are those of the author and do not represent the views of Hackley School, its administration or its staff. The Dial invites and encourages its readers to write letters to the editor or submit contributions. We reserve the right to edit any submission for clarity and brevity, and to correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation when necessary. We refuse to publish submissions which are unsigned, libelous, or plagiarized.

Four hundred copies of each issue are distributed among the High School student body of about four hundred students and the faculty and staff.

Letters and submissions can be emailed to dial@hackleyschool.org. The Dial is the official student newspaper of Hackley School.

op-ed

January

Voice of the student body.

3

How do you feel about iPads in the classroom? danielgraap

Contributing Writer Portable Apple devices have been making their way into people’s lives for almost a decade, beginning with the first generation iPod in 2001, and more recently the iPad 2. However, the iPad 2 makes a strong case for leaving the leisure side of people’s lives, and becoming a strong force in the educational world.

Hackley believes in the power of the iPad, as the school has recently purchased 54 iPads for use in the classroom. Their usefulness in the classroom is mainly due to their reasonable price and interactivity.

An iPad 2 starts at $499. Five hundred bucks is not cheap by any means; however, when compared with a laptop, the difference is staggering. The cheapest laptop on the Apple website starts at $1000, which saves $500 for each unit purchased.

The cheapest viable laptop on the Dell website starts at $600, saving $100 for each unit purchased. I could go on, but the more affordable price of the iPad 2 allows schools to purchase them, without cutting back on other areas, such as teacher salaries and school supplies.

The interactivity of an iPad 2 allows for many uses that would not be available on a laptop. For example, on an iPad 2, there is an app that allows students to look at three dimensional models of cells and organs in the body, with interactive videos, quizzes, and other learning tools. Students are able to view the entirety of cellular processes and organs simply by clicking and dragging. iPads are also useful for reading course documents and doing research.

The touch capabilities of an iPad allow it to be used as an eBook reader, replacing long, printed copies of assignments. Instead of wasting paper on a document a teacher might use once in class, the teacher can put it onto Hackley Online, where the students can access it from their iPads during class and on their computers at home.

The iPad is an effective teaching tool, and a great way to bring modern technology into the classroom. iPads allow students to get more involved in the curriculum through their ease of use, and they make learning fun.

This is really the most important thing, as this is what school is about. By making learning fun, teachers can teach more

effectively, and students can learn more efficiently.

Pro

michaeldimilia

Contributing Writer Ever since the iPad’s release in April 2010, people across the world have made it into just about anything, such as an e-mail and weatherforecast provider, a corporate presentation machine, or even a tool in the classroom. At first glance, all of these appear to be brilliant applications for a powerful device, especially in schools. But we must take a step back and ask ourselves a question: was the iPad produced as a student’s assistant, or are we trying too hard to adapt the classroom to the iPad? One of the most obvious uses for the iPad in a classroom setting is as a note-taking device. This, however, presents an immediate problem. The on-screen keyboard is not a full one, like those that can be found on just about any laptop on the market. Aside from the select few who have mastered the four-finger typing style, most people have difficulty typing efficiently on the iPad, especially when they constantly have to change keyboards. In the area of class notes, a laptop or even the old-fashioned method of pen and paper would edge out the iPad. Now, aside from the actual typing of notes, switching between them and say, a research window, is difficult as well. Imagine having to write a research paper for a class and using an iPad instead of a laptop, or even doing it by hand. The iPad cannot have windows open side-by-side it was designed to be a mainly one-window device. Think how awkward and time consuming it would be to have to switch windows every time you want to take notes on a webpage you’re reading. Compare this experience to a computer, with its windows next to each other, and the computer wins hands down.

For iPads to be successful in their roles as tools in the classroom, they have to become the personal devices of students. This is because the devices will eventually become fancy toys that are occasionally used, unless they stay relevant to the students and become a part of their daily lives. The advantages of iPads come when they are fully embraced, and using them for five minutes at a time is not exploiting their full potential.

Logistically, iPads purchased for a school setting are not worth it, especially if they are not given to the students full-time. They exhibit limitations in efficiency and practicality, and at this point are not meant for a high school environment.

They do seem, however, to work very well with children in elementary school, who are more focused on things like reading books and practicing simple math skills.

One cannot help but give Apple credit for this amazing gadget, but it is still not ready for a more demanding educational atmosphere.

Con

Man On The Street:

What would you give to bring back the old chicken patties?

“My firstborn child.“

“My Timbs.” ~Kento Sasada

~Andre Newland

“At least one of my sisters.“ ~Harry Wechsler

“My left arm.“ ~Neera Arjoon

4

news

January

Voice of the student body.

Dial staff 2011 takes the Crown isabellaberland and gabyoppenheim staff writer & staff writer

dial

quotes

Members of the Dial staff work on laying out each of their pages during a regular school day. Photo by Melissa Warshauer.

Unlike would-be kings, journalists do not seek crowns. But The Dial is getting one— for its achievement during the 2010-2011 school year. Among 42 finalist newspapers from a field of 1,351 publications judged by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (C.S.P.A.), The Dial will earn either a Gold or Silver Crown when awards are announced in March 2012.

“The recognition of the Columbia Press Association is a direct reflection of the quality and commitment of everyone on The Dial staff,” editor-in-chief Randi Kramer said. “We are intellectually curious and push ourselves to produce a consistent newspaper month in and month out.”

For some of the Dial staff of 30+ students, the award recognizes the time required to produce the monthly newspaper. “Every week, on top of all your school work, imagine having to write an extra essay,” said staff writer Gianna D’Alessio. “That’s what The Dial is like.”

“It should definitely be considered a major, because I invest the same amount of my time writing articles for The Dial as I do writing essays for English, or doing homework for any other major class,” Gianna added.

As a minor, the Dial course meets four days out of the seven day cycle, and all page editors spend at least one Saturday each month completing layout and design.

Although some students have never read The Dial, or claim never to have heard of The Dial, most Hackley students and faculty read and appreciate it.

“I look in the hall when The Dial comes out, and every kid has their head buried in The Dial,” said history teacher John Van Leer.

Junior Stephanie Rubin is one of those avid readers. “I enjoy reading The Dial because it consists of well-written articles about our school that inform me on something I didn’t know about our school,” she said. “I find it really interesting.”

Dreary January causes drop in diligence angelamauri

In Mr. Klimenko’s Contemporary Issues class: Harrison Wetzler: You’re saying we should debate whether world poverty exists?

Ben Jurcic: Wait, so you mean not everybody in the world has a plasma screen TV in their room?

Ms. Bowers: What was the name of the place in Central Park where the homeless stayed during the Great Depression?

Sophia Carpiniello: The zoo?

In Latin IV AP: Dr. Pierce (translating):...a wild shegoat.

Roland Rizzi: Aren’t sheep she-goats?

During a biology class dissection: Neera Arjoon: Oh my gosh, if this thing were alive, it would be dead.

staff writer

Julia Dunn makes waffles in class and gives one to Mr. Cice: Mr. Cice: Oh, they’re so warm!

Puts waffle on his neck.

Mike D’Alessio to JIbran Ahmad: Give me my sweatshirt! I need my sweatshirt because I’m going to go home and look at myself in the mirror.

Roland Rizzi: What’s a yellow?

Top Left: Seniors crowd around an iPad instead of doing work. Bottom Left: Freshmen sit in the hallways during a free period.

Right: Juniors Sophia Carpiniello and Melissa Chervin relax with an iPhone App. Photos by Melissa Warshauer.

New year’s resolutions take a familiar form: getting a faster mile time, eating healthier, or doing more community service.

But few students resolve to improve academically at the start of the new calendar year.

Instead, they fall into what Science Department Chair Bill McLay calls the “winter slump.”

“Do not ease into the new year,” he told his advisees. “You have to be ready to go.”

His pep talk was timely. At a conference sponsored by Independent School Management (I.S.M.), Mr. McLay discovered a graph of student performance throughout the year.

The line of student performance stayed high at the beginning of the school year but then dropped dramatically in December and January. He has seen that pattern at Hackley, too.

Mr. McLay believes there are certain factors causing these rises and drops. The 2011-2012 school year marks the second year of having one set of exams in March, rather than having exams in both January and June.

Even though Mr. McLay can sense their drop in motivation, the March exam schedule develops a stronger foundation of concentration for two-thirds of the year. He said, “Students, even my seniors, are willing to do what is necessary for work throughout the school year.”

Freshman Julia Baker agrees with the ISM graph. “I find it hardest to concentrate during the winter because I’m focusing

on so many different things, and the days seem so much shorter, so I feel more stressed to get things done.”

But many, such as junior Gregory Pon, disagreed. “It’s definitely hardest to concentrate the week after March exams,” he said. “Not only is it a week before a long-needed vacation, but we have just finished studying and taking exams, as well as finishing the trimester.”

As for the post-winter break slump, most believe that it doesn’t apply at Hackley. “I believe returning from winter break makes me more excited to do my work,” senior Tierra Jones said.

Freshman Claire Descamps agreed. “I don’t think the longer I have off affects anything, because I feel like I want to prove myself when I come back,” she said.

Some argue that Hackley students don’t fit the I.S.M. graph.

Junior Allyson Blackburn said, “What motivates me on a short term is doing what I know is my best and being able to prove that on paper.”

Seniors like Ronnie Medure are focusing on the bigger picture, ignoring any expected slump. “It was college, trying to get into the best school that I could possibly get into, but I am still motivated to do well,” he said.

Tierra agreed, saying, “Graduation—that’s my one major motivation right now. Graduating and moving on to [the] next step in my journey.”

Dr. Boehnen: Mr. King removed the poster on the Hackley Conservatives’ board that said, “Work hard, get rich, and help others,” for review.

Matt MacFarlane: Why? That ’s practically Hackley’s motto.

Kate Grusky: Wait, Wen Kai’s last name isn’t Kai?

Roland Rizzi holding a spear and wearing a helmet in Latin IV AP: Dr. Pierce: You guys haven’t behaved like this since middle school.

Roland Rizzi: More like yesterday.

Mr. Clark describing Marc Byrnes arriving late with his shirt untucked: He’s like a model student...except not.

news

January

Voice of the student body.

5

vs.

V R A E Semi-formal marcbyrnes online editor

Perhaps it was a victim of the informality of daily life— But Matt did not just want to copy last year’s dance, he argument against the semi-formal and convinced the Counfrom homemade YouTube videos to dress down days. But wanted something bigger and better. “We wanted to give cil that a rave would be more popular than a semi-formal. what started out as a proposal for the first ever semiformal the underclassmen something similar to prom or home- “I was approached by six or seven members of Council and ball soon became the reality of a high school rave. coming,” Matt said. asked to go against it,” James said. “We thought that juniors So students should put the ties and shoe polish away Senior Class Secretary/Treasurer James Curland led the and seniors wouldn’t want something similar to prom with and begin thinking about glow sticks and the elaborate ways of asking people and neon clothing. then have to ask the same person again Discussion of a proposed February in a few months.”

Winter Ball by Community Council created Senior Representative of the Board what Junior Class President Will Walker of Magistrates Tierra Jones said, “We described as “a revolution” and sophomore didn’t want people spending so much Dan Shaw called “a mutiny” which turned money on dresses.” the dance into a rave.

Under Matt’s new Council system, Senior Class Vice President Ariana Lavelli each grade has a single vote, and during described the fateful meeting and said, his absence, all grades except the fresh“People were actually shouting and practiman voted to overrule Matt’s wishes cally fighting.” and change the event to a rave.

During the month of December, class The events leading up to the Winter presidents, under the leadership of School Ball were to include a fashion show at President Matthew MacFarlane, had been which Matt was planning to model acplanning a series of activities and events ceptable outfits for a boy and then for a gearing up to a semi-formal ball. The plan girl. Council will keep the fashion show was kept under wraps until the last meeting and Will says, “It won’t work in the before winter break. same way, but we can still show people At the first meeting in January, those how to dress for the rave. It can still be present agreed to the plan. But during the a fun way to get people excited.” second meeting in January, when Matt was A series of publicity events includout sick, the plans changed. ing the fashion show, song suggestion Last year’s only Council run dance, Hackbox, count down, and one mystery ley’s first rave was the most well attended Back by popular demand: due to last year’s great success, another rave is in the works. Students event will culminate in the rave in Allen look forward to another night of bright colors and bold dance moves. Photo courtesy of Alex Barg. dance in recent memory.

Hall on Feb 24.

Would you prefer a semi-formal or a rave?

male semi-formal

rave

Would you go to a Hackley dance?

female yes

no

See page 10 for poll methodology.

news bites POETRY OUT LOUD Sophomores William Schmidt [pictured at right] and Xavier Carmona won the first part of the national Poetry Out Loud contest on Jan 11. Both recited a poem of their choosing and were evaluated by a panel of Hackley teachers based on the accuracy and difficulty of the poem. William and Xavier will now compete at the regional level, where one state winner will be selected. The state winner will then compete at nationals for a $20,000 grand prize.

WHERE THERE IS SMOKE...

A small fire occurred near the Benedict Avenue field on the Midland Avenue side on Sunday, Jan 8. The cause is unknown, and there were no injuries. This was one of three recent small fires in the Tarrytown area.

COYOTE MAKES HACKLEY HIS HOME

Hackley parent Adam Slutsky ’81 witnessed a coyote devouring a deer at the Benedict Avenue entrance on late on Monday, Jan 9. The coyote escaped, but school officials are monitoring any further coyote activity on campus.

WOLF GOES ALL STATE Last week, the New York State Sports Writers’ Association announced AJ Wolf as a Class B First Team All-State football player.

Players are selected from all public, private and Catholic schools in the surrounding area. AJ is one of only ten players to be selected.

This is the second year that he was named to the All State Team.

JORDAN RAPP ’98 TO SPEAK AT HACKLEY COMMENCEMENT 2012 The Commencement speaker for 2012 will be 1998 alumnus Jordan Rapp. After being the victim of a hit-and-run accident that almost killed him, Mr. Rapp won the gold medal for the 2011 International Triathlon Union Long Distance World Championships and was honored as the U.S. Olympic Committee’s November Athlete of the Month.

Photo courtesy of Specialized Bicycle Components.

6feature

January

Voice of the student body.

Reiser ’98 finds inspiration and comedy in cancer dominiquealpuche & maddiginsberg

Sports Editor & News Editor

Using clumsy film equipment to tape Coach Pickert’s football games and the occasional school play, Will Reiser ’98 never expected to be walking the red carpet at the Golden Globes.

His film, 50/50, loosely based on his experiences, tells the story of a young man with cancer and how he and his best friend navigate this difficult time in his life with uncommon humor. As the film’s writer, Reiser has been praised for one of the most original screenplays of 2011.

After starting at Hackley as a freshman in 1994, Reiser says it took a little while to adjust. “I came from a big public school, and you could pretty much get away with everything.

Then you come to a small, intimate private school, and there’s so much attention on you,” he said. Joking that his grades weren’t the best, Reiser said that he remembers thinking he “was really going to have to work.”

Although he said the transition to Hackley’s workload was challenging, Reiser expressed that the Hackley community provided incredible support that made things much easier.

Noting that foreign language was particularly challenging, Reiser said the two French teachers he had (Dr. Mary Farrell was one) really helped him. “They both took time to show me instead of just writing me off as a bad student….I would have failed French had they not helped me,” he said.

The member of Hackley’s community who Reiser considers “instrumental” to his writing and artistic pursuits was history teacher John Leistler. “For him history was about storyingtelling…that really went well with the way my brain worked,” he said.

Adding, “He introduced me to art and film and theater, and writing about history in an artistic way.” Reiser remembered one project in particular from Mr. Leistler’s class where he wrote a fictional post-World War II summit between Mussolini, Hitler, and Stalin, saying, “just the fact that he allowed me to do that, letting me pursue more creative endeavors while still having a real class, was amazing.”

Reiser also credits others on campus for allowing him to

explore filmmaking. “John Van Leer would have me record assemblies for him, Coach Pickert would make me film football games and practices,” he said, adding, “It was just sort of known in the Upper School community that I was really interested in learning about films, and there was a lot of support for that.” Reiser is extremely grateful for this support, because it was what gave him the confidence to pursue what he wanted in college.

But even before college, Reiser was actively seeking jobs in the film industry and happily took whatever he could find.

His first few jobs were rather “remedial,” as he says, involving

“I had thought about it a lot, but actually going back and delving into those difficult moments in my life was really tough, making myself so vulnerable like that... once I started writing, I couldn’t stop. It was very therapeutic.” making photocopies and handing out security wristbands on set. His second job, working in the mailroom of one of the biggest talent agencies in Hollywood, was not his favorite, but Reiser says he doesn’t regret taking it: “I hated the job, but it allowed me to understand what that part of Hollywood was like…which [I realized] wasn’t part of who I was.”

During his time at Hampshire College, Reiser had the opportunity to build his own curriculum to fit his self-designed major. He says he worked hard at cultivating his interests and finding classes that would allow him to build those creative skills. Because of Hampshire’s consortium with Amherst,

Mount Holyoke, Smith College, and University of Massachusetts Amherst, Reiser was able to take classes with actors and try out critical thinking classes, which helped better understand all aspects of his future career.

After graduating, Reiser landed a job as the associate producer on the WB’s variety show Steve Harvey’s Big Time, helping them find amusing acts to bring on the show and producing the segments. Three months later, he was offered the producing position on Da Ali G Show.

There, Reiser met Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg who were both writing for the show. The three became fast friends, and remained close a few years later when Reiser was diagnosed with cancer in 2005.

While he was sick, Reiser says he and Rogen would often talk about the depressing and bleak tone every cancer-focused movie seemed to have.

He continued, “Even though what I was going through was difficult and traumatic, it was also really absurd and there was a lot of comedy in how ridiculous it was.”

They would talk about a movie possibility, but it wasn’t until Rogen and Goldberg became successful from The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Superbad that they realized the film could actually happen.

“I had thought about it a lot, but actually going back and delving into those difficult moments in my life was really tough, making myself so vulnerable like that,” Reiser admits. “But once I started writing, I couldn’t stop. It was very therapeutic.”

Nowadays, Reiser encourages any and all young aspiring filmmakers to “just get out there and do it.” He points out that today, there are so many great tools and resources to easily access that there really isn’t any reason not to try.

“It takes a lot of work but you have to start somewhere,” Reiser advises. “You shouldn’t worry about how people react–it’s just about exploring your own artistic pursuits and creativity. It’s learning the craft.”

Seth Rogen, Will Rieser and Joesph Gordon-Levitt share a laugh during an interview about the recent movie on which they collabarted, 50/50. Seth and Will have been friends since they met while working on Da Ali G Show. Photo couretsy of Filmonair.com.

Charlotte May sets off for her semester in Vermont jennygelbman

Contributing Writer

How do students in their junior year scuba dive and farm as part of their high school curriculum? All students in 11th grade at Hackley get the opportunity to apply to schools in different locations. This year junior Charlotte May, is going to The Mountain School in Vershire, Vermont, which was started in 1962 and is “green.” Not only is this school located on a mountain, it is also an actual farm. It is a selective program accepting 45 students from across the country.

What is different about this school verses the ordinary high school experience is that it is a working farm. The students make their own meals, and they even make maple syrup.

The school day there is far from the lifestyle of an average teenager.

It begins with farm chores followed by two classes, a three-hour work period, and then three more classes. However, academics are still an important part of the curriculum.

Charlotte will be taking the same courses she would be taking at Hackley: English, math, Spanish, and earth science, except she will be in a totally different environment.

Charlotte is very excited to be living on a farm, and she has wanted to do this since a young age. “When I was in kindergarten I heard that somehow there was a way for students to go and live and work on a farm, and I thought that was just the coolest thing possible. What kindergartener doesn’t want to go to school with cows?”

Charlotte was inspired to go on this trip by other students who had studied in alternative schools in previous years. Last year, senior Maddi Ginsberg attended The High Mountain Institute School in Colorado.

Maddi learned a lot about herself from her experiences there. “Being away for four months really allowed me to take a step back from my life at Hackley as it was and see things from

a totally new perspective.” She also learned about how to be herself within a community, how to be self-aware in group situations, and most importantly how to embrace a challenge.

Senior James Curland also went abroad last year to the Island School in the Bahamas for 100 days, and found it to be a valuable learning experience. He encourages others to try it. “It was a positive experience because it is so different from the traditional academic environment. The curriculum includes sea kayak expeditions, spear fishing, and scuba diving.”

Other students in previous years have completed semesters at schools like the Masters School. After hearing about this, Charlotte explored her options, and with her interest in sustainability and the outdoors, she thought The Mountain School was the perfect choice.

“I’m really interested in learning about ways to live sustainably and how to work on and run

a farm. I’m a lifer at Hackley and I’m looking for a new kind of education, where we go to school until six every day and work for three hours chopping wood.”

Students at The Mountain School also take advantage of the outdoor experience of living on a mountain. They do a lot of camping and outdoor activities. She will be there from Jan. 28th until May 31st with a two-week spring break.

Charlotte believes that this semester will be a terrific learning experience, based on the school’s mission statement of cultivating a diverse and interdependent community of scholars through collaborative learning so that students emerge prepared to reach beyond their selves and concentrate on the greater good.

“I hope to grow as an inquisitive student and find new ways to challenge my education.”

arts

January

Voice of the student body.

Architecture helps students reach new heights samheyward

staff writer Sophomore Jenny Horing toils away at her latest draft. She works carefully, making sure that every line is perfect. After a few class periods she has a completed sketch that follows all of the basic principles of architecture.

Architecture and Design is a class that usually flies under most students’ radar, but this year there are two sections. The course has been running for ten years and is taught by Visual Art Department Head Gregory Cice.

“Most of all, I want the students to develop a relationship with architecture,” Mr. Cice said. “We spend so much time in buildings, but so many of us are not aware of the architecture of the buildings we occupy.”

He also wants his students to learn about the history of architecture, the important moments and styles.

The course strives to give students a basic understanding of various architectural practices. They learn a range of mechanical drawing and drafting skills. Google Sketch Up is also used in class to create drafts.

The students had a variety of reasons for taking the class. “I wanted to take Architecture because it is a unique art class that gives me an opportunity to try something new,” said sophomore A.J. Cortese.

For junior Charlotte Clapp, the class was recommended by other students and teachers. “Knowing about architecture can open doors to possible professions,” she added. Others were intrigued by the work that previous architecture students have done. “My brother took the class and I thought his projects looked interesting,” sophomore Zach Morant said.

Architecture requires a different set of skills than those of the average art class. “Architecture is very different from A.P. Art, but I enjoy it just as much,” senior

Alice Lodge said. “In architecture you don’t really have to be good at drawing free hand.”

Budding architects learn to use tools such as mechanical pencils, draft triangles, compasses and rulers to help them with their drafts. “I have more freedom in what I want to draw, but it always has to be realistic,” Jenny said. The exactness of the activity appeals to Charlotte. “There are specific, strict instructions that you must follow,” Charlotte said. “All lines must be straight and measured exactly.”

During the year the students have completed a number of draft projects. “I liked the doing the dice draft the most,” junior Andre Newland said. The students each chose a way different way to draw a cube, still taking care that the numbers on the die were drawn in the correct order.

While the first two trimesters were spent developing visualization and drafting skills on paper, the third trimester will present a new challenge. “They are going to conceive and design a building of their own,” Mr. Cice said. While the students will have the freedom to create their own three dimensional building for their imagination, they still must follow all of the architectural principals that they have learned.

The class is taking a walking tour of New York City in early February. Their goal is to hit most of the major architectural sites in the city. Mr. Cice plans to take the train into the city, and start with the architecture of Grand Central Terminal.

By the end of the day they will make their way to the 9/11 memorial. “I’m exited about the trip. I can’t wait to see all of the sites, and it will be great to miss a day of school,” Jenny said.

Juniors Alex Katsihtis and Xiaoling Keller practice drafting during Architecture and Design. Photo by Melissa Warshauer.

7

Winter Musical: Grease nickhallock

arts editor

Students rehearse for the upcoming musical. Photo by Marc Byrnes.

After over 3000 shows on Broadway and a feature film, the award-winning musical Grease will make its way to Hackley this February. Laurie Walton, who is a Broadway and television actress, a director in Riverdale, and the director of last year’s winter musical, Spelling Bee, will direct the play, but because her schedule this year is taking her out of town for various shows, her daughter, Emily Walton, and her husband, Bob Walton, who are both Broadway actors, will take over directing and choreographing when she is away.

Junior Chris Cacace believes that the switching of directors has not damaged the play overall. “The situation has been a little messy because the directors have been switching in a lot,” Chris said, “but it has been good overall because Laurie and her daughter Emily have worked hard to make the transition seamless.”

The main reason that Ms. Walton picked Grease was the hope that more boys would participate in the musical. “In my time as a director I have found [this] show to be one of those shows that helps to recruit boys, so we thought that that might work at Hackley as well,” she said.

Grease has seen a rise in interest compared to other Hackley shows: one third of the actors participating in the musical have never been in one before. “I think it might be because it was Grease,” Ms. Walton said. “I think Grease sounds like a lot of fun to kids who thought they might want to be in a show, but were not really sure.

It’s kind of a cooler show to be in.”

Chris is an example of a student who has never been in theater before but was drawn to Grease. “I’ve always wondered about the magic of being on stage, and the Hackley theater department gave me the opportunity to do that by offering me a lead role in Grease,” Chris said.

Generally, Ms. Walton said she has had a good time working with students at Hackley; however, there is one major exception.

“I find them all to be earnest and hard-working,” she said. “But a lot of them quit after the audition process when they don’t get the roles they want, so that’s my singular frustration. Once we get that intact, I find them to be really lovely kids.”

Students shine at poetry competition carolinechmiel

staff writer This is not an ordinary meeting in the Chapel.

Five students huddle in the back room. Biting of fingernails, sweating palms, rising pulses, and one reassuring voice—that of an English teacher.

A group of faculty judges sits in the front row, ears open and ready to judge.

This is not a reality television program, but rather Poetry Out Loud, a recitation competition that is entering its second year at Hackley.

English teacher Nicole Butterfield was attending a National Council of Teachers of English conference when she discovered the Speak Out Loud competition.

At each stage of this national competition students complete poetry performances, similar to the original Plato rhapsodic performances, a 3,000 year tradition.

Looking down, sophomore Xavier Carmona takes a deep breath in front of the microphone, and then lifts his head. As he observes the audience, his recitation of Langston Hughes’ “I, Too” begins. Once back in his seat Xavier says, “and now I start shaking,” feeling the aftermath of his performance.

As sophomore Will Schmidt performed “Those Winter Sundays” by Robert Hayden, he could hear himself “speaking so much faster on stage.”

Will and Xavier will represent Hackley with their poetry recitations in the regional round, with a chance to go to states, and from there, to nationals.

Other contestants felt the pressures of the spotlight, bouncing back and forth, stumbling on pronunciations, and sometimes skipping lines altogether.

Will’s winning strategy was simple. “I was in front of the mirrors for hours practicing!” he said, laughing.

Though practicing the art of conveying various emotions is key, Will and sophomore contestant A.J. Cortese both agreed on another important part of the process. “Mrs. Butterfield’s enthusiasm encouraged and supported us,” A.J. said.

Mrs. Butterfield believes Will and Xavier will do well at the regional competition, and believes in their abilities to go even further in the competition.

“They have very different styles, but are both strong public speakers,” she said. Differences are based on the way they physically act while reciting and how they portray the meanings of the poems through various tones.

A large factor is also the judges’ tastes, and what choices Xavier and Will make on their poem selections.

Both students will be working with Mrs. Butterfield in the upcoming weeks to choose their next pieces and develop their performances.

Mrs. Butterfield is enthusiastic about a competition next year and so is sophomore Sarah Bannono.

“I entered the competition to build confidence in front of an audience, and it definitely helped,” she said.

Sophomore A.J. Cortese recites at the poetry competition. Photo by Waits May.

8lifestyles

January

Voice of the student body.

Walking in a Winter Fashionland

ariannafirpo

Managing Editor

The perfect time has come for a winter fashion trend update. With award shows behind us and fashion week looming, fashion is in the air.

Though the weather is not as harsh as last year and the days this season have had us doubting whether it is actually winter, the season has exhibited distinct trends thus far.

Although all of us girls may not exactly have a boyfriend, I can assure you that we all have a boyfriend sweater. These chunky sweaters have been an essential this winter. Whether it is holey, striped or solid, this easy to wear piece is a go-to item this season.

For a sleeker and more conservative look, a blazer is ideal. While the loose fitted and effortless style has had a strong presence with elements such as the boyfriend sweater, this style has contrasted with the sleekness of the blazer this winter. As there are a countless variety of blazers, try one that flatters your body type. Also, a blazer should be the item in your closet that you can throw on with anything from a dress to a T-shirt and jeans to dress the outfit up and give it a more stylish look.

Another staple item that can be worn the same way as a blazer is a leather jacket. Although the leather jacket would add more of an edgy look, it is very versatile as it can be worn with almost any outfit. With a bland outfit such as a T-shirt and jeans, texture can be added with a chic leather jacket.

As for pants, jeggings are a winter essential, especially for us girls at Hackley. Although the easiest color to wear is black, colors such as grey, dark plum and teal have been trending this winter. For those who are willing to take more of a risk, try patterned tights with a mod dress or skirt.

As Cinderella said, “the perfect shoes can change your life.” Although short boots may not quite be life changing, they certainly will keep you on trend with what is fashionable this winter. While tall boots, whether they are sleek or rugged, remain stylish every winter; short boots have been the most popular shoe trend this winter. Since these boots remain low on your calves, they don’t cut off your leg in an unflattering way. They are the perfect shoes for a rugged and edgy yet super flattering look.

While neutral colors such as nudes, blacks and whites have been extremely popular this winter, stylist Brad Goreski would agree that a POC (pop of color) is an essential for every outfit. Whether it is a vibrant pair of earrings, a bright cocktail ring or a colorful scarf, a POC can easily liven up any drab outfit this winter.

A leather jacket is a versatille piece that can be worn with anything from casual jeans to a cocktail dress.

This boyfriend sweater is a perfect item for both keeping warm and staying on trend this winter.

Accessories like these vibrant Kate Spade earrings (available in colors like pink, blue and purple) can enhance a dull outfit any day.

Try wearing a blazer for a more polished and sophisticated look.

Students pick top Apps of 2011

Wedged-in Review Numeric ratings are based on the following scale: 1 = I‘d eat this everyday for life 2 = I’d eat this once a week

Rob Cacace: “Wedged In” Virginia ham, smoked turkey, swiss cheese, lettuce with blue cheese dressing

1.

Temple Run

2.

Words With Friends

3.

Fruit Ninja

4.

5.

Angry Birds

Rating: 3 How to improve: In order to add that extra “umph”, I would propose adding a piece of pepperoni, salami, or prosciutto.

I also might add more spicy mustard, as I feel a sort of spice could enhance the flavoring of the sandwich.

Recommendation: Although it isn’t the best sandwich [...], I would recommend this as an alternative to their other selections.

I believe this would be a great sandwich for a longtime “Wedge-goer,” but if one wanted to attempt to convince another of the glory of The Wedge, I would tell that person to suggest a “Fab Fowl” or the “Spicy Buffalo Sandwich” instead. Overall, an interesting sandwich.

Jack Ellis: “Coach” Virginia ham, melted muenster, cheese and tomato with Russian dressing Rating: 2

Facebook

How to improve: Although the sauce is great, I would add more meat for substance, and try using American cheese.

Recommendation: I would definitely recomend this sandwich to anyone.

All graphics courtesy of iTunes.

See page 10 for methodology.

3 = not bad 4 = eh, bearable 5 = inedible

Maddi Ginsberg: “Tappan Zee” Turkey breast smothered with russian dressing, sauerkraut and melted swiss cheese Rating: 2.5 How to improve: I tried it without the sauerkraut (because honestly, who likes that stuff anyway?), but without it, the combo lacked any crunch. Perhaps with some lettuce and maybe even tomato, this sandwich could be a bit more interesting.

Recommendation: I wouldn’t recommend this sandwich. For me, I’ll take the bridge traffic over this bland option anyday.

Halley Weinreb: “Fab Foul” H o t c h i c k e n c u t l e t , p e p p e ro n i & mozzarella on a garlic wedge Rating: 3 How to Improve: This sandwich already has a nice balance of ingredients. The mozzarella really compliments the cutlet and the garlic wedge adds that something extra to top it all off.

Recommendation: Definitely try this sandwich at least once. This sandwich is the perfect lunch choice or after school snack for anyone who wants one of the most popular wedges around.

politics

January

Voice of the student body.

Poll reveals political leaning

9

s

8%

of students identified themselves as Independents

4%

of students did not identify themselves with any political group

40%

of students identified themselves as Democrats

33%

of students neither approve nor disapprove of President Obama’s performance in office

6% 25%

of students approve of President Obama’s performance in office

30%

of students identified themselves as Republicans

62%

of students think Mitt Romney has the greatest chance of beating President Obama in the election

of students think Newt Gingrich has the greatest chance of beating President Obama in the election

3%

37%

of students disapprove of President Obama’s performance in office

of students think Rick Santorum has the greatest chance of beating President Obama in the election

59%

of students believe that Hackley teachers are generally liberal

1%

10%

of students believe that Hackley teachers are generally conservative

of students think Ron Paul has the greatest chance of beating President Obama in the election

1% of students believe that Hackley teachers are generally apolitical

32% of students believe that Hackley teachers are generally politically balanced See page 10 for methodology.

Bulletin Boards become political harrisonwetzler&bobbygrusky Politics Editors

They line the halls, unnoticed by many. Those who notice spare but a casual glance. But when a major change happened overnight, people began to take notice.

The Progressive Action League (P.A.L.) and the Hackley Conservative Club both claimed bulletin boards as their own, using the space to advocate for their respective ideologies. While issue-specific bulletin boards such as those for the Gay-Straight Alliance and the HEAL sustainability club, have long been in place, the political bulletin boards are new to the school this year.

They provide a microcosm of the increased political awareness at Hackley. History teacher Vladimir Klimenko, who was responsible for P.A.L.’s board and is the club’s faculty adviser, said that the reasons for the increased political interest are not specific to Hackley. “I think instead Hackley is a reflection of what’s going on in the larger world,” he said.

He ascribes the increase in P.A.L.’s numbers to several global factors, including the revolutions in Libya and Egypt,

as well as the more recent Occupy Wall Street movement.

Some members, such as junior Allyson Blackburn, credit the increased visibility of P.A.L. to the leadership of senior Dorothea Trufelman, the club’s president.

The change started when Mr. Klimenko replaced the board in the junior hallway, formerly the HEAL board, with photos and cartoons about politically relevant topics, with a focus on Occupy Wall Street and political corruption.

Soon after, the Conservatives responded with a board of their own containing similarly political posters.

Mr. Kilmenko feels that the new use of the boards by political clubs is helping to create a more open community.

“I am hopeful that we will develop a culture at Hackley where we can voice political views and disagreements in ways that are constructive, open, and mutually respectful.”

However, some conservatives, like Junior Ben Rosen, feel that there is still an inequality in the placement of the boards.

The Hackley Conservatives’ board faces Mr. King’s

office, while P.A.L.’s board is in the junior hallway. “[The Progressive Action League’s board] is very visible,” Ben said. “Maybe it would be better if we get a larger board and split it, since this is a central location.”

But regardless of its location, Ben said that he is satisfied that the Conservatives have a board at all.

P.A.L.’s bulletin board has not escaped Ben’s notice. He thinks that the board is too focused on Occupy Wall Street to represent the range of left-leaning opinion at Hackley. “I think it’s great for people to express their different opinions, but I think there are better ways for the left-wing members of the community to express their opinions than through Occupy Wall Street,” he said.

Regardless of their political persuasion, Allyson believes that it is good for students to express their political views.

“It’s really great to create a diverse political environment, so that you hear every opinion and everything that is going on in the clubs and in the community,” she said.

10 sports

January

Voice of the student body.

Senior soccer stars Max and Matt take Brazil teddymiddleton staff writer

Senior Max Mayblum executes a scissor move during one of his games at the Maccabi games which were played in Brazil. Fellow senior Matt Goldman also traveled to Brazil to play for the United States team. Photo courtesy of Max Mayblum.

While most athletes were taking a well-earned break from their sports over the winter vacation, seniors Matt Goldman and Max Mayblum were representing the U.S.A. in the Maccabi Games.

Matt and Max played for the U.S.A. soccer team. Being teammates on the soccer field is a familiar feeling for them, as they both played on the boys’ varsity soccer team. But unlike ordinary Hackley competition, the Maccabi Games have a different purpose: to bring together the Jewish community. That’s what sent both boys to Brazil, the 2011 host of the competition, in December.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play soccer in Brazil against the best Jewish soccer players our age,” Matt said. “It was great to be surrounded by people who share the same beliefs.”

“The Maccabi Games are nice because they do a great job at creating a real sense of the Jewish community,” Max said.

Matt has competed before, but in basketball, not soccer.

The particular competition was less important for Matt than the overall effect. “Maccabi has become a family experience for me,” he said.

Max, however, had no prior experience in the Maccabi Games, and he agreed to compete after Matt introduced the idea. “I’ve grown up hearing about the Maccabi Games, and

ment for the team because none of the other U.S.A. soccer teams beat Brazil.

Even though they spent most of their time playing soccer, they took their free time to make friends and experience the culture.

They frequented a place called the Habreica, “kind of like a country club for the athletes,” Max said. “It was a great way to hang out and meet other kids.”

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play soccer in Brazil against the best Jewish soccer players our age,” – senior Matt Goldman to have the chance to compete in them; I was overjoyed,” Max said.

There were many memorable experiences for Matt and Max, but one stands out. “Our greatest moment was beating Brazil 1-0,” Matt said. “No matter what, we can take that win with us.” This was a great accomplish-

That time spent making friends turned out to be even more important than the time spent on the field. “I was expecting a lot of soccer from a lot of great competitors, but I wasn’t expecting to become as close with the other kids as I did,” Max said.

Super Bowl Poll: Who will win the League MVP? 26% Ravens

Percent of votes

23%

Tom Brady Aaron Rodgers

Giants

14%

8%

Drew Brees

Ray Rice

Patriots

3%

Calvin Johnson

Who do you want to win the Super Bowl?

Who do you think will win the Super Bowl?

Poll results taken Friday, Jan. 20, two days before the conference championship games.

Poll results taken Friday, Jan. 20, two days before the conference championship games.

68%

49ers 15% 5% 2%

Percent of votes

Percent of votes

51%

29%

10% 2%

Survey methodology: The Dial distributed one of two different surveys to randomly selected homerooms on Friday, Jan. 20. One survey contained questions for the Lifestyles and the Politics pages, the other for Sports and News. One potential source of error is students discussing the results of the surveys as they fill them out.

The poll conducted for the Sports page has a sample size of 130 and a margin of error of ±7%.

The poll conducted for the News page has a sample size of 130 and a margin of error of ±7% The poll conducted for the Politics page has a sample size of 137 and a margin of error of ±6.5% Note: Percentages do not add up to 100% due to incomplete or incorrectly filled out responses.

Matthew MacFarlane, Coordinating Editor, conducts all surveys. Editors of each of the respective pages created the questions, with slight modification.

sports

January

The best ever:

Voice of the student body.

11

Justin Seim breaks all-time wrestling wins record evanweisberg

O

staff writer

n a cold Friday night, senior Justin Seim’s arm was victoriously raised once again. But this victory was special. Justin Seim’s pin on Jan. 6 put his name in the Hackley history books.

For the first time in over a decade, Andrew Friedman ’98 did not have the most wrestling wins at Hackley.

That record now belongs to Justin.

Justin first started wrestling in third grade because a friend’s parents owned a wrestling club. “I immediately loved it,” he said. That love has sustained a now-historic career.

Enrolling at Hackley in sixth grade, Justin made the varsity team as a seventh grader. It didn’t take long for Justin to prove himself. “Once Justin got on the mat the first day of practice, we knew he was very talented,” Coach Fran Stanek said.

As a middle-school student on varsity wrestling, Justin was forced to wrestle against high school students. However, in doing so, Justin found a mentor in Toby Zitsman ’09. “He used to beat me up pretty bad,” Justin said, laughing.

In eighth grade Justin continued to improve, compiling a 22-3 record and winning the state competition for independent schools. Justin continued to train up to four times a week by the time he was in ninth grade.

That’s when Justin set a goal: to become the winningest Hackley wrestler of all time. He continued working hard and training for this goal, and by the end of Justin’s sophomore year, Coach Stanek had a similar idea.

“I didn’t think about the record until after Justin’s sophomore year, in which he had 31 wins,” Coach Stanek said. “Then I knew if he stayed healthy, he would be able to do it.”

When Justin stepped onto the mat in a match against Stepinac at the Jan. 6 Winter Sting, he knew he needed only one more win to reach the goal he had set three years earlier. “For this match I did not say a word to him. He knew what he had to do,” Coach Stanek said.

Characteristically, there was little emotion on Justin’s face. “Wrestling takes a lot of focus,” he said. “You have to be thinking 100% of the time.”

The stage was set in front of what Justin said was the big gest crowd of the 2011-2012 season.

Justin pinned his Stepinac opponent in two minutes and 17 seconds in front of the crowd of cheering fans. Among them was Andrew Friedman himself. After the big match, Justin was able to take a picture with him, now the second-winningest wrestler in Hackley history. “It was very special to have coached both Justin and Andrew and to take a picture with the both of them,” Coach Stanek said.

After his graduation, Justin will enroll at West Point, and he intends to continue wrestling there. It will be the continuation of a historic career that started on the Hilltop.

Justin believes that one of the most important things he has learned from wrestling at Hackley is that “you have to have a good workout to be successful.”

Except, for Justin, those workouts have extended over years, rather than hours.

[Clockwise from top left]: Senior Justin Seim breaks down his opponent in his winter sting match; Justin performs a half nelson on his Stepinac opponent; Justin uses a tilt move to get his 116th career win. Photo by Melissa Warshauer.

stats

corner Number of wins in the varsity career of senior wrestler Justin Seim.

116+

Number of points needed by senior squash player Josh Konner to win a dramatic final game in the team’s 4-3 victory against Brunswick.

Points scored by junior Allie Coppola in her four year varsity basketball career.

28

breakoutplayers selected by the Dial sports staff

seasonrecords

1,000+

Number of seconds that sophomore Annie Berning won by in the 55 m dash in the Jan 4 Ivy League Prep Meet.

stats accurate as of 1/26/12

18

Number of points scored by the varsity wrestling team in their Winter Sting match against Stepinac.

66

Emily Lichtenberg won three straight games after losing her first two to clinch a victory for the girls’ varsity squash team against rival Poly Prep.

Kierstin Chu, the anchor for the girls’ 400 free relay team, beat the Riverdale swimmer by four tenths of a second to secure the girls fifth win of the season and to remain undefeated.

Stef Frolo led her team in scoring, rebounding, assists, and blocks in the girls’ basketball win over King Low.

Spencer Sohmer

Girls’ Basketball: 11-0-0

Softball

Boys’ Squash: 7-4-0

Jill Dressler

Lacrosse

Girls’ Squash: 3-5-0

Stef Frolo

Boys’ Swimming: 5-0-0

Leo Barse

Boys’ Tennis

Girls’ Swimming: 7-0-0

Grant Urken

Boys’ Épée: 4-2-0

Track and Field

Girls’ Épée: 5-1-0

Mustafaa Dais

Grace Cordsen

Golf

Jess Vasso

topperformances Paulathena Stone placed first in the shot put and set a new school record by throwing 26 feet and 6 inches in the in the Jan. 9 Ivy League Prep Meet.

Baseball

Boys’ Basketball: 2-14-0

.04

Points by senior Erik Bringsjord in the first half of the boys’ basketball game against Kennedy Catholic.

“Breakout players” are spring athletes projected to have a bigger impact this year than they did last year.

Evan Weisberg

Senior point guard Matt Goldman.

upcominghomegames WED. JV girls’ squash vs.

Blair Academy

THURS.

FRI.

SAT.

SUN.

MON.

Boys’ squash vs.

Horace Mann

JV boys’basketball vs.

Columbia Prep

JV girls’basketball vs.

Blair Academy

JV girls’basketball vs.

St. Luke’s School

1 2 3 4 5 6

Girls’ basketball vs.

Fieldston

Fencing vs.

Ardsley

12 sports

January

Winter Sting 2012

Voice of the student body.

1

2

3 [1] Senior Jhordane McNab dominates swimming freestyle in the swim team’s win against Poly Prep Country Day School.

[4] Two Hackley students face off for a practice bout before a fencing meet against Regis High School.

[7] Senior Shane Weisberg lunges for a backhand in his 3-0 win against Riverdale.

[10] Sophomore Mustafaa Dais goes up for a rebound in the game against Poly Prep Country Day School.

[2] Junior Andre Newland quickly pins his opponent in the wrestling team’s win over Stepinac High School.

[5] The varsity wrestling team watches a match in their win over Stepinac High School.

[8] Sophomore Charlie Pidoriano shoots and scores a basket during a hard-fought game against Poly Prep Country Day School.

[11] Junior Hackley swimmers lounge poolside, laughing and relaxing before a meet against Poly Prep Country Day School.

[3]Junior Allie Coppola takes a foul shot in her game agaisnt Poly Prep Country Day School.

[6] Senior Tucker Wright sets up the ball while avoiding an opponent during a game against Poly Prep Country Day.

[9] Lower School students practice their skills on an inflatable basketball hoop during the Winter Sting.

All photos by Melissa Warshauer.

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