September Issue of the Dial

Fall play:

Photos by Paul:

Students audtion for the fall play Antigone. Director Carolyn Burke has modernized the play to make it relevant to Hackley students.

page 10

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Freshman Amanda Rosenstein takes a shot on goal during Fall Sting.

the

Dial

Hackley School

Tarrytown, NY 10591

September 2011 Vol. 113, No. 2

The beginning of a new era [From left to right] Seniors Austen Bhayani and Nick Colon serve food at football game concession stand.

Senior Chris Breen takes a lunch break on the job.

Senior Matt Macfarlane collects revenue from the concession stands that will go directly to council funds. [Below] Matt and Ariana Lavelli organize the table at the football game.

Photos by Paul Rapisardi.

halleyweinreb lifestyles editor

More responsibility. More opportunity. More chances. More fun. More involvement by more people. That is what Community Council President Matt MacFarlane has on his agenda. Beginning his fourth year on the council he has firsthand knowledge of the limited involvement and participation of other officers besides the three main school wide officers. “I was in the council all four years and I know exactly how little work everyone else does. It’s not their fault—t’s because they aren’t allowed to have any responsibilities,” Matt stated.

There are three main changes according t o M a tt : i n t h e p l a c e m e n t o f responsibilities, the voting system, and the method of determining the distribution of money.

Matt notes that this ye a r C o m m u n i t y C o u n c i l is “trying to give more responsibilities to the grade presidents.” In the past, the three school-wide officers alone made the majority that community council had accomplished possible. It was neither an efficient way to get all of the elected officers involved, nor did it allow for anyone other than the school president to be credited for events such as dances or Field Day. A new voting system, which aims to “g u a ra nte e

fa i r n e s s a m o n g st t h e g ra d e s a n d fa i r n e s s i n representation,” has also gone into effect, according to Matt. The previous voting system gave one vote to everyone in community council, meaning five votes for the freshmen, five votes for the sophomores, six votes for the juniors and twelve votes for seniors. “[The old system] had a really disproportionate influence for the seniors, which really isn’t right. It discourages freshmen and sophomores and juniors from participating in the council,” Matt added.

The new system, which gives seniors just the same amount of influence as freshmen, gives each grade one vote, a solution Matt hopes will help motivate students to vote.

Prior to any changes, the HPA was responsible for running the concession sta n d s at s p o rt i n g event s , l i ke football games. Now, a lot of that responsibility will belong to community council.

The council will be taking control of the materials for all events, they will be working at

the concession stands, and all of the profits will be going to the Council.

One of the biggest changes for Hackley students is that Council, in an effort to have the grades better represent themselves, has committed $200 to each grade.

“All they have to do to spend that money is to make a proposal to Community Council, saying how they’re going to spend it, and if it’s not ridiculous we’ll let them do it,” Matt said. Matt added that he hopes these changes would “make the council more accessible to everyone.”

All of these new changes can be accredited to the development of a new constitution. “The constitution would lock in a lot of things we are trying to do,” Matt explained. “It would make one of the primary roles of student council to support student groups, and it guarantees fairness between the grades because of the one grade, one vote [system].” During Matt’s freshman and sophomore terms as grade president, Community Council spent about $100 on student groups. Community Council had about $2500 to spend, with less than 1% of that money going to students.

“Really what the constitution does is establish a system for our student government that is like the system we have for our federal government,” Matt asserted. Although it is uncommon for student governments to be modeled after federal ones, Matt observed that this type of government fits Hackley ’s particular situation and needs.

2editorial

September

We hope your year has started off well!

Troubles with Hackley Online

Hackley Online is by no means archaic. Students, parents, and faculty can download files, view photos, and gather news concerning the community. But there is much room for improvement, particularly in ease of use.

T h e f i rst a n d m o st w i d e s p re a d concern is finding specific information. Many students claim to have difficulty finding forms to download, or photos from a sports event. Finding such items is not i m p o s s i b l e , b u t ca n i n i t i ate a n unnecessary scavenger hunt. It seems that as the site has grown to offer new features, such as the US Hub and Google Docs access, it is becoming harder to navigate. Certain links are on “ The Common,” others are in hubs, and some are even in subsections of each hub. This problem calls for some simplification of the current website.

Next, and more relevant to students, is the system of posting homework for class sections. There is no universal syste m t h at te a c h e rs u s e to ta ke advantage of Hackley Online. Some teachers use the site as little as

possible, handing out readings and homework assignment sheets in class. But if the teacher does not upload these items to the site, then the purpose of HOL fails if a student happens to lose a hard-copy document.

Other teachers rely heavily on HOL. They may co n sta nt l y p o st m e s s a ge s o r c h a n ge s to homework hours after school has ended, requiring that students check the site in order to correctly complete their assignments. But if a student does not visit HOL on a daily basis, then he or she may miss out on key information.

The administration needs to implement universal guidelines for teachers, so students know how the site will function for every class. The point is not that some teachers do not use the site properly, but rather that an accepted method of use would benefit the already chaotic lives of students.

Lastly, there comes the issue of communication.

Some teachers will post announcements on HOL, and others will collect student e-mails and send out messages. Not every student checks his or her e-mail regularly, further complicating a system that should be simple. This issue further promotes the need for official student e-mails. Until Hackley creates these, the teacher-student communication process will continue to have its faults. Hackley does not lack advanced technology, it merely needs organizational improvements.

Man on the Street: What are you looking forward to this year?

Jordan Klein ’12: Senior Freedom

Elijah Maynes ’15: Festivities

Dilsia Olivero ’13: The Hawthorne Project

Ms. Coble: The Bigger Studio

dialstaff Editor-in-chief randikramer Managing Editor ariannafirpo

David Diwik ’14: Accelerated Chemistry

Chris Moritz ’13: Chicken Patties

Hackley School - 293 Bendict Ave., Tarrytown, NY - (914) 631 0128 - September 2011 - Vol. 113, No. 1 - www.hackleyschool.org Op-ed Editor rolandrizzi

Dial OnLine Editor marcbyrnes

Sports Editor shaneweisberg Sports Editor dominiquealpuche

Assist. Managing Editor danielhoffman

Feature Editor paulrapisardi

Asst. Sports Editor maxparauda

Lifestyles Editor halleyweinreb

Design Editor rachelchan

News Editor jackieyang

Arts Editor nickhallock

Production Editor melissawarshauer

Politics Editor bobbygrusky

Politics Editor harrisonwetzler

Copy Editor annatskhovrebov Staff Artist mollykestenbaum

Coordinating Editor mattmacfarlane

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.

editorial

September

We hope your year has started off well!

Ambassadors assist at Parents’ Day

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carolinechmiel

Staff Writer With only five minutes to find their way from one class to another, Hackley mothers and fathers attending Parents’ Day on Saturday, Sept. 24 needed all the help they could get from student ambassadors. Those volunteers gave up a morning of weekend sleep to distribute student schedules, answer questions about the mistimed bells, and direct parents to out-of-the-way places, such as the science labs. “It was difficulty to get up early to get here, but once I was here, it was fun meeting people’s parents and showing them our school,” junior Paulathena Stone said.

[Counterclockwise from top left] Junior Dominique Alpuche and sophomore Caroline Chmiel place folders for parents.

Early Saturday morning, ambassadors dispense information.

Junior Megan Dolan directs a parent through the senior hallway. Mrs. Butterfield talks with ambassadors.

Are managers managing to get any exercise?

Any athlete will tell you that managers are essential members of sports teams at Hackley. They may not play on the field, but managers support their teams in ways large and small, some of which get noticed and others of which do not. Yet, despite the benefits of managing for the team, this system is fundamentally flawed for the managers themselves.

Managers perform a variety of important tasks for their teams. “I have filmed games for varsity field hockey so the girls can watch it after,” said junior Kristen Daly. Managers are also responsible for equipment, keeping track of statistics, and attending all games for their sports team. This lightens a coach’s workload, allowing him or her to focus more on coaching instead of mundane details.

Although good managing is essential to a team’s success, it is impossible to deny that there is no physical activity involved. Becoming a manager is a way to earn a physical education credit in order to graduate. While most students are working hard on the field after every school day, managers can go home. Only going to a games means minimal commitment for the same institutional reward. “I don’t have to even carry bags for girls’ soccer; the freshmen on the team do that,” junior Paulathena Stone said.

Managing a sport is ideal for students with conditions, whether temporary or long-term, that

render them incapable of the physical activity that the school and the state require; however, this case accounts for a limited portion of the students who adopt managerial duties.

But for the vast majority of managers, who can perform challenging physical activity, the managing system shortchanges them of the instruction and training that physical education aims to provide. All other students must receive physical education, and managers should not be an exception.

There is an easy way to solve this problem.

Managers should be required to attend gym with Director of Physical Education Pat White once a week. This would be a small time commitment, and they could choose among the many physical education options, such as zumba or kayaking.

This solution would combine the best of both worlds: managers would still be part of a Hackley team while receiving a proper physical education.

Junior Kristen Daly, field hockey manager, takes a nap before the Varsity Field Hockey game while the team is warming up. Photo by Roland Rizzi.

4news

September

We hope your year has started off well!

New DD system includes early Friday morning giannad’alessio

staff writer Gum. Late. Out of dress code. A description of that one Hackley student who loves to break the rules? Probably, but those are also the three top violations that put students in DD (disciplinary detention).

And this year, there is a new structure in place for students to serve for violating of these rules. With the departure of chemistry teacher Kurt Boluch, one of three proctors last year, afternoon DD has been reduced from four to two days a week under the direction of math teacher Stephen Frauenthal. An early morning option (Friday at 7 a.mm) has been added under the watchful eye of history teacher Eliot Smith.

This idea was a product of the annual deans’ retreat where changes and improvements are discussed. “Everyone had running lists, and our least favorite job is to assign and reassign DDs,” said Senior Dean Anne Longley.

Students typically have a week to clear their names from the black binder in the Upper School office. Sophomore Dean Jenny Leffler explained, “Students would miss a DD for whatever reason, but then the next week they’d get another one. It built up for too long and was too much to keep track of.”

Friday mornings are an option to help clear names faster.

According to Ms. Longley, “Friday morning DDs are so we do not have to hound people and we can clear the record.”

Senior Erik Bringsjord, a frequent member of the afternoon DD clean up crew, says, “DDs have become a way of life for me. I end up having more DDs than classes.” These punishments are given out for being late to homeroom four times or being late to a class three times.

This system is more practical for athletes since Monday and Wednesday are primary game days, leaving Tuesday and Thursday available for athletes to serve. Ms. Longley added, “DDs will be served faster and the coach won’t have to get contacted about an athlete missing an important event.”

Sophomore Charlie Pidoriano agreed that he would be able to attend games when he needs to. When asked if the early morning time was inconvenient, junior Julie Piscina replied, “I would wake up for a DD, mostly because in the afternoon I’m committed to my team.”

For people who do PE, the new system is inconvenient.

Some PE classes are Tuesday and Thursday. The times also do not work with students exempt from sports because their event could meet on any day of the week. Senior Senna Oh responded, “I hate it because now its so inconvenient timewise. I have a lot of homework and I don’t drive, which means I would have to get picked up at a different time. My mistake should stay as mine.”

32%

of all year-to-date DDs were issued for missing lunch duty.

Mr. Frauenthal, senior Tanya Abadir, sophomore Katie Ippolito, and senior Justin Seim work in the trails during DD. Photo courtesy of Ms. Johnson.

11%

of all year-to-date DDs were issued for arriving late to homeroom.

Selling wellness petergerma staff writer

Silence descends on Goodhue maxparauda

assistant sports editor

A fatigued, over-stressed student comes to the Goodhue library during his second period free, hoping to finish his precalculus homework and study for a biology quiz that, as luck had it, he had to take next period. His only hope is to shut himself into one of the library’s reading rooms with his work and, in complete silence, tackle the Herculean task before him. But alas, the door has a sign reading: “SILENT WORK ROOM, Please sign in at Reference Desk if you would like to use this space.”

He rushes—frantically, fatefully—to the desk, only to find all the reading rooms already reserved. Alas, his hopes proved helplessly naïve.

The library setup has changed dramatically. One side of the library is now dedicated to group studying, where students are allowed to work together without getting “shushed.” The other is for quiet studying, where talking is forbidden.

Meanwhile, the common area remains an open space, where students are allowed to sit together, but where “inside voices” are encouraged. All reading rooms require the students to sign in at the main desk. In addition, Macs have replaced all of the Dells that previously lined the halls. According to Senior Dean Anne Longley, administrators have enforced these changes in response to complaints from past librarians regarding student behavior in the library.

“The faculty’s thinking for the new rules was that, because of the design of the library, it became more of a place for social activities than a place to study,” said Upper School Librarian Jackson Blossom, who is new to Hackley this year.

Some students remain bitter about these new rules, however,

and miss the social experience of the library from last year.

“I think the library is similar to a police state, in terms of the school’s focus on a ‘productive learning environment’ for students to come to,” said senior Alex Fetner, referring to the library’s new quiet policy.

But the policy does not only exist in the upper levels of the library. It affects the student lounge, as well. Senior Ariana Lavelli said, “well, I have a very loud personality, both literally and figuratively, so when I’m talking with my friends in our lounge, I feel really uncomfortable being silenced all the time.”

Senior Caroline Granoff added, “the lounge area is not really a study space, so we typically forget that the place above us is.”

Although the new rules may seem draconian, most students are adjusting to them and may actually find them beneficial.

Junior Kathryn Harmon said, “even though I don’t like how you have to sign up for reading rooms, I love how every computer now is a Mac, because the Dells last year were way too slow, and I could barely get any work done.”

While Mr. Blossom believes that opposition to change is typical for people, he also believes that the students are beginning to become rather grateful of these changes.

“I think students have come to be appreciative of the new rules in the library because it has become a place where you can truly come to get work done. The first priority for librarians is helping the students, and we believe that we’ve done that,” he said. “Students thus far have been respectful of the rules, and I think this shows how seriously Hackley students take their character,” Mr. Blossom added.

Students study in the main room of the Goodhue Library, where polite talking is still allowed. Photo by Melissa Warshauer.

Junior Rachel Chan opens her pocket book, pulls out $2, and peers into the machine, pondering her imminent purchase. The vending machine, in the gym by the boys’ locker room, offers healthy sports drinks and snacks to Hackley athletes.

Rachel wants a Gatorade, which, evidently, is a healthy sports drink, as it’s currently in stock.

But no! The drink costs $2.50, and Rachel only has two one-dollar bills! But she notices that the

New vending machine. Photo by Paul Rapisardi.

new vending machine accepts credit and debit, and relief washes over her in an awesome wave.

The machine was added by Hackley with help from junior and Wellness Club leader Stephanie Rubin, who facilitated the purchase of the machine, which focuses on bringing healthy options to the campus.

“The Wellness Club has evolved greatly,” Stephanie said. “When I started it freshman year it had a mere four members, and now it has close to 15,” she said. Some healthy options include cinnamon sugar pita chips, strawberry banana crisps, Cliff chocolate bars, apple sauce, apple juice, strawberry milk, chocolate milk, organic raspberry lemonade, coconut water with peach and mango, and an all-natural protein shake.

Profits from the vending machine will go to Hackley for clubs who need the money.

In addition to the vending machine, Stephanie hopes to host a healthy bake sale later in the year to expose students to healthy treats.

The machine has received mixed reviews from student athletes. “I love it,” junior Andre Newland said. “I can finally get food at the gym, although it is overpriced.”

Junior Josh Terry wonders why there is not a vending machine on the upper field for cross country runners. Overall, however, athletes are generally pleased. “It’s pretty good!” junior Dan Graap said.

The new vending machine offers student athletes the chance to grab a quick, healthy snack before they head off to practice.

news

September

We hope your year has started off well!

5

New community studies department launches sarahbonano and samanthaheyward

staff writers Hackley students are accustomed to having visitors from different schools on campus, but when international visitors arrive, it causes quite the commotion. So far this year, the schedule includes visitors from Europe, Africa and Asia. Students and faculty may have seen headmaster Jean Bigadu from the Duha Complex School in Rwanda spending a week on campus in September, and will see students from the Beijing National Day School and from Denmark in October.

Hackley’s role as a host and facilitator for foreign visitors is the newly created Community Studies Department. According to department head Kevin Rea, the department focuses on global education, community service, sustainability, and diversity. While it doesn’t provide any new classes, there are numerous chances for students to get involved, and these global visitors will play a part in the department’s work.

Community Service

“The establishment of the new Community Studies Department allows for better organization. It also allows people to gather together and create synergies. It formalizes the significance of these different areas,” said Mr. Rea. Through this department, the different coordinators have a better way of communicating what is going on in their areas of focus.

Students accustomed to these areas of outreach through existing clubs like UNITY and HEAL will have an umbrella under which they will have better opportunities to achieve their goals, according to Mr. Rea. As for the ambitions of this new department, Mr. Rea said he would like to see students noticing the connections between diversity, global education, community service and sustainability, not only in the classroom, but also in the world. He envisions an event for the students involved in clubs across different focuses where they could jointly discuss the work that they are pursuing.

“My main goals are to support the student lead initiatives and to raise awareness in the larger Hackley community about what we do,” said Nicole Butterfield, English teacher and community service coordinator. “In working with the community studies department, I also hope to explore the possibility of integrating more service learning into the school curriculum.”

Many community service projects are run by student leaders, such as Breakfast Run, where students go to New York City and serve breakfast to those who have trouble affording meals.

While there is already great student leadership for community service projects, Mrs. Butterfield is looking to include all grade levels, especially 9th and 10th grade. She would like to see better communication through the deans to inform the freshmen and sophomores of upcoming events.

Sophomore Daniel Shaw is a leader of the Hawthorne Project, in which students spend time with the kids at the Hawthorne School for autistic children. “It’s important to do this because it gives the kids that we work with a sense that they are cared for by others,” he said. “This project changes those kids’ lives for that one day, but it also changes our lives forever.”

Diversity

This year, Diversity Coordinator and Spanish teacher Emily DeMarchena is looking forward to working with the other coordinators in the department. “I’m looking for points of contact, where diversity overlaps with sustainability and global affairs. They have been put together for a reason, and there are lot of connections among them,” said Ms. DeMarchena.

There are already plans for UNITY to work at a food pantry, and for GSA to volunteer at a homeless shelter for LGBTQ youth. Ms. DeMarchena hopes to find more projects that connect with all the different points.

Junior Joshua Terry is co-president of UNITY, and through his participation in the club has seen the importance of diversity awareness. “Students who come are often unaware of their differences, most which are positive, and are often uncomfortable with certain topics,” he said. “These students leave aware of how their words and actions can either suppress or help fellow students, making Hackley a better place one action at a time.”

Ms. DeMarchena believes that visits from foreign students and teachers will be great for spreading new ideas. “We already have students who are interested in differences and people coming from different perspectives. I think it’s a great opportunity for students to interact with people of different cultures,” she said.

Upper school students make a plan of action at a recent UNITY meeting. Photo courtesy of Paulathena Stone.

dial

quotes

Sustainability

Jean Bidugu, Headmaster from the Duha Complex School in Rwanda with Global Education Coordinator Adrianne Pierce and lower school students. Photo courtesty of Waits May.

Global Action

As the Global Education Coordinator, classics teacher Adrianne Pierce hopes to continue programs started in previous years. Hackley is already in partnership with two schools in Rwanda and the Beijing National Day School in China. The formation of the community studies department allows her to work with the other coordinators and recognize the similarities between the different projects.

“Any project on building global relationships will have to do with diversity, and will probably have some aspect of sustainability,” says Dr. Pierce. She also hopes to develop overseas Casten trips with a community service element, with which many Hackley students are already familiar.

The exchange of ideas and different cultures as well as making connections between the classroom and the real world is also important. “Having a global perspective allows you to look at things that are going on around the world, and in your own neighborhood with a different eye,” said Dr. Pierce.

A new club called Global Action has formed to get the students involved in Hackley’s international outreach. “It’s important for Hackley students to interact with international visitors to gain more insight into education in other countries,” said senior Maddi Ginsberg, who hosted Rwandan Headmaster Jean Bidugu during his visit. “Not everyone is as fortunate as most Hackley students, so to hear the other side of the story is always eye-opening.”

“It was really cool to see how much we share.

Even though their culture is so different from ours, there are certain things that are the same no matter what,” said sophomore Camille Schmidt, who last year hosted a French exchange student.

Mr. Sykes: Another really cool economic phenomenon: if you’re in the city and it gets really hot out, what do you see?

Kristen Fallon: Mirages?

Mr. King: Hersh, you know I’m going to have to give you a DD for this...

Alex Hersh: Why?!

Mr. King: You took your pants off in the middle of the hallway!

Mitchell Towne: Mr. King, you can’t tell me we all haven’t done this at least once.

According to Anne Gatschet, the Sustainability Coordinator and Spanish teacher, sustainability should be an initiative for community service and should help a community learn how to organize itself in a long-lasting, efficient way.

“We have a great program of community service, but we tend to see service as time that we give to others. I think it’s important to start thinking of service where it starts, and that’s right here in the same room as one another,” said Ms. Gatschet. Most of Hackley’s sustainability plans focus having a long term effect by executing on short term goals. Ms. Gatschet hopes that the Hackley community will be able to come together to think of community service and sustainability in a new way.

A community concerned with the need for monitoring water use, controlling waste, learning how to make less trash, and producing fewer fossil fuels can provide the foundation for sustainability.

Ms. Gatschet hopes that Hackley’s own community will be able to create a plan that lasts and also deals with the concerns of sustainability.

Lower School students enjoy the outdoors as they plant seedlings with Mr. Retzloff. Photo courtesy of Waits May.

Roland Rizzi: Me and Hersh edited the page.

Dr. Boehnen: No, Hersh and I edited the page.

Roland: Oh, you did?

Matt MacFarlane: Who got the new vending machines?

Jackie Yang: The Wellness Club.

Matt: The Wellness Club?

There’s another liberal club at Hackley?!

6politics

September

We hope your year has started off well!

Hackley Conservatives face tough decision

Poll numbers represent Real Clear Politics polling average. Graph by Matt Macfarlane.

Snapshots of selected candidates

Students choose candidates

mattmacfarlane

Politics Editor

Coordinating Editor

Ron Paul • • •

• Photo courtesy of Ron Paul’s website.

Rick Perry • • • •

Photo courtesy of Rick Perry’s website.

Congressman from Texas for 24 years.

Libertarian, constitutionalist.

Since 2008, the Republican Party has come to embrace many of Mr. Paul’s rightwing platforms, joining his criticism of the Federal Reserve and demanding the dissolution of entire departments of government, such as the Department of Education, the Department of Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

He criticizes American intervention in foreign disputes, calling for an end to the Afghan conflict, the continued American role in Iraq, and the presence of American troops and military bases in nations around the world.

•

Fiscal and social conservative Since June 2009, more than 40% of net new jobs in America have been created in Texas under the governorship of Mr. Perry.

As governor, Mr. Perry oversaw the execution of 234 criminals.

In recent debates, Mr. Perry has been criticized for his inability to string together coherent, direct responses to questions, and has been the focus of ceaseless attacks from both the Republican right—candidates Michele Bachmann and Ron Paul—and the Republican left—candidates Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman.

Mr. Perry is moderate on immigration control, implementing a Texas “Dream Act” which allowed some illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition, and arguing that a border fence would not stop illegal immigration.

Mitt Romney • • • Photo courtesy of Mitt Romney’s website.

•

Campaigns as a social and fiscal conservative, but governed Massachusetts as a moderate. The best ideological label for Romney is “pragmatist.”

“Romneycare” is anathema to Tea Party Republicans, who view the Massachusetts health care overhaul as identical to President Obama’s plan.

Mr. Romney once drove to Canada with his dog kept in an open crate on the roof of his family van.

Mr. Romney’s Mormonism concerns some evangelical Republicans.

Rick Santorum • • •

Former Senator of Pennsylvania Disliked by gay-rights activists for having once compared gay marriage to bestiality. But his conservatism on a variety of social issues may help him in the early-voting states of Iowa and South Carolina.

Mr. Santorum is the only Republican candidate who openly embraces the “Bush Doctrine” of spreading democracy around the world by means of military intervention.

Photo courtesy of Rick Santorum’s website.

bobbygrusky

With the Republican primary season underway, conservatives around the nation have a slew of choices to make about who they support and why. Despite being a relatively small portion of the school population, Hackley conservatives hold a surprisingly large variety of views.

Senior Alex Dragone, a Co-President of the Hackley Conservatives Club, explains that Hackley Conservatives fall into three distinct groups.

“There are neo-conservatives who want a strong, interventionist foreign policy with social conservatism back home; fiscal conservatives who want a lean government but are less concerned with social issues or are socially liberal; and there are libertarians who want to scale back the federal government to basically the essentials,” he said.

In casual conversations about the televised debates, for example, Hackley conservatives are already showing these ideological differences.

But they are perhaps most concerned about having a strong candidate who they think can win on a national level.

Junior Ben Rosen explains that he supports former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney because “he has the best chance of getting elected against Obama.”

“We’re in such a fragile economic situation that removing Obama is essential—even more essential than getting the right Republican candidate,” Ben said.

Still others are concerned with a candidate who can improve the economy on a national level. Senior Brady Burkett, a Co-President of the Hackley Conservatives Club, says he supports Texas Governor Rick Perry because “[Perry] created jobs in Texas, so he has a good chance of being successful on a national level.”

Most are also looking for a candidate who can appeal to them personally. “I love Herman Cain because he is a true picture of the American dream,” senior Erik Bringsjord said. “I think this country should be run like a business, and he has the most business experience among the candidates.”

In some cases, Hackly conservatives are simply looking for a change from the ordinary terms of debate. Alex says he supports Congressman Ron Paul “because the federal government must be weakened so that state and individual freedom can rise, because peoples’ lives and their businesses are their own, and because you can’t make enemies keeping to yourself.”

Whatever the result of the primary, most conservatives would eagerly rally around the eventual Republican nominee, despite having favorites.

Hackley School president and conservative Matt MacFarlane fits loosely into this category.“I’ll support anyone,” Matt said. “Just not Romney.

Or Paul. Or Bachmann.”

Government class: numbers swell in primary year harrisonwetzler Politics Editor

Like the tide, politics is cyclical. For that reason, so too is government, an upper-school elective that waxes and wanes in enrollment. The one constant is passion—the passion of those enrolled and that of the longtime teacher, John Van Leer. And a heated political season only increases that passion.

Years of larger political importance tend to be linked to a larger class roster. According to Mr. Van Leer, government class held about 18 students in 2008, the presidential election year, and about 16 last year, when the midterm elections took place.

However, in 2009, there were not enough students interested to run the class. Mr. Van Leer said that “this year is a bit of an aberration,” since the course is going ahead with nine students, even though it is neither an election nor midterm year.

Part of the explanation is political: primary elections for the Republican party will take place starting in February and

televised debates have already begun. So that the primaries and debates do not go unnoticed by his students, Mr. Van Leer is having his class track them.

Each student is assigned a presidential hopeful to follow.

The students have researched their candidates, and the class holds daily discussions about them.

Some students’ political interest comes from their family.

“My dad and uncle are very interested in politics and discuss it a lot,” senior Rob Cacace said. “I have always been interested in politics and I sometimes watch the news. I think that it’s a good idea to know what is going on.”

Some students enrolled because they feel that the course is pertinent to current events. “Taking [government] is really relevant to many things going on today, especially since there is an election coming up,” senior Erik Bringsjord said.

Erik’s other motivation for joining the course was his high opinion of his teacher. “Mr. Van Leer is the man, as well as a great teacher,” he said. Rob Cacace agreed with both sentiments. “It’s really fun in class, and the readings are interesting,” he said. The course readings include What’s the Matter with Kansas?, a book that discusses why some people vote for candidates and political parties against their socio-economic interests.

Whatever their reasons may be for joining, this year’s government class seems to be having a pleasant experience.

“Overall, I’m learning a lot of cool stuff,” remarked Rob Cacace, and Erik Bringsjord agreed. “I love gov. It’s probably my favorite class,” he said.

feature

September

We hope your year has started off well!

Freshman new this year Jules Oppenheim

7

Freshman lifer

About one month ago I walked down to the PAC from Saperstein for my first soccer practice during preseason. I was hopelessly lost and didn’t know where to go. I was sitting on the wall in front of the gym when an older boy approached me. His name was Justin; he was one of the captains on the varsity soccer team. Justin told me where to go for practice and even walked me down to the Benedict field.

During the warm-up my teammates couldn’t be nicer to me. They offered to pass the soccer ball when nobody knew me, and they never jeered at me. One week later school started. I knew only a few of the 100-plus students in my grade, but every single one of them was nicer than the next.

Since then, I have gotten to know my classmates very well, and I could not like them more.

When I initially heard about one of the school mottos at Hackley about entering and being and finding a friend, I didn’t realize the extent to which it would come true. Every morning, I am happy to come to school. My classes are great, but my classmates have made my transition really fun.

James FIrpo

Freshman new in middle school

Middle school to high school is a big jump–and I mean a big jump– but in a good way. In middle school, free time was limited and very hectic. During that time, a crazed 8th grader would want to unleash his or her energy until the screaming voice of a teacher yelling at the top of her lungs exclaimed, “recess is over, get to class!”

On the contrary, as a 9th grader, one could have up to 10 free periods a cycle without the burden of a demanding teacher telling you what to do. For the most part, everything is in your own hands. While being independent is one of the greatest advantages in the high school, it is also the biggest struggle. Having to do everything without constant reminders from teachers (as in middle school) takes time to get used to.

Frantically glancing at my watch has become a frequent habit, because I do not want to be the one to walk into class 10 minutes late or miss it entirely, accidentally thinking it was my lunch period. However, having been at Hackley since kindergarten, I am used to such changes.

From new buildings to shifting schedules and routines, being a lifer has definitely been an advantage through the transition from middle school to high school.

JoJo Miller

When I walked through the doors of the freshman hallway, I really didn’t know what to think. I saw some new faces, some of my old classmates, and I was taken aback by the new scenery. My first day was overwhelming—having to navigate my way to all of these strangely-named classrooms, making sure I looked okay, all while doing my best to make a good first impression on all of my teachers and of course, the new kids. Being new to the high school made me feel like it was my first year at Hackley. So many things came flying at me at once: homework, meeting new people in my grade, getting used to new teachers, and the start of the soccer season.

Being on the varsity soccer team was the only thing that was familiar to me. I have been on the varsity team since 8th grade, which actually was an advantage to me as the school year started up. I knew that because I was friends with a lot of upperclassmen, I could ask them for advice about high school. Also, playing soccer is what I love to do most in my life, so it was extremely comforting to know that I would be playing soccer every single day, as usual, and playing with girls I knew well. At least something in my life had stayed relatively the same.

I noticed one major difference when I made the transition from middle school to high school: the fact that we are pretty much on our own now and have to be a lot more responsible. For example, the free periods in our schedule enable us to do whatever we feel like during that time. However, we have to keep track of time and know when to go to our next class once it is over.

Overall, even though things started off kind of crazily, everything settled in quickly. I know my way around now, I have talked to almost every single new person in my grade, I’m loving all of my teachers, and I’m enjoying all of the independence we are given.

I’m really looking forward to the rest of this year.

New students rave about life in the upper school Clockwise from left: Freshman Jules Oppenheim enjoys free time in the library. Freshman James Firpo slaps a shot during Hackley Hockey’s inagural game last year. Junior Kelsey Manning attends a HEAL meetting.

Freshman JoJo Miller follows through a shot for HGVS. Photos

by Paul Rapisardi

Junior new this year

When the first day of school finally came I was quiet, nervous and very apprehensive about how the day would go. It was not a question of whether everyone would be nice, as from my previous two visits people had seemed very friendly and welcoming, but whether I would find genuine friends and feel as though I belonged.

My first night on boarding all of the seniors were very welcoming, asking me about my previous school, my friends, interests and family.

To me, as a new student, the most positive differences I have noticed about the school can be divided into three main categories. The first is related to the main aspect of school, the education. I noticed many positive changes from my old school within the first couple of days – such as the care and concern of teachers, the small class sizes, [the teachers’] desire to help you, meet with you, and their availability to students, all of which made me feel supported in my classes.

The second difference is the ability to become engaged in the larger school community via clubs and sports teams. In my old school, you needed to be a top athlete or excel in some extraordinary way to be noticed or involved in the school. At Hackley, I have found this to be disproven as everyone can get involved even if only in small ways at first. Already, I have taken the initiative to be involved, joining the Hackley Earth Action League (HEAL), being the assistant director of the fall production of Antigone, and joining Unity.

The third difference is mainly being a boarder and not being at home. At first this transition was difficult for me, often leaving me quite homesick

Kelsey Manning

on Sunday nights when I had to leave my beloved friends and family to go back to school, but through the support I receive from my peers and the boarding associates, the difficulties have lessened. As each week passes I get more accustomed to my schedule, study hall, eating dinners at school and not seeing my mother everyday.

This is the first time I have been away from home for an extended period of time, so it was a lot to adjust to, especially being a new junior when social groups have already been formed. Overall, it has been great things, helping me grow and figure out myself as an individual. I feel very content as a new student and truly look forward to continuing to get used to Hackley as the year goes on.

8feature

September

We hope your year has started off well!

Japanese students send thanks for assistance After Japan was devestated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, students raised over $5,000 during a bake sale benefiting those affected. Students wrote 150 letters of hope to students in Japan. The affected Japenese students sent back letters of gratitude. Senior Miyuki Sasada, head of the Asian-American Alliance club, provided the following letters.

T-フレックス コース 3 K 1 大塚 悠起 ハックリー高校の生徒 の皆様へ

大塚 悠起 東日本大震災により， 以前と違ってとても困 ました。 難な生活が始まり 地震で家の周りは大き な壕ができて，そこに ので家の基礎がぼろぼ 津波も押し寄せた ろになった状態の家で まだまだ続く余震に 怯えながらの生活をし ております。

震災後からの２週間は 避難所と家を何往復も にあった家の残骸整理 行き来をし，津波 に明け暮れました。け れど、僕達は今回の 震災で家族の大切さや 生きる喜び、お互いに 助け合う心遣いを改 めて知ることができま した。 以前は当然のように思 っていた夜の町に灯る を捻ると出てくる水、 や光や水道の蛇口 あったかくておいしい 白い御飯を食べられ ることなどが今では心 の底からありがたいこ となんだと思いま す。 そんな中でハックリー 高校の生徒の皆様から を心から感謝をし、僕 の励ましの御言葉 達もより一掃前向きに 取り組んでいきたい と思います。 桑名様、我育英学園に 来日なされた日の午前 た石巻でボランテｲアをし 中に被災地となっ ていらしたと御聞きし 誰かの為に何かをする ました。そこで という光景を拝見して ，人を動かすという 事はこういう事なんだ と通観されたと思いま す。そこで僕が将来 アメリカに行く事があ ったら，ぜひともハッ クリースクールを訪 れてみたいです。そし て桑名様にもお会いし たいと思います。

Dear Hackley School High School students, Due to the Tohoku Earthquake disaster, a difficult life has begun unlike before. After the earthquake, there were many trenches around my home. Then the tsunami came and the foundation of my home was tattered, and I live in fear with many aftershocks occurring.

For two weeks after the disaster, from dawn to night, I went back and forth several times between my home and the shelter, assisting wreckage cleanups for homes that were ruined. However, through this disaster, I have been able to once again learn the importance of family and the happiness of living, in addition to the sentiment of cooperating and helping one another. How I used to take for granted the city lights that would light up at night; the water that came out when I twisted the faucet; the warm and delicious white rice I was able to eat. For all these, I am now so appreciative and thankful from the bottom of my heart.

Within all this, to receive letters and words of encouragement from the Hackley School community has been so heartwarming and I would like to move forward with a positive attitude.

Mr. Kuwana, I was informed that you went to the disaster struck area in Ishimaki as a volunteer before coming to visit us at Ikue Gakuen. I was able to see in action, the amazing deed of “doing something for others” and was moved by your generous action.

If and when there is a chance to visit the USA, I would be more than thrilled to visit Hackley School. Then I would like to meet.

Mr. Kuwana.

From Yuuki Otsuka

さん 英進進学コース 大場 万柚 場万柚です。 台育英学園高校、2年の大 。仙 使えない ちは んに 、こ さん みな した。電気やガス、水道が しま 験を な体 も辛い悲劇的 今回初めて被災して、とて 。 した ものをたくさん失いま 取り戻す 生活が続き、また、大切な た、日本が少しずつ笑顔を 頑張っています。私は、ま す。こ いま ござ とう りが 今、日本では復興に向けて をあ 付金 ハックリー高校の皆様、寄 て、 そし す。 いま って ことを願 ても助かります。 LEA専門学 のような状態ですので、と うございます。今、私はB だきます。本当にありがと 私は授業料に使わせていた 張っています。 ルになり 校の進学に向けて勉強を頑 る学校で、私は将来、モデ の勉強やメイクなどが学べ ため なる ルに モデ そこは、 。 ます てい 張っ 、頑 こに入るために今 たらうれ たいと思っているので、そ ですけど応援していただけ 思っているので、遠くから 絶対に夢を叶えさせたいと りがとうございました。 しいです。今回は本当にあ

Hello Everyone, I am Mayu Oba, a junior at Sendai Ikue Gakuen High School. For the very first time in my life, I have been a victim of this tragic natural disaster. A life without electricity, gas or water continued and I have lost so many valuable things. Now, we are working very hard to rebuild Japan. I am hopeful that Japan will gradually gain hope and bring back smiles on people’s faces. I so appreciate the generous donation from the Hackley School community. Thank you so very much. Because of the dire situation we are in, this is very helpful. I will use the funds to pay for my tuition. Really, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am studying hard to advance to the BLEA professional school.

This school specializes in make-up artists and professional models. In the future, I would like to become a model. Therefore, in order to get accepted to this school, I am working hard. I would definitely like to realize this dream, so if you can cheer me on from afar, I would be most appreciative. Once again, thank you very much.

From Ms. Mayu Oba

様へ ました。近くにあったプ ハックリー高校の生徒の皆 途中で車ごと津波に流され 帰る から 学校 の時 震災 僕はあの 。 助を待ちました。 死んでしまうと思いました レハブ小屋の屋根に登り救 いたのでとても寒くて凍え れて 雪が降っていて体も濡 人も見ました。 実際に目の前で亡くなった 経験し知りました。 。津波の恐ろしさを初めて う 自宅はⅠ階が浸水しました 寄付していただきありがと 金を て集めてくださったお 今回は皆様が募金活動をし せて頂きます。 ございました。大切に使わ 鈴木 雄真

ース コ M-フレックス

Dear Hackley School High School students, During the Earthquake disaster, I was on my way home in the car and was washed away. I was able to climb up on the roof of a small prefabricated structure and waited for aid. It was snowing and my body was drenched with water so I thought I was going to freeze and die. There were actually people that died right in front of my eyes. The first floor of my home was flooded. I experienced the terror of the tsunami firsthand.

Thank you so much for your fundraising activity and kind donation to us. I will use the funds wisely and with care.

From Mr. Yuuma Suzuki

Filling void Students cope the with siblings’ departure to college rebeccaslutsky

Staff Writer “Awkward” was the word that sophomore Angela Mauri used to describe what it felt like when her brother, Andre Mauri ’09, left for Harvard. As Angela realized, the new college student is not the only one who experiences change. At age 12, Angela was the only child left in her household, which took her months to get used to. “My mom started making fewer home-cooked meals when Andre left,” Angela notes.

However, she does enjoy all the added attention that her mom is able to provide her now that her brother is out of the house.

Siblings can be greatly affected as they adjust to life with one less person in the house.

Sophomore Gianna D’Alessio, was 14 when her sister Bianca left for Babson College last fall. Initially, her sister’s absence didn’t seem that great of a change, but after a week Gianna stated that, “it hit me– she wasn’t coming back.”

Gianna started noticing changes around the house including fewer home-cooked meals, similarly to Angela, and fewer people willing to drive her to friends’ houses.

“I’m still adjusting,” sophomore Lauren Santo stated, regarding life without her sister, Jackie Santo ’11, who is attending her freshman year at Tulane University. “Last year I usually took the bus, but when I missed my bus, Jackie was

always there to drive me to school. Now that she is gone I have to get up earlier to make sure that I never miss the bus,” she said.

Annie Berning, a sophomore, was very sad when her brother, Walker, a 2009 graduate from Hackley, left for college.

She was 13 years old and the only child left in her household.

Although Annie and Walker never fought, she explains that her household is more peaceful, “because my mom and brother would argue often.”

Departing for college can have positive and negative effects on siblings, but it can be a great opportunity for relationships to grow and change.

Gianna believes that her relationship with her sister has not suffered because of the separation. Gianna explained, “We are actually closer now that she is in college because we appreciate the limited time we have with each other.”

On the other hand, the separation has affected Angela’s relationship with her brother negatively. “We do not have the opportunity to talk as often as we did when we lived under the same roof,” she said.

Interestingly, Lauren believes that she and her sister have actually grown closer because, as Lauren stated, “we don’t

spend enough time with each other to fight.” Annie and Walker continue to maintain their close relationship even with him off at Trinity College. Annie stated, “We are able to talk on Facebook and over AIM, which enables us to stay connected.”

Agreeing with Annie, junior Sam Alabaster explained, “I’m able to be in constant contact with Sydney ’11 via phone, Facebook, and iChat. Although she is at college in Boston and I’m at home, I feel that we are still just as close, if not more connected.”

Technology eases the transition of a sibling leaving for college. Whether it is on the phone, through e-mail, instant messaging, or video chat, family members are able to stay regularly in touch. The College of Saint Benedict website, “Helping Students through the College Transition,” suggests that another way to stay connected with a college sibling and maintain a strong relationship is to plan family gatherings either at the college campus or at a convenient location where siblings can meet. Departing for college can have positive and negative affects on siblings, but it can also be a great opportunity for relationships to grow and change.

lifestyles

September

We hope your year has started off well!

The Do’s and Don’ts of Dress Code isabellaberland Staff Writer

Every art has its constraints, from the “slipperiness” of wet clay to the tonal range of a singer. School fashion, especially for girls, is no different.

The constraint is the dress code, but that is also where the creativity begins.

First, the basics. Junior class dean Chris Arnold offers important advice for girls who wish to avoid disciplinary detention for their clothing. “They should wear enough of it,” he said.

But girls can still express their style, provided they make careful choices. The short skirt, for example, remains in style for autumn—but it also remains the most common complaint among deans.

Junior Meredith Keller has the solution. “Add a thick belt because it will make the skirt appear longer, while keep[ing] the high-waisted look going on,” she said. The belt will allow the fashion conscious to accentuate the waist and increase the skirt length (as prescribed by the dress code), while still allowing girls to remain trendy.

Denim is also a must-have for the fall season. The trendiest varieties are distressed denim, destroyed denim or brightlycolored denim. Although denim is prohibited in the dress code, it can accentuate a legitimate outfit, especially as an easily removed layer. A denim jacket or layered shirt can add a fashionable flair to an outfit.

Just plan to wear those denim items for your fashionable walk across campus on cool autumn mornings. Once at school, a backpack makes a convenient place to store the forbidden fabric.

Other fashionable items this fall are sheer and off-theshoulder tops and sweaters. But these items are so obvious that few have discovered a way to wear them while avoiding a DD. “One of the most common dress code violations is the showing of bra straps,” cautioned Senior Dean Anne Longley.

A cute tank top from H&M or Forever21 can be worn underneath a sheer or off-the-shoulder top, but the shoulders will remain exposed. So this look is best reserved for after-school and weekend events, such as tailgates before the football game.

No one ever said that looking good was easy. The fashionsavvy dresser knows where, when and how to pull off the best look—and attract the least attention from the dean.

9

DO’s &

DONT’s What and what not to wear, by junior Molly Kestenbaum, staff artist.

A Different Summer Experience jennygelbman Staff Writer

“Each of us has the ability to lead…bold or introspective, outgoing or imaginative, we each have the potential to make a difference.”

That is the philosophy behind the Eileen Fisher Leadership Institute. Doing something different and making a difference were common themes for many Hackley students over the summer.

The Eileen Fisher Leadership Program, a two week summer session, aimed to create a space “where young women in Westchester can come together to develop” and involved doing activities such as yoga, art, creative movement, design and decorating, public speaking, video remixing, painting, self exploration, and theater of the oppressed.

Girls were able to talk to successful female leaders throughout Westchester County, including the program’s staff and leader Eileen Fisher.

“I learned how to speak better in public, how to be a great leader, how to reflect upon things both positive and negative, and how to be more confident and composed,” senior Victoria Tarantino stated. Junior Molly Kestenbaum also attended the program, adding “my experience was definitely life changing because, although it was only two weeks long, the [program] made us think outside of the box, so in a way we were learning how to become leaders through our individuality and uniqueness.”

Another program that shared the Eileen Fisher Leadership Institute’s goal to make a

difference was Reach Out and Read, in which brothers senior Shane Weisberg and sophomore Evan Weisberg participated and helped organize.

The program is based out of The Open Door, a community medical center in Ossining. Both Shane and Evan helped organize volunteers for the summer day camp, even recruiting fellow Hackley students, sophomores Dan Chung, Austin Discher, Cory Noriega and Eva Gatschet.

“I think this program is really beneficial for Hackley kids who can’t participate in community service during the school year due to sports. It gives us a chance to make a difference in the lives of the kids we meet through both learning and fun,” Shane said.

Volunteers read to the kids, made arts and crafts and helped develop the children’s literacy skills, including English as a second language.

Students’ summer programs also extended past the borders and into other countries.

Juniors Julie Piscina, Gabby Urken and Leo Barse along with sophomore Isabella Berland traveled abroad to Spain with the Academic Study Associates summer program. Students had the option of participating in a two-week or a four-week program. Each student would stay with a local family, becoming incorporated in their daily lives.

“I would totally recommend my program to everyone who wants to study abroad at some point in their lives. You make awe-

Juniors Gabby Urken and Leo Barse in Spain with the Academic Study Associates Program.

Both had fun experiencing Spanish culture. Photo courtesy of Gabby Urken.

some friends, and get really close with the family you stay with,” Isabella said. Students also attended Spanish classes for a few hours every day in order to advance Spanish speaking skills. The program exposed students to new surroundings, experiences and people.

“[The program] made me realize how thankful I should be…it taught me how to work with other people of another culture, and, since the location is a small town, we’re able to get enough freedom to experience Spain in a controlled environment,” Gabby stated.

10 arts

September

We hope your year has started off well!

gabyoppenheim

Featuring: Antigone

staff writer

Every fall Hackley’s actors spend hours memorizing monologues and rehearsing scenes to make the seasonal play as flawless as possible. This year, the Upper School is performing Antigone, one of Sophocles’ Theban plays, set in the year 442 B.C. The play tells the story of Antigone and the repercussions of her actions after she buries her brother, who was declared a rebel by the Theban ruler Creon. The tides soon change as many negative events occur in Creon’s life.

Senior Caroline Granoff auditions for Antigone. Photo by Paul Rapisardi.

“The story of Antigone is relatable,” senior Caroline Granoff said. “I mean, it’s pretty extreme, but everyone knows that feeling of rebellion or the drive to do something, regardless of consequences.”

Head of the Drama Department Carolyn Burke, a new addition to the Hackley community, has made changes to the original script. “Antigone is going to be a nontraditional version of a classic play,” Ms. Burke said. “We are going to keep some traditional elements like the Greek chorus, but add a little twist.” Ms. Burke has added new characters that modernize the script, and she hopes to create a relationship between the characters and the Greek chorus that will capture the audience.

The actors, such as junior Charlotte May, look forward to the modernized play. “I can’t wait to see what Ms. Burke is going to do to make the show even more interesting,” Charlotte said.

Twenty people auditioned for the show, and Ms. Burke has been working to recruit even more students and put together a larger cast. “I’m trying to get different kinds of people to audition. I want it to be a bigger production,” she said. By adding other large parts and strengthening the chorus, she hopes to include more students in the play.

Though the actors are excited for the play, some students, such as sophomore Damis Yancopolous, are not planning to attend. “I’m not looking forward to the play because there’s not a lot of people in my grade in it this year,” Damis said.

The production of Antigone will take place on Nov. 4 and 5. Besides the common theatergoers, students are excited to witness a play that they studied freshman year. “Since I studied Antigone last year, I’m excited to see the modernized version,” sophomore Katie Mykrantz said. “I think everyone will love the changes!”

New director takes the stage

nickhallock

arts editor For new department heads at Hackley, it is sometimes hard to make one’s mark. However, Carolyn Burke, the new head of the Drama department and the director of this year’s student plays, already has definite plans for Hackley theater, starting with introducing those students who have not participated before to theater, as well as expanding the acting classes that the school offers.

Ms. Burke’s artistic training began when she was young. “I took music classes, dance classes, visual arts classes even. I did a little bit of everything,” she said. “But I came into my niche when I was seven and I started really taking voice classes a lot, because I loved them, so I became a singer.”

Ms. Burke continued her artistic instruction as a vocal major at the famed Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, and as such did no theater. However, she majored in theater in college and received her master’s in educational theater. “What I loved about that program is you got a chance to do both [education and acting],” she said, “so I got to learn about education and get certified in that, which was something I was really passionate about, and I [could] still perform, so that was really awesome.”

Ms. Burke wants to move away from musicals, like last year’s popular Spelling Bee and towards dramas. “I’m starting off with Antigone which is more of a classical piece, but eventually I’d like to get into some really hardcore [plays] like Long Day’s Journey into Night, which is … really long, [and] it deals with some really heavy stuff,” she said. “We’re holding Antigone auditions right now, and I’m noticing that a lot of the people who are auditioning for the show are ready to take that next step. They’re ready to be challenged a little bit more, so why not give them something that’s a little bit more difficult—I think they can handle it.”

In addition to planning more challenging plays, Ms. Burke also wants to expand the number of students who participate in plays. “What I’d like to do is have a lot more people audition,” she said. “I don’t know if I necessarily want to go to a cut, but I want to expose more people to theater.”

Drama Department Head Carolyn Burke [left] at auditions for the Antigone.

She hopes to include more students in drama. Photo by Paul Rapisardi.

One of her goals is to create a pre-conservatory program “that has a little bit of everything, so we’re not just doing plays,” she said. “There are classes in theater history, there are classes in movement and voice and accents and things like that, because right now there’s only Intro to Acting and Advanced Acting, and I [ask], what happened to all the stuff that happens in between that?”

Ms. Burke is used to fighting with students to memorize lines, but at Hackley she is pleased that students listen to her and are good actors.

“Here I just give a student a direction and they can just move with it which is really awesome,” she said. “It puts me in a really good place to help the drama department to grow.”

sports

September

We hope your year has started off well!

11

Hackley athletes unite to fight against bullying shaneweisberg

Sports Editor Senior Max Mayblum has seen forms of social exclusion and bullying close up, and this year he is helping to stop them.

Though Max was never bullied himself, he saw the difficulty his brother experienced as a teenager. “My older brother was sick in high school,” Max said. “He wasn’t bullied, but he didn’t really have support from his friends.” Max wants to make sure that other kids don’t have to experience similar things.

Working with his dad, Max has developed a new organization called Athletes Against Bullying. “I wanted to do something with sports, and something with bullying,” Max said, “so I started the organization to link the two things.”

By signing the Against Bullying athletes agree to be an “up-stander on the field, in school and in the community.”

Some of the actions athletes pledged to include “speak[ing]

up against bullying,” “reach[ing] out to victims of bullying,” and “help[ing] create a safe environment for all, by making everyone feel comfortable.”

Though it may not make a visible change in the everyday life of Hackley students, Max believes that his organization is conveying an important message. “I want awareness to be raised,” he said. “I want people to become up-standers, instead of bystanders.” Each athlete who signs the pledge will receive an Athletes Against Bullying badge that will show their support of the cause.

One of the tenets of the Athletes Against Bullying agreement is to avoid any form of hazing as well. Max thinks that some “team-bonding” activities may border on hazing if athletes and their captains are not mindful of how other teammates feel. Hazing at Hackley ranges from making un-

Boys’ soccer update

derclassmen carry equipment to pulling pranks. “I hope they [the teams] realize that while team bonding is important, they should raise the feeling of family in more appropriate ways,” he said.

Athletes Against Bullying is still in its beginning stages, and though Max has not seen anyone stand up against bullying so far this year, he believes that the organization will grow into an important part of the school culture. “I want someone younger to pick this up and carry it on,” Max said. “Maybe in the future, kids will have to take a course about bullying instead of signing a pledge.”

Max hopes that as popularity and awareness grow, people will want to take the course and fight against bullying. “This is just the beginning,” Max said.

Girls’ soccer update

allymueller

carolinechmiel

Staff Writer

Staff Writer

Last year, the boys’ varsity soccer team was 14-2 overall, and 12-2 in the Ivy League, which was good enough to win the Ivy League title. However, the season ended with a loss to Collegiate in the semifinals of the state tournament.

This year A.J. Cortese, a sophomore starter on defense, believes the team has “the potential to do better than last year, and frankly we have to do better.”

“Anything less than a state championship is a disappointment,” A. J. said. “We have to live up to last year’s success.”

The team graduated several key players and captains from the 2010 season: Tommy Heffernan ’11, a striker who scored twenty goals his senior year; Chandler Keller ’11, the starting goalie who played every game; and Taylor Holland ’11, the central defender.

But the team returns 12 members from last year’s squad.

Varsity boys’ soccer coach John Gillard believes that those 12 will be enough. “We have the personnel to replace last year’s graduates,” he said. Senior Matt Goldman, a striker, had 13 goals last season; senior Justin Seim is a four-year varsity starter; and senior Dan Norris is a Division I recruit headed to Boston College next fall. Senior Austen Bhayani is the new starting goalie.

Part of the change this year involves switching the roles of returning players.

Sophomore Zach Morant has moved to center defense, Justin Seim has moved from outside midfield to striker, and junior Lukas Seebacher is now playing outside midfield

with senior Max Mayblum.

With the loss of senior Trish Gorman as The team has added two freshmen, goalie, who tore her ACL during basketball Eamon Levin and Levi Morant, who will season, the girls’ varsity soccer team began the play significant roles this season. While 2011 season with a huge setback. In their first the starting defensive line of junior Max game, the girls lost 5-0 to Riverdale, but came Parauda and sophomores back to life in the next A.J. Cortese, Daniel Chung, game against Poly Prep. and Zach Morant is young, The Hackley squad the offense is experienced. scored three goals, but Coach Gillard believes that even with all that ef“the team is more balanced fort, the game ended in and there is a more even a tie. The team showed distribution of talent.” some improvement as The team’s chemistry they fought for the win has also developed. “The against Fieldston with the team is generally goodentire Fall Sting crowd spirited, especially after last watching. They won in year’s successes,” Zach said. the last 10 seconds of The boys have beaten the game, when freshPoly Prep 3-2 and undefeatman JoJo Miller brought ed Horace Mann, 4-2. Their the ball up the field and upcoming game against scored the game-winning Collegiate will be another Junior Lukas Seebacher gets slide goal to make it 2-1. tough game.

Assistant coach Natatackled in front of the goal during There has been a coach- HBVS’s night game. Photo by Paul lie Hopp is always preing change too, as English Rapisardi. paring for upcoming teacher Chris Arnold, the former assistant games.“Fieldston is a tough game, Riverdale coach, has stepped down to junior varsity to is always intense, and playing Dalton ends up be able to spend more time with his family. being a wrestling match,” she said.

Matt, a captain, says that the team will miss The expectations from fans for this team Mr. Arnold. “He was a very good orator and are varied, as there are only three returning good at inspiring the team, so we will have seniors. This doesn’t worry sophomore Laurel to use alternate methods for inspiration,” Cassidy who believes that their “few seniors Matt said. are ‘the bomb’”.

“When we are on our game,” A.J. said.“We The lack of seniority has forced the are unbeatable.” younger players to take greater responsibility

stat

corner stats accurate as of 9/28/11

Seconds left in the game when freshman JoJo Miller scored the game winning goal in the fall sting game against Fieldston Passing yards by sophomore quarterback Joey McDermott in their game against Riverdale Goals scored by Field Hockey in their game against Chapin Tackles by Senior linebacker AJ Wolf in the season opener against Riverdale Game lost by Senior Jenny Gelbman in match against Dalton.

for the team’s performance. The starting underclassmen are already making a significant impact, as Coach Hopp said, “The youth of the team won’t harm us in anyway. We have a lot more heart this year than previous years and are stronger than ever before.”

“The core of the team is underclassmen,” sophomore Stefanie Frolo said, “so even though there is a lack of seniors, there is a good opportunity for a young team to grow together for the future.”

Junior captain Sarah Cassidy believes that a younger team offers an important opportunity to develop cohesion. “Being a young team is really different than earlier seasons when the team was dominated by upperclassmen,” she said. “Now we have to work more on team chemistry and kind of work from the ground up.”

Laurel is optimistic about that chemistry.

“I really think that our team will come together on the field as we have off the field,” she said.

The team has also tried out many different formations to see what is most effective.

Over their first games, they have tried both offensive and defensive lineups. This requires players to adjust to new positions that they are not used to playing. Junior Dominique Alpuche has “played every poistion on the field except goalie.”

The team also needs to get accustomed to the new turf surface. But Laurel said that the team will “do whatever it takes to be Ivy League Champions.”

topperformances

10 168 8 13 1

Corinne Alini has eaisly won four of her first five matches this year as the second seed on the girls’ tennis team.

Kieran McEvoy ran his 2.5 mile Cross Country race in 14:40 for a near-win in the first Ivy Prepatory meet of the season.

Sarah Walker had an incredible 16 saves to help the Girls’ Soccer team beat Fieldston in their Fall Sting matchups.

Varsity Cross Country won the Big Red invitational at Somers. Four runners on the boys’ team finished in the top ten. Junior Lydia Roberts won the girls’ 5 kilometer race.

Sophomore quarterback Joey McDermott

seasonrecords

upcominghomegames

Field Hockey: 4-1-0

Girls’ Soccer: 2-1-2 Boys’ Soccer: 5-1-0 Football: 1-1-0 Girls’ Tennis: 2-3-0

Field Hockey vs.

Marymount

Field Hockey vs.

Boys’ JV soccer Fieldston vs.

Greenwich CD Boys’ soccer vs.

Poly Prep

Girls’ soccer vs.

Sacred Heart

2 3 4 5 6 7 JV Footbal vs.

King Low

Boys’ JV soccer vs.

Stanwich

8

12sports

September

We hope your year has started off well!

Kicker

things to know about a

1. Punting—do or die

“When you are solely a punter, if you make a mistake, you have little to no opportunity to make up for that mistake.”

–Senior James Curland

2. Warming up

“I stretch and practice kicking some bombs.”

–Junior Brad Seem

3. Keys to kicking

“Flexibility, mental strength and warmth.”

–Senior James Sheldon

4. Nerves? I think not

“As I line up to kick the ball, a beast approaches. It’s not fear that grips me, it’s restlessness, a heightened sense of things.

The steady breathing of the 10 alongside, ready to die without a moment’s pause, all of them ready to die.” –Junior Brad Seem

5. Commitment and dedication

“I punt 20 minutes a day, three to five days a week.”

–Senior James Curland

6. Keeping your cool

“Being a kicker is the most high-pressured situation on the field. It’s important to keep your composure.”

–Senior James Sheldon

7. Punting is unpredictable

“Some punts go 25 yards, some punts go 50 yards.”

–Senior James Curland

8. Confidence is key

“I am a very versatile athlete because I have great feet. I can kick a watermelon 30 yards. I once kicked a 38-yard field goal.”

–Senior James Sheldon

photos 5 by paul

Junior photographer Paul Rapisardi captured shots of girls’ varsity soccer and varsity football. [Left] freshman Amanda Rosenstein takes a shot in their 2-1 victory against Fieldston during the Fall Sting. [Right] sophomore Mustafaa Dais runs the ball up the field in their 37-30 loss to Riverdale during the Fall Sting.