The Fourcast, April 2024

4 23

The day in April when Return to Your Roots will take place. by the numbers

The number of new Executive StuCo members for the next school year.

What Women’s History Month means to the Hockaday community Making HERstory

by Alexandra Dassopoulos | Arts & Life Editor

While the first Women’s History Month wasn’t celebrated until 27 years ago in March of 1987, women’s history and female success have always been ingrained in the culture at Hockaday, infusing its students with lifelong inspiration.

An annual celebration in the U.S. during the month of March, Women’s History Month highlights the multitudinal accomplishments and valuable societal contributions of women, both commemorating women throughout history and recognizing contemporary trailblazers.

Ms. Ela Hockaday represents such an inspiring, historical female changemaker. Founding Miss Hockaday’s School for Girls in 1913, seven years prior to women’s suffrage, she strove to deliver a rigorous education that could prepare young women to enter a future with expanded female opportunities, unparalleled to what was offered at the time.

Dr. Laura Leathers

Fast-forwarding over 110 years, Hockaday has evolved to represent an exponentially expanded version of Miss Hockaday’s vision. Head of School Dr. Laura Leathers believes Hockaday represents the needs of girls in 2024; one of such needs is seeing strong women in a variety of professional, academic, athletic and leadership positions. Leathers identifies this component of Hockaday as a major source of confidence for students transitioning into their careers.

“The ability to see females in all roles, positions and leadership is really beneficial to Hockaday students,” Leathers said. “Every sports captain is a girl, every elected class officer is a girl, every classroom is filled with girls. It gives you a different level of confidence.”

Leathers believes that Hockaday’s all-girl environment not only offers students the opportunity to evolve into driven and bold women, but ultimately serves them well when facing male-dominated spaces and workplaces, encouraging them to have a “go-getter” mindset. In a world where female expectations are increasingly unattainable and workplaces are competitive, she says that learning to take risks and self-advocate are at the forefront of the Hockaday experience: here, judgmental is minimal and growth is monumental, further preparing students for their transition after graduation with a safe, comfortable space for practice.

“I think that after seeing girls in every position here, when you go to college or the workforce and see men in positions of power, you’ll think, ‘Well, a girl can

also do that, so I’m going to throw my name in the hat or pursue that position,’ because you know that it’s possible,”

Leathers said. “I think here the nice thing is you get to see your teachers, your peers, your classmates all trying to figure it out. You get to really figure out how to navigate real life: how to advocate for yourself, how to speak up when you need help, who to go to when you need additional resources, before you get out in a world that’s not all females, where you’re maybe a little less comfortable.”

Aside from Dr. Leathers perspective, Hockaday alumnae are making strides in their respective fields, becoming reflections of the school’s mission and modern examples of what female innovation, achievement and limitless potential looks like.

Mrs. Mallory Muse

As the Vice President of Community Development at the Muse Family Foundation, Mrs. Mallory Muse ’03 champions equal access to opportunity and economic mobility in the Dallas community. The Muse Family Foundation is particularly dedicated to achieving these goals through affordable housing, which Muse described as a branching off point for a variety of elements related to equal access to opportunity.

“We started to see just the intersections between education and health with housing, and we decided to make affordable housing a cornerstone of our efforts, because we’ve seen just how important four walls and a roof can be for a family in terms of success in other areas,” Muse said.

She says that stable and decent housing makes it statistically and exponentially easier to succeed in school, at work, or otherwise. With this understanding, the organization is working to address inadequate housing, particularly in South Dallas, dismantling this barrier to equal opportunity.

asking: Why is that? And what can we do as an organization to dig into that data?”

Muse said one of the principles guiding the foundation currently is inspired by “Audacious Philanthropy,” (Harvard Business Review). The article highlights the move towards more systemic and sustainable impact in philanthropy, identifying root causes of societal issues to solve them, rather than finding “band-aid solutions.” It also concentrates on how fostering greater relationships with philanthropists and those “on the ground” can help achieve such a strategic impact.

“The aim is to look towards sustainable solutions that are community driven, that aren’t something that donors are dictating, but that communities have identified are helping their members achieve upward mobility,” Muse said. “Philanthropists really want to shift the focus from the donor to the doer. It’s not just about getting your name on a building anymore. It’s about supporting and building capacity of people on the ground who are addressing these issues day in and day out, who have the solutions that donors may not.”

“We were inspired by economist Raj Chetty, who did a lot of research on how your zip code is your destiny,” Muse said. “Why is a kid growing up a few blocks away from another kid having better opportunities and better life outcomes just based on zip code? We know in South Dallas that the average life expectancy is 67 years old – and that’s pretty low. If you go two miles north, that increases by 16 years. We are

Muse firmly believes that women bring measured and solutions-based approaches, making them necessary in the philanthropic space. Muse attributes much of her own “audaciously philanthropic” attitude and ambitious mindset to her time at Hockaday. Through her work at the Muse Family Foundation, she actively seeks out challenges and solutions to them, bolstered by her confidence-building education.

“I had the great privilege of attending a school that prized the relentless pursuit of ideas and taught us to believe in our capacity for leadership and change making, and those aren’t experiences that you quickly recover from,” Muse said. “At this stage of my life, if I see a problem, or an injustice, I have a really hard time keeping my nose out of it. I love an opportunity to try and problem solve, especially around kind of missionoriented issues.”

Ms. Briana August

As an attorney for the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Briana August ’11 ensures that educational institutions comply with antidiscrimination laws.

Yet August engages in advocacy beyond a legal lens: outside of her full-time job as an attorney, August owns and operates Hair and Glam DFW (HGDFW), an online beauty marketing platform,. Through Hair and Glam DFW, she connects clientele with beauty professionals, promoting and uplifting women-owned beauty and self-care brands.

audience greater insight. She believes a company like HGDFW is necessary for a variety of reasons: it alleviates the modern, busy women of the stress it takes to find beauty professionals, providing them an avenue for easy access to self-care.

“I think it’s really important to create these safe spaces for women to just exhale, to just take a break” August said. “Especially for people with busy careers, like moms, if they can’t find [a beauty or self-care service] quickly, they’re not going to do it. A lot of times, we just don’t have the time to stop and do that research. People don’t know who they can trust, who they can go to, so I kind of do that vetting for you. It should not be a hassle to find someone for certain services that you need.”

Aside from her focus on helping women, August’s work publicizes local, small businesses and passionate beauty professionals, providing them with a network of clientele. She’s been able to watch business owners expand and thrive after working with HGDFW, while customers benefit immensely, too.

“Dallas is growing exponentially, so from a practical perspective, I think it’s important for people to know what’s available in our city so that they can find what they need,” August said. “Hair and Glam DFW is really important for these business owners because we’re kind of helping them bridge that gap with their marketing, finding people to fill the services that they offer. You can walk out of these places knowing that not only do I take care of myself, but in the process of doing so, I was able to support small businesses doing great things in our community and help people further their passions.”

In addition to her job as beauty matchmaker, August also organizes events like pop-up shops and most notably, her Self Care Festival: an annual marketplace event for a range of businesses that fulfill self-care needs, held since 2022 and set for June 23 this year.

“Besides beauty I really try to make sure we’re taking care of a whole person, both inside and outside,” August said.” “At my events, we have mental health providers that are there and people who offer different community services, as well. Everything is covered: self-care, beauty, wellness, and mental health.”

“Basically, we take the headache out of finding your next beauty provider, with a heavy emphasis on women and women minority owned businesses,” August said. “It sounds simple when I explain it, but the goal is to amplify women owned businesses, because women take up so much space in the beauty and self-care industries, but a lot of times the products we use and support aren’t made by women or people that look like us.”

August personally visits these businesses to try out different services, curating online content to give her

With her events, August is creating a welcoming, fun community, removing stigmas and re-framing how we perceive self-care. She hopes to promote the idea that self-care is an umbrella term for many different things, including beauty, and doesn’t have to feel burdening.

“Self-care isn’t selfish,” August said. “As women I think we should be just celebrating whatever makes that person feel like the best version of themselves. Selfcare and beauty can have a lot of negativity and selfdeprecating. I remember being younger and just the stress around wanting to look perfect or fit this standard, so I feel like putting that fun community aspect relieves that stress.”

All in all, August has a mission to empower women-owned and minorityowned businesses, as well as all people who access such beauty and self-care services. She is dedicated to making sure HGDFW is a resource for everyone.

“I’m always aiming for empowerment and inclusivity, and I want my events to always remain a safe space, no matter how much they continue to grow,” August said. “They’re just to remind you, ‘It’s important to take care of yourself.’ Every gender, every race, I want everyone to feel like this is a safe space for them to leave feeling empowered.”

PHOTO BY ALEXANDRA DASSOPOULOS Dr. Laura Leathers teaches chemistry to sophomores.

StuCo steps up

2024-25 Executive Student Council talks about their new jobs

by Lang Cooper | Staff Writer

Q: Why did you decide to run for President?

A: It has been a goal of mine since freshman year to run because I love to work with my friends and put ideas out there that have a positive impact on Upper School.

Q: What are some of your goals and hopes for next year on StuCo?

A: I’m going to try hard to make sure that all Hockaday students can attend Homecoming. I’m also going to try and revive the student life account. Another idea is to have blankets and chargers that are available for students to rent.

Q: How will being President compare to your past jobs on StuCo?

A: I think being on StuCo for the past three years will help me because I know how Exec. StuCo works with the rest of the boards. I’m hoping to build off ideas that we’ve had before and put more momentum behind them.

Q: What do you hope to learn while you are President?

A: Each board has its own strengths and I hope to learn how we can all work together to maximize what StuCo can do in the short period of time that we have.

Q: Why did you decide to run for Vice-President?

A: I feel like the position is well suited for my skill set, and I’m excited to have my ideas on executive StuCo again.

Q: What are some of your goals and hopes for next year?

A: My main goal is getting PE exemptions for people who do the musical. One of my other goals is to continue working on making Homecoming available for all Hockaday students.

Q: How will being Vice-President compare to your past jobs on StuCo?

A: I’m nervous, but also so excited and that’s why I ran in the first place. I loved watching Margaret this year and all the things she was able to do, and I hope to thrive in the position as she did.

Q: What do you hope to learn while you are Vice-President?

A: I’m excited to work with the other members on StuCo and see what we can do next year and the years following.

Q: Why did you decide to run for Financial Officer and Parliamentarian?

A: I decided to run to try something new and get to collaborate with the other boards in Upper School.

Q: What are some of your goals and hopes for next year on StuCo?

A: My goal for my first year on Big StuCo is to utilize our budget even better this year to make a greater impact specifically towards WinFo, strategically structuring our budget prior to the beginning of school.

Q: How will being Financial Officer and Parliamentarian compare to your past jobs on StuCo?

A: It’s going to be a lot more work and meetings than my current job as the Sophomore Form Vice-President. But at the same time, I’m excited because it’s been fun being on form StuCo this past year.

Q: What do you hope to learn while you are Financial Officer and Parliamentarian?

year.

A: I hope to take away more experience on StuCo and bring change into our Upper School.

Q: Why did you decide to run for Secretary?

A: I ran for Secretary because I love serving on StuCo as the current Freshman Representative.

Q: What are some of your goals and hopes for next year on StuCo?

A: I want to make StuCo more visible and accessible to Upper School next year, familiarizing them with our members and projects. My ultimate goal is to show everyone that Student Council is a fun and approachable group, whose entire job is bettering our peers’ Hockaday experiences. My second goal is addressing and combating the serious epidemic of slow walkers in busy hallways.

Q: How will being Secretary compare to your past jobs on StuCo?

A: There will be a big shift from being the eighth-grade president and the Freshman representative to my new position as Secretary, but also what I’m most excited about, are the new responsibilities that have a larger focus on communication with Upper School. For example, the Secretary posts StuCo agendas online to keep everyone informed on what we are up to.

Q: What do you hope to learn while you are Secretary?

A: While I have already served on StuCo, there is still a lot for me to learn as Secretary. I am so excited to tackle this new position and do my very best at it.

Four Cornerstones, four awardees

Hockaday celebrates seniors on Founder’s Day

by Sophia Lou | Staff Writer

Character, Courtesy, Academics and Athletics. These four tenets define the ideals the student body is expected to uphold. On March 21, four seniors who exemplify these ideals were recognized in the annual Founder’s Day celebration.

“Having traditions at Hockaday reminds us of what our values are, and an event like this, while we celebrate few, I always believe we’re actually celebrating all of us and our commitment to our Cornerstones,” Head of Upper School Lisa Culbertson said.

Established in 1959, the Founder’s Day award annually reaffirms the student body’s commitment to the four Cornerstones. It is held near Ela Hockaday’s birthday of March 12 to honor her and the tenets upon which she founded the school.

Seniors Alyssa Anderson, Lily McKenna, Caroline Warlick and Elena Zeballos were this year’s honorees.

“My name was called, and I just stood in shock,” Warlick said. “I think I froze because you go out there on stage and sit, it was all such a surreal experience.”

Warlick is a three-sport varsity athlete, having been on the varsity lacrosse team since freshman year. Warlick serves as the chair of the Social Impact Board on Student Council and the head of Reading Partners, a social impact organization. As a Hockaday student since Pre-K, Warlick has a lifetime of experience with the Cornerstones.

“I think seeing the Cornerstones exhibited daily from when I was four years old all the way up to seventeen is something that provided guidance for my life and formulated me into the person I am today,” Warlick said.

McKenna agrees that her long experience at Hockaday has influenced her connection to the Cornerstones.

“I internalized the Four Cornerstones from mostly being around the same people for fourteen years, the same people who are all incredibly talented, incredibly kind, driven and ambitious,” McKenna said. “That has also pushed me to follow this, or something like that.” McKenna, who also entered Hockaday in Pre-K,

has rowed since freshman year and is captain this year. She runs a math tutoring program called Intellichoice Tutoring, heads the Math team and French club and is part of the orchestra.

Also a student since Pre-K, Zeballos is part of Hockadance and the drill team, serves as the senior Class President and is a co-president of the Model UN club.

“I definitely think Hockaday does a great job at bringing the Cornerstones out of people,” Zeballos said. “I think being here, Hockaday has really nurtured me and allowed me to explore what I’m passionate about. And from there that’s allowed me to grow as a person, leader and friend.

Entering her freshman year, Anderson is a four-year Varsity Track and Field member and is a co-captain this year. She is also co-president of the Black Student Union, a leader of H Club and a member of the club Girls in STEM.

Anderson recalls being in the same position as the freshman on the balcony watching the award—or as close to the same position as one can get from watching the event through a Zoom meeting. Although the awardees were seniors she had only seen in passing, she remembers hearing their list of accomplishments and feeling inspired to make the same impact.

“I feel like it’s really special that I’ve made the impact that I wanted to since my freshman year,” Anderson said. “I heard all the great things that they had each done, and after I watched it, I was like, if there’s one thing that I want to do while I’m here at Hockaday, I want to get this award. If I can make an impact like they’ve made an impact at Hockaday, that would be amazing.”

Not only Anderson, but all nominees have the common desire to make an impact at Hockaday.

“To know that I have made an impact at this school fulfills me,” Warlick said. “I am so grateful to be honored with this award and am striving to finish out my Hockaday career embodying these characteristics. I want to ingrain them in my actions throughout life as well as make my mark on the school when I leave.”

Zeballos would also encourage people to make an impact by trying new things.

“Hockaday has given me the chance to just throw in my hat for things that I’m curious about,” Zeballos said. “Because if not in high school, when else? I’ve been teased for having a planner filled to the brim, but I like it because at the end of the day I can say that I’ve done all I like I can possibly do.”

PHOTO BY SOPHIA LOU

All four awardees pose with their awards during a celebratory party

Sunnie Wang is the Student Council president for the 2024-2025 school year.

Cortney Buford is the Student Council vice president for the 2024-2025 school year.

Peyton Johnson is the Student Council financial officer and parliamentarian for the 2024-2025 school

Lauren Schwartz is the Student Council secretary for the 2024-2025 school year.

Go green!

Earth Day is every day at Hockaday

by Anya Aggarwal | Staff Writer

As the weather clears and the sun shines, it’s a good time to celebrate the little things we can do to care for our planet. Earth Day, April 22, originally Arbor Day, began as a celebration for communities to come together to plant trees, but it has evolved into a global movement. Upper Schoolers do their part to keep its momentum alive.

“I was interested in starting a project to help my environment, so Ms. Laura Day, our director of the Institute of Social Impact, put me in contact with Ms. Rodgers, director of the Fourcast and helped me set up a unique newspaper recycling project that benefits animals,” Freshmen Athena Wen said.

habit adjustment and put newspapers in a designated spot instead of just leaving them on the tables or throwing them in the trash,” Wen said.

In Hockaday’s Environmental Chemistry class, students also champion efforts to find solutions to protect the environment as an integral part of their curriculum.

“ It’s amazing how common enviromental issues are even in our neighborhood.”

Naomi Odogwu sophmore

Wen has stationed a newspaper collection box outside the Upper School Registrar’s office to collect unused newspapers. She donates them to Texas Parrot Rescue, a nonprofit organization. There, volunteers line the bird and guinea pig cages with newspaper to ensure a healthy habitat for the animals.

“It’s tremendously helpful when people can make a small

“It’s amazing how common environmental issues are even in our neighborhood,” Sophomore Naomi Odogwu said. “We visited the Wesley Rankin Community Center in West Dallas where we tested air quality using indices such as AQI (Air Quality Index), PM10 (Particulate Matter 10 microns) and HCHO (formaldehyde, an important carcinogen in inhaled air), and we’ve taken on the task of designing a solution to help purify the air in that vicinity.”

Hockaday even became home to a hive of Italian honeybees this year, incorporating education for all divisions about the role of these avid pollinators in promoting biodiversity on campus.

“The bees are thriving,” Day said. “I think it’s because we have so many native plants newly planted on campus and Mrs. Crowley is working with

students to get a Blackland Prairie area behind the softball field. The bees have already created 50 pounds of honey and will have another box added because they are making so much honey.”

This year, the Dallas based non-profit, EarthX will host an unprecedented Congress of Conferences at the Hilton Anatole Hotel on April 22-26 with registration open to the public. The event will bring together thousands of people to collaborate on actionable advocacy and celebrate the theme, “Planet over Plastics,” in honor of Earth Day.

Odogwu said Earth Day is important to her because it reminds her of how vital it is to justly treat our environment.

“I think Earth Day is such an important reminder of how we should be taking care of our planet and I know our Hockaday community has helped support that tremendously,” Odogwu said.

(Source: EarthX.org)

PHOTO COURTESY OF SALLY HUDSPETH

From the second week of April to the first week of May, student-athletes in Hockaday’s SPC spring sports will compete against other schools for a chance at winning 2024 titles.

On April 23, seniors who began their Hockaday journeys as Lower Schoolers will be honored by teachers, Lower Schoolers and parents in the Return to Your Roots ceremony.

GRAPHIC BY ELLE MYERS

PHOTO BY ANJY FADARIO

Facts first Updates and timelines about the election

by Caroline Ballotta | Staff Writer

It’s that time again: election season is finally here. This year’s primary and general elections will have an impact on North Texas, as elected officials work to determine policies that chart the future of education, income, housing and health in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

On March 5, or Super Tuesday, Texas was one of 15 states to hold their state primaries or caucuses. Primary elections allow voters to determine which candidates compete in the general election in November. Texas holds open primaries, meaning that a voter does not have to be registered as a member of a political party in order to participate in its primary. However, voters are required to sign a pledge when voting declaring that they will not participate in another party’s primary in the same year.

Primaries play a critical role in shaping the final ballot for the general election. They showcase party dynamics, highlight key issues and offer insights into voter preferences.

“Primaries help gauge party unity and determine which candidates are best positioned to compete in the broader electoral arena,” U.S. Government teacher Emily Mosley said.

While it is important to be active in every election season, this year’s primary and general elections are especially significant due to the variety of powerful positions on the ballot –including president, U.S. senator, and Texas Board of Education members – each of whom will make policy decisions that will most likely have vast effects on Dallas communities.

During the primaries, voters selected their party’s candidate for numerous local, state, and federal races depending on their district. Hockaday is in U.S. Congressional District 24, District 108 for the State House, and District 12 for both the State Senate and the Texas State Board

of Education.

This year in Texas, there is a U.S. Senate office up for election. The major party candidates in the race are Republican incumbent Ted Cruz and Democratic challenger Colin Allred.

Mosley said that she “believes that Cruz is favored to win, but there have been indicators of increasing support for the Democratic Party within Texas.”

It would be a significant upset if Allred won the general election in November because it has been decades since Texas has had a Democratic senator. Generally, all of the Senate races this year will be very closely watched because the Democrats have such a narrow majority.

Mosley said that both “the Democratic Party and the Republican Party will each be hoping to flip a few seats and establish control of the Senate.”

Additionally, this year the Republican Party included 13 propositions on the GOP primary ballot. Texas state law allows each major political party to pose non-binding ballot propositions to primary voters every two years, a mechanism that helps political leaders and policymakers gauge popular support for each measure.

While the Texas Democratic Party did not put forth any measures for their primary voters to consider, the Republican Party of Texas often makes use of this process. Some of this year’s propositions relate to legislative issues that were partly addressed or failed to pass during the 2023 regular and special legislative sessions.

Some propositions include:

Texas should create a Border Protection Unit and deploy state law enforcement and military forces to seal the border, to use physical force to prevent illegal entry and trafficking, and to deport illegal aliens to Mexico or to their nations of origin;

Texas urges the United States Congress not to grant any form

of amnesty or a pathway to legalization for illegal aliens;

The Texas Constitution should be amended to restore authority to the Texas Attorney General to prosecute election crimes; and Texas should ban the sale of Texas land to citizens, governments, and entities from China, Iran, North Korea and Russia.

Overall, this year’s primaries reveal how the Texans feel about of the crucial issues that have come up for debate this election season, including: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, abortion and reproductive rights, education, and immigration.

This election also has been raising questions and debates surrounding political polarization and the eligibility of the candidates for office.

There are many ways for students to get involved this election season, from campaign work to volunteering with voter registration and polling locations. Although primaries have already passed, students who are at least 16 years old are able to volunteer to be election clerks for the runoffs on May 28 and in the general election on Nov. 5.

She worked for Colin Allred’s Senate campaign this year.

Senior Diya Hegde is the president of Hockaday’s Young Democrats Club and is actively involved in state politics.

Hegde chairs Texas High School Democrats, the state youth branch of the Democratic National Party, where she gets to work one-on-one with students across the state to connect them with campaigns that align with their views and experiences.

She recommends that students get involved by phone banking, which is where volunteers call voters and pitch their candidate.

“This is the most direct way to get involved in elections,” Hegde said.

new on welch

A look at what’s happening on campus

“Nothing is more gratifying than connecting with the person on the other end of the line, understanding their dreams and struggles, and pitching your candidate as someone who can enrich their lives,” Hegde said.

Recently, the Student Diversity Board, Young Republicans, and Young Democrats partnered to host a forum on political divisions.

At the forum, Hegde urged all students to remain rooted in their own experiences and principles, try to make an effort to understand opposing viewpoints through a combination of facts and stories, and to choose conversation over conflict.

PSAT 10

Hicks is set up for PSAT testing on March 20. Sophomores took the PSAT 10, a practice PSAT exam. The exam was administered digitally, using the new PSAT format.

SASA Holi Celebration

South Asian Student Association held their second annual Holi celebration. The event showcased multiple dance performances and music. Students got to throw colors on shirts, get their henna done and design rangolis.

Track and Field Meet

For the first time in 20 years, Hockaday hosted a track and field meet this March 22. Students competed on the newly built grounds in a variety of events.

PHOTOS BY SHIFA IRFAN

GRAPHIC BY CAROLINE BALLOTTA

Arts &

Life 9

Celebrating the Class of 2024

Flip to page 9 to see dynamic duos and senior superlatives from this year’s graduating class.

The campus “one-stop shop”

Williams stocks store with student favorites

by Elle Myers | Castoff and Photos & Graphics Editor

Forget North Park, PrestonRoyal Shopping Center and the Inwood Starbucks; if there’s one place that Hockaday students love the most, it has to be the Bookstore. Run by Dara Williams, and small but mighty, the Bookstore sells everything a student could possibly need, with items ranging from poster boards to dog leashes.

Although Williams has never owned her own store, she has a business background.

“This is my first time running a store,” Williams said. “I’ve learned so much and I would love, at some point down the road, to have my own store with more fashion and jewelry.”

Williams gets most of her new product ideas from students and parents asking if they can make “Hockaday versions” of a certain item. In addition, she recently went to a trade show in Las Vegas to browse sorority merchandise lines, jewelry, tumblers, bags and sweatshirts. Vendors also come to Dallas and show Williams their lines for 2024, of which she has certain preferences.

“I will pick some pieces for us that look a little more feminine and get some

dad and mom stuff,” Williams said.

Williams said it is tricky to decide how much of each item to order. With most vendors she uses, she must hit a 48 or 72-item minimum. For new products, she typically starts with 48 to see how it sells. With items that sell well in the Bookstore, such as quarter zips, she typically orders 150.

During COVID, Williams began selling food in the Bookstore, and it has been a big success since. Before snacks, supplies like index cards and posters were the most popular items.

Junior Erin Yuan goes to the Bookstore at least once every other day to get snacks such as M&Ms, chips and Ices.

“Mrs. Dara has my number memorized – that’s how much I go,” Yuan said.

In addition to the tasty snacks, Williams works with the Activities Committee on fundraising for events like Winter Formal by selling T-shirts. The Committee typically comes to Williams with their designs and the profits go directly in the Student Council budget.

Currently, Williams is working on a permanent collection of Lululemon items to sell.

“Before, we were only able to

Around Dallas

Discover some new places to visit during the spring season, allowing you to get outdoors and make the most of the nice weather.

POP CULTURE

WITH HARPER

Editor In Chief Harper Harris is a pop culture fanatic, and she’s here to address what’s trending.

order Lululemon through the online site for athletics, so we are now trying to collaborate with them to actually have it in the store at all times, with clothing like tank tops and shorts,” Williams said.

In the upcoming years, Williams hopes to acquire a bigger space so that the Bookstore can accommodate more food, supplies and other paraphernalia.

“I’m very hopeful that we can be in another spot soon; that’s the goal,” she said. “And then, of course, if that ever happens, then we can have so much more inventory, food, supplies –more everything.”

Senior Lauren Shaw started working at the Bookstore the summer before she entered sixth grade after meeting Williams at Daisy Den.

“In the summer, we primarily serve students who are new to Hockaday and their parents, so I enjoy getting to talk to them about what school is like,” Shaw said. “It’s my favorite part.”

The Bookstore is an inviting place, where students, faculty and parents can socialize and bond as a community, while purchasing exciting new items curated by Williams.

Bookstore Bookstore Bracket Bracket

Followers of the @hockadayfourcast Instagram voted on their favorite Bookstore snacks. The results are inOreos won!

This is the last column I will write for the Fourcast. I have written 16 columns in the span of my Fourcast career, and it is crazy to see how far I have come in that time and how different my writing and topics have been each issue. I’m getting too sappy, so go to my letter from the editor on page 21 to read more.

For my last pop culture column, I have decided to go back to my roots and what started this column: my love for and obsession with Taylor Swift. I have written most of my columns surrounding her, so it is only fitting I write my final one about her too.

Swift has been up to lots since I talked about her last. She and Travis Kelce are still going strong, and she went to 13 of his games this past season (including his winning Super Bowl showdown). Swift also won two Grammys this year, including Album of the Year for “Midnights,” making her the first artist to win four of those accolades. At the Grammys, she announced her 11th album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” which will be released April 19. While I respect people that do not like her music, since everyone has different tastes, it is undeniable that Swift has revolutionized the music industry the past few years. She has become a leader and role model to not just other women in the industry but young girls around the world, including me.

I became a fan of Swift when my sister started singing “Our Song” around the house; granted, I was about two years old, but, still, I was hooked. I have grown up with her and stayed a fan of hers even as she changed genres and experimented with her writing. It might seem stupid to others how much I admire someone who doesn’t know I exist, but Swift has helped me in ways no one else has. While I might be labeled as an insane fangirl by some people, I know that Swift’s influence has shaped me into the young woman I am.

Six-year-old Harper dances to “Speak Now” by Taylor Swift in her room.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HARPER HARRIS

PHOTOS BY ELLE MYERS

Spring (fashion) has sprung

Upcoming trends to look forward to for Spring 2024

by Larkin Clouston | Staff Writer

Leopard print

It’s all about leopard print for spring in 2024. Part of last winter’s “mob wife” trend, which included animal prints, fur coats and chunky gold jewelry, leopard print mini dresses, bags, accessories and shoes for the warmer weather are popping up in collections everywhere. The look is bold and daring, perfect for a night out. This trend is sure to make a statement in the coming months this year.

Lace skirts

Lace skirts add a touch of femininity and elegance, whether paired with a blouse for a more formal look or dressed down with a T-shirt and sneakers for a casual vibe. Lace skirts are versatile and can be styled for various occasions, making them a staple for spring.

WWhite tee & blue jeans

The timeless and classic combination of a white T-shirt and blue jeans should be in every wardrobe this spring. It’s an effortless look that can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for any occasion.

Paired with sneakers for a casual day out or dressed up with heels and accessories for a night on the town, the combo is a go-to choice for fashion-forward individuals.

Fashion icons like Kylie Jenner and Matilda Djerf have been caught on to this simple classic and it is sure to be a staple this season.

Trucker hats

Trucker hats are making a solid comeback this spring, adding a touch of casual coolness, streetwear style and practicality to any outfit, especially in Dallas’ warm weather. The mesh back and adjustable snap closure make them comfortable and versatile, while the wide brim and bold graphics or logos make a statement. Whether paired with a sundress or jeans and a T-shirt, trucker hats are the must-have accessory for this season.

Alexandra’s Fashion Fourcast

Arts & Life Editor Alexandra Dassopoulos is a self-proclaimed fashionista, ready to report the latest news of the fashion world.

hen I entered the doors of AAVintedge on Knox Henderson, I was greeted by a welcoming “Hi honey!” from the shop’s owner, Caitlin Brax. Already, I could envision why customers were having such a positive experience at the vintage retailer.

For 10 years, Brax has boasted the captivating, almost mystical title of “denim whisperer,” gaining immense popularity over the past few years through TikTok, where her customers have raved about not only their newest purchases, but also about Brax’s talent in identifying their perfect pair of denim.

The shopping experience at AAVintedge is far from the painful task of finding well-fitting jeans at most stores. Brax looks over each customer and handpicks a plethora of vintage denim options for them, making buyers feel at ease and infusing them with a sense of optimism.

Brax has had a lifelong affinity for denim, working as a denim specialist at Abercrombie when she was 18, and as a buyer, store manager and denim fitter at a boutique in Los Angeles for seven years. But it wasn’t until she moved back

to her hometown of Tyler and opened her own store in 2013 that she earned the title of “denim whisperer.”

“I think it was sort of a joke that we first started calling me [a denim whisperer] because I am just able to just look at you and pull your size, say, “What style do you want?” then ask if you’re pushing it to a low rise or maybe a baggy or whatever and find what you’re looking for,” Brax said.

And impressively, Brax is able to do this task with an overwhelming inventory of about 300 pairs of jeans in store. But more importantly than making such a daunting job look easy and personalizing the experience for each client, Brax completely takes size out of the equation, hoping to promote a culture of inclusivity at AAVintedge.

“We don’t do sizes at all in here at any point, just because vintage sizes are so much different than current ones, and really, sizes don’t mean anything,” Brax said. “We’re all more than a size, you know? I have clients of all shapes, sizes, ages. Literally of every walk of life that come in and really rely on me to help them find their perfect pair of jeans.”

Senior Ashley Francis has shared the

struggle of many fellow teenagers and women in finding well-fitting denim. However, Brax helped Francis find the “perfect pair,” and Francis’ purchases at AAVintedge give her an unmatched confidence boost when she wears them.

“I’ve always found that finding wellfitting denim at a cheaper price to be next to impossible,” Francis said. “They always gap in the back, are too tight in the thighs, or are never the right length. I definitely feel way more confident in jeans that I have purchased from [AAVintedge].”

Francis believes there should be more places like AAVintedge, where flattering denim is both affordable and accessible for everyone, making the search for denim a healthier one.

“I think if more stores like AAVintedge opened with comparable prices and the same magic sizing, then I would run there,” Francis said. “It provides such a positive space for people who have a hard time finding denim they love at such an amazing price.”

As Francis iterated, Brax places inclusivity, hope, and self-worth at the forefront of her business. She believes that fostering self–esteem, especially in young people, is essential – and through

the uplifting atmosphere she promotes at AAVintedge, Brax aspires to be even just a small part in the confidence-building of her clients.

“It’s not that I have this hand in cultivating that self-esteem, but if I can illustrate that size is just a number on a tag, if that’s the only thing I can say, then that’s something for me,” Brax said. “It’s important to me that people who feel unfittable or nervous leave feeling wonderful.”

Afzalipour wearing a leopardprint mini dress from

Brax posing in a head-to-toe vintage denim ensemble, featuring a vest handmade by her mom from denim scraps that’s sold at AAVintedge.

Shining through the shadows Ariana Grande’s new but nothing special album

by Audrey Liu | Staff Writer

Ariana Grande, known for her ethereal vocals and chart-topping hits, has once again captured the hearts of fans with her latest album, “Eternal Sunshine.” Released March 8, this highly anticipated album draws inspiration from the poignant film “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004) that weaves a narrative of love, loss and self-discovery. The album’s 13 tracks, including the popular single “yes, and?” which made the US Billboard Hot 100 Chart, showcase Grande’s exceptional songwriting and vocal range.

The album’s first songs provide an introspective tone, with Grande questioning the nature of her failed relationships and the path forward. Tracks like “bye” and “don’t wanna break up again” delve into the emotional complexities of heartbreak

and healing, with subtle references that may relate to her marriage and separation from Dalton Gomez.

Grande also alludes to finding new love in “the boy is mine,” possibly referring to rumors that she is now with “Wicked” co-star Ethan Slater. I found this song most striking with its unique beat, especially when the remaining songs blend together, as I couldn’t always tell when one song ended and another began.

One standout track, “yes, and?,” addresses public scrutiny and judgment, resonating with fans but also receiving criticism for its commercial appeal compared to the album’s deeper tracks.

As the album progrsses, Grande continues to explore the nuances of love and loss, culminating in the hauntingly beautiful “we can’t be friends.”

The accompanying music video, featuring actor Evan Peters and scenes reminiscent

of “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” further amplifies the album’s thematic elements and Grande’s creative vision. Grande directly recreated scenes like erasing her memories of a person with Brighter Days Inc.— Grande’s version of Lacuna Inc. from the movie.

“Eternal Sunshine” is a solid addition to Grande’s catalog, showcasing her growth as an artist and her ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level. While not her strongest effort overall, it is a commendable album that highlights her continued evolution as a musician.

3

Creative steward-SHIPP

Senior Ava Shipp shines in singing, acting, modeling

by Jessica Boll | Staff Writer

Student by day and a singer, actress and model trifecta by night, senior Ava Shipp brings talent and dedication to the local and national creative scene. Whether she is playing her guitar, singing at a coffee shop or walking down a runway, Shipp’s love of expressing her creativity takes several forms.

Since she was 12, Shipp has been doing music gigs across the Dallas area.

“I really enjoy performing live, or ‘gigging,’ and play at restaurants, bars, and coffee shops among other establishments,” she said.

When looking for new connections or opportunities, it’s normal to reach roadblocks. Shipp has learned to look past the initial discouragement she faced and shift to a positive light.

“I have learned a lot about making connections. I will research on the Internet and cold email different performance venues,” Shipp said. “Sometimes I get one response for every fifteen

emails. I try to make the most out of every opportunity and get out of my comfort zone because what’s the worst that could happen?”

Additionally, Shipp brings her musical talents and creativity to Hockaday productions, where she most recently starred as one of the lead roles in “SIX: Teen Edition.”

“It’s just a welcoming, creative space to be expressive, and I feel like theater has allowed me to explore different perspectives and personas, as well as enrich my own experiences, independence, and confidence. I love the collaborative element of working as a team within a production,” Shipp said.

After submitting to her first agency her sophomore year, Shipp began modeling as another outlet for her creativity.

“I’m pretty tall, and I had been told I should give it a try. I also wanted to get a job, and it was a really cool opportunity to work in a creative space and meet new, innovative people,” Shipp said. “I

submitted to an agency in Dallas, and it ended up working out. Since then, I have worked around Dallas and signed with an agency in New York.”

While modeling at test shoots and local stores, Shipp gained experience while also working with others behind the scenes.

“There are so many people involved. Everybody plays a small part in putting the large puzzle together,” Shipp said. “I really enjoy seeing the creative visions come to life through an entire team of people.”

In the fall 2023, Shipp signed with The Society Management in New York, a world-renowned modeling agency with top names including Kendall Jenner.

Shipp hopes to keep doing what she is currently working on and developing it through the process.

“The thing that I enjoy about all of these activities is that they’re interconnected in an interesting way, and that doing one doesn’t mean that

I necessarily have to give up the other,” Shipp said.

Ava Shipp poses for the camera during one of her many photoshoots, working with photographers and other artists to create a finished product.

SENIOR Sendoff

Dynamic Duos and trios

We surveyed the Class of 2024 to see who the most DYNAMIC groups were... here they are:

Amalia + Chloe

When Amalia Evans and Chloe Grinnell realized that they went to the same school and were neighbors, they began walking to each other’s houses and going to Walmart and Starbucks together. These excursions cemented a longstanding friendship filled with sleepovers and horror movie nights. Aside from spooky film screenings, Grinnell and Evans love to go on long drives together with the windows down while listening to Beyonce.

“We have been best friends for as long as we can remember and made the most incredible memories along the way,” Grinnell said, and Evans agreed.

Zoe + Emery

After an incompatible first impression, Zoe Stone and Emery Stehel were sure that they would never be friends, but this sentiment changed when they both joined the rowing team. Clearly, they were destined to be best friends because their first timed workout during their sophomore year were only two milliseconds apart and, from that day, a competitive and loving friendship was born. They now love to tan, swim and attend concerts together.

“She is my other half, there is no one else I would rather do life with,” Stone said.

Katherine, Reese, + Harper

Harper Tagg, Katherine Shoup and Reese Dondero met in first grade at Hockaday. After a brief Beanie Boo conflict that nearly ended the trio’s friendship, their bond became stronger than ever and has lasted for more than ten years. Some of their favorite memories together are talking by the pool and creating their famed annual bingo cards.

“Our friendship is awesome, like the immaculate conception, but for friends,” Tagg said.

SSUPERLATIVES

My Hockaday Story

tella Grabham has been at Hockaday since she was in first grade and, to end her time here, she has written about her evolution from a curious child to a confident and empowered adult, ready to lead the world to a brighter future.

If I could ask my first-grade self how I wanted to spend the next 12 years of my life, I doubt that “school” would’ve been my answer. No kid thinks about how much of their life is spent on school, whether in class, studying, playing sports, participating in clubs or any of the countless other school-related activities.

It’s been a long and hard ride, but I can say without a doubt that these last 12 years have been the best of

my life.

Imagine a bright-eyed and bushytailed first grader, eager to learn how to add, subtract, read, write, finger paint, make mistakes and make friends. That was me, a tiny Daisy in a knee-length green jumper, gripping a Hockaday tote-bag in a tiny fist.

As a senior, I can’t help but yearn for those days filled with wonder. There have been so many memories that have defined my time at

Hockaday, from the Lower School STEM carts, to launching projectiles in Señora Price’s room, to straight up failing my first test in Pre-Calculus, to posting the first announcement on the @daisydecisions24 Instagram account. It was Hockaday that helped me find my love for cheer and passion for science and I would not change my experience for the world!

Olivia Zambrano: best hair

Ava Shipp: most likely to be famous

Sophia Afzalipour: best dressed

Leila Tarighi: life of the PARTY!

Sanika Argarwalla: Future President

Avery Jackson: most likely to be an Olympian

STELLA WRUBEL: Most likely to trip @ Commencement

Ashley Francis: most likely to survive the Hunger Games

PHOTOS BY HANNA ASMEROM

Grabham poses in her green jumper on her first day of first grade at Hockaday.

&Life

AP Exam advice

Seniors share three tips on popular AP exams

by Bennett Trubey | Editor-In-Chief

As early May nears, students are gearing up for their approaching Advanced Placement exams. Peppered throughout early May, the AP exams cover a variety of topics such as Biology, English, Foreign Languages and Calculus.

In addition to the AP class options in Hockaday’s course catalog, students may choose to “self-study” for the other AP classes College Board has to offer. Tasked with studying an entire school year’s worth of content in less than two months, often compounded with other AP courses, students are left overwhelmed and unsure where to start.

Luckily, three seniors, well-versed in a variety of AP exams, have offered their advice on managing your upcoming workloads.

Diya Hegde:

In addition to her other AP courses, Diya Hegde self-studied for the AP U.S. Government and Politics, AP Psychology and AP Literature and Composition exams her junior year. She encourages students to embrace what interests them about the subject and to control their mindsets –enjoy the learning process rather than worrying about the grade.

Calculus and chemistry Tips

1. Familiarize yourself with the testing format

2. Ask teachers for additional practice, if needed

3. Get good sleep leading up to your exams!

Stella Wrubel:

Self Study Tips

1. Make physical flashcards

2. Use online resources like TedEd, Quizlets, study guides, etc.

3. Find real-world applications of what you’re studying

Alex Cox:

Among the most popular AP subjects at Hockaday, the College Board’s AP Calculus and various AP science exams may initially seem overwhelming. However, having taken the Calculus AB and Chemistry AP exams and currently preparing for her Calculus BC and Physics AP exams, Alex Cox assures students that both departments have thoroughly prepared them for the assessments.

Wrubel took the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam her junior year. She believes the most important thing any language student can do is to immerse themselves in the subject, building confidence in their speaking and listening skills. Ahead of her exam, Wrubel watched Spanish television shows, listened to Spanish podcasts and spoke Spanish with friends or family whenever possible.

Foreign Language Tips

1. Practice grammar rules and conjugations

2. Pay attention to mistakes you’ve made on past assessments

3. Don’t get caught up on mistakes in the speaking section

AROUND

Outdoor Adventures

Warm weather and greener grass are here to stay for the spring, so why shouldn’t you get outside and explore a few of nature’s hidden gems in the DFW metroplex? Whatever outdoor activities you have on your bucket list of this season, these locations might spark your inspiration for a new spring adventure. Even though you might have to take a bit of a road trip to get there, we’ve also got you covered with some tunes for the car ride.

This pick-your-own tulip field is the perfect activity for anyone looking for a picturesque spot and some flowers to spruce up the house for spring. Located just an hour outside Dallas, tulips here are $2.50 per stem and come in all sorts of colors and varieties.

When ChatGPT was released in November 2022, it unleashed a plethora of new possibilities, both positive and negative, into the digital era. Instead of having to spend hours researching where to go on vacation, ChatGPT can pop out not only a destination but also hotels, flight information and activities in mere milliseconds. In September 2023, ChatGPT’s image generator went public, broadening its scope even further. Creating a dishonest photo or video might have taken hours before image and video generators. Now it takes seconds. Despite ChatGPT’s prevalence, other A.I. software such as Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Bing have also entered the market, among numerous others that fall in and out of fashion almost weekly. In the rapidly changing world of technology, it can be hard to keep up with and stay aware of online safety, while still exploring technology’s new advancements.

We talked with Upper School’s Counselor Ellen Kaney-Francis, Technology Integration Specialist Candace Townsley and Neuroscience teacher Dr. Katie Croft about living in a digital world.

Cyberbullying

A Pew Research Center report in 2022 found that 46 percent of high schoolers nationwide had experienced cyberbullying.

“It’s important to understand cyberbullying is just as impactful as someone coming up to your face and saying it,” Upper School Counselor Ellen Kaney-Francis said.

Kaney-Francis said even at smaller schools like Hockaday, cyberbullying can create divisions, both on and off campus.

“We have had many students bring forward examples of cyberbullying, and we are so glad students feel comfortable doing that,” Kaney-Francis said. “A lot of times, it might take adult intervention to shut it down or to have those one-on-one conversations with the perpetrator.”

What allows cyberbullying to occur is the lack of accountability the Internet provides for cyberbullies, which makes them feel like they can act maliciously without facing the consequences.

“Cyberbullies can do what they do because of the anonymity of the Internet,” Candace Townsley, Upper School Technology Integration Specialist, said.

Social media can actually make users feel socially isolated.

“One of the dangers of A.I. and social media is that it just continues to put walls between me and you,” Kaney-Francis said. “To stop some of this from building and perpetuating we need to remind the person perpetrating this that the people they are targeting are real.”

Kaney-Francis also notes that the anonymity of the digital landscape creates a false sense of safety to start hurtful, malicious conversations.

“It’s easy to say things online,” Kaney-Francis said. “It’s easy to misinterpret things. It’s also easy to disconnect ourselves from being fully responsible and owning the messages that we’re putting out there.”

The Rise of A.I.

As an advocate for responsible A.I. use in schools, Upper School neuroscience teacher Dr. Katie Croft preaches transparency between students and administrators to help communities better understand artificial intelligence.

“If people are scared to talk about it or don’t know what the school’s position is, then that’s going to lead to more problems than solutions,” Croft said.

She also noted different ways for students and teachers to work together to use A.I. in the classroom.

“A.I. can be a very powerful learning experience,” Croft said. “As long as we continue learning and having conversations about it.”

A.I. Usage

How to use artificial intelligence is not something that teachers can expect students, especially younger generations, to learn on their own. It is necessary, as the world changes, for curricula to change with it.

“As a teacher, I think it’s really important to start discussing the ‘soft’ skills that we aren’t necessarily taught in school,” Croft said. “Developing empathy for other people and learning how to communicate well will become more important.”

Reminding students about the human emotions we feel can help younger generations separate A.I. from real interactions with people, and emphasize the non-human aspect of any software that uses A.I.

However, the use of A.I. continues to become more prominent as chatbots and A.I. software are being advertised as the technology of the future.

Whether bullying occurs online or in-person, being a bystander is incriminating. This includes being a member of negative group chats, online forums, or participating in harmful comment chains.

“It’s important to ask yourself if you are in spaces where the theme of that space is to talk about another person or to poke fun at somebody to the point where that becomes harmful,” Kaney-Francis said. “It’s about using good judgment and discernment about the spaces that you’re active in.”

She also reminds students that online messages are also much more permanent than spoken words. Posts can follow a person for years to come, beyond high school or college.

Navigating the digital world

“Nothing ever dies online,” Kaney-Francis said.

By Amitha Nair, Cece Johnson News Editor, Staff Writer

Her students are often participating in A.I. generated activities that foster a better understanding of content and open up conversations about the lack of originality that A.I can create.

Reflecting on how she incorporated Chat GPT into her lessons, Croft clarified the difference between using A.I. as a tool versus using it with dishonorable intent.

“It’s really not good at making decisions or judgments, but students can,” she said. “We as humans are able to integrate all that information and then decide, but that is what A.I. can’t do, and that’s what really separates us.”

“Students are negatively affected by [A.I.] because they are afraid of it,” Townsley said. “They are afraid to use it, because teachers will think they are cheating if they use it.”

Students and teachers are currently wrestling to understand how they can incorporate A.I. in the classroom, while maintaining academic integrity. Meanwhile, leaders in technology are advising the public to learn how to use A.I..

“If we don’t learn about A.I. we are going to get left behind,” Croft said.

Croft also said with A.I.’s rapid growth, maintaining accurate information is difficult.

“It’s really hard to stay up to date because of how fast A.I. is growing and changing,” Croft said.

Deep Fakes

Deep fakes and fake images created to hurt others are unfortunately nothing new. However, with the amount of editing apps and A.I. websites available to the public, creating a fake image has become easier than ever.

“It’s exponentially easier to create that content now,” Upper School neuroscience teacher Katie Croft said. “If we get to the point where there’s so much false content and we’re able to see that it’s false, I do think that could affect public trust.”

As fabricated images and videos become commonplace in digital forums, Croft believes we must actively discuss and evaluate the risks they pose to our community.

“Hiding our heads under the sand is not the answer,” Croft said. “You can’t say ‘I know that’s happening over there, but we just have to keep doing our best.’”

Navigating digital world

Johnson and Danya Risam-Chandi Writer and Features Editor

The lack of knowledge about A.I. creates an environment where many believe false photos, audios and other forms of media are real regardless of the signs of artificial recreation.

“If people don’t have the knowledge and they don’t understand, then they will be the ones that will be duped,” Townsley said

While some cannot differentiate between true and false content, others choose to dismiss the correlation between harmful action and the limitless capabilities of A.I.

“People are ignorant about things, about A.I., about the use of deep fakes and voice fakes and all that,” Townsley said. “It is ignorance that causes fear, that is the root cause of cyberbullying, that is why knowledge is power because then you can make an informed decision.”

In order to maintain a safe environment, regulations surrounding media as well as rhetoric about A.I. need to foster a sense of security, so students feel comfortable reaching out to adults when they face challenges in the digital world.

“If we are going to protect our students and teach responsible use, I think we have a massive obligation to help you with online conflict and security as well,” Croft said.

With the creation of deep fakes becoming more common, both Croft and Townsley agree that teachers and administrators need to provide a safe environment where students feel able to talk about their experiences with fake images and content created online. Deep fakes should not become a sensitive or shameful topic, especially in an educational setting.

Social Media

Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat draw huge portions of their audience from young adults and teenagers. Social media has become central to communication, particularly for high school and college-aged students.

Upper School counselor Ellen Kaney-Francis said social media can be a force for good, as well as a source of stress. Kaney-Francis said social media provides repetition, which can be harmful for those dealing with negative thought patterns.

“If your mood has shifted because you are engaged in a certain part of social media,

you need to ask yourself what thoughts that content is triggering and why that is happening,” Kaney-Francis said.

While some students may have negative experiences with social media, others turn to it for stress relief or relaxation. A 2016 study on social media by the Association for Information Systems noted that people turned to social networks for leisure.

“We have to be careful about not making blanket statements like ‘everyone is looking at things that make them feel bad about themselves’,” Kaney-Francis said.

Hammers for habitat Students work together to build a home

by Sarah Moskowitz | Staff Writer

Early Saturday mornings in spring, senior co-chairs of Habitat for Humanity Julia Small and Riley Damonte can be found on the build site, finding their passion in social impact through building houses and leading the project. Habitat for Humanity teaches students valuable building and organizational skills while they construct a house with the future homeowner of the house.

Since joining the leadership board their junior year, Small and Damonte have been active members, involving themselves in any ways they can.

“During sophomore year, we wrote letters to family members asking for donations for the project,” Damonte said. “Throughout junior year, we went to a lot of builds, and the leaders picked us to follow in their footsteps since we were so involved.”

Junior Katherine Oglesby has been involved with Habitat for Humanity this spring, participating in the first build.

“It was a really cool experience and a fun social impact opportunity,” Oglesby said. “It’s also nice to get to do it with your friends.”

Small and Damonte started working a few months prior to the build on fundraising to gather money to build the home. This year, they introduced a new board for underclassmen to allow freshmen and sophomores a chance to participate in the house since they are not permitted to build until they are 16.

“We have a new project for freshmen and sophomores so that they can paint

the walls of this house, which has been super fun,” Small said. “We have seen a huge amount of interest which is amazing, and offering the wall project for underclassmen makes them more interested in becoming active members of Habitat as upperclassmen.”

Damonte said because the underclassmen board has been so popular, they reached their monetary goal for the project quickly.

When the students arrive at the build site, the foundation is already complete, so they are tasked with putting up the frame of the house and details like insulation and roofing.

Both Damonte and Small agree that Habitat for Humanity is a unique and special type of social impact for them, since they can see palpable change and their hard work come to fruition.

“Habitat for Humanity is different than other community service organizations because you get to physically make a change by building a house and making a physical difference in the community,” Small said.

Damonte said getting to work with the person who will ultimately own the house adds another element of value to the project.

“We get to build a personal connection with the future homeowner since they’re building the house alongside us,” Damonte said.

Throughout her experience with Habitat for Humanity, Damonte has enjoyed working with the homeowners during the entire process.

“Something very special about Habitat for Humanity is that the homeowners aren’t indebted to Habitat at all,” Damonte said.

Despite the early-morning start to building, students always arrive excited and ready to work on the house.

“Everyone has really good energy,” Small said. “We show up to the build site, get the safety talk, have donuts and separate into groups to take on different tasks within the project.”

During the first build of 2024, Oglesby said that she helped hammer the boards of the walls and the plywood.

“I got to learn how to do different construction tasks, which was super cool,” Oglesby said.

To commemorate the completion of the house, members of Habitat have a celebration with the homeowners.

“The celebration is very special because we have a meal with the entire family that

Returning to their Roots

Hockaday alumna inspire a new generation of Daisies as faculty

will live in the house, including children and, potentially, grandparents, and give them a nice housewarming gift,” Damonte said. “It is very rewarding to see all the work that we’ve done pay off with the final project.”

Small said she has learned valuable life lessons from Habitat for Humanity.

“I’ve learned fundraising skills, the power of communication and how to effectively work in a group,” Small said. “I think it is empowering to know that when you take time to do hands-on aspects, you get to make a change.”

From the leadership council to a cochair of Habitat for Humanity, Damonte has seen the impact of Habitat for Humanity on Hockaday students.

“I’ve learned how excited Hockaday girls get to be part of this project,” Damonte said. “I think something that makes the project very rewarding is the tangible aspect of it, getting to see all the work you have done.”

A semester in space Astronomy class plans for upcoming eclipse

by Elizabeth Truelove| Sports Editor

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will pass across North America, crossing Texas around 1:30 p.m. CT. For Hockaday, this means during our WIN period that Monday; for a few minutes, it will appear as though it is nighttime, due to the moon covering the sun. To teach us more about astronomy and demonstrate how to observe the eclipse, members of the Astronomy Club and the astronomy senior semester class will be stationed around Hockaday to guide other students.

department about designing pins to hand out to students.”

Rutledge co-founded the Astronomy Club this school year and

hosts meetings to learn more about the science and share curiosities surrounding astronomy.

black holes.”

Now, in addition to the club, seniors can once again take Astronomy, a semester class taught by Dr. Steve Balog. Balog said his interest in astronomy started when he was a child, visiting various historical landmarks with his parents and immediately taking interest in the stars. Since, Balog earned a PhD at the University of Texas at Dallas in particle astrophysics.

“I get so excited about it,” Balog said. “I have to keep reminding everyone to calm me down if I lose focus and get too passionate.”

Balog teaches the basic language of astronomy, planets and the solar system and plans to introduce eclipses just in time for the total eclipse this April.

Since air pollution affects the visibility of many constellations in Dallas, Balog utilizes a system named “Slooh” which has live streams of constellations from telescopes stationed in the Canary Islands and Chile. For homework assignments on Slooh, students can take pictures of different constellations and planets to observe their distinctive characteristics and behaviors.

“There’s different quests associated with each activity,” senior astronomy student Julia Emery said. “We learn how to chart where they are in the sky and look at everything in terms of Earth’s diameters.”

Balog hopes the class becomes a yearly opportunity for students.

“We’re going to talk to Lower Schoolers about the eclipse,” sophomore Mischa Rutledge said. “We are also talking with the science

“Most times, we talk about different constellations and planets,” Rutledge said. “Last time, we watched a really interesting documentary about

“My students will be able to teach the Lower and Middle Schoolers when they can take off their glasses, how to take proper pictures with their phones and overall, more about the eclipse,” Balog said.

“It’s important to have an understanding of what’s going on in the sky because it affects us all, whether you know it consciously or subconsciously,” Balog said. “It’s the oldest science.”

Hockaday and St. Mark’s students transport murals made by underclassmen.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIA SMALL

Dr. Balog lecturing on astronomy using Slooh software

PHOTO COURTESY OF KAILEY BERGSTEDT

Spanish in the Community

Question-and-answer conducted by social impact class

by Kailey Bergstedt | Editor-In-Chief

The senior seminar class, Spanish in the Community, interviewed eight SAGE workers as part of the class’s goal to work with organizations of Spanish-speakers in Dallas to build connections between Hockaday and its community. They chose to spotlight these employees to foster a better understanding of the people that contribute to Hockaday. Below are some of the questions they asked, originally in Spanish, along with English translations.

¿Cuál es un recuerdo favorito de su niñez?

Mis recuerdos favoritos eran cuando jugaba con mis amigos y hermanos. Los juegos no tenían tecnología como ahora. Por ejemplo, las canicas. También jugábamos con un avioncito.

What is a favorite memory from your childhood?

My favorite memories were when I played with my friends and siblings. The toys weren’t technology based like they have now. For example, marbles. We also played with a little toy airplane.

¿Nos puede contar sobre un recuerdo inolvidable durante la escuela secundaria?

Durante la escuela secundaria, tuve muchos momentos muy bonitos. Yo estudié en una escuela secundaria en México. Se le hace honores a la bandera cada lunes, y yo era parte de la escolta. Era un honor para mí pertenecer a la escolta porque hacía honores a la bandera cada lunes y participaba en muchas otras actividades. Could you tell us about an unforgettable memory from high school?

During high school I had many memorable moments. I studied at a high school in Mexico. There was a raising of the flag every Monday, and I was part of the court. It was an honor for me to belong to the court, and I participated in many other things like school dances.

¿Puede contarme sobre un recuerdo muy especial en su vida?

Creo que hay muchos, especialmente creo que vivir con la familia y compartir tiempo con la familia. Cuando era Navidad, en México no es como aquí la tradición de los Estados Unidos como que Navidad es regalos. En el 24 de diciembre, la Navidad es más sobre el Niño Jesús.

Can you tell me about a memory that is very special to your life?

I have a lot of special memories, especially living with family and spending time with them. Christmas traditions in Mexico are not like here in the United States, where Christmas is all about gifts. On Dec. 24, the holiday is more about the Baby Jesus.

¿Hay una persona en su vida que le inspire?

Mi abuelita. Muchas enseñas. Muchos consejos que todavía en mi vida me acuerdo. Trata como quieres que te traten. Si quieres respeto, dar respeto. Ella me decía esto. Is there a person in your life who inspires you?

My grandma. [She gave me] many teachings, many pieces of advice that I still remember in my life. Treat others how you want to be treated. If you want respect, give respect. She told me this.

Si pudiera dar unos consejos a los jóvenes, ¿qué les diría?

Más que se porten bien, que se concentren bien en la escuela, porque la escuela es muy importante, y que hagan caso a sus padres. A veces muchos piensan que saben de todo y no le quieren hacer caso a casi nadie. Cuando le importa, se concentra en la escuela y siguen una buena la vida y ya.

If you could give some advice to young people, what would you say?

Mostly that they behave well, that they concentrate well in school, because school is very important, and that they obey their parents. Sometimes many think that they know everything about the world and they don’t really want to obey anybody. If you care, you concentrate on school and continue your life well, that’s it.

¿Usted tiene una meta para este año?

Quiero llevar a mi familia a diferentes lugares, por ejemplo ir con mi hermana y mi madre a París. También quiero ir a Disney World y Disneyland porque mi madre tiene sus años.

Do you have a goal for this year? I want to bring my family to different places, for example going with my sister and mother to Paris. I also want to go to Disney World and Disneyland because my mother is getting older.

¿Dónde creció usted, y cómo pasó su niñez? ¿Tiene familia aquí en Tejas?

Pasé toda mi niñez en San Potosi, Mexico, que está en el centro de México. Hace diez años que me he estado ciudadano de los Estados Unidos. Cada año voy para México en las vacaciones. Tengo dos hermanos y una hermana que vive en Dallas. La mayoría vive allá.

Where did you grow up, and how did you spend your childhood? Do you have family here in Texas?

I spent my entire childhood in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, which is in the center of Mexico. I have been a U.S. citizen for ten years. Every year, I go to Mexico on vacation. I have two brothers, and one sister who lives in Dallas. Most [of my family] lives in Mexico.

Patricia (Patty) Botello

Antonio Gonzalez

Anthony Lara

Luciano Cerda

Angel Aruajo Cuicas

Alicia Diaz

Udelia Garcia

A clever combo

Caffeine and Crosswords Club brews up a storm

by Alexa Muñoz | Arts & Life Editor

At age 11, junior and Caffeine and Crosswords club founder Alex Baron first enjoyed the multi-sensory experience of coffee. The certain citrusy acidity, the discernible bitterness, the chlorogenic acids—all three lingered on her taste palate until 11th grade, when she finally created a club that celebrated the caffeine-drinking experience and another c-word: crosswords.

Her crossword journey, influenced by avid crossworder, Co-Director of College Counseling and club sponsor Micah Lyles, began her sophomore year and has grown into a daily tradition. During advisory, the pair completes the New York Times’ daily crosswords, Wordle and Connections together, leaving hints for each other along the way.

This bonding experience now extends to students across grade levels who attend monthly club meetings in Tarry House. It is freshman Vittoria Sofia Testa’s favorite part of being a C&C Club member.

“When doing crosswords in the group setting, you don’t have to Google an answer,” Testa said. “You can just ask someone else, either an upperclassman member or someone in your grade. It’s nice to build these connections through your similar interests.”

While Testa loves the club’s latter c-word, it was the coffee that initially drew her to join. On average, she said she drinks about 260mg of caffeine per day during the school year. Testa drinks caffeine to help her wake up in the morning – and as a treat to accompany her crossword puzzles.

But Lyles, a lover of words and coffee alike, has been pairing the two for years. The club sponsor — also known as his town’s spelling bee kid, an English major and a journalism teacher — has done

crosswords since they were published in newspapers, and drank sweet, iced tea while completing them.

“Every morning before work, I make sure to brew a coffee before tackling the daily puzzle,” Lyles said.

In fact, he has six ways to brew it at home: drip coffee maker, Nespresso, French press, pour-over, Moka pot and an old school percolator that he busts out for parties from time to time.

Coffee, by far, is the club’s most popular caffeinated beverage. This is because it mirrors the club’s chill environment.

“It’s very simple: we get together, we do crosswords and we drink some caffeinated beverage,” Baron said.

For members, club meetings are a 30-minute time slot to leave everything at the door and focus on the crossword of the day or a caffeinated concoction without stressing about the stigma around unproductivity or caffeine.

“I hope Caffeine and Crosswords can create a space for people to just be themselves and relax, free of stress,” Baron said.

Baron believes the stigma surrounding caffeine, an essential part of everyone’s day, along with the need for hyper-productivity can be especially stressful in our community.

“I think we need more moments where we can just sit together and do something communally that’s not academically motivated or driven in some way to achieve something,” Lyles said.

While never abandoning coffee, Baron takes opportunities to spice up the caffeine offerings with homemade drinks like her original spiced latte. This spicy drink was introduced at the first meeting, but quickly ran out.

Fasting for faith Students and faculty prepare for Ramadan

by Leyah Philip| Staff Writer

Sprinting off the lacrosse field after a tiring day of practice in the hot sun, sophomore Mischa Rutledge heads home to break her fast and take her first sip of water since 6 a.m.

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Rutledge prepares herself to fast from dawn to sunset for about thirty days. Ramadan is regarded as the most important month for Muslims all over the world. This year, Ramadan is from March 11 to April 9.

“The whole concept behind it is it’s a month where you have to take responsibility for your actions,” Rutledge said.

During the holy month, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset every day. Rutledge attends lacrosse practice every day after school, even during Ramadan. However, her fasting does not stop her from playing her best. Once the sun sets, she rushes off the field to drive home and break her fast.

Junior Faiha Khurram, president of the Muslim

Student Association (MSA), also observes the month of Ramadan and is excited to plan an Eid celebration for this year. Eid-al-Fitr, the holiday commonly known as Eid, is the day when Muslims break their fast to commemorate the end of Ramadan and is on Apr. 9 this year. MSA hosted their first Eid celebration this past year and plans to continue this tradition.

“Last year we had henna and food, but this year we want to expand on that and make it even better,” Khurram said.

Many students also look forward to getting henna, a type of temporary tattoo used in Islamic culture, and eating traditional dishes that would be served on Eid.

Some of Khurram’s favorite memories from Eid include getting ready and hanging out with her friends and family at parties. However, she also values the time of reflection during Ramadan.

“Fasting helps you be more thankful because other people don’t have food,” Khurram said. “You’re supposed to uphold your Muslim values like generosity by giving money to your local mosque or refugee camps to be a better person that whole month.”

MSA faculty sponsor Aisha Ashraf agrees fasting can be difficult to balance with her everyday life, but it teaches her patience and empathy for others.

“Throughout the year you’re busy, and there’s other things going on,” Ashraf said. “This is a dedicated time where everyone goes to the mosque at night and there’s family gatherings.”

For Khurram, Ramadan is about upholding her values and becoming a better person for the whole month. She is also happy to clarify misconceptions her non-Muslim friends may have about the month.

“People often come up to me and ask if I can at least drink water, to which I reply no; Muslims abstain from food and water from sunrise to

“It involves creating an infused spiced vanilla simple syrup with a bunch of spices,” Baron said. Lyles agrees that they could further explore the “caffeine” in the club name. After nailing the “crossword” part of things, he looks forward to possibly bringing in someone to teach about brewing coffee—or transporting that 1950’s percolator to campus for the next club meeting.

sunset,” Khurram said. “However, it’s not just about the food and drinks—we also try to abstain from bad habits like having rude behavior, throughout the month.”

Rutledge has also experienced the same misconceptions.

“Many people question why I’m starving myself and why I can’t just eat,” Rutledge said.

Rutledge said she sometimes encounters rude and inappropriate comments about her customs, and whether intentional or accidental, she strives to correct those who have assumptions and educate anyone on the culture.

While others may assume that fasting for Ramadan

weakens them, Muslims believe it is mentally strengthening, as it is a time for spiritual devotion and connection. Each of these women has a lot on their hands, juggling sports, academics and their personal lives, but they always make time to be thankful.

“It really makes you think how other people in the world don’t have food and what they’re going through,” Ashraf said.

Rutledge and her family preparing for Eid celebrations.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MISCHA RUTLEDGE

Lyles skillfully completing a crossword puzzle at a Caffeine and Crosswords meeting.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEXA MUÑOZ

Khurram celebrating Eid with customary items. PHOTO COURTESY OF FAIHA KHURRAM

Students tackle global issues

Class

debates

current events with an analytical lens

by Anika Shah | Staff Writer

Debating worldwide issues like migration and justice, the Global Issues class gives students an analytical view on modern issues while also creating an open environment for students to dissect controversial topics.

The class was created four years ago and is taught by Dr. Elizabeth Bennett, who took over the class two years ago after the original teacher retired.

“The History Department decided to create a class more global in scope,” Bennett said. “We wanted to have a student-driven class focused on modern history around the world and be able to change the class to reflect what the students wanted to learn about.”

Senior Sanika Agarwalla believes that this type of curriculum is engaging and helpful, since the students were able to pitch what they wanted to learn about and influence the curriculum.

“We have covered a general history of world order and how the United States and other international bodies, like the United Nations lead that,” senior Sophia Braskamp said. “Right now, we are looking into migration, and recently had an Afghani refugee come in as a speaker.”

Since it is a social impact class, students are partnering with McShan Elementary to help the newcomers class- a class of students who are recent refugees and immigrantscreate an autobiographical project. Agarwalla said that this was her favorite part of the class.

“I really make clear that everyone’s opinion is respected, and I try to lay out facts.”

Dr.

“I think Dr. Bennett has done a really wonderful job of listening to what we want to learn, and catering the curriculum to us, especially since we wanted to focus on niche topics that we haven’t learned about before, like the global south and migration,” Agarwalla said.

Elizabeth Bennett Upper School History Teacher

Some students decided to take the class because of its focus on global issues, rather than just the West.

“I think it’s hard-to-find niche classes that talk about the entire world instead of focusing on the West, so I took global issues to get a taste of a more heterogeneous curriculum,” Agarwalla said.

Students study a base of world problems, and have discussed world order, international justice courts and legal institutions, like the International Court of Justice, and immigration and refugees.

“The kids have such a joyful world view,” Agarwalla said. “They’re simultaneously willing to learn from the American culture and wear a badge of pride of the country that they come from, even when those countries are places where they lived in refugee camps or settlements. I found it so incredibly inspiring to see how these kids are taking the setbacks they have forcibly been placed in and making the most out of it and are willing to share their culture with others.”

With many controversial current event topics, Bennett finds innovative ways to discuss these issues while keeping a healthy class environment.

“I really make clear that everyone’s opinion is respected, and I try to lay out facts,” Bennett said. “I want to be analytical, as it’s easy to be caught up emotionally in things, but I want my students to think and approach things objectively and look at all sides.”

Bennett hopes the main idea students take away from the class is an understanding of the world.

“The biggest thing that I want students to take away from this class is an understanding of what is going on in the world and broadening horizons,”

Returning to their roots Alumnae continue to

be active as faculty

Bennett said. “It is very easy to get caught up in your life and what you are doing. I want to ignite some kind of interest in global affairs because I think it is so important that we as a community see ourselves in a larger context.”

by Melinda Hu| Staff Writer

Among many faculty members in the hallways, there are a select few with graduation years on their badges, which indicates they are a Hockaday alumna. Here are three of those women.

Assistant Head of School Randal Rhodus has been on campus for a total of 33 years. She first came to Hockaday in first-grade. After graduating and earning her bachelor’s and graduate degrees, she worked in New York City. After a few years, she decided to return to Dallas and start at Hockaday as a secondgrade teacher, working in the same classroom she once learned in. After teaching for 9 years, she was then Head of Lower School for 11 years, and this year marks her first year as the Assistant Head of School.

“I just couldn’t imagine a more wonderful place to be,” Rhodus said. “If I could tell you what my personal mission statement is, it would be exactly Hockaday’s mission statement.”

Rhodus believes that her experience and memories as an alumna help her to make decisions with the students’ best interests in mind.

“Being an alumna has helped me make sure that the student experience has to be at the forefront of every decision we make,” Rhodus said.

Christie Sullivan was a lifer before rejoining as faculty. Sullivan is the Performing Arts Chair and Director of Dance.

“I think I’ve always known somehow dance was a part of my world, but it all started at the Pre-K circus,” Sullivan said.

After graduation, Sullivan went on to major in dance performance at SMU. After a few seasons with the Bruce Wood Dance Company dancing professionally, teaching and choreographing, Sullivan returned to Hockaday in 2007. Her favorite part about working here is the opportunity to collaborate with students and faculty.

“That’s what I love about teaching the arts here at Hockaday,” Sullivan said. “We are pushing towards that level of excellence in the arts and digging deep in the arts.”

Sullivan worked with Beth Wortley, her former Hockaday dance teacher, for 15 years before Wortley’s retirement. Sullivan said Wortley encouraged her to continue to pursue dance after Upper School.

“I can’t thank her enough. That moment I felt validated in my passions and realized that there was a space for what I love to do,” Sullivan said.

“It’s very full circle,” Robb said. “I was able to benefit from her wisdom at three very distinct life stages for me. The first one being when I was a student here. Then when I was a young teacher, and now working with her.”

Robb is now the Math Department Chair and Sutton has been able to give her valuable advice.

“She has had outstanding advice for me and really helped me form from a dorky little eighth grader into an adult in charge of things,” Robb said.

Robb has worked at Hockaday for three years and was a student here for five years. After graduating, she went on to major in math with a focus in financial mathematics. But after an internship at Merrill Lynch, she quickly realized she didn’t want to work in finance.

After working at a literacy program for students in Southeast Dallas, she realized teaching was her calling.

“I fell in love with teaching. I loved working with teenagers,” Robb said. “I loved learning. I loved being around that environment.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF CORNERSTONES VOL. 41

Christie Sullivan ‘95

PHOTO COURTESY OF CORNERSTONES VOL. 43

Randal Rhodus ‘97

Senior Ryan Brown writes on the board during the class’ social impact day.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HARPER HARRIS

Caroline Robb ‘07

PHOTO COURTESY OF CORNERSTONES VOL. 53

Caroline Robb also found her mentor at Hockaday, math teacher Jeri Sutton.

Sports

& Wellness

Senior Signing Day

Sports on Spring Break Varsity teams travel to California for competition

Athletes commit to playing sports at the collegiate level

by Shreya Vijay| Opinions Editor

Ten seniors have committed to play sports at the collegiate levels at the D1 and D3 levels.

Taylor Hua

Varsity captain and defender Taylor Hua has represented Hockaday for nine years. She has committed to play D3 lacrosse at Amherst College in Massachusetts.

She said that Hockaday lacrosse has taught her valuable skills in time management, and she learned a lot from her coaches.

“I could not speak more highly of the Hockaday coaching staff,” Hua said. “Coach Molly, Morgan and Posie are undoubtedly the best trio of coaches in Texas lacrosse and are the heart and soul of our team.”

Avery Jackson

Varsity captain Avery Jackson, a four-year varsity player, has also played for MadSand beach volleyball and MadFrog indoor volleyball for more than seven years. Jackson has committed to play beach volleyball at the D1 level for Stanford University.

“I find comfort in knowing the student-athlete community is full of athletes who value their academic passions as well as their respective sports careers,” Jackson said.

Jackson said that Varsity Volleyball Head Coach Andy Gass and Assistant Coach Allison Camp created an unforgettable team culture and her experience taught her how to maintain academic rigor even while playing sports.

“I’m thankful for my time with HVVB and am positive that Stanford Beach Volleyball will provide similar memories, endless laughs and lifelong friends,” Jackson said.

Zoe Stone

Zoe Stone has been rowing for Hockaday since the spring of her freshman year. She will be a D1 rower at Georgetown University next year.

“I knew Georgetown was the place for me after meeting the girls and seeing how much they love the sport and their team,” Stone said.

Stone also described how rowing has been an essential part of her Hockaday experience.

“I am so thankful for all the coaches — Coach Forteith, Chan, Esway and Bowman — for being a part of my growing up and for the way this team taught me how to be a better person,” Stone said.

Caroline Stevens

Caroline Stevens has been rowing for Hockaday since the spring of her sophomore year. She is committed to Georgetown University for D1 rowing.

“I chose Georgetown because of its exceptional community that spoke to both my ambitions as a student and dedication as an athlete,” Stevens said.

Stevens said rowing has been one of the best parts of her Hockaday experience, and she loved spending time with the team after school.

“I’m so happy I decided to try rowing when I moved to Dallas,” Stevens said. “It has given me some of the most amazing friends I could ever ask for.”

Maya Malik

Maya Malik has been a coxswain for Dallas United Crew since her freshman year. She is committed to the University of Washington for D1 rowing.

Malik said her club coaches have largely impacted her experience as a rower.

“I would not have made it through this process without them,” Malik said. “They have helped me in developing my confidence while keeping me humble and always hungry to improve.”

Abby Grace McGowan

Abby Grace McGowan has been rowing for three years and is also a captain. She is committed to the University of Virginia for D1 Rowing.

“For me, UVA was my number one school, and I knew the moment I went on my first visit that it was the place for me,” McGowan said.

McGowan emphasized how the Hockaday rowing team is a community she loves being a part of.

“The girls on the team are the most amazing group of people,” McGowan said. “Everyone has everyone’s back and we are all bonded over the hard work we do every day at practice.”

Evie Fox

Evie Fox has been rowing for Hockaday for two years. She has committed to Bates College for D3 rowing.

“When I went on my official visit to Bates, I almost immediately knew that it was the right place for me, as both the school and rowing communities were so welcoming and supportive,” Fox said.

Fox said rowing with Hockaday helped her become a better teammate. She was also grateful to the coaches for their support.

“From early mornings to extra practices, to boat maintenance, to your care for all of the athletes, thank you so much for making Hockaday Rowing such a special team,” Fox said.

Ashna Tambe

Varsity captain Ashna Tambe committed to the University of Pennsylvania to play D1 basketball. In addition to her six years with Hockaday basketball, she has 12 years of club experience.

“I really formed a connection with the coaches and girls on the team and immediately knew that this was where I wanted to spend the next four years,” Tambe said.

Jaden Thomas

Senior Varsity Soccer captain Jaden Thomas has been playing soccer for 14 years. She will attend Stanford University next year, where she will play D1 soccer.

Thomas tore her ACL during her sophomore year, and after a speedy recovery, she played for the US Youth National Team in Jan. 2023, where she scored her first international goal. She attributes her passion for soccer to her older sister, Trinity Thomas ’18, who played soccer at Harvard.

“I can’t talk about my soccer journey without thanking my older sister,” Thomas said. “She has always been my biggest inspiration and I accredit my success to her guidance and support.”

Alyssa Anderson

Senior Varsity Track and Field captain Alyssa Anderson has been running track and field since 5th grade. She is committed to Yale University, where she will run D1 track and field.

“I chose Yale because it is a school that provides me the opportunity to continue my sport while also pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering,” Anderson said.

Margaret Thompson

Senior Varsity Track and Field captain Margaret Thompson has been running since first grade. She will be running D1 track at Princeton University next year.

“I was drawn to the school as a whole and feel so blessed to have the opportunity to pursue the sports I love at a high level,” Thompson said.

Thompson is thankful to her coaches for their support and is excited for her future at Princeton.

“Thank you especially to Coach Bean for being my biggest supporter, motivator, and mentor since day one,” Thompson said. “I could not have gotten to where I am today without you.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHREYA VIJAY

Committed seniors pose in front of their respective college banners.

Stress sparks conversation Counselors and students answer questions about stress

by Emily McLeroy | Staff Writer

As the homework, tests and projects pile up and schedules get even busier with sports, clubs and more, one feeling is universal throughout the school: stress. Because stress is such a prominent part of our lives, learning how to manage it is very important.

Since 1992, April has been recognized as Stress Awareness Month in an effort to address the negative impact of stress.

Upper School Counselor Ellen Kaney-Francis comments on stress.

Q: What does stress mean to you?

A : I want to start by saying that stress has become such a dirty word because a lot of people think the goal is to get rid of stress entirely. Certainly, we want to check it once it’s passing the point of being helpful or motivating, but at a healthy, balanced level, stress can be positive.

Q: Why is it important to acknowledge stress?

A : We need to acknowledge distress, and call it out, so we can address it and get it back to a healthy level.

Q: How do high levels of stress affect people?

A : Physically, distress or chronic stress affects your sleep, causes fatigue, disrupts digestion, weakens your immune system and can trigger

headaches and other body aches. Mentally, stress can lead to fixation on events or thoughts and keep you trapped in a place of worry or fear. It can create a skewed perspective of yourself, your self-worth and what is important.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to say about stress you would like people to know?

A : The goal is not to see who’s the most stressed, who’s taking on the most, who got the least sleep. We talk about the comparison game a lot and everyone loses that game.

High levels of stress have lots of negative effects, but there are many ways to manage stress and get it to a normal level. Upper School Learning Specialist Jennifer Spradley shares some of her tips to deal with stress.

Q: What should you do if you’re overwhelmed with things to do and stressed?

: Think about what you can do today, tomorrow and the day after that. If you break it down, stress gets better.

Q: What are some other ways to help with stress?

A : If you feel incredibly stressed, it always helps you to get up and move around for a minute. Stretching and deep breathing can also go a long way to calming people down when they are stressed.

Q: Why is it important to acknowledge stress?

A : If you can simply say aloud or write down what is causing you stress, both of those can really help reduce your stress.

Senior Margaret Thompson also shared the ways she deals with stress, from spending time with friends to time management.

Q: How do you deal with stress?

A : My main thing is I try not to go at whatever is stressing me out alone, so whether that means reaching out to teachers, talking to my family, or asking my friends for help, I try to do that because if not it really amplifies the stress.

Q: How does time management help you with stress?

A : Time management is important, because as students we have a lot going on. Managing your time so you get to sleep on time lets you wake up without being tired, and then you can work well the next day without getting stressed about everything you have to do.

Q: Is there anything else you do when you’re stressed?

A : I sometimes do something fun, like hang out with friends or watch a movie to take my mind off whatever is stressing me out.

Through these tips, we can see the impacts of successful stress management. Stress does not have to be and should not be a bad thing. Conversations about stress are important to have because by being aware of excessive stress and its negative impacts and understanding how to manage it, it can become a positive presence in our lives.

Daisy Domination

Check out what our athletes are up to this spring

PHOTOS BY MARY BRADLEY SUTHERLAND

Sports

& Wellness

Sports on Spring Break

Varsity teams travel to California for competitons

by Mary Bradley Sutherland | Staff Writer

Over Spring Break, Varsity Lacrosse and Varsity Track and Field both spent the weekend travelling to California for out-of-state competitions. Here is a recap of the team’s trips and successes:

Varsity Lacrosse competes in San Francisco

Varsity Lacrosse visited San Francisco for three days of practices and games. The team began their trip by visiting Stanford University to watch the collegiate girls’ lacrosse team practice. The team got the opportunity to watch them in their stadium, and briefly talk to coaches and a player from Dallas.

“Watching the Stanford team practice was a great experience because we got to watch girls playing at such a high level,” sophomore Catalina Littrell said.

After the practice, the team played in three games over the weekend, ending with a 16-11 win against Carondelet High School and two overtime losses against Sacred Heart (12-13) and San Ramon Valley (13-14).

“This was the first time we have faced similarly high-level competition, and it definitely highlighted some room for improvement,” junior Alex Blue Baron said. “We were able to fill in gaps and adjust our playing very quickly which I am super proud of.”

This year was Blue Baron’s, the team’s goalie, third Spring Break trip to California.

“The past couple years our team has visited San Diego, so seeing the city of San Francisco was cool,” Blue Baron said. “This trip presented lots of opportunities for team bonding which I think has definitely improved our team cohesion on and off the field.”

Varsity Track and Field race at Redondo Nike Track Festival

Over Spring Break, Varsity Track and Field travelled to Redondo Beach for the Redondo Nike Track Festival, a two-day meet. There, 24 girls competed in 12 different events.

“The competition will be harder, and the weather will be hotter, but it’ll prepare them for college competition,” Head Coach Laboris Bean said, in anticipation for the trip. “We are having constant workouts and I’m having the girls look at posted times from other competing schools for motivation.”

Although the girls were ready for the competition, they were not prepared for the challenges that

came with travel.

“Our flight from Dallas to L.A. got delayed for five hours because of the weather, and we didn’t arrive at our hotel until 2 a.m.,” freshman Callie Coats said. “The meet started at 11 a.m. the next day.”

As a freshman, Coats was excited to travel with the team and participate in the meet. There, Coats competed in two different relays and the 300 meter hurdles.

“The competition was definitely more competitive because we were competing against big publics schools in California, but overall, I enjoyed getting to know my teammates and my team bonding over the trip,” Coats said.

The team saw many successes over the two days. Both senior captains, Margaret Thompson and Alyssa Anderson, came home with medals. Thompson received second place in the 3200m race, and third place in the mile. Anderson brought home first place in the long jump, after recently breaking the school record, jumping 18’10 feet, at Greenhill during their first meet of the season on Feb. 24.

Sophomore Lily Roberts recounted her successes from the meet, participating in three events where she received medals. She received a medal for her long jump of 15’11 feet, setting a new personal record.

“I ran the second leg in our 4x100, which we got a medal for running it in 49.86 seconds,” Roberts said. “It was so exciting, we also placed second in our heat for the sprint medley I raced in.”

Roberts enjoyed getting the opportunity to travel out of state with the team and challenge herself.

“This was by far the biggest meet I have ever been to, and the competition was really good,” Roberts said. “We were also one of two schools that were from out of state, so this was a big deal to us.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF REESE DONDERO

Lily Roberts‘26, Sena Asom ‘26, Reese Dondero ‘24, and Alyssa Anderson ‘24 show off their 4x100 relay team medals after their race.

The Varsity Lacrosse team poses for a photo on the Stanford field after watching a practice.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CATA LITTREL

Opinions

Letters from the editors

Letter from the Editors

23 21

Senior EICs say goodbye

Seniors say farewell in their final pieces for the Fourcast

Here we are. After three of the busiest but also most enjoyable years, this is the last thing I will ever write for Fourcast. To those who know me, it isn’t a shock that I am writing this at 1 a.m., weeks after it should have been turned in (section editors, please forgive me!).

I remember the very first Fourcast class I had. I was terrified of the seniors who sat on the other side of the absurdly long table and was blissfully unaware of what a cutout was or how much of a pain InDesign can be. Since then, I have come to love Fourcast, even when lugging a camera around for pretty much all of my junior year or sending yet another email begging for more Fourcast artists.

Caroline Bush

I can’t believe this is the last piece I will write for the Fourcast. I have written over 35 articles for Hockaday publications, and, after all this time, I still enjoy the process. As a sophomore, I was scared of the upperclassmen and might’ve regretted my decision after realizing how much work goes into turning 24 blank pages into a newspaper in just a few weeks. I grew into my role on the Fourcast, including getting my own column Sophomore year, earning the Features Section Editor role as a Junior, and finally being

It would be impossible for me to tell you everything I’ve learned and everyone I’ve met while on staff, but I will try my best to condense it into three main points.

1 – Collaboration is crucial. Every month, our staff transforms 24 blank pages into our latest issue, complete with dozens of carefully curated stories, illustrations, and photos - something that would truly not be possible without the work of all 30 of us.

2 – Everyone has a story. From interviewing Beyonce’s vocal coach to Varsity captains, I’ve walked away from every interview having learned something new and gotten a unique glimpse into someone’s life. I’ve found

Going into my first Intro to Journalism class freshman year, I knew that I wanted to join the Fourcast after looking at online issues published by past staff members. When my training was finally over and I got my first chance to sit at the sophomore end of the long table, I never could have imagined the amazing experiences, fulfilling accomplishments and lifelong bonds that resulted from my three years of working on the paper.

I’ve loved every component of being on Fourcast, from story discussions to

Editor-in-Chief as a Senior. From sitting at the far corner of the Fourcast table to now at the head of it, I can physically see the progress I have made.

The Fourcast has taught me many life lessons and shown me how much I can accomplish. One of the most important parts of the paper is collaboration. There is no way we could create a paper from scratch without the help of our other staffers. Another important part of the Fourcast is communication. If you sat in on any of our classes from the past three years, you would know how

This is it: the last story I will write for the Fourcast. The past three years have flown by, and I am so grateful for every moment I have spent in the publications room. Everyone always talks about the seating hierarchy at the huge table, but it’s true. From the corner at the end my sophomore year to the middle of it my junior year and to the head as a senior, I have been a part of many table discussions (often very unserious) that I wouldn’t trade for the world. My first year, although I was fresh out of Intro to Journalism and had some Middle School Banner Editor experience under my belt, was a whole new world. I quickly understood the impact journalism can have on the people and community. During my junior year as Arts & Life Editor, I continued to chase

that, many times, the best stories come from the people I least expect.

3 – Don’t forget to have fun. While I’ve certainly spent hundreds of class minutes editing drafts and writing stories, I’ve also had the most entertaining conversations and gotten to know some of my favorite people within the four walls of the publications room.

Fourcast: I can’t thank you enough for the last three years. I will miss every early morning story discussion and seemingly never-ending Saturday workday, but most of all, I will miss the incredibly smart, creative and talented girls who make this paper possible.

Yay

Fourcast!

Kailey

interviews, but I really discovered a true passion for journalism when I became Arts & Life Editor during my junior year and started designing pages. Becoming one of the Editors-in-Chief this year gave me a chance to take my skills to another level, helping other staff members with everything I had learned about writing, design and everything else involved in putting together a paper.

I can truly say that I would not be the person I am today if it wasn’t for Fourcast. I don’t think I could have

much we love to talk (and get off topic), but in the greater sense staying in touch with your collaborators and other staffers is crucial in an environment like the Fourcast.

The Fourcast is definitely not the last newspaper I will work on, but it is the last one that I will work on with such a great group of girls. I will truly miss the friends I have created in this class over the last three years, but I know I am leaving the paper in great hands.

YAY Fourcast, Harper Harris

that impact, creating Daisy STEM to showcase members of our community exploring new ideas. And now, as I turn the page on my role of Editor-in-Chief, I want to leave the future EICs and Fourcast-ers with two pieces of advice as they take on the May issue and more: Step outside of your comfort zone. While your first few interviews may seem intimidating, I promise you will walk away from them with so much more than a story. From my interviews, I’ve engaged with different areas of study, social problems and organizations that I otherwise wouldn’t have known about. Many of the interviews I hesitated to take on fueled interests that once seemed entirely foreign and daunting. Keep exploring and trying new things, even if they scare you.

Problems with Pageants

Beauty pageants pose issues

gotten through high school without daily debriefs across the table on the latest updates from the girls from other grades or without the Taylor Swift and Noah Kahan jam sessions we have had during work days and nights.

Thank you to every single Fourcast member I have worked with, to Mrs. Copeland and Ms. Rodgers for making the publications suite such a wonderful place to work.

Peace out, Caroline Bush

Invest in your communities. As a member of the Fourcast, I’ve been a part of a super silly, incredibly loud, endlessly supportive and beyond talented staff. But I have also witnessed and led our staff in covering issues that may seem controversial or uncommon to best represent the diverse perspectives of the Hockaday faculty and student body.

With that, my final piece for the Fourcast comes to a close. To my fellow Co-Editors-in-Chief and seniors: Congrats! We’ve come a long way from freshman year. Sophomores and juniors, don’t take a moment at that table for granted. Thank you for the laughs.

Yay Fourcast!!

Bennett Trubey

Harper Harris

Kailey Bergstedt

Bennett Trubey

Opinions

Living in the ‘Hockabubble’

by Aadya Kuruvalli | JADE Editor

As my last year at Hockaday comes to an end, I can confidently say that attending such a unique school during the most formative years of my life has shaped me in an unimaginable way. Hockaday has allowed me to expand my horizons in both personally and academically.

One skill that comes to mind when someone asks me what I’ve learned here is writing. As someone who came from a public school where writing skills weren’t emphasized, I can attest to the significant role Hockaday plays in improving its students’ writing skills. As a freshman, I was thrown headfirst into an English curriculum that caught me completely off guard. For almost a year, I struggled to understand skills that have been taught to students since Lower School.

However, once I caught up, I found that my analytical writing ability had become unimaginably better. A sentiment that I hear a lot from English teachers is that students have a much easier time writing analytically in college because of the work they did here, and I agree with that. In terms of “college prep,” I think Hockaday’s English department gives students the invaluable gift of learning how to write well.

have much experience in “the real world” yet, it’s because of Hockaday that I was able to have the courage (and the opportunity) to reach out and find internships last summer.

However, living in the “Hockabubble” does have a few drawbacks. For one, I think going from an allgirls environment into a co-ed environment in college will be a huge leap. From my own experiences, having co-ed classes is wildly different from having classes with only girls.

One of these differences is diversity of thought; a lot of the Hockaday student body leans to one side of the political spectrum, and oftentimes class discussions can become an echo chamber. Unlike Hockaday, college and public schools allow for more dialogue between people with different views—whether that be based on their gender, race, sexuality, nationality, etc.

Students prepare for summer vacation and get ready to end the year on a high note.

In general, Hockaday teaches us the importance of communication, whether that be written or oral. Before I came to Hockaday, I was not a very outspoken person, and while I wouldn’t ever call myself an extrovert, if someone had told me five years ago that I would’ve volunteered to speak onstage at an assembly or even offer to read out loud in class, I would have called them crazy.

The importance of the communication skills Hockaday gives us cannot be stressed enough. Although I don’t

This diversity, although somewhat present at Hockaday, will make college a completely different experience. Although college culture depends on what university you attend, student bodies are more diverse than a small school like Hockaday. For the first time in almost four years, I will not know everyone I’m going to school with by name; in fact, it’s entirely possible that I won’t know anyone in my classes.

A completely different classroom environment is something I’ll have to get used to as I prepare to leave Hockaday and venture into “the real world.” While it will be a big change at first, I have no doubt that the skills Hockaday has given me will help make the transition swift and painless.

Pretend “passion” projects We Love It, We Love It Not

by Melody Tian| JADE Editor

Scrolling through social media feeds, I can’t help but encounter an array of initiatives, ranging from environmental campaigns to tech startups, all led by teenagers aiming to make their mark on the world. These initiatives, which have seen a rise in recent years, are called “passion projects.”

Initially, these projects were launched from a genuine desire to contribute to society, but as college admissions become increasingly competitive, the intent of these projects is worth questioning: are these passion projects driven by a sincere desire to inflict change, or are they strategic maneuvers to embellish resumes?

For decades, students have been asked to showcase extracurricular activities that highlight leadership, commitment and a service-oriented mindset. However, the emergence of passion projects as a criterion for college admissions has taken this to a new level. It’s not just about participating in community service anymore; it’s about innovating, leading and making tangible impact. While this shift seems to encourage students to tackle real-world challenges creatively and proactively, it also leads to numerous problems. When students do projects with the intent of catching the eye of admissions officers, the authenticity of their passion comes into question. The social impact becomes a secondary consideration rather than the driving force of their efforts. This undermines the value of genuine community service

and pressures on students to perform philanthropy at a level that may be beyond their true interests.

Additionally, the emphasis on passion projects as a ticket to elite colleges exacerbates the existing inequalities within the education system.

Students from affluent backgrounds with access to resources, networks and guidance are more likely to initiate and sustain high-impact projects.

In contrast, students from less privileged circumstances may struggle to find time, resources and support to launch initiatives, despite having equally valuable ideas and motivations.

In the pursuit of academic recognition and a coveted spot in prestigious colleges, the essential ingredient of passion projects— the passion itself—seems to have been diluted, if not lost. The original purpose of these projects, to pursue something you’re passionate about, is being overshadowed by strategic motives aimed at impressing admissions committees.

As we move forward, it is crucial for students who decide to do such projects introspect and ensure that their motivations align with their true passions and interests. At the end of the day, colleges don’t want students who merely tick boxes or pad their resumes with insincere accomplishments. Instead, they want students who exhibit genuine curiosity, a sincere passion for their interests and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in their communities.

The end of the 2024 spring sports season includes SPC games, which celebrate athletic accomplishments.

As the year ends, it can be difficult to manage the variety of assessments crammed into short amounts of time.

April is the Seniors’ last full month of Upper School, and their memories here are ending.

GRAPHIC BY MELODY TIAN

GRAPHIC BY CARYS BRAUN

STAFF EDITORIAL

fEDITORS-IN-CHIEF

Kailey Bergstedt, Caroline Bush, Harper Harris & Bennett Trubey

JADE EDITORS

Aadya Kuruvalli & Melody Tian

WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS

Hanna Asmerom & Anjy Fadairo NEWS EDITOR

Amitha Nair

ARTS & LIFE EDITORS

Alexandra Dassopoulos & Alexa Muñoz FEATURES EDITOR

Danya Risam-Chandi SPORTS EDITOR

Elizabeth Truelove

OPINIONS EDITOR

Shreya Vijay

PHOTO, GRAPHICS & CASTOFF EDITOR

Elle Myers STAFF WRITERS

Larkin Clouston

Shifa Irfan

Cece Johnson

Anya Aggarwal

Caroline Ballotta

Jessica Boll

Lang Cooper

Melinda Hu

Audrey Liu

Sophia Lou

Emily McLeroy

Sarah Moskowitz

Leyah Philip

Anika Shah

Mary Bradley Sutherland

Aadhya Yanamadala FACULTY ADVISER

Kristy Rodgers

EDITORIAL POLICY

The Fourcast is written primarily for students of the Hockaday Upper School, its faculty and staff. The Fourcast has a press run of 400 and is printed by Midway Press. It is distributed free of charge to the Hockaday community. The staff reserves the right to refuse any advertising which is deemed inappropriate for the Hockaday community. Opinions will be clearly marked and/or will appear in the views section. Commentaries are the expressed opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect that of The Fourcast staff, its adviser or any other member of the Hockaday community. The Staff Stance on the views page reflects the position of The Fourcast staff, but not necessarily the position of the Hockaday administration or community. The Fourcast staff determines the content of each issue and strives to work as independently as possible in producing the student newspaper, but the content is subject to prior review by the head of Upper School, the communications director and other members of the Hockaday leadership team. Letters to the editor and guest columns are welcome and should be addressed to the editor-in-chief. Only signed pieces will be published. Corrections and clarifications from previous issues will be found as designated in the news section. Any questions or concerns should be addressed to Editors-in-Chief Kailey Bergstedt at kbergstedt24@hockaday.org, Caroline Bush at cbush24@hockaday.org, Harper Harris at hharris24@ hockaday.org or Bennett Trubey at btrubey24@hockaday. org.

The staff editorial is an unsigned piece representing a consensus of opinion among members of The Fourcast editorial board regarding a current issue.

Pageants’ painful pressures Beauty contests perpetuate western standards

The rise of social media has led to a society where everyone is trying to keep up with the next fad, whether it be makeup, skincare or even medical treatments. However, it has also encouraged conversations surrounding unattainable beauty standards and if we, as a public, should choose to endorse them.

Beauty pageants, as a result, are stuck between two combative public opinions. Are they still relevant or a relic of the past?

On one hand, there is a bigger market than ever to follow these contests through platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. For example, in February, the recently crowned Miss Japan Karolina Shiino sparked outrage on social media and in Japan after she relinquished her crown following allegations that she had an affair with a married man. Even before the affair became public knowledge, Shiino had been the focus of controversy due to her Ukrainian heritage. While she has lived in Japan since she was five years old, Japanese critics advocate for the Miss Japan contest to prioritize Japanese beauty standards, rather than European ones.

followers on Instagram.

The Miss Universe account itself has six million followers on Instagram. In the era of get-ready-with-me videos, the Miss Universe pageant has changed its format. Instead of the traditional

thin women. People of color have a significantly harder time going viral and maintaining online fame. People of different sizes face difficulty as they are oftentimes the targets of online trolls or feel guilt after losing weight because of their audience.

coverage of the runway and interviews, it also has contestants participate in shortform video content for Instagram reels and TikTok.

The 2023 Miss America winner Madison Marsh is a U.S. Air Force civilian pilot and has a degree in astrophysics, and is currently a graduate student at Harvard Kennedy School. The competition is judged not only on beauty, but also includes an interview and special talents, which Marsh used to highlight her professional success. While it might seem great that a woman won, in part, due to her professional success, it also brings to light the double standards women face. While a man is only expected to be successful, a woman needs to achieve a higher level of success, as well as have other talents, to be respected.

Until the social media landscape boasts diversity and inclusion, we have no basis to attack older institutions simply because they are old. Whether it’s a new viral video explaining how to “perfectly contour your nose” into a European shape (as most contouring tips usually are) or coverage of another competition which affirms modern beauty standards, we are still maintaining the same principle.

Hannah Neelman, a social media star known as Ballerina Farm online, won the Mrs. World pageant in 2023. She was a social media influencer with content that centered on her life in the Utah countryside prior to becoming a pageant candidate. By the end of the contest, she had a whopping nine million

Here’s the real question: why are we criticizing these contests which have existed for decades, when we have no issue with the obvious beauty standards perpetuated by social media influencers?

Influencers like Alix Earle, Meredith Duxbury and Brooke Ashley-Hall all follow the same basic “template.” They are white, traditionally beautiful,

In a way, beauty pageants are almost better, because at least they make decisions based on a combination of other factors such as courtesy, kindness and more modernly, workplace success. While beauty pageants may perpetuate the double standard, they also are not nearly as bad content on social media, which is made solely to profit off women’s insecurities.

GRAPHIC BY CECILIA CHEN

With logic as your guide, and patience as your friend, Piece by piece unravel, until the very end. And once you’ve cracked the code, and found what’s meant to be, Your triumph will be celebrated, for all the world to see. But one more task remains, a final step to take, Capture your victory, with a photo in your wake. Send it to our Instagram, to claim your rightful place, Amongst the puzzle-solving champions, in this thrilling race.

Down:

2: Their hive is on campus

4: Epic poem read by Form I

5: The musical this year

6: Teacher who teaches two languages

Across:

1: Where many seniors went for Spring Break

3: Scary new English seminar

7: How many fall sports

8: Name of new mascot

9: Where students go to study Marine Biology

Graduation Terrace Senior Commons Scholarship Courtesy Biggs Sage Cornerstones Athletics

By: Elle Myers

With help from Elizabeth Truelove