The Fourcast May 26, 2020

4F O U R C A S T

THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

11600 WELCH ROAD DALLAS, TX 75229

VOLUME 70

ISSUE 6

MAY 26, 2020

Spin For Your Fate

With the year coming to a close, the last few, busy weeks of the 2019-2020 school year have resembled the final stretch of the game of LIFE. Every tradition imaginable was moved around as Distance Learning pushed forward, with new, innovative ways to connect being improvised over Zoom.

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IN FOCUS: THE GAME OF HOCKADAY

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THE SCIENCE BEHIND BLUE LIGHT Doctor describes the effects of increased use of technology

FOLLOW US @HockadayFourcast

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photo illustration by Libby Hill

SHOW REVIEW

NETFLIX’S NEW CLICHÉS

If you’ve been on any type of social media lately, you’ve definitely seen hundreds of thousands of teenagers hyping the two biggest Netflix shows of quarantine: “All American” and “Outer Banks.” Known for their unrealistically attractive cast of actors and actresses who are in their mid-20s but play high schoolers, “All American” and “Outer Banks” have stolen the hearts of viewers and fans, but the actual plotlines and quality of acting fall short of the hype around the two shows.

“Outer Banks” vs. “All American” Show Review p. 09

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#REOPENING: DONOVAN SHARES HER VIEW ON GOVERNOR ABBOTT’S DECISION

COVID-19 is unprecedented in both the magnitude of the shock and type of shock it has produced. Public officials, businesses, medical communities and the working public have no experience in how to effectively handle the problem. Add to this an abundance of data and opinions without clear authoritative sourcing and the prescription for harsh discourse and divided politics. Any action taken or not taken, opening or closing the state will, therefore, be controversial. #REOPENING p. 23

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THE FOURCAST | MAY 26, 2020

NEWS

THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

4F O U R C A S T

DEPARMENT HEADS SHARE PLANS

SUMMER PROGRAM PUSHED BACK Due to COVID-19, the Hockaday administration decides to cancel the Summer at Hockaday program through July 3,

With the uncertainty of the future facing the Hockaday community, three department heads share their visions for the future.

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Campers who attended last year’s Summer at Hockaday Programs enjoy snow cones on Graduation Terrace. This year, parents will have to find other activities for their kids.

Summer at Hockaday pushed back

First phase of program to be canceled; second phase under consideration

by Kelsey Chen• Jade Editor

The Summer at Hockaday Programs from June 1 to July 3 have been canceled. On May 11, Summer at Hockaday began canceling registrations in their system and issuing refunds due to COVID-19.

For the classes scheduled from July 5 to July 24, Melissa Curtis, Director of Auxiliary Programs, said the staff is monitoring the effects of COVID-19 and will act according to the guidelines set forth by officials.

“My top priority is providing our families with timely and clear communications, continued contact throughout the coming months and meeting the needs of the families we serve,” Curtis said.

Curtis said a survey of the families currently enrolled in Summer at Hockaday 2020 returned an overwhelming response that parents

are not interested in virtual camps this summer. However, Curtis said the staff will consider virtual classes as additional camp options for future summers.

“We are saddened we will not see our campers and students for five weeks of our program this summer as it is truly the highlight of our summer each year,” Curtis said.

The cancellation of Summer at Hockaday also affected Upper School students who were planning on working as camp counselors. Last summer, junior Claire Tate worked as a bike camp counselor and helped out with the cooking camps and aftercare, where she took care of the children until their parents could pick them up.

“I was planning on working there this summer and was super excited about getting back to work,” Tate said. “I was excited to not only spend time with all

my co-workers again, but also to see all the awesome kids that I work with every week in such a fun environment.”

Junior Caitlin Katz also worked at Summer at Hockaday, as a counselor for Creative Arts and Sciences Camp.

“I’ve become really close with other counselors from different schools, and I was looking forward to being with them again,” Katz said. “We are just waiting to hear if we will have camp at all in July, and if not, I’m not quite sure what I will do.”

Having just found out about the news, Tate has been looking into different job opportunities that could occupy her summer.

“This includes things like babysitting or restaurant work but it really depends on what’s to come with the current situation,” Tate said.

Above: Camper participates in science experiment.

Below: Two attendees of Summer at Hockaday bake.

Department heads share plans

Amid uncertainty about future, department heads prepare for 2020-21 school year

by Kelsey Chen• Jade Editor

Marshal Bartlett Science Department Chair “In the sciences, one of our largest challenges has been to continue to try to deliver inquiry-oriented experiences for students, when we collectively do not have access to the equipment and supplies we rely on to deliver those experiences on campus. It has led to a lot of ‘outside the box’ thinking with kids doing experiments in their kitchens or back patios at home or building their own experimental apparatus. We anticipate that not all of our enrolled students will be able to join us on campus at the beginning of next year.

We are also trying to lay in contingency plans in case the campus is again shuttered for some period of time during the next school year–we don’t know this will happen but it is a real enough possibility

that we are trying to account for it in our planning. Essentially, we are trying to plan three different paths for each of our courses: in-person/on-campus, hybrid (part on-campus, part off), and full-distance learning. And we are trying to make sure that we can move nimbly and with little effort or loss of continuity from one path to another.”

Alejandra Suárez World Languages Department Chair “We’re going to plan different scenarios; we’re going to be more than ready for anything and everything. But we haven’t structured it yet. To start, we want to make sure that everybody feels safe and secure with where they are in their learning, so we are going to be working by departments, by levels.

We’re trying to align both horizontal and vertical alignment; scope and sequences really need to be in place to help the students succeed. My teachers have gone above and beyond during this time, and they’ve really encouraged every student to continue pursuing their passion for the languages. The challenge is the speaking part. Those languages that are spoken, if you don’t practice, it’s hard. The limitation of the time, it’s not enough to have one hour of classes.

There are a lot of platforms and tools that we will be keeping. Even with this, it’s been incredible. The resilience of our students, the way you guys work, the way you guys still come to Zoom, and smile and give us your best—it’s just fulfilling. We already include a lot of those in language because we use sites like Quia, Flipgrid, that we’ve already done that we will continue to polish and use.

Work never scares us, and we’re going to do it together. But we need flexibility from both sides, the students and the teachers, and just empathy and grace.”

Jeri Sutton Mathematics Department Chair “The entire math department will meet to ensure our courses are still vertically aligned, making certain there are no gaps of knowledge as students enter their next course.

There may be a need for some curriculum adjustments and we will make certain the transition from one course to the next remains smooth. Math usually has a summer transitional program for new students entering our Integrated Math III course. We will not be offering it this year because of the experiences many have had with the quarantine. Instead, the math department will determine the best method for new students to learn the concepts, either throughout next school year or next summer.”

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HOCKADAYFOURCAST.ORG

THE FOURCAST | MAY 26, 2020

NEWS

I would like to work on diversity and inclusion, student relations, communication with administration and better WinFo/mixer experiences.”

EFFECTS OF SCREEN TIME

Learn about an optometrist’s opinion on the accelerated amount of screen time on the eyes and body, and the effects of blue light.

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Q &A with the 2020-21 STUCO president, p.3

Effects of screen time Since distance learning has begun, sophomore Mina Raj said, practically her entire life has moved onto her computer and phone screens.

“The extra time I am spending behind screens on Zoom meetings and Facetimes is definitely hurting my eyes and impacting my health,” Raj said.

Math teacher Karen Sanchez addressed similar concerns about increased screen time.

“I am spending at least four to five more hours staring at my computer than I do during a normal day,” Sanchez said. “I believe it is impacting my well being.”

With the rise of stay-at-home orders, schools around the country have replaced face-to-face connections in the classroom with online learning methods. These virtual formats allow education to continue despite setbacks, but the increase in daily screen time leads to questions about the health effects of blue light technology.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, getting enough light is important because of vitamin D’s role in bone health. Sunlight increases the body’s intestinal absorption of calcium, but not all forms of light are beneficial for our bodies.

A report from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center mentions blue light, a form of light that can be harmful to people’s health.

“Blue light is the closest to invisible, ultraviolet light on the color spectrum, which is known to be very dangerous,” the report said.

Kansas optometrist Michael A. Hattan said the blue light rays that come from technological devices cause specific health problems.

photo provided by Mina Raj

by Lea Whitley• Staff Writer

photo provided by Karen Sanchez

Doctor considers how increased use of devices affects students using online learning

Raj and Sanchez both rely on computers to complete their daily tasks: homework, grading and recording and listening to lessons.

“The main problem caused by body’s circadian rhythm.” blue light from Circadian our cell phones rhythm, as or computers is described by its interference Mental Health with our body’s America, is “a production of a cellular process hormone called that synchronizes melatonin,” certain behavioral Hattan said. and biological “Melatonin helps processes.” with normal Processes sleep patterns, including sleep Dr. Michael A. Hattan so the decreased patterns can be production of easily disrupted, Optometrist melatonin will and light is one interrupt the of the strongest

“The main problem caused by blue light from our cell phones or computers is its interference with our body’s production of a hormone called melatonin.”

influences on circadian rhythm.

“Exposing the body to blue light from electronics during nighttime hours can disrupt circadian rhythm, commonly leading to a lower quantity and quality of sleep,” Hattan said.

He recommends eliminating time behind a screen one to two hours before going to bed, but said this is difficult today when everything revolves around the use of computers.

The Prevent Blindness Organization said another common effect of longterm computer and phone use is eye strain. Eye strain can occur from increased cell phone and computer use because of the focus a person must keep on the screen over long periods of time.

Q&A with 2020-21 STUCO President Junior Barbara Lou takes over as head of student council

by Lacy Green• Sports Editor

What has been your experience and background in Student Council?

I have been on student council since freshman year and have been the Parliamentarian, Secretary, and Parliamentarian and Financial Officer.

What inspired you to run for STUCO President?

I was inspired by the presidents before me who all left a lasting impact on student lives even after they left. In addition, I am constantly inspired by my class to give back to the community and create change.

What are your plans for the next school year?

I am hoping to work with student relations and bridge some gaps between grades, boarding and day, etc. I am also looking forward to lead a year where concerns and interests of all groups are being discussed and represented during meetings.

What changes would you like to see made next year?

I would like to work on diversity and inclusion, student relations, communication with administration, and better WinFo/mixer experiences.

In light of the pandemic, what are things you would do differently to keep the upper school students connected if we were ever faced with

more distancing requirements like this?

If social distancing continues to be a requirement, our students will not be able to gather and connect in person. However, I think maybe classes could be done in a way that mimics the classroom experience more with table groups and discussions. In addition, student groups, clubs or just friends can all create activities for the school or their grade to participate in. Unfortunately, none of us can really recreate the social interactions we had before the pandemic, and virtual connecting will never be the same as in person.

What lasting mark do you hope to leave on the Upper School when your time as president is up?

An even more wholesome community.

Is there anything you would like to say to the Upper School students during these difficult times?

Student Council 2020-2021 is more than ready to lead a great year once this is over, and we all love and support you. Please take the time to express your gratitude and be considerate of how this pandemic may have affected others in ways you don’t know about.

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MAY 26, 2020 | THE FOURCAST

A

THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

4FO U R C A S T INSTA(NT) INSPIRATION Three Hockaday students share their different masterpieces from their Instagram accounts.

RTS&LIFE

QUARANTINE FITNESS Campbell Harris reviews Chloe Ting's wildly popular workouts for at-home exercise.

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photos provided by Abi Poe

Members of the Upper School choir sing Sara Bareilles' "Kaleidoscope Heart" by sending in videos of themselves for Upper School Choir Director Abi Poe to edit together.

Choir concert continues Upper School choir shares performance virtually

by Hanna Zhang • Arts & Life Editor

T

he Hockaday choir has adapted to change all year long, from having their director go into labor the day of their winter concert, to having to adjust the format of their spring concert due to COVID-19.

Despite these challenges, for their spring concert, the choir girls have put together individual recordings that will be combined to create the sound of a full choir. The concert will be posted on the school website for the Hockaday community to enjoy.

The choir members had been practicing the three featured songs in the concert, "O Love" by Elaine Hagenberg, "Kaleidoscope Heart" by Sara Bareilles and "Take Me Home"

by Pentatonix, before the quarantine.

To brush up on them, the girls participated in Zoom rehearsals for each song. In these sectionals, all the girls were muted while Upper School Choir Director Abi Poe played the accompanying part, and the girls sang on their own end of the camera.

“Obviously I can't hear them and they can't hear each other, but they can all hear me and sing along, and if they have any discrepancies with what they're singing compared to what I'm singing, they raise their hands and we go back over those sections,” Poe said.

“I host more Zoom sectionals if they have things they want to go over.”

The girls will then record themselves and send in the videos to Poe, who will edit them together.

To sync the videos, Poe sent a video, prior to the recordings, of her conducting or an audio track of her singing. Then, at the beginning of their recordings, the girls counted down with her.

This was to ensure everyone was singing at the same tempo and coordinating the breaks in the music as if they were all singing in the same room.

"It challenges the girls to present the story of what they're singing with their faces because they are so up close and personal," Poe said. "From a creative vantage, it allowed us to play with how we presented and we were able to put some cool film effects into the video that really enhanced their singing."

Through the process of recording the spring concert, the girls had to practice singing on their own instead of in a group with their specific voice groups. Sophomore Cristiana Miele

said although she could take as many tries as she wanted, the task was difficult because she couldn't hear the people around her.

"You can't align yourself with other people in the choir; normally we'd listen to the people around us and use that as a base for how loud and soft we had to be, or how fast you should be going," she said.

Senior Kirsten Kirk also addressed the struggles of participating in choir class virtually.

“Singing the exact consonants at the same time and ending at the same time and blending well enough knowing when you should be louder, softer, or whatever, is so important to singing together,” Kirk said. “Although I think we’re all adjusting pretty well, it’s really hard knowing we worked so hard to learn over 10 songs, and we learned them pretty well, and it feels a little like it was for nothing.”

“I'm very proud of them as they've really risen to the challenge and made it a really special presentation."

Abi Poe Upper School Choir Director

Focusing on the positives of practicing virtually, Poe said it has forced the girls to be independent.

"From a pedagogical side of things, it really forces the girls to be completely independent on their own part," Poe said. "Our goal is to get each person independent enough on their part that if everyone else in their section was gone they'd still feel comfortable singing it, which is a hard thing to do. It really gives them a challenge to rise to a level of professionalism and musicianship."

Since each singer has to know her part on an individual basis, Kirk noted it may be beneficial for each girl’s confidence.

“I think some people that might sing quieter in choir because they're unsure about themselves might build up their confidence because no one else can hear them, so they might start singing louder and being more confident in themselves with the notes," Kirk said.

The concert videos will also feature piano accompanist Mona Rejino and freshman Liya Chen, a cellist in the Upper School Orchestra.

"It is cool to see them all up on the screen at the end of it, and even though they are all singing alone in their rooms when they're recording it, it really feels like they're all together in these videos," Poe said. “I'm very proud of them as they've really risen to the challenge and made it a really special presentation.”

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HOCKADAYFOURCAST.ORG

THE FOURCAST | MAY 26, 2020

ARTS & LIFE

NETFLIX'S CORNY CLICHÉS Web Editor Erin Parolisi compares the popular Netflix teen dramas "Outer Banks" and "All American."

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The characters in “All American” and “Outer Banks” have stolen the hearts of viewers and fans, but the actual plotlines and quality of acting fall short."

NETFLIX'S CORNY CLICHÉS p.7

Finding new ways to share art Students begin using Instagram to reveal their masterpieces

by Sasha Schwimmer• News Editor

Amber Li @entitae

Maddie Fisher @maddiefisherart

Jade Nguyen @artbyjade

Fisher creates her pieces using acrylic paint and/or colored pencils.

Freshman Amber Li started her art account @entitae in 2018 to share her love for art and to integrate herself into the art community.

Junior Jade Nguyen created her art Instagram account, @artbyjade, last year to showcase her multitude of art forms, such as photographs and paintings. Her passion for art stems from the peace and tranquility that art gives her.

Fisher's favorite post is a portrait of rapper Rakim Athelaston Mayers, known professionally as ASAP Rocky, which took her about 15 hours to finish.

“I remember choosing my username based on the word ‘entity,’ as I believed the works I’ve created each have their own life and story,” Li said.

Li creates traditional art pieces with mediums such as oil, paint and watercolor, and also enjoys creating colorful pieces with Prismacolor pencils and markers.

PANDEMIC PETS

Junior Maddie Fisher created her art account, @maddiefisherart, at the beginning of April. Fisher started the account to enter an art contest for the brand Hard Jewelry on Instagram. As Fisher’s passion for art grew, her Instagram account became the easiest way for her to share her artwork with the public.

“It’s a way for me to share what I’m passionate about with my friends and family and hopefully inspire them to try something new,” Fisher said.

“I wanted to dedicate a painting to Italy and everyone who was going through the coronavirus pandemic,” Nguyen said.

“It was so relaxing and amazing to delve deep into passions that I have neglected for so long.”

“I love art because it is such a great way for me to slow down and appreciate beauty,” Nguyen said. “Time stops for me while doing art, and it is such a good break from my busy lifestyle with school and everything else.”

Nguyen’s favorite post is a painting of a small town in Venezia, Italy that she completed throughout quarantine. She spent more than six hours a day for a week on this work of art.

Although stay-at-home orders have forced Hockadaisies to stay away from their friends and inside, that has not stopped many from welcoming a new member into their family. Sophomores Landry Grover, Victoria Gonzalez, and Carlota Fedorko, as well as senior Mary Gum, all have adopted new animals during this time.

photo provided by Carlota Fedorko

photo provided by Landry Grover

photo provided by Victoria Gonzalez

photo provided by Mary Gum

by Elisa Carroll •Staff Writer

Landry Grover

Victoria Gonzalez

Mary Gum

Carlota Fedorko

The first week of April, sophomore Landry Grover decided to get ducks. She had seen a picture of one of her friends at Tractor Supply Co. posing with several baby ducks. Grover thought the ducks were really cute and figured she had a lot of extra time on her hands to take care of them while in quarantine. She ended up getting two ducklings—a gray one she named Dumpling and a black one she named Mr. Chow. Grover said at first it was a struggle to change the bedding in their cage, but now they are very easy to take care of. They live outside and swim in her pool all day.

Sophomore Victoria Gonzalez decided to foster two kittens around mid-April. One of her friends had found three seven-week-old kittens who were abandoned and decided to try to find homes for them. Gonzalez convinced her mom to let them foster two of the kittens because they were too young to be alone outside. The two kittens, one orange and one black, are nameless.

Gonzalez said the hardest thing about taking care of them is that they are tiny, so she has to be careful about where they climb. Sometimes they climb up places they cannot get down. Gonzalez said she is happy she is able to give them a safe environment to grow up in.

During the last week of April, senior Mary Gum and her family adopted a puppy after initially fostering the dog. Gum’s mom had seen posts on Facebook about White Rock Dog Rescue needing people to foster dogs, and the Gum family decided to help out. After a week of having the threemonth-old Weimaraner-Lab mix named Moose, they decided to adopt him themselves. Moose loves to chew on anything he can get a hold of, like furniture and shoes, but also loves to cuddle when he sleeps. He does not like to leave their home, and when Gum and her family try to take him for walks, they have to carry him a few blocks away and then let him run home.

Sophomore Carlota Fedorko and her family decided to get chickens in midApril. They got five two-week-old buff Orpington chicks. Fedorko’s mom was worried about going to the grocery store because of COVID-19, so it was her idea to get chickens for their source of eggs.

Fedorko said the chickens live in a coop in her backyard with plenty of space to run around while staying safe from wild animals. Although it is difficult to clean up after them, Fedorko said caring for them is a good responsibility, given her extra time while sheltering in place. She loves how they huddle together when they sleep and their cute chirping noises.

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MAY 26, 2020 | THE FOURCAST

THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

4FO U R C A S T

Tried & True

Reviews of podcasts, workout videos and Netflix series

'The Daily' dose

Podcast sheds light on personal coronavirus stories

by Katherine Grace Estess • Staff Writer

The news never stops. Today in the media, we seem to be spinning through a revolving door of the same statistics and the same warnings.

We have heard the same spiel about washing our hands since February.

In my house at least, the TVs have all been turned off, because there doesn’t seem to be much of a point in listening to the news anymore. Nothing seems to be changing; no new information seems to be shared.

However, alternative sources can offer refreshing perspectives on the pandemic situation. One of these alternatives is listening to a podcast, specifically the New York Times’ “The Daily.” This podcast series offers insight on different aspects of coronavirus and its effects.

Hosted by Michael Barbaro, “The Daily” page consists of podcast episodes, each about 20-30 minutes long, touching on specific topics influenced by the

coronavirus. These include stories of Sudanese immigrants escaping their war-torn home and coming to America during a time of crisis, or an interview with a Rhode Island native who has lived for the past three decades in near total isolation.

While the podcasts can focus on sobering events, the writers cleverly pose stories in informational ways meant to inspire listeners to be empowered by those overcoming immense struggles or to help those in their communities and beyond who are in need. For example, the episode published on April 15 followed the personal experience of one

nurse working on “the front lines” in Brooklyn Hospital. Specific and personal stories such as these open listeners’ eyes to the incredible work healthcare heroes are doing.

Episodes of “The Daily” are a stimulating way to absorb the news these days. These features let you focus on current events while broadening your world-view and even making listeners feel less alone. The New York Times staff does a wonderful job of intelligently and eloquently communicating important stories with a colorful variety of perspectives. On each episode’s page, you can find links to background readings, as well as photos the journalists working on each story have gathered, to support your listening.

Instead of only being exposed to the small fragment of information most broadcast networks produce today, listeners can develop a well-rounded

photo provided by The New York Times

view on how this global crisis indeed has rippling effects worldwide, not just at home. Hearing about problems caused by the coronavirus on all different socioeconomic, cultural and national levels is a crucial eye-opening experience.

I would give “The Daily” series a confident 5 stars out of 5, seeing as it has been my favorite way to follow the news during quarantine. I recommend listening, even if not to every episode.

Just by scrolling through the series page, linked below, you are likely to find an episode that piques your interest. The New York Times always has been a publication I rely on, and I continue to be impressed with this informed and enthralling series.

OTHER PODCASTS TO ENJOY

Office Ladies

FlashBack

Brain Stuff

The Record

Harry Potter at Home

Viral workout videos

Some-Ting to stay in shape with during quarantine

by Campbell Harris • Staff Writer

D ur i ng quaranti ne, when I am not watch i ng Netf l i x or scrol l i ng th roug h Ti kTok, I l i ke to do Ch loe Ti n g’s free and ea sy workout prog ram s. Ti ng is a f itnes s i n f luencer and YouTuber who is best k nown for her ea syto-fol low workout routi nes and healthy recipe idea s.

Sitting on a yoga mat in my workout room, I scrolled through Ting’s website looking for a workout program. After looking at the array of options, I finally decided on the “2 Week Shred Challenge.”

W hen I clicked on the workout, a timeline appeared on the screen, presenting me with workout videos to do on each day of the week.

The layout was appealing and organ ized and helped motivate me th rough the whole program.

Day one of the program only had two videos which were about

20 minutes in total, but as the days went on, the number of videos and time increased. Some days had three to four videos, which made the workout about 45 to 55 minutes.

However, there were active rest days

on day five and day nine, which allowed me to have a break.

The videos were upbeat, equipped with energetic music and a motivational Chloe Ting leading the workout. However, I did not like the way the circuits were designed.

For most of the videos, there were three sets with 30 seconds on and five to 10 seconds off for each exercise. Personally, I need a longer time to breathe in between workouts.

Although this method of working out was difficult for me, it ended up being very effective for my body and health, and I noticed a big difference at the end of every video.

In addition, despite the productivity of Ting’s workouts and the results I star ted noticing in only three days, I think including my own extra cardio or adding weights to Ting’s exercises would have sped up my progress.

Under each program calendar, Ting includes a “Meals” video, highlighting recipes and what she eats in a day. These videos were a great source of inspiration, and to keep and see my results, I created my own meals based on her tips.

W hen choosing a workout program to star t, make sure you choose one that is right for you and targets the area you want to improve. For the “2 Week Shred Program,” I noticed that my abs

photo provided by choleting.com

were the only things getting toned while the rest of my body remained the same. However, some programs target the whole body, like the “2018 8 Week Shred,” or the “Summer Shred Challenge.”

If you are thinking about star ting Chloe Ting’s workouts, you will most likely see fast results, but if not, do not give up. Have fun with it, and do not worr y, because it will get easier. I loved doing Chloe Ting’s workouts, and I will def initely star t the “4 Week Summer Shred Challenge” next.

HOCKADAYFOURCAST.ORG

THE FOURCAST MAY 26, 2020

ARTS&LIFE

Netflix's corny clichés

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photos by Netflix

New Netflix TV shows are all the rage during COVID-19

by Erin Parolisi •Web Editor

If you’ve been on any ty pe of social media lately, you’ve def in itely seen hundreds of thousands of teenagers hy ping the two biggest Netf li x shows of quarantine: “A ll A mer ican” and “Outer Ban ks.” K nown for their un realistically attractive cast of actors and actresses who are in their m id-20s but play h igh schoolers, “A ll A mer ican” and “Outer Ban ks” have stolen the hear ts of viewers and fans, but the actual plotlines and quality of acting fall shor t of the hy pe around the two shows.

“A l l A m e r i c a n” w a s t h e f i r s t o f t h e t wo s h ow s t o c a p t u r e t h e l ove o f t e e n a g e r s a r o u n d t h e wo r l d a n d b l ow u p o n s o c i a l m e d i a . B a s e d o n a t r u e s t o r y, t h e s h ow fo l l ow s S p e n c e r Ja m e s ( D a n i el E r z a), a h i g h s ch o o l fo o t b a l l s t a r f r o m a p o o r neig hborhood i n L . A . cal led S o u t h C r e n s h a w, a s h e t r a n s fe r s t o B e ve r l y H i l l s H i g h t o p l ay fo o t b a l l a n d i s i n t r o d u c e d t o i t s l a v i s h l i fe s t y l e.

FROM THE HOCKADAY

COOKBOOK

provided by pinterest

The basic plot of “A ll A mer ican” could have been successful as it m ir rors sim ilar teen dramas such as “Fr iday Night Lights,” “Beverly Hills, 90210” and the f irst season of “One Tree Hill,” but adds prom ising components such as awareness of racial discr im ination and class dif ferences. However, the show ultimately does not measure up because of its repetitive scenar ios and dr y acting.

E a ch e p i s o d e p r ov i d e s a n e w o c c a s i o n fo r S p e n c e r t o i n t e r ve n e i n h i s f r i e n d s ’ a n d f a m i l y ’s l i ve s a n d “m a g i c a l l y ” f i x al l of thei r problem s si ng leh a n d e d l y. Fo r i n s t a n c e, i n a my r iad of episodes Spencer recounts h is same monolog ue a b o u t w a n t i n g t o f i x e ve r yo n e’s p r o b l e m s by s ay i n g , “ W h a t about my mom, what about m y l i t t l e b r o t h e r, w h a t a b o u t Cren shaw?”

Additionally, it seems as though several of the actors and actresses weren’t actually h ired based on

their ability to act. For instance, Bre-Z who plays Coop, Spencer’s best fr iend from South Crenshaw, is supposed to be a gang member,

but the on ly notable element of her per for mance is her coined mopey face and overly auto-tuned songs.

A s the teen a ge excitement a rou nd “A l l A mer ica n” d ied dow n, Netf l i x relea s ed a new or i g i n a l s er ie s ca l led “O uter Ba n k s,” wh ich i s a nother teend r a m a-meet s-my s ter y s er ie s s et i n the O uter Ba n k s of Nor th C a rol i n a. A hy br id of “Romeo a nd Ju l iet,” “Hawa i i Five- 0” a nd “Dawson’s Creek,” the show fol lows the lower- cla s s “Pog ue s” a nd thei r leader Joh n B. (Ch a s e Stoke s) a s they tr y to solve a tow n my s ter y th at’s s eem i n g ly con nected to the d i s app ea r a nce of Joh n’s father.

The cast pulls of f their characters’ identities quite well, but it takes f ive out of a 10 -episode ser ies to introduce the characters, setting and plot. Due to th is lengthy introduction, the show does not tr uly become interesting until the last four episodes.

But just when the plot becomes intr iguing, the acting falls shor t of expectations. The cast overacts the f inal con f lict so much that what is supposed to be the h igh light of the ser ies tur ns into a cor ny ending.

D e s pit e t he fa c t t h at t he m aj or it y of t he t wo s er ie s’ pr e d e c e s s or s a r e a r g u a bly b et t er, b ot h s er ie s do f u l f i l l t hei r t it le s a s t e en d r a m a s . O ver a l l, a lt hou g h “A l l A mer ic a n” br i n g s mor e awa r ene s s t o r e a l-world pr o blem s a nd h a s mor e he a r t t o it, “O ut er B a n k s” of fer s a mor e i nt er e s t i n g plot l i ne a nd ke ep s a v iewer ho oke d , d e s pit e it s o c c a s ion a l che e s y a c t i n g. For t h at r e a s on , i f I wer e t o cho o s e a s er ie s t o wat ch over q u a r a nt i ne, it wou ld b e “O ut er B a n k s .”

HOCKADAY'S FAMOUS CHESS PIE Ingredients:

Directions:

1 ½ cup sugar 1 ½ tbsps cornmeal ½ cup of butter, melted 3 whole eggs 1 tsp white vinegar 1 tsp vanilla ¼ cup milk

1. Mix sugar and cornmeal.

2. Add melted butter, mixing thoroughly.

3. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition.

4. Add liquids. Mix well.

5. Pour 2 ½ cups of filling into each unbaked shell.

6. Bake at 350 for approximatley 45 minutes.

8

MAY 26, 2020 | THE FOURCAST

THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

FO U R C A S T

The Game of HOCKADAY

by Maddie Stout •Arts & Life Editor and Libby Hill • Photos and Graphics Editor

W

ith the year coming to a close, the last few, busy weeks of the 20192020 school year have resembled the final stretch of the game of LIFE. Every tradition imaginable was moved around as Distance Learning pushed forward, with new, innovative ways to connect being improvised over Zoom. Form IV students have drawn their cards and headed down the path toward college, although unable to end their second semester together.

Despite the numerous setbacks the past few months have brought, Hockadaisies are quickly moving their game pieces toward the final square!

START

Monday, May 4

Upper School Grade update

Upper School Students receive an update from their teachers about what their current standings and grades are for second semester.

STOP! 3rd quarter grades are out!

Thursday, May 14 “Even though the end Founders Day of the year didn’t look Wednesday, May 13 The Founders Day award, given photo provided by The Hockaday School Senior Awards and Cum Laude in honor of Miss Ela Hockaday, is like it usually does, I felt On May 13, the Upper School held presented to the seniors who exemplify like our teachers did a a webinar to announce the winners the highest ideals of the school. On of the Senior Awards and the newly really good job keeping us May 14, the Upper School met via Zoom to hear the announcement of this inducted members of the Cum engaged and, in AP Laude society. Twenty-four Form year’s winners: Maddie Hum, Karen Tuesday, May 12 IV students were chosen to be a part classes, preparing us for the Lin, Shalini Kishore and Gina Miele.

Sudie Duncan Awards of the society, the highest academic The Upper School gathered via Zoom newly formatted exams,” achievement at the school. to honor the students given the Sudie junior Annie Herring said.

Duncan Citizenship Award. The award is presented to students who, in the opinion Friday, May 15 “I missed getting to race in of both faculty and their peers, “most Athletics Banquet the spring and spend a lot clearly embody during the current school The annual Athletics Banquet, year the qualities of loyalty to Hockaday of time with my teammates, which honors all varsity and junior and the ideals for which it stands.” varsity athletes from the past year, but the small sacrifice of was held on May 15 via Zoom. staying home is absolutely Lisa Culbertson, Head of Upper worth it to save lives.” photo provided by The Hockaday School Friday, May 15

Form IV Dress Pickup

On Friday, May 15, seniors had a chance to return to campus to pick up any items they needed from their lockers or bring items back to campus, as well as to receive their graduation dresses.

Saturday, May 16

Class of 2020 Celebration!

On May 16, the initial date for Commencement, the Class of 2020 gathered for a nontraditional celebration of the grade’s inspiring achievements.

School, reflected on the change.

“Logistics aside, it was emotiona We all know how special the even I so badly wanted the Class of 20 to have their May 16th as planne Even though that couldn’t happe they still had a parking lot drivethrough event where every senior was honored with a sign bearing their picture.

CELEBRATE! Saturday, August 1

Class of 2020 is off to college!

photo provided by The Hockaday School

Class of 2020 Graduation

On Aug. 1, the class of 2020 will reunite for their postponed graduation ceremony. Hockaday alumna and screenwriter Kristen Tucker ’99 will give the commencement speech.

HOCKADAYFOURCAST.ORG

THE FOURCAST | MAY 26, 2020

INFOCUS

9

Daisies race to finish school Friday, May 8 Thursday, May 7

Last Day of Classes for Seniors!

Congratulations!

The 121 members of the Class of 2020 celebrated their last high school class on Thursday, May 7. They had a final class over Zoom, sharing their favorite memories.

Form IV Splash Day and Return to your Roots Seniors were surprised with mini splash day kits to celebrate splash day at home. Seniors who attended Lower School at Hockaday also had their Return to your Roots celebration via Zoom complete with posters and Senior Kathleen Roberts is Lower Schoolers in attendance. helping plan the Class of 2020’s Splash Day in the summer. “The event is rescheduled for the week of prom and graduation. Merritt McCaleb and I are in charge of it and it will be combined with Daisy Day. Everyone will still wear skirts, and it’s going to be really fun!”

On May 11, teachers released comments (separate from any grade reporting) to conclude the year to Upper School students.

Saturday, May 9

Third Annual Latin and Hispanic Heritage Reception (2-3 p.m.)

The Senior Heritage Receptions at Hockaday celebrate seniors’ self-identified rich cultural legacies and accomplishments. The beloved celebrations are usually attended by families and their guests of all ages.

photo provided by The Hockaday School

Monday, May 11

Narrative Feedback from Teachers

“The biggest change for me in second semester was not being able to see my friends for the last part of high school, which is really hard,” senior Ellie Estes said.

But, we figured out how to connect before we all go off to college through FaceTime, socially distanced picnics, and lots of walking!”

Saturday, May 9 May 11-May 22 AP Exams

This year, the College Board has moved all AP Tests online. The different tests are spaced out over two weeks, and each test is taken at the same time even for students in time zones other than Central Standard Time, where Hockaday and Dallas are. The tests are spaced out from Monday, May 11 - Friday, May 15 and Monday, May 18 - Friday, May 22.

Sunday, May 10

Fifteenth Annual Black and African Heritage Reception (3-4 p.m.)

Second Annual Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Reception (8-9:30 p.m.)

r

al. nt is.

020 ed.” en, r

Tuesday, May 19

Monday, May 18 Virtual Ring Day

photo provided by Evan Johnston

The class of 2021 gathered via Zoom for a Virtual Ring Day ceremony with remarks from Culbertson, Menaka Naidu (Student Council President), Karen Lin (Class of 2020 Form IV President), and the upcoming Class of 2021 Form IV President. The annual Ring Day ceremony marks the transition into a Hockadaisy’s final year of Upper School.

Junior Shea McKenzie said she appreciated the altered Ring Day ceremony. “For me, I was really sad when our ring day ceremony was pushed back to the fall but the way Hockaday celebrated us and our accomplishments as a class made the whole day extra special! I will never forget it!”

Underclassmen Awards and Final Ceremony

On May 19, Forms I-III gathered for the final time for the 20192020 school year via Zoom for the presentation of awards to underclassmen and a final send-off before summer.

All US Pickup + Cleanout (1-4 p.m.)

The Upper School will be open for anybody who was unable to come the day before.

Pass for summer to begin!

Thursday, May 28

Form I and Form II Locker Cleanout (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)

Friday, May 29

Seniors: pass here to receive diploma!

photo provided by Ines Guevera

Thursday, May 28

Form III Pickup / Locker Cleanout (1-4 p.m.)

On May 28 and 29, a few time slots were alloted for Forms I-III to return to campus to get any miscellaneous items from their lockers or bring back any necessary items after Distance Learning ends for summer break.

10

MAY 26, 2020 | THE FOURCAST

THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

4F O U R C A S T

F

FACES AND PLACES Upper School students recreate the Hocakday campus in Minecraft during quarantine.

EATURES

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF MONA REJINO Follow a private music lesson teacher through her daily routine.

p.11

p.12

Upper school teachers’ final words With social distancing in effect, teachers share virtual goodbyes to students

Caroline Harris, US History Years at Hockaday: 1 Next Step: California Though Upper School history teacher Dr. Caroline Harris joined the Hockaday community only last year, next year she will be returning to California where most of her family lives. She will teach both at a Bay Area independent school and at a rural public university as a part-time professor while her husband studies play therapy at graduate school. “It’s bittersweet to leave such a lovely community and miss out on the opportunity to dig deeper with all of you,” Harris said. “At the same time, I am excited for this unexpected move to Napa, California.”

Listen to Harris’s favorite Hockaday memory with this QR code:

Kirsten Lindsay, US Science Years at Hockaday: 16 Next Step: Ursuline Academy After 16 years teaching in the science department at Hockaday, Kirsten Lindsay plans to teach Physics and Engineering Design and Innovations at Ursuline Academy, seeking a new adventure in the Dallas community.

“I am looking forward to meeting new friends, teaching new (some old) courses and inspiring new students,” Lindsay said.

Listen to Lindsay’s favorite Hockaday memory with this QR code:

photo by Peggy Olson

photo by Joni Palmer

file photo

photo by Kirsten Lindsay

by Laine Betanzos • Copy Editor

Joni Palmer, Assistant Head (US) Years at Hockaday: 8 Next Step: ISAS

Jeanne Olson, Head Athletic Trainer Years at Hockaday: 13 Next Step: Retirement

Joni Palmer, assistant head of Upper School, joined the Hockaday community in the fall of 2012, teaching AP Economics, World History and a variety of other courses. This July, she will begin work as the Assistant Director of Accreditation and Special Projects of the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS). “I have truly loved the relationships I’ve built in this community, and yet I am extremely excited by the opportunity to support students, teachers, and administrators at all of the ISAS member schools,” Palmer said.

After 13 years at Hockaday, Coach Jeanne Olson, Head Athletic Trainer, will retire. Olson has served as Head Athletic Trainer, Travel Coordinator for Athletics and has taught physical education for Lower and Middle School throughout her 13 years. “I am really looking forward to my retirement and being at the lake with family and friends,” Olson said. “Thank you to everyone in the Hockaday family for making a difference in my life.”

Listen to Palmer’s favorite Hockaday memory with this QR code:

Listen to Olson’s favorite Hockaday memory with this QR code:

Junior wins second with quartet

Faith Choi and string quartet place second with an honorable mention in virtual concert

T

by Ava Berger• Editor-in-Chief

he cello was not created to play behind a tiny computer screen on YouTube live, yet, defying all odds, junior Faith Choi and her string quartet, the Helios String Quartet, did just that and placed second along with an honorable mention at the St. Paul String Quartet Competition.

“We were really excited, even though we felt really unprepared submitting a video that was obviously not as good as it could’ve been,” Choi said. “However, it was definitely a really good feeling to end off the season very strong and with a win.”

A string quartet consists of two violins, one viola and one cello. Choi and her fellow musicians created their group in September 2019 and competed in the Coltman Chamber Music Competition in Austin, getting to the semifinal round.

On April 25 at 1 p.m., Choi’s quartet competed at the SPSQC Finals “live” round, an event that features “America’s

Best Young String Quartets.” To reach the finals round, each quartet had to submit a video audition in February with three pieces of music. Six teams passed on to the finals round including Choi’s quartet who played a required Haydn piece, a contemporary piece and an impressionist piece.

Due to COVID-19, the event altered the competition into a YouTube live streaming show rather than an inperson concert. Each team submitted a prerecorded video and during the four hour show, each team’s three pieces were shown along with interviews with team members.

“It was definitely weird. I think that a lot of groups felt unprepared because it all happened out of the blue,” Choi said. “Although, it was definitely more interesting because doing it virtually gave the contestants the opportunity to get interviewed by the competition, so we were able to convey to the audience the process of getting to this competition, our group name, etc.”

After all the videos were played,

the finals rounds jury, a professional string-quartet group known as Catalyst Quartet, deliberated on all six performances. They filled out score and comment sheets and announced the winners after 30 minutes.

Not only did Choi’s quartet place second overall, each team was required to play a Haydn piece, a salute to Franz Joseph Haydn, an important member of the string-quartet community. Choi’s team won an honorable mention for the Haydn Prize .

Choi enjoys performing with the string quartet because it produces music that differs from a solo or orchestra performance.

“String quartet is very different because you are the only person playing your voice so you’re very special in the group, but you’re also playing with a group so you get to blend the sounds that are very unique,” Choi said. “It’s something you wouldn’t be able to do if you were a solo player.”

Gabriel Fedak, a junior at Booker T.

Washington and violinist in the Helios String Quartet, complimented Choi on her leadership and cellist ability.

“Faith puts everyone in check and she’s a great player,” Fedak said.

“She’s the best cellist I’ve played with in an ensemble before. It’s really awesome how responsive she can be with her playing and if we ask her to do something she almost has no limits with her playing and she can just do it.”

Charlise Griffiths, Upper School orchestra director, has been watching Faith play for two years. As a fellow musician, she admires Faith’s skills.

“Faith is incredibly talented at the cello,” Griffiths said. “Her musical skill level is equal to many professional and collegiate level performers. I think her work ethic is apparent in her performances. Similar to sports, talent and skill will only take you so far, but hard work, practice, and dedication combined with talent is an unstoppable force. I think Faith demonstrates this unique combination.”

“

HOCKADAYFOURCAST.ORG

THE FOURCAST | MAY 26, 2020

FEATURES

GUEST BOARDERS Boarders Olivia Nguyen, Annabel Symington, and Natalie Yan share their experiences on learning from different time zones.

It will be really great to be back and to see it from a different perspective and especially to be there during this time which is like no other.”

p.13

ALUMNA GRADUATION SPEAKER p.13

Faces & Places Students recreate Hockaday world using Minecraft

by Anna Gum • Views Editor

T

photos by Olivia Weeldreyer

Sophomore Olivia Weeldreyer navigates through her own Minecraft realm of the Hockaday campus.

11

wo weeks into the uncer tain, idle days of distance learning away from campus, sophomore Olivia Weeldreyer signed onto a weekly Form II meeting on Zoom.

Soon after, Weeldreyer and fellow sophomores R iya Guttigoli, Megan Vettoretti, Lucy Rober ts, Kathr yn Sands and Cristiana Miele began a reconstr uction of the Hockaday campus on Minecraft.

Upon hearing her classmates reminisce about the “normal” life at school that ended abr uptly with the arrival of COV ID-19, Weeldreyer decided to take action.

“W hen people star ted talking about how much they miss Hockaday, I star ted thinking about fun ways I could recreate the campus,” Weeldreyer said.

A s the head of the Minecraft Club, she came up with the idea of constr ucting the campus on Minecraft to stoke school spirit. Approaching the project, however, seemed daunting, Weeldreyer said.

“It felt ver y over whelming to be faced with an inf initely f lat landscape, knowing that I was tasked with building our campus,” Weeldreyer said. “It was pretty much the Minecraft equivalent of opening a blank tab in Microsoft Word, knowing you have to write a big paper.”

Using her 10 years at Hockaday, she was able to recall enough detail to star t constr ucting the campus on Minecraft. Several classmates also helped her approach the project.

The group has been working on the project relatively consistently since Weeldreyer introduced the idea, visiting the realm individually ever y couple of days.

“Since it’s such an elaborate layout, we were a little tentative about the whole design, and Maddie and I had discussed a lot about the theoretical blueprints and stuff but Olivia was the one who finally put everything together and got started with the outline, which is amazing,” Guttigoli said.

Miele asked to help after hearing about the project. It spiked her interest because she and Olivia played Minecraft together in their spare time on campus before Spring Break. She joined shortly after Weeldreyer and a few of the other students involved looked into the

blueprints of the campus.

“My personal goal for the project is to create a world where I can be at school because I currently cannot right now,” Miele said.

A long with using the realm to be “present” on campus, Miele and Weeldreyer both said they have used the realm to connect during distance learning.

“It’s helped me keep in contact with friends that I don’t get to see during Zoom meetings, either for advisor y or other classes,” Weeldreyer said. “It’s a fun way to engage in something Hockadayrelated outside of classes, and it’s nice to feel that sense of community with others in a vir tual platform that I never thought I would be using for any thing related to school.”

So far, Weeldreyer has created the outline for the majority of the campus, and the group is now working on f illing in the interior and the smaller details. She has made sure to include smaller landmarks of the school such as the Jade plant. Weeldreyer noted the Jade plant as one of her favorite pieces to include in the project, along with other similar landmarks she misses about the campus.

“I have a rough outline of the school buildings and I have colorcoded areas where there are paths, f ields, playgrounds and tennis cour ts,” Weeldreyer said. “I’m hoping in the next few weeks to be able to build in the classrooms off ices, and other str uctures that make Hockaday so unique to each student.”

W hile distance learning ser ved as the inspiration, it has also provided those involved more time to work on the realm.

“Admittedly I have used this project to procrastinate on some other assignments in the past few weeks,” Weeldreyer said. “Playing Minecraft isn’t exactly a big risk when it comes to social distancing, as the realm can be played from any where.”

With the extra time on their hands, they are looking to complete the reconstr uction of the campus and possibly share it with others.

“My goal is obviously to create a completed version of our school in the coming weeks, but beyond that I’m not really sure,” Weeldreyer said. “If people want to gain access to it to help, or to walk through once it’s completed, I’d be ver y eager to invite people.”

W hile the group does not yet know exactly what they will do with the completed project, constr ucting the realm has helped provide some unity and a sense of familiarity.

“It’s been kind of a vir tual outlet for us to be at Hockaday, since we all miss it, while simultaneously having fun with something we all love,” Guttigoli said.

12

MAY 26, 2020 | THE FOURCAST

THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

4F O U R C A S T

A Day in the Life of

Mona Rejino In the face of COVID-19, private music lesson teachers have continued to teach virtually. There are 11 private lesson teachers who teach various instruments. Mona Rejino, one of the four piano teachers, has 25 students.

Though teaching through electronics seemed foreign and scary at first, Rejino said she now has adjusted to virtual lessons.

Rise & Grind!

8:00 a.m.

6:15 - 7:30 a.m.

WAKE UP | Depending on when the lessons begin for the day, Rejino wakes up some time during this period.

BREAKFAST TIME | Most

mornings, Rejino eats breakfast around 8 a.m. before her lessons start.

7 P.M. DINNER TIME | Rejino typically eats dinner with her husband around 7 every night.

EARLY MORNING LESSONS START | Rejino has a few adult students, and their lessons take place sometime in the early morning or evening.Each day Rejino has between three and eight Hockaday lessons.

11 P.M. BEDTIME | Rejino tries to go to sleep no later than 11 most nights.

30 MINUTES BEFORE LESSONS 3-4 p.m.

PREPARATION | Rejino sets up her iPad on the tripod next to the piano. Then she goes through the lesson plan, which makes for a more productive use of the actual lesson time.

WRAPPING UP | Most days Rejino finishes teaching her Hockaday students around this time.

10:45 a.m.- 1:15 p.m.

LUNCH & LESSONS | Rejino’s eats lunch anytime during this period depending on the lesson schedule for the day. Whatever Hockaday lessons Rejino did not have in the morning are scheduled during this time period.

photos provided by Mona Rejino nd Google Images

by Olivia Garcia • Staff Writer

HOCKADAYFOURCAST.ORG

THE FOURCAST | MAY 26, 2020

photos provided by Kristin Tucker

FEATURES

13

Phenomena Magazine

with Annie Zhao & Angelina Wu When did you decide to create Phenomena?

We decided to make the magazine in January. We originally wanted to start things up next year with a club, but with the advent of COVID-19, we thought now would be a good time to bring people together and put out the first edition.

Was there a reason you wanted to specifically share facts about COVID-19 with the Hockaday community?

We noticed a lot of people were not adhering to social distance guidelines on social media, so we thought we Almuna Kirstin Tucker poses with her should find a way to educate people mother at graduation and on ring day. about the severity of the virus and the importance of preventative measures.

How long did it take to make the magazine?

Our team worked really hard to put everything together in just three weeks, but unfortunately it took a whole month to get approval from administration to send it out to the school. worldly advice than someone that has assistant on Black Monday and a How did you pick writers for the magazine? gone to Hockaday.” Senior Hannah Netflix project produced by Kevin For this unique edition, we reached Taylor, a student for 13 years, shares Hart’s production company (Hartbeat out individually to people we thought similar feelings of gratitude, knowing Productions). Tucker’s qualifications would be interested in writing about that Tucker understands the uniqueness speak for themselves as the winner of STEAM. In the future, though, we will of Hockaday graduation.“I loved it the sitcom division of Scriptapalooza, have a proper club for anyone who is when she came and spoke during the one of seven comedy semi-finalists in interested in joining!

Founder’s Day Assembly a couple the Austin Film Festival, one of six Do you plan on continuing the magazine of years back. She was so interesting comedy finalists for the Warner Bros. in coming years? and dynamic, and she’ll be perfect Television Workshop and finally as a Yes, of course! We hope to put out for graduation,” Taylor said. “I also writer with NBC’s Writers on the Verge two editions annually with a larger think that an alumna speaker for program. Not only have the seniors scope of topics and different types of graduation this year after the bizarre left campus due to the pandemic in articles. year will be great. She understands the spring, but they have also dealt the traditions very well and everything What was the hardest part about with the disastrous tornado in the fall. creating the magazine? that makes senior year at Hockaday Now, with commencement postponed Especially when working with so special.” When Tucker was first to Aug. 1, the seniors look forward to administration, it has been difficult to their Commencement speaker. “At asked in February, she, like everyone, coordinate so many people’s schedules this point, I am just grateful because was unaware of what was going to I know a lot of schools have moved to happen to our world.“It wasn’t until the online. an online alternative or just canceled announcement went out that I was like Explore Phenomena with this link: it altogether, so the fact that they are ‘oh, this is real’,” Tucker said. “Then https://issuu.com/ trying to preserve as many special I got really nervous. I had to check phenomenamagazine/docs/ events as possible has made me grateful myself, and know that I am capable of phenomena_-_covid-19_edition_final [being the Commencement speaker]. for Hockaday,” Meg Wilson said. “I After that, I was really excited.” don’t think anyone can give us better

Seniors welcome grad speaker Alumna to be guest speaker at August commencement

by Kate Clark • Managing Editor

I

n 1999, Kristin Tucker addressed her classmates as the student graduation speaker. Now in 2020, she will address the class of 2020 as the guest graduation speaker in such an unprecedented time.“It will be really great to be back and to see it from a different perspective and especially to be there during this time which is like no other,” Tucker said. After graduating from Hockaday, Tucker attended Georgetown University as an International Business major.

However, she transferred to the University of Southern California to pursue her interest in communications with a focus on entertainment. She went on to receive her Master of Arts in Screenwriting from the University of Texas at Austin. Throughout her career, she has written for television shows such as Disney Channel’s Dog With A Blog, This Functional Family and A Black Lady Sketch Show. As well, she was the writer’s

BOARDER

LINE

●●● Junior Annabel Symington is back at home in Paradise Valley, Arizona. “I am keeping a schedule; I write down the times in PST of all my Zoom meetings in my planner so I don’t get them confused,” Symington said.

Sophomore Olivia Nguyen has been spending her time in quarantine with family at her uncle’s house in Orange County, California. To keep herself entertained, when not doing school work, Nguyen plays card and board games with her cousins, such as “Ultimate Super Smash Bros.” “Since it’s only a two-

FAR FROM BOARDING

Pictued Above: Annabel Symington sits with her dog outside her house in Arizona.

hour difference it’s not that hard to keep up with live classes; however, some classes are easier to attenwd than others,” Nguyen said.

ACROSS THE GLOBE

Due to COVID-19, sophomore Natalie Yan has returned to her home in China to spend time with her family. Although Yan misses the environment Hockaday provides and seeing her friends and roommate, she finds ways to stay busy.

She spends time practicing for AP exams, taking care of her younger siblings and making traditional Chinese “bird cookies” with her grandfather.

“My teachers have been so easy to work and communicate with; they are so understanding with the time difference as well as any internet problems I may have,” Yan said. Due to the difference in time zones, Yan said she doesn’t attend live classes; instead, she attends alternative meetings with her teachers to discuss assignments and assessments.

by Charlotte Rogers • Features Editor Photos provided by Natalie Yan, Annabel Symington, and Olivia Nguyen

14

MAY 26 2020 | THE FOURCAST

Sports

THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

4F O U R C A S T CLOSING THE DISTANCE WITH METERS Discover how Annie Herring combined her sport and fundraising to help those in need. Her ergathon fundraiser went from May 1-May 15 and raised $5,681 to donate to United to Learn.

p.14

HOW-TO: COMPLETE A "WALKATHON" With extra free time on their hands, four Hockaday students walked 26.2 miles. They lived to tell the tale and now they share their advice on how to complete the challenge.

p.14

Closing the distance with meters

Junior Annie Herring organizes community Fundraising Ergathon for charity

by Remy Finn • Staff Writer photo provided by Annie Herring

A

t a time when distance is key, junior Annie Herring is finding a way to bring the community together and help those most affected by COVID-19.

Herring created a Fundraising Ergathon from May 1-May 15. “Erging” is rowing, but on an indoor rowing machine. Herring’s goal was to raise at least $5,000 for the Dallas-based non-profit United to Learn. Through its Family Food Assistance program, United to Learn is helping families of DISD students access food resources at a time where the next meal is often uncertain.

“My big inspiration behind the ergathon was seeing one of my friends run a marathon to raise money to support her local hospital,” Herring said. “I had been erging a lot at home so I thought that I could do something similar, but with erging.”

For the Ergathon, a Dallas team of 79 people, including 12 Hockaday athletes, was formed with anyone in the community who had an erg in their home. This included a combination of masters (rowers over 21), high-school and college students, coaches, family, friends, neighbors and co-workers ranging from 14 to 73 years old.

Each participant has family or friends who agreed to donate a certain amount when the athlete has “erged” a specific distance. For Herring, that included her aunt, grandma, parents and several family friends.

Herring’s Hockaday rowing teammate, Sophie Podeszwa, joined the group effort alongside some of her Hockaday teammates.

“I knew I wanted to contribute to the ergathon as soon as I heard about it,”

Herring practices rowing often and enjoys the sport. She "ergs" on her own personal machine for her charity Ergathon at home.

Podeszwa said. “I try to stay in shape for crew so erging to help a good cause was a no-brainer!”

Maria Esway, an assistant Hockaday crew coach, kept track of the total meters “erged” and spearheaded outreach to other Dallas rowing teams.

Through her, the Dallas Rowing Club agreed to participate to maximize the funds raised for United to Learn.

“Annie has been an inspiration and leader from concept to execution,” Esway said. “She has also set an example by personally posting 108,500

“I'm really inspired by what our community has accomplished already with this and it's definitely the kind of thing I'd love to see happen again, pandemic or not."

Annie Herring

Junior

meters so far, and driving the rest of the team to catch her. There’s a lot of excitement building for May 15 and a really big finish for the families in our community.”

By May 15th, the ergathon had raised $5,681 for the United to Learn program, exceeding the goal they had originally set.

“I’m really inspired by what our community has accomplished already with this and it’s definitely the kind of thing I’d love to see happen again, pandemic or not,” Herring said.

HOW TO COMPLETE A "WALKATHON" Check out advice from these students who recently took on the challenge

Carter and Connolly reach mile one.

photo provided by Riley Carter

Carter and Connolly reach mile 11.

“Walking a marathon was a great chance to get outside while also pushing ourselves physically,” Green said. “My favorite part of the experience was getting to spend time in nature and get some much-needed vitamin D. The hardest part began around mile 20.

That was when the walking started getting significantly harder.”

Emilia Callahan Junior “I definitely didn’t think it was going to be hard at first but now I have huge respect for people who do marathons!” Callahan said. “I was really tired after it but it was cool to walk that far because I have never done that and I probably won’t do it again.

The next day I literally didn’t get out of bed because I was in so much pain.”

photo provided by Camille G.

“Walking a half marathon was actually really exciting,” Swango said. “I got to walk around neighborhoods that I usually wouldn’t and it felt really good to accomplish walking 13.1 miles. I even did something similar again and I walked to Uptown with my sister and cousin which was really cool because I got to see parts of Dallas that I had never seen and it felt like I had walked the whole city.”

photo provided by Riley Carter

“The marathon was probably one of the most difficult things mentally because it took so long,” Connolly said. “Every time we thought we were close we would realize we still had like two hours left. It was so painful I wouldn't and probably couldn't do it again. If I didn't have Riley (Carter) I would not have been able to make it even a mile because I would have gotten bored”

Camille Green Sophomore

Connolly and Carter complete the trek.

Green and Jordan Stock on their trip.

photo provided by Emilia C.

KK Swango Sophomore

photo provided by Riley Carter

Sarah Connolly Freshman

Callahan and Kate Clark finish.

HOCKADAYFOURCAST.ORG

VIEWS

VIEWS

“

THE FOURCAST | MAY 26, 2020

15

Gov. Abbott made the difficult but right decision.”

#REOPENING, p.15

Dallas needed to reopen

4F C

Gov. Abbott made correct decision for Texas

by Julia Donovan • Castoff Editor

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ava Berger

MANAGING EDITOR Kate Clark WEB EDITOR Erin Parolisi COPY EDITOR Laine Betanzos MAGAZINE EDITOR Kelsey Chen BUSINESS MANAGER Catherine Sigurdsson NEWS EDITORS Sasha Schwimmer, Katherine Grace Estes PEOPLE EDITOR Erin Pelolisi ARTS & LIFE EDITORS Maddie Stout and Hanna Zhang SPORTS EDITOR Remy Fin and Lacy Green VIEWS EDITOR Anna Gum, Campbell Harris CASTOFF EDITOR Julia Donovan PHOTOS & GRAPHICS EDITOR Libby Hill STAFF WRITERS Laine Betanzos, Elisa Carrol, Remy Finn, Olivia Garcia, Lacy Green, Anna Gum, Campbell Harris, Libby Hill, Charlotte Rogers, Sasha Schwimmer, Catherine Sigurdsson, Maddie Stout, Lea Whitley, Hanna Zhang STAFF ARTIST Charlotte Ding FACULTY ADVISER Julia Copeland 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 1,500 and is printed by Greater Dallas Press. It is distributed free of charge to the Hockaday community.

Businesses who wish to advertise in The Fourcast should contact Business Manager Catherine Sigurdsson at csigurdsson1@hockaday. org. 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 strives to operate as an open forum for student voices, but is subject to prior review by the head of school and some articles may be altered from the original at the direction of the head. 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 Editor-in-Chief Ava Berger at aberger21@hockaday.org.

OVID-19 is unprecedented in both the magnitude of the shock and type of shock it has produced. Public officials, businesses, medical communities and the working public have no experience in how to effectively handle the problem.

Add to this an abundance of data and opinions without clear authoritative sourcing and the prescription for harsh discourse and divided politics. Any action taken or not taken, opening or closing the state, will therefore be controversial.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott made an early decision and quickly followed California in social distancing and shelter-in-place. Consequently, Texas has had both a low infection and correspondingly low death rate. Most would say a job well done. However, the implications for businesses and small businesses in particular, were profound.

Despite the federal government providing supplemental funding, many businesses in Texas find themselves financially strained. Should we open in favor of employment and business survival, or remain closed in protection of public health, especially the most vulnerable aging population? Abbott will be criticized regardless of his decision.

Abbott made the difficult but right decision because it allows people the choice to go back to work. It permits people to make the decision they think is best for themselves and others while still incorporating social distancing.

This decision helped people who were struggling with their mortgages and rent

Photos by Kate Clark

What sheltering in place looks like around Dallas.

like salon workers. COVID-19 cases will increase with the reopening and as a result people will criticize Abbott, but this was the best decision for the people of Dallas.

Looking at federal recommendations and advice of medical experts, after about a month of the stay at home order, Abbott made the decision to begin reopening Texas on April 30. While he accepted the input of many, Abbott made the final decision. While each governor is making their own decision based on their states’ infection data, Republicans have a bias toward commerce, employment and the need to avoid deepening the recession.

Democratic governors appear to have a bias toward retaining shelter-in-place for public safety. This fact, the distinct party divide of the governors lined up with their decision making, has inflamed public debate into a rather nasty no-win situation for governors everywhere.

So what does a reopened Dallas look like? This means that businesses like restaurants are allowed to open but only at 25 percent capacity. Picking the 25 percent capacity for reopening will incorporate social distancing into every business operation.

However, people will determine if that is the wrong or right answer

for them without pressure. Revoking the stay-at-home order allows these businesses to make their own safety decisions for employees weighed against the benefits of reopening. Customers can make their own decision whether to visit these businesses or not.

Restaurants responded by opening their doors very soon after Abbott’s statement. With bills piling up, many were thrilled to get back to work.

Dallas salons finally opened on May 8 with some already booked solid for at least three weeks. Besides staying at 25 percent capacity, businesses have taken the precaution to wear masks and gloves.

Each business will make decisions about cleaning procedures, keeping in mind the risks involved. Some will make more use of spacing, others will make more use of disinfecting surfaces, and some might do both.

Businesses have been actively communicating through email and social media what their specific policies are.

However, just as expected, the media is in a frenzy either applauding the governor for bold action or criticizing him for risking a new infection wave.

Hindsight alone will judge his action. I, for one, support it.

Letter from the editor At this point, everything’s already been said about the way our lives have changed.

There’s no reason for me to repeat once again all the Ava Berger canceled events Editor-in-Chief and excitement.

I think we’ve all slowly learned to come to terms, in our own ways, with this strange alternate universe we live in.

But as I’m sure we all do at times, I keep imagining where I would be in my “other life.” I would have celebrated with my senior friends and given them the goodbyes they deserved. I would have finished my spring sport season with definite victory. I certainly wouldn’t have taken my AP exams with people screaming down the hall and I wouldn’t be sending out this final issue of The Fourcast on email. However, the more I drag myself into the hole of this “other world,” the more I struggle to

pull myself out. So for me, it’s time to let go.

Recently, my mom started a gratitude journal for me and my siblings to write down one sentence about something we’re grateful for each day. I rolled my eyes at first, but there’s something cathartic about remembering all the things I still have and take for granted.

For one, I’ve been spending time in the northeast with my extended family, At times I want to curl up in a ball and hide in my room, but I love the extra time and memories I’m making. I still can go outside and practice lacrosse, and I still have Netflix and TikTok (of course) and every show I could possibly watch at my fingertips. Finally, I still get to share my thoughts with you through this newspaper.

So, as I slowly cut the ties from my “other life” and start accepting where I am, I still feel weird. There’s no better way to describe it and I’m not a therapist, but I think it’s ok to “feel

weird.” I mean, I ended my junior year by closing my computer in my bedroom.

I stood up and walked downstairs and ate dinner. That was it.

In general, I don’t think we can feel normal after this. How can we when about 100,000 people have died in the United States alone? The next time I’m in a big crowd, I’ll be wary about touching people. When I have to shake someone’s hand, there will be a little flash in the back of my mind saying “wait, stop.” And I never thought I would miss school so much.

But it’s not just school, it’s the environment: sitting in front of my locker with chaos circling me, but still somehow finishing my math homework; walking into advisory and falling into Mrs. Sanchez’s comfy chair; and passing my senior friends in the hallway.

I miss it all and I’m sad. We’re all sad, but I think it’s finally time to move on. So (to be as cheesy as possible) I’m turning the page. Goodbye “other life.”

Hello to a new start.

4F

The Fourcast The Hockaday School 11600 Welch Road Dallas, Texas 75229

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MAY 26, 2020 | THE FOURCAST

Graphic by Kelsey Chen • Jade Editor