The Index: February 2012

The Index Eutxia Swzein Dokei

Volume LXXIII, No. 6

February 2012

Haverford, Pennsylvania

For Some Students, the College Process Begins and Ends Before Sixth Form Year James Shecter digs deep into the college admissions process for stellar athletes - athletes who find themselves committing to colleges as early as Fourth or Fifth Form year.

James Shecter ‘13

Upper Schoolers are all aware of what Director of College Counseling Mr. Neal Cousins has repeatedly called the “College Process.” Some students work tirelessly to sustain or raise their grades, some spread themselves thinly among a multitude of extracurriculars, and some spend thousands of dollars on SAT or academic tutors. All of these actions are taken to distinguish oneself from the rest of the pack in the college admissions office, to make ourselves look better, busier, and smarter than every other applicant. But, for few, this academic route is only part of the infamous “Process”: student athletes must also separate themselves on fields, courts, diamonds, rinks, and pools.

Student athletes at Haverford are a rare breed. At one of the top independent preparatory schools in the country in the arts, athletics, and academics, Haverford student athletes are well rounded. They are able to read The Aeneid as well as the bounce of a ground ball or a blocking pattern. Within the current Haverford student body are sixteen college-recruited student athletes. And they are not just lacrosse players (although ten of

them are): there are also three soccer players, one swimmer, one baseball player, and one football player already committed or signed to collegiate-level athletic programs.

Sixth Formers Sam Rohr (University of Pennsylvania – lacrosse), Grant Jamgochian (Lehigh University – football), and Andrew Landolfi (Lafayette College – baseball), along with Fifth Former Gavin McBride (Princeton University – lacrosse), are the main subjects of this article. These four student athletes visited a combined 14 schools before making their respective decisions.

Landolfi first visited Georgetown, Delaware, and Bucknell before visiting Lafayette, but he remarked, “As soon as I began my tour around Lafayette, I knew this was where I wanted to spend the next four years. Lafayette instantly became my first choice, and I’m glad it worked out in my favor.”

Although prospective college athletes can visit as many schools as they want on their own, the NCAA only allows student athletes to take five “official visits.” But what is an official visit? Could strict NCAA sanctions not spin a private visit into an official business?

Not really, according to all the interviewed

athletes. “The difference between the two is that you must be personally invited by the coach to go on an ‘official visit,’” Jamgochian explained, “which is a good sign that they will make an offer to you. Any person can go on a regular visit whenever they desire.” An official visit, according to McBride and Rohr, also entails a sleep over and is paid for by the school.

In addition to visiting various schools, Jamgochian and Landolfi participated in a slew of college-sponsored training camps, showcases, and exhibitions to show off their skills. And for McBride and Rohr, Haverford Lacrosse’s top national ranking was not enough to persuade coaches: they too

haverfordpafootball.stackvarsity.com

partook in showcase tournaments.

How else did these student athletes select their schools? None were promised special rooms, a starting spot, or free tattoos, but the answer to this question was different for each athlete.

For Rohr, nothing at all was promised. For McBride, “financial aid was promised, but only on a need basis.” For Jamgochian, he specified, “[Lehigh] eventually helped my family out with financial aid, but that was not a factor that they used to accept me. Every recruit has an equal chance for playing time, and they wouldn’t even want you if they didn’t think you could start.”

Continued on Page 10

With Changes in Curricu- Ms. Adkins Has Been lum, What Classes Do You Quietly Revolutionizing Plan to Pick Up Next Year? the Language Department Change is coming to the Haverford curriculum - and that means a handful of new classes for students to choose from.

Sometimes the greatest achievements go unnoticed; that may be the case with Head of Language Department Ms. Sara Adkins.

Will Tackett ‘14

The first is Spanish. Originally, if a student wanted to continue to Spanish V, he had to be Every year, a group of department heads a part of the honors track. Now, two regular and administrators Spanish V semester called the Oversight long courses are Committee deliberates offered: Cine del and decides how to Mundo Hispano structure the curriculum. and Conversacion y The adjustments made Controversia. Cine consist of small tweaks del Mundo Hispano with occasional additions. looks at modern For instance, last year day issues in Latin some new electives were America primarily added, such as Modern through the medium Middle East, the Rhetoric of film. Conversacion of Force, and Software y Controversia Index Staff Programming, while similarly explores Fourth Formers at the site of a new art course.

Economics was changed from a history course global topics, but through “the literature, art, history, politics, and culture of the Spanish to a more in-depth mathematics class. speaking world,” in addition to film.

This year there are a good number of Continued on Page 2 changes being made across several disciplines.

Also inside the Issue...

Not many have been students in her class, but Ms. Sara Adkins is a faculty member that everyone should become familiar with during their tenure at Haverford. A Latin scholar herself, having studied at Randolph-Macon College in Virginia, this year Ms. Adkins teaches Latin III, Latin III*, and Latin V*. She has always been renowned as one of the best teachers at Haverford. Sixth Former Kelly Mao lauds her performance, saying, “She was strict, but always effective in her teaching methods. I...learned a whole lot of Latin in my two years [with] her.”

Ms. Adkins has taught at Haverford Sixth Former Fitz Tepper has brought Haverford to the App Store! What did he make? How did he make it? Why did he make it? Read about his process of creation and final product.

Haverford’s production of Hairspray is just around the corner. Come watch Tracy Turnblad and the rest of the cast present you with an inspiring tale set in the 1960’s.

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Manav Khandelwal ‘15

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hitechreview.com

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since 1999 and continues to manage a Latin program that involves scholars such as herself, Ms. Emily Hulme, and Dr. Andrew Fenton: “Exposure to Latin and Hellenistic culture is invaluable, which is why Dr. Fenton and I plan to introduce more senior electives such as mythology, archaeology, Rhetoric of Force (which Dr. Fenton already teaches), and Greek theater,” says Ms. Adkins. Even though Latin students learn unbelievable amounts during their Upper School language careers, Ms. Adkins’ focus has shifted from Index Staff primarily Latin to the Modern and Classical Languages program in general, a movement she began after becoming the Chair of the Language Department in 2008.

Continued on Page 6

Article Page Classroom Laptop Usage 2 What is the Big Room?

2 PTPI Donut Sales 3 Midterm Exam Update 4 The Gentlemen’s Club 4 Robotics State Champs 5 Davis’s Book Review 6 What is the Dark Room?

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Article Compendio’s Movies Artist of the Issue Eating with Sam Sports Coverage Is Recycling Good?

Art or Language?

Election Coverage Outdex

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Page 2 The Index - News & Features

News & Features

February 2012

Student Laptop Use in Classrooms on the Rise The presence of a Wi-Fi network for student use seems to have brought about a trend in making use of laptops in class. But have students been abusing the privilege?

to Mrs. Megan Connolly, Director of the Technology Department, “[Haverford] doubled [its] bandwidth because students [were] With the mid-year assessments over and bringing more devices than they [had] ever Haverford powered back up for the second before.” This semester, phenomenon learning is evident in abounds nearly every throughout classroom, so the school. much so that Stepping Mac vs. PC into a arguments classroom, have become one cannot second nature help but to the school. notice However, are the now these devices ubiquitous used as tools use of or gaming laptops. platforms to But are James Shecter Haverford This poll of 100 Haverford Upper School students was taken via Facebook using Survey-get through a Monkey during the week of February 13, 2012. tough double students period? really using laptops for a productive purpose?

Sixth Former Deepak Bhagat states, “[I At the beginning of the year, the technology use them] primarily for work, notes, and other department recognized that students were homework purposes. I will occasionally use bringing devices to school that required Facebook for work at times when it requires a strong wireless connection. According

posting things to help others in my class Keefe believes that “Some kids are...using like Quizlet or [other] helpful links.” When them to take notes but more often than not they asked about are actually whether or somewhere not students else other abuse the than the laptop class.” It is privilege in indeed hard class, Bhagat to decipher simply who uses responded, their “more often laptop for than not it is academic used strictly purposes for work.” and who This simply belief is not switches shared by tabs when all students. the teacher Third walks by.

Former Stripping Manav away the Sanjay Narayanan Khandelwal laptops would Fourth Formers working on their laptops during class. opines that students “Absolutely use laptops solve the problem, but it also punishes those for gaming and Facebook. They blatantly who respect the privilege of having laptops in do it in [one of my classes].” There is merit class. Ultimately, it will come down to whether to both sides of the argument but, due to the or not the student recognizes the ill-effects concealable nature of the laptop’s screen, it of not paying attention in class. Subsequent would seem more likely that a large portion of drops in grades may very well be punishment students are not always using the laptops for enough. work in class.

So maybe the next time you find yourself Faculty consensus generally agrees with gaming, think twice about it and try to simply this supposition. English teacher Mr. Daniel “power down.” ■

How Should the Big Room Be Classified?

New Courses Creeping Into Curriculum

Jonathan Paras ‘14

The so-called “Big Room” on the third floor of Wilson Hall has never had a defined purpose. Exactly how has the community been making use of that room?

Logan Atkins ‘15

are supported unanimously within the student body. Oddly enough, the Big Room does in fact exhibit these traits.

As one of the most iconic places in our The Big Room is a place where kids can school, the Big go and Room offers a relax. It is place to study, available to hold group any student meetings, and at any time relax during during the school hours. The school day, room has leather but it is not couches, a large considered round table where a student kids can easily do lounge. their homework, Kids walk and other smaller into the tables where they room at can converse. It 7:00 a.m. is a key feature and stay of Haverford and there until James Shecter helps students maneuver through This poll of 100 Haverford Upper School students was taken via Facebook using classes begin.

SurveyMonkey during the week of February 13, 2012.

Others go their school days there during by offering a place or after they eat lunch, and still others enter the to finish work...but is this widely held belief room during their free period. It is available to in its benefits necessarily true? Do enough the whole student body and is a place where kids actually use the room productively? Is it the balance of work and relaxation is often important to have a room where anyone can go achieved. Not before, during, or all kids take after the school advantage day? of the Big So, there is an Room, but this argument whether occurrence the Big Room is would be a student lounge the same if or just another there was an classroom, and, additional subsequently, student lounge, whether or a not right? a separate student Making lounge should be the argument built. But what that the Big exactly makes a Room is not a student lounge a Index Staff student lounge The Big Room as it lies in the early hours of the morning. lounge? A lounge is also possible. needs to have comfortable couches, be in First, the Big Room is too big and does not a good location, and the most importantly, represent what a student lounge should be: it needs to be easily distinguishable from a room that is solely for students, free from just another classroom. Lounges might have surrounding classrooms. The Big Room is also other features; however, these few aspects

Continued from Front Page

Continuing with the global theme is a potential science elective, Literature, the Environment, and Society, which was proposed by Science teacher Mr. Jamison Maley. Students in this class would read a variety of works of literature in order to gain a better understanding of what influenced and continues to influence humanity’s different attitudes towards the environment. The inspiration for this class stemmed from the concept that “[understanding] our and other cultures’ attitudes about the natural world is as important as mastering the basic science involved.”

The next major addition is in the Art Department with the proposal of a 3-D Design class. Previously, students from 3-D Foundation would automatically proceed to ceramics. However, ceramics is just one branch of 3-D Art. The new course would focus on industrial, or product, design. One example to illustrate this idea would be the work of Apple, which fuses functional technology with elegant design. Another potential task for students would be to design a chair that can support their weight from, say, a single sheet of cardboard while learning how to balance aesthetics and functionality in the process.

The idea behind this class is that creativity is an essential skill in the competitive global workplace. The addition of the new class is facilitated by the arrival of art teacher Mr. Greg Ressler this year.

There is some shifting around in the focused heavily on work whereas a lounge is a place for relaxing. Additionally, the Big Room has severe sentimental value. As a part of the original Wilson Hall, it has served kids throughout the decades. The room, in a way, represents how Haverford wants students to have a place where juggling work and relaxing can be intertwined, which deters having a separate place for a student lounge.

The Big Room is used for Third Form meetings and for a world diplomacy game. It also holds several luncheons and other faculty and alumni meetings, which makes the room an epicenter for every part of Haverford.

The Big Room is an important space with unique features, some of which may be the reasons why the school does not have a designated student lounge. Should the Big Room suffice then? Or is the student body

Mathematics Department as well, most notably the removal of Accelerated Math, which enabled rising Third Formers to do three years of math – Geometry, Algebra II, and PreCalculus – in two years. The concern from Mr. Green and others was that students who took this course were at a disadvantage come Calculus* Fifth Form year. To compensate for the loss of Accelerated Math is a new class, Geometry*, and the opening of Algebra II* to Fourth Formers. The second major change in the Math curriculum is the consolidation of regular Calculus and Statistics into one yearlong course.

Accompanying this change is the addition of a full year Statistics* course to go along with Calculus*. One reason for the addition of a rigorous statistics class is that “Statistics, data mining, and ‘Big Data’ are quickly becoming dominant areas of applied mathematics,” said Math Department Chair Mr. Joseph Sweeney. The Math department also changed the computer language of focus in the software programming class from Objective-C to Python.

There are several points to mention about the potential new courses and adjustments.

First and foremost, all these proposals are early drafts in the revision process. Second, there are no teacher assignments yet - the goal is for the curriculum to be more course-driven. Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that, while the Oversight Committee is essential in changing the curriculum, it is student interest that ultimately decides whether a new course will be offered. ■ still in need of a place for relaxation, entirely separate from the daily bustles of Haverford?

The Student Council will likely have to face this issue during this semester and subsequent school years. ■

Corrections from the January Issue of The Index: The Index would like to recognize that Fifth Former James Tarte is a Varsity Basketball player and that Crosman Hall recently went through a significant interior renovation.

Page 3 The Index - News & Features

News & Features

February 2012

Are People to People Doughnut Sales a Thing of the Past?

Sixth Formers Starting to Feel the Effects of “Senioritis” Already

Some students may remember a few mornings where they were greeted by a People to People representative selling doughnuts. Now, that operation has been halted.

Sixth Formers are getting into colleges and begin to face the second semester of Sixth Form year. Already, some have begun slacking off in their work.

Henry Scales ‘13 The People to People Organization is a club as well as a service group; it focuses on discussing global issues and actively helping the community. Since its inception, it has assisted many different causes, the most recent of which raised money for the New Beginnings Academy in Chester, a school that requires teachers to work for months without pay due to lack of money. When the school heard that People to People wanted to help out, it was

for reasonable causes, which would disrupt school life and turn the school into a charity bar. If he is unable to accept all causes, he does not see how he could possibly choose which ones to allow. Finally, Mr. Green suggested that People to People partner with the Service Board in order to get dress-down days for their causes. Ms. Loos from the service board said, “We would be willing to partner up with People to People for dress down days, but we would have to get more dress down days for the service board as a whole.” This point epitomizes Mr. Green’s suggestions that

The People to People International club poses for a picture.

overjoyed.

The People to People group decided that a donut sale would be the most effective way to raise the desired money; however, the Upper School administration told members the previous year that donut sales were not allowed. Whenever People to People held donut sales, it would charge one dollar per donut and occasionally receive extra donations, totaling to around thirty dollars a week.

Although it sounds like a small amount, thirty dollars a week can go a long way.

Without donuts, PTP searched for other refreshments to sell. Participants tried selling sodas, but they would come out of each sale with minor profits. Consequently, the group was stuck wondering what its next step would be towards its goal of helping the New Beginnings Academy.

Head of Upper School Mr. Matthew Green believes that he has good reason for his decision to stop these donut sales. He says that he cares just as much about the causes as People to People does, however he states, “I don’t want our school to become a charity bazaar. I have been to some schools where I would walk from one end of the campus to the other and end up giving out fifty dollars.”

He also notes that he cannot control what is being sold. Therefore, foods sold unsupervised increase the risk of affecting students with allergies. Mr. Green continued to discuss his fears that eventually there would be an overflow of charities all trying to raise money

Erich Prince

there are different channels open for People to People’s donation efforts, but the course of action that they chose is not a possibility.

Upper School administrators have expressed that it is a possibility for the People to People group to hold a dress down day or some other form of donation if they like.

People to People came up with many creative ways to adjust for Mr. Green’s worries. In response to allergy issues with students, Henri Mattila said that members proposed to “make a sign and tell each buyer that they should not be buying [their] donuts if they are allergic to peanuts.” They also referred to other instances in which clubs and advisories have brought in donuts without second thoughts. They asked an advisor about allergies and food concerns, to which the advisor responded, “I have no idea who here has peanut allergies.” Another student explained that when his advisory brings in food, there is rarely a supervisor present. Even after this information was presented to Mr. Green, he stuck to his original points. However food allergies are a major concern whenever clubs or advisories convene. This is because of the fact that one hundred and thirty two boys in the Upper School have allergies, which is 32% of the student body.

This whole experience left People to People and New Beginnings Academy upset and disappointed, while Mr. Green was left with a desire to help, but with no easy solution to the dilemma. ■

who do enough work to earn respectable grades throughout the year are rewarded for their continued efforts by a lessened work-load As the second semester of the 2011-2012 at the end of the year. Students who are not school year sets in, so too does “Senioritis.” up to par in the second semester have to sit For the past three and a half years, Sixth through a few exams when they could be at Formers have been working to satisfy their home relaxing in the days before their senior desires to succeed. After a project. grueling run, many hope for a For those students who period of relaxation. have taken to Senioritis, the All of the work and repercussions are already attention from the college noticeable. Sixth Former process puts a lot of work on Len Giacobetti states, every Sixth Former’s plate.

“After getting into my Sixth Former Kevin Griffiths college choices early action, said,“Senioritis is the result Senioritis hit me, but a lot of teachers overworking their harder than I expected. I students for three and a half wasn’t coming to school as Index Staff years, and [the students] burn very often and sometimes Sixth Former Jimmy Orsini continues to out. The final straw is all of the diligently work on his engineering project. I would my find myself work during the fall semester disengaged in class. Now that I have been of senior year with college application disciplined by the school, I now realize I have deadlines nearly coinciding with the end of to finish my last three months [strongly] and the first quarter, where we were absolutely leave the school feeling better about my final destroyed by a ridiculous amount of work.” months.”

Unfortunately, nothing can be done about While Senioritis is unavoidable for some application deadlines and the first semester students, some manage to find motivation to sharing the same time period. The first half of keep going. Sixth Former Will Hatcher notes, this school year was grueling one, and most “I want to keep working hard so I can make simply do not have the same amount of energy Cum Laude.” to do work right now as they did a few months Nonetheless, the Class of 2012 has worked ago. Sixth Formers may also lack motivation very hard throughout its time in the Upper for final exams this coming May. Luckily, the School, and some may begin to tone down administration has a solid policy in place. If a their academic efforts. The administration student maintains a B+ or better each quarter rewards those who put in enough work to earn (and subsequently a B+ average or better for B+’s or higher, and ensures that those who the year), he is exempt from exams. Students slack off will have to take exams. ■ Will Schwartz ‘12

This poll of 100 Haverford Upper School students (non-Sixth Formers were asked to omit this question) was taken via Facebook using SurveyMonkey during the week of February 13, 2012.

James Shecter

The Index

2011-2012 Staff Tadas Antanavicius, Editor-in-Chief Grayson Sessa, Editor-in-Chief Erich Prince, Head of Photography Peter Thompson, News and Features Editor James Shecter, Sports Editor Amar Patel, Arts & Entertainment Editor Fisher Pressman, Opinions Editor Jonathan Smith, Outdex Editor Keenan Mosimann, Visual Editor Jonathan Paras & Graham Gaddes, Website Managers Mr. Thomas Stambaugh, Faculty Advisor

The Index is a student-run publication of the Haverford School that does more than bring news: it provides the diverse perspectives of the Haverford student body. It is an outlet for student writers to take stands on issues they deem important. It chronicles the daily struggles and accomplishments of the Haverford community. The Index also provides a forum for discussion of pertinent issues, such as student culture, academic policy, and Haverford’s place in world affairs. The Index presents new ideas and aspires to influence constructive change.

All opinions and viewpoints expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of The Index or the school. The Index is designed and produced digitally. Photographs may be retouched. Submissions and letters to the editors regarding any and all articles are welcomed at hsindex@gmail.com.

The Index, a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, is composed on Mac OSX, using Adobe InDesign CS5. Its surveys are conducted via SurveyMonkey and are advertised on Facebook to current Haverford students. School Publications Company of Neptune, N.J., prints 200-400 copies of each issue, and its editorial staff distributes them in the Upper School on the day of release. The Index serves the needs of a total school population of 1091 community members, consisting of 975 students and 116 faculty members.

Contact The Index: 450 Lancaster Ave, Haverford, PA 19041 hsindex@gmail.com http://www.haverfordindex.com/ 610.642.3020 x. 1222 Volume LXXIII, No. 6 - February 24, 2011

Page 4 The Index - News & Features

News & Features

February 2012

Mr. Green Sheds a Little Light on the Administration’s Future Plans for Midterm Exams The Index tracked down Mr. Green after his Big Room feedback session to get an update on his thoughts and those of the faculty and student body as a whole.

Jake Pechet ‘15 Jake Pechet: In your personal observations, how did the “midterm” assessment week go?

Mr. Matthew Green: I think the results were mixed. By that I mean I’m glad that we stayed in school and that life went on uninterrupted, [but] I think there were some unanticipated logistical speed bumps. And I regret that for some students this was a stressful experience.

I think, considering we were doing something for the first time that was a fairly radical change... I thought it went fairly well.

the much easier one.” And the last one was that faculty thought it was tough to get all the grading done, especially faculty that did really interesting projects, because it’s not as simple as just grading an exam and so they had a lot of work to turn around quickly.

JP: How did it seem to go for the students?

What did you take away from your day in the Big Room?

MG: What I gathered is that Upper Formers preferred the old format for some of the reasons I just described. And Lower Formers didn’t feel that it had a particularly profound impact on their day. Upper Formers in JP: What were some of these “speed bumps”? accelerated classes were the most adamant that the old format was better. There were a number MG: Here are the ones that are cited most of students who thought that the learning often. One, the Fifth Form, particularly Fifth they were doing was cool and preferred this Formers in accelerated classes whose goal is method. to prepare But I them for an would SAT II, for say, example, by and had a lot of large, tests. They the more did not vocal, have the and alternative probably assessment majority, experience [of that I students] envisioned said, when we “We changed prefer the format. the old The other format.”

James Shecter situation But it’s This poll of 100 Haverford Upper School students was taken via Facebook using was that pretty SurveyMonkey during the week of February 13, 2012. while split. the [Sixth Form] electives that had early Pretty even, I think. For the most part, I would assessments continued, I think some of those say the people that liked it didn’t say, “This classes were productive [and] others were was great!” They just said, “This was OK.” not. The third speed bump was that some The people that didn’t like it said, “This is students felt that they had less time to prepare terrible.” for assessments that were early in the week.

The kids in the same class wished they had JP: What was the faculty’s reaction? the same amount of time to study for the same test. So if I was in a Bio class and my test was MG: I was pleasantly surprised by how the first day of the cycle, not the fourth day of supportive the faculty were, not only the cycle, you”d say “I didn’t have as much throughout the process, but in response. They time as that guy did.” And then similarly, thought it was a very worthwhile experiment kids that were in one [Ancient World History] that required them to think differently about class, some of them thought, “Golly I wish assessment and about work. And many we all had the same kind of assessment. I’m believed that they were providing something getting the much harder one,” or “I’m getting more meaningful. That said, a fair number of

them wanted to share with me how difficult it was to turn the grades around. They felt overwhelmed and overworked. And then some classes, particularly Upper Form math and history classes, felt that an exam experience was still important, especially for seniors.

JP: Why specifically math and history?

MG: Because history, to some extent, is a content driven course, and with mathematics, [chiefly] college math, that’s what you do; you sit down and take tests. And while I may be able to design something that’s far more relevant, useful, and stimulating, they’re still going to have to sit down and take tests.

JP: So then, was this new system intended to change things for the better or change things to better prepare the students for college?

grade. We don’t feel like we’ve compromised they’re preparation for those types of things.

I thought it was a fascinating experiment and given how different it was, I was surprised by the range of response among parents, faculty, and students. It was difficult to find one single opinion about it. I will say, of the three groups, the most adamantly opposed and the ones that feel they were the most directly affected were the students.

JP: Taking all this into consideration, what are some potential changes?

MG: Well, we debriefed at the department chair level, but we didn’t come to any set conclusions yet. As I see it, there are three options. We re-implement the January exam period, we improve and iron out the kinks, really, at least three of those need to be ironed out, and continue, or we move to a December exam period.

MG: Well, what JP: What we have do you, learned personally, is that think is best? probably about MG: I believe 50% of in this and kids’ its potential tests or to become grades are part of the Index Staff culture so exams in Mr. Green hard at work in his office as usual. college. that all of the We said, “How many exams do you have?” unfamiliarity of it just becomes routine. I do It usually about 2 out of 4 or 3 out of 5. So think you have to work out three or four kinks, every class in college isn’t necessarily having or you can’t do it. [Two important ones are] sit-down exams. There are a lot of papers and the time crunch for the Fifth Form honors kids projects in college as well, but no, we were and the different times [at which kids take the doing what we thought was educationally right same test]. It’s almost as if you just literally and we try not to let colleges dictate what said, “Look there’s no exams, period.” Then a we do here. So, for example, if you entered lot of this would maybe become incidental, but into an entry-level psychology course or I just wasn’t ready to do that. I just think [the economics class in college, your grade would old system] wasn’t a productive use of studentconsist entirely of 2 or 3 tests of 100 multiple teacher contact time, but I’m only one person, choice questions. We don’t prepare you for and I happen to be sitting in a reasonably that, nor do we want to. In other words, no high-powered office, and the reality is, if student would want to come to Haverford [if students, faculty, and parents say, “This isn’t that was the case]. No student would truly working,” then I need to listen. I haven’t heard believe that that’s how you should be graded. that with as much unanimity as I expected, So we’re always doing what we think is right so we need to continue having conversations, for our kids, developing what is right for them, and I will certainly include the student body in [adhering to the] mission statement, “Preparing those conversations and make sure that what Boys for Life.” But we have to keep an eye we intend to do next year will be announced on it. By my count, seniors have had 45 exam before the summer break so it doesn’t take kids experiences if they’ve been here since 6th by surprise. ■

Is “The Gentlemen’s Club” a Pioneer in School Spirit, or a Simply Inappropriate Organization?

A phenomenon that started last year, “The Gentlemen’s Club” is a student-run group that provides fan support to Haverford’s athletes.

Drew Field ‘13

The Gentlemen’s Club has become the epitome of Haverford’s school spirit over last couple of years, especially during the winter sports season. Known for its amusing costume themes and its passionate student section, The Gentlemen’s Club has drawn many fans from the Upper School to come and support

basketball games, both home and away.

Fifth Former Joe Solomon comments, “This year’s attendance is much better than last year’s, and the crowd is much more excited

Participants in the Gentlemen’s’ Club at a basketball game on their “Ugly Holiday Sweater” night.

to be at the games. I think there is more Sixth Form leadership this year than last.”

One of those Sixth Form leaders, Warner Bailey, says that he believes that The Gentleman’s Club “is not only the best fan

Dawn Blake

section in the Inter-Ac, but also the most respectful and sportsmanlike.”

For instance, in the Episcopal Academy basketball game in their gym, we did not react to their negative chants towards our players

and our student body. Instead, we continued to support our own team and not react to their immature behavior.”

After an away basketball game at The Shipley School back in December, the school’s administration warned members of the club about their behavior during the game, and asked them to be more respectful of the opposing players and crowd.

The club has rebounded stronger than ever, packing the student section with excited, loud, and respectful Haverford fans. Themes so far this year include: Tao’s Zoo, Christmas Sweater Night, Blackout, Jorts, Vintage Haverford Gear, and others.

Although the Gentlemen’s Club is usually most crowded during home basketball games, it has made appearances to support Haverford’s Hockey, Squash, and Wrestling teams as well. Come check out this great feature of the Haverford community at an athletic event soon if you have not already done so. ■

Page 5 The Index - News & Features

February 2012

News & Features Haverford Robotics Team Brings Home State Championship to Top Off Exceptional Season Haverford’s VEX Robotics team - “The Cavalry” - has dominated many of the tournaments it has entered. The season culminated with one of the team’s robots taking first place at the PA State Championship.

Evan Kuritzkes ‘13

This year The Haverford Robotics Team 169, also known by their team name, “The Cavalry,” went out topple their next challenge, VEX Gateway. VEX Gateway consists of two teams on a single alliance each trying to score as many six-inch diameter balls and five-inch high by six-inch diameter barrels on each of the nine goals on the field. In addition to the nine goals formed by posts, there are four corner goals where everything touching the ground is one point. This year the field is split into two sections, an isolation zone and an interaction zone. Since the game is played two vs two, this means that one robot is in the isolation zone and one in the interaction zone per alliance. The isolation zones are again divided in the middle by an unmovable gate.

Inside each isolation zone there is a corner goal, an 11.5 inch goal, a 20 inch goal, and a 30 inch high goal. In the interaction zone there

pick up balls and barrels on different sized goals; even though some people do not like the new 3-zone field, I think it is an interesting way to make the game more challenging.

These are some of the most significant changes in the new game this year.”

This year, the Cavalry has expanded, forming six Upper School and three Middle School teams. The Cavalry has also continued to work with mentors Chuck Glick and Andrew Adaman, who both won mentor of the year at the World Championships the previous year. They have competed at many competitions, including The Haverford Stampede, The Middle School Regionals, The VEX Technomage League Finals, The Pennsylvania State Championships, and The Haverford Hootenanny. However, this year it is much harder to qualify for the World Championships. There were two events where winners qualified, the Pennsylvania State Championships, as well as the Technomage

Haverford Middle School robot 169Z zooms around the field during “The Haverford Stampede.”

are two 11.5 inch high goals and two corner goals, as well as one 30 inch high goal. This means there is a total of four 11.5 inch goals, two 20 inch goals, and 3 30 inch high goals as well as four corner goals. However, the teams may lift gates at anytime during the match, thus allowing the robot in the isolation zone to move to the interaction zone. There are also specially colored barrels, one white one black. The white special barrel, the doubler barrel, doubles everything in a goal, while the negation barrel negates everything in the goal.

There is another change this year: in previous years the robots that scored the most in autonomous mode, the first twenty seconds of the match where the robots control themselves, would be given a twenty point bonus.

This year there is no automonous bonus; however, the first scoring object introduced into a goal is worth twice its value. Thus meaning a regular ball or barrel is worth one point, but when scored first in a goal it is worth two.

This is a significant change and changes most everyone’s scoring strategies. Fifth Former Josh White commented on the new game, saying “It is interesting how the game changes from year to year, and this year we have to

Tina Salvitti

league finals. At every other event only the excellence award qualifies, which is the most prestigious award given out to the best overall team at the event.

This year VEX established ten beta-leagues spread across the globe. These leagues have

select another team with whom they would like compete. At the league finals, almost all the Haverford Teams were within the top twenty.

Team 169F, the highest seeded Haverford team was selected by the third-ranked team.

Team 169D was selected by the sixthranked team.

Team 169E was seeded twelfth before selecting its eventual teammate, Team 169A. The 169A/169E alliance soon proved unstoppable, demolishing the competition, including a Middle School vs. Upper School semi-finals in which the Haverford Form I and II teams, 169Z and 169Y respectively, went up against the 169A and 169E alliance. 169 A and E won, and went on to the finals, where they would become the champions of the first ever VEX Technomage League Finals.

This year the Cavalry also competed in the Pennsylvania State Championship. The

Eventual State Champion robot 169A makes a move in a regional tournament.

around three league events in which teams play matches and boost their rankings before a league final, in which the higher seeded teams

State Championship consisted of 80 teams from around the northeast, each competing to become the state champion. After a grueling

round of matches, Team 169A remained undefeated and was the highest Haverford team ranked at the competition. Team 169F closely followed them, followed again by team 169D. After a lot of picking and elimination rounds, the alliance, which Team 169A captained, won the event, claiming the title of State Champions.

So far the Cavalry has three teams qualified for the World Championship competition in Anaheim, California.

Fourth Former William Ye has been thrilled with the success of his robot, after what he called a “slow start”: “Right now the 169A team of [Fourth Former] Jonathan Paras, [Third Former] Tim Maguire, and [Sixth Former] Tadas Antanavicius, and myself have two tournament champion titles under our belts, including [a State Championship].The teams [will soon compete] at the international championships at Anaheim, California.”

Two of these three have come from winning events.

So far The Cavalry has won The Stampede, The League Championships, The Pennsylvania State Championships, and The Haverford Hootenanny. The Cavalry has also received some prestigious awards, such as the Excellence Award awarded to the Form II team at the Pennsylvania Middle School Regionals.

Also, at the Haverford Hootenanny, robot 169B won the Judges award. So far everyone has been very happy with the success of the team, none more so than Glick, who said, “I am extremely pleased with what the gentlemen have Chris Compendio produced this year. They have shown a great deal of knowledge and skill both on and off of the field; something that many other teams strive for and cannot attain.” ■

Page 6 The Index - News & Entertainment

News & Entertainment

February 2012

New Haverford App Arrives in App Store

Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Sixth Former Fitz Tepper has used the knowledge he acquired in Haverford’s new Software Programming course to create an iPhone application to be used as a tool by students and teachers alike.

As part of his monthly column, Niticon Davis has chosen The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky as the subject of this issue’s featured book review.

the “faculty directory which allows you to Amar Patel ‘13 email your teachers directly from the app.”

In addition, his app has several other helpful Second semester is the time when Sixth features. For example, it provides the lunch Formers begin to reminisce nostalgically menu for each month’s Upper and Middle about their Haverford years and to ponder School lunches. Fitz also noted, “I constantly what legacy they saw students huddled around the big screens will have left waiting for the daily schedule to come up. the Haverford Now, the schedule is literally in every student’s community. Sixth pocket.” His app also provides students with Former Fitz Tepper the daily schedule. In response to students’ has unequivocally question, “What day is it tomorrow?” Tepper left a legacy has added which cycle day it is, so students that will change can “plan their days in advance.” Fitz’s the Haverford main goal in creating the app was to fill “a community in gap in communication information between the foreseeable Haverford and its students.” future. For the first Although the app has been released on time, a Haverford the App Store, it is not a finished project. “I School app is now Index Staff will try to add occasional feature updates,” Fitz Tepper is the author of the available on the Haverford App. acknowledges Fitz. He believes that his Apple App Store. app is a work in progress that will change Tepper learned the fundamentals of as the school and the needs of the students software programming in Mr. Sweeney’s change. One update which he is working on in software development course first semester. particular is the ability for a specific student However, he found that he had “to supplement to plug in their personal schedule to make the learning in class with up to a few hours a the app customizable. That way, instead of night after school,” because iPhone apps are the app saying A block, it will say Software made “in the language Objective-C, which is Developing, or whatever the student’s class arguably the most complicated programming may be. language there is.” In addition, Apple has not This app has had a profound impact on the published Haverford any student instructions body. After or tips on its release, how to make many a an app and student could assumes that be seen using each app the app to developer see what has had at time class least five started or years of what was software for lunch developing that day. experience.

Fifth Former So, Tepper Niticon was forced Davis says to teach the app “is himself remarkably...

Index Staff how to write Already, the App has been downloaded by hundreds of users, the vast majority undoubt- easy to use.” edly Haverford students. apps in Tepper Objective-C, and he found that “making has certainly left a mark on the Haverford iPhone apps was extremely hard.” community in the form of his Haverford app, Despite these early hurdles, Tepper was which is available at either haverfordapp.com determined to make an app available to or the Apple App Store. the student body in the face of even more He confidently notes that this will not be the obstacles: his first draft was rejected by last of his computer projects and encourages Apple. They replied that his app “lacked each Haverford student to try to make a functionality,” so he went back to the drawing difference in the Haverford community in his board and added some features, one being own way. ■

This poll of 100 Haverford Upper School students was taken via Facebook using SurveyMonkey during the week of February 13, 2012.

James Shecter

life. The epistolary form in which he chose to write this book takes on the feel of a diary, and I was at first slightly put off by this style, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, written but as I continued to read, I found myself

by Stephen Chbosky in 1999, is a novel about almost instantaneously connecting with a shy, introverted teenager, who takes the penCharlie because name “Charlie” to of his honesty and write anonymously empathy for others. about his life. It is Ultimately, written in a series this is a story of letters addressed about living life to an unknown to its fullest and friend, which detail making the most of the narrator’s life. relationships with The book follows others. Chbosky the incredibly Index Staff creates a profoundly intelligent Charlie Niticon Davis continues his monthly book review column. moving tale of adolescence and coming of age, as he goes from being a socially awkward, more relevant than ever to us as high school reclusive outcast, to someone who is able to students. Its readers will find themselves find his own niche when he befriends two empathizing with Charlie and rooting for him seniors named Samantha and Patrick, who in throughout the novel. They will feel swept up turn introduce him to their own special group by his happiness when he recounts his good of friends. Through meeting these friends, moments, and saddened by the hurt that feels Charlie attends his first high school dances, Charlie when overwhelmed by depression and parties, finds his first love, and also does many isolation. The conclusions that he draws about other things quintessential to the high school life and the human experience are insightful experience. and very real. I would unquestionably The intended audience of the book is the recommend this book to every high school young adult demographic. Chbosky creates a student. ■ genuine depiction of the high school teenager’s Niticon Davis ‘13

Ms. Adkins Revolutionizing Language Dept.

Continued from the Front Page The language program has blossomed under Ms. Adkins’ leadership, becoming one of the best in the area even after reducing the number of languages it offered. Since 2008, Haverford has eliminated French and German from the department, but Ms. Adkins believes it was for the best: “There weren’t enough kids, honestly, to offer productive [curricula] and make it efficient for German and French students.

However, we [in the language department] believe that the three languages we have right now cover the major time periods. Latin is the language of the past, Spanish the language of today, and Chinese is the language of the future.”

Her point, while many agree is valid, cannot go unchallenged. In addition to arguing that French and German may be more important than Latin or even Chinese, some students also believe that taking an international language should take a backseat to adding another science class, or even taking two art-based courses. Fourth Former William Ye says, “Doubling a language seems like a lot of work and a little extraneous, and personally I enjoy music.”

However, Ms. Adkins’ vision for the department has never been to diminish the importance of the arts, sciences, or even the English language but only to expose people to a whole different world, one that can only be experienced through learning a foreign language. She says, “Learning a foreign language is like no other experience. It has never been my intention to prevent people from pursuing more science or arts classes, but only to show students the benefits of a foreign language,” which, by Fifth Form, can be taken side-by-side, even doubled, with other arts and sciences.

At the beginning of the fall semester, the members of the language department participated in a retreat of sorts, and several of the language teachers, including Lao Shi and Ms. Adkins, believe that it allowed them to focus the message of the program. Ms.

Adkins in particular says, “The value of learning a foreign language reaches beyond just being able to communicate with a person that is speaking another language. Because our curriculum is so rich in history and culture, it allows our Haverford boys to feel empathy, gain a broader understanding of the world, and appreciate differences more than they would otherwise.”

A big reason for that shift in the teaching mindset has been caused by Ms. Adkins, who does not believe in preparing boys for only the SAT2s and AP exams that focus mainly on grammar. Her opinions on the nature of teaching languages have allowed the aforementioned rise in cultural knowledge gained by foreign language students.

Ms. Sonya Hsieh, the Chinese teacher more commonly known as “Lao Shi,” remarked, “Ms. Adkins has really transformed our department and changed our image from what it was four or five years ago: a failing program that had little interest and even [fewer] success stories. Her strong, passionate voice has allowed the language department to become one of the best in the school, and more students are taking languages, and most importantly succeeding.”

Today seems to be the dawn of a new day in Haverford’s language department. Ms. Adkins, in addition to expanding the size of classes and refining the curriculum, would like to implement more authentic experiences, such as trips and conversations with other language students. Since the number of people taking two languages has risen dramatically since she took over, there is now even more of an incentive to expand the program.

However, not all of Ms. Adkins’ excellence is put towards the department. Many of her Latin students explain how her classes have taught them so much and how efficiently she teaches and explains culture. Fourth Former Terry Rossi says, “I love having Ms. Adkins as a teacher if only because of how much more knowledgeable I’ve become.”

She has transformed a department, changed students, and been a successful faculty member on the whole. ■

Page 7 The Index - Arts & Entertainment

February 2012

Arts & Entertainment

Haverford Production of Hairspray in the Works Hairspray, a story revolving around the civil rights movement in the 1960’s, will be performed at Centennial Hall on March 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

Tadas Antanavicius ‘12 Welcome to the 60’s! Set during a time in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement, Hairspray tells the tale of Tracy Turnblad – a plump, dancing teenager yearning for her moment in the spotlight. There is just one problem; who is going to give television

airtime to an “imperfect” girl?

On the nights of March 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, Haverford will be putting on its production of the musical Hairspray. Hairspray began as a film written and directed by John Waters back in 1988, but was soon made much more popular by an award-winning Broadway musical adaptation in 2002. Today, it is perhaps best known for its more recent film version (2007) starring actors such as John Travolta, Zac Efron, and Queen Latifah.

Why Hairspray for Haverford? Director of the show Mr. Matthew Cloran explained, “I wanted to do Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat but got a lot of negative feedback…we voted [between Joseph, Bye Bye Birdie, and Hairspray] and Hairspray was easily the top choice.” Mr. Cloran was not disappointed: “I love the music, the great story about Tracy and Edna Turnblad, and the civil rights [angle].”

Now, Tracy (played by Agnes Irwin Junior Phoebe Smukler) will take to the stage at Centennial Hall to embark on her up-and-down journey towards unconditional integration – whether the offended party be of a different race or a greater weight. Along the way, she fights for Link Larkin’s (Sixth Former Zach Rego) heart, and attempts to overcome the self-interested antics of Amber Von Tussle (Baldwin Senior Michaela Shuchman) and her mother Velma Von Tussle (Baldwin Junior Charlotte Morris).

Meanwhile, Tracy’s mother Edna (Sixth Former Rémi Yang) and father Wilbur (Sixth Former Dean Feinman) try to find their place in 60’s society, and Penny Pingleton (Lower Merion Sophomore Sarah Schieffelin) gradually forms her own relationship with Seaweed J. Stubbs (Sixth Former Dave Harris), much to the initial chagrin of her mother Prudy Pingleton (Agnes Irwin Senior Alicen Davis).

All at a time when the entire African-American community, led by Seaweed’s mother Motormouth Maybelle (Agnes Irwin Freshman Nile Harris), is struggling to make its case for integration heard.

This cast has no shortage of talent and the storyline is evidently diverse enough to showcase it all. Additionally, Mr. Cloran expects the choreography in the show to be exceptional, as Fourth Former Toney Goins has undertaken the task of co-choreographing the show. Rémi Yang agrees, “Prepare to be amazed by Toney Goins’ exciting choreography [as well as Fourth Former] Jake Cohen’s flashy set design.”

But there are also particular characters and scenes to keep a look out for. “Rémi Yang playing Edna Turnblad is going to be a very cool part of the show. It’s not a guy in drag, he’s actually playing this woman,” offers Mr. Cloran. Of his perplexing role, Yang notes, “The challenge in playing Edna lies in balancing between femininity and masculinity, without exaggerating Edna’s feminine side.

Also, it has been tough taking on the presence and mannerisms of a much larger person.”

Sixth Former Pat Meehan, who plays the role of Corny Collins the TV host of “The Corny Collins Show,” added, “[Make sure you] watch Dave Harris playing Seaweed during [the musical number] ‘Run and Tell That.’ It’s a really energetic song and the dancing’s really advanced, yet he’s singing the whole time…I think the song is going to be a showstopper.”

And Dave Harris believes, “the combination of sixty plus people lindying in unison will surely be a sight to see.”

While the show itself will be undoubtedly captivating, what is perhaps just as fascinating is the work that goes on behind the scenes.

Throughout the countless hours of rehearsing and all the memorization and work that goes into perfecting every scene, Mr. Cloran finds some of the greatest challenges to be “keeping 64 teenagers quiet [during rehearsals]” and “dealing with the cast’s many conflicts [with rehearsal times].” He goes on to say, “Still, when the lights go up on opening night, and the audience is having a great time, you usually forget the heartache you experienced on the way. That said, I am planning on doing a smaller musical next year to give myself a breather.”

And Mr. Cloran’s favorite part of the whole process? “Watching an actor grow in a part or watching people who have never been on stage have their first experience in a big show like this. For example, I really enjoy watching [Sixth Formers] Geoff Bocobo, Tadas Antanavicius, and the other guys who are doing the show for the first time….Watching

Rémi, Phoebe, Pat, Zach and the other actors grow in their parts is also very satisfying.”

Everyone takes part in the show for different reasons. Some do it as part of their long-standing dedication to the drama department; others do it just to try something new. Harris explains his involvement, “I’ve been doing every Haverford show since Peter Pan in 6th grade and…I keep coming back for many reasons: the people are awesome, the shows are terrific, and the entire process is just a stressful good time. “ Ensemble member and Fifth Former Max Schmidt echoes Harris’s reasoning, noting that putting the show together “is a great time with great people.”

In fact, it seems that one of the greatest takeaways from the experience of being in a Haverford musical is the unforgettable cast that you get to spend time with. Meehan

opines, “The best part about being in Hairspray is the atmosphere among the cast and the professionalism,” and Harris agrees, “The cast and the people you get to be around are one of the most fun aspects of the show.”

Harris also believes, “If you [a Haverford student] have not done a play or musical up to this point then you have made a mistake.

You are missing out on one of the greatest, yet under-appreciated, aspects of Haverford.

After doing a show you will come out a more confident, more understanding, and overall better person. Working hard for two months and performing in front of a huge crowd will do that to you.”

Come out and support the hard work of the Hairspray cast, and don’t forget to turn off your cellphones – it really means a great deal to Mr. Cloran and the cast! ■

Mysterious Dark Room Remains Lightly Used leads to another room.

Mr. Frock claims that it might be better that students do not all know about the room.

Haverford’s dark room has always been By not advertising it so much, “We don’t have shrouded in students mystery. Many lined up, Haverford wanting to go students do not through the know what it is [dark room’s] or what purpose revolving it serves; some door,” he have never even says with a heard of it. laugh.

Other students There say they have has been a been inside but dark room do not know in the art exactly what it is department that they see. for several So why the years now. unawareness?

The current For one, it is one was built tucked away James Shecter during the among the art This poll of 100 Haverford Upper School students was taken via Facebook using construction of SurveyMonkey during the week of February 13, 2012. classrooms (in the new Upper the lower corner of the Upper School) where School but only in the past couple of years has only artists can really see it. Even for an artist it started to get regular use. not involved in photography, it is hard to notice It is used for developing film from nonthe rounded black door or to realize that it digital cameras, such as the 35mm and 50mm Will Tackett ‘14

types used by the chemicals that photography class. The prints soak in, room is divided into a a sink, and a wet area and a dry area. drying rack. The The dry section contains chemicals used an enlarger, a print easel,

by Haverford’s and safelights, as well photographers as ventilation, a gray are Kodak cabinet, and contrast D-76 developer filters. The enlarger is (used for black the device responsible and white for printing a negative photographs), onto paper. The desired Ilford photographs are cut concentrated from film and placed liquid paper on the print easel under developer, and the enlarger to create Ilford rapid a print and prepare fixer. After the for the development prints soak, the process. Safelights chemicals are enable the photographer washed off in to see what he is doing the sink and the without having light image is then damage the sensitive hung up to dry.

Will Tackett paper. Safelights can be Some light has The entrance to the mysterious Upper School dark room. adjusted to various colors that will not react been on the mysterious inner workings dark with each color’s corresponding sensitivity. room. At the same time, this article should not The wet section is for development of be seen as an invitation to stampede through its photographs, or prints. It contains trays of revolving door. ■

Page 8 The Index - Arts & Entertainment

Arts & Entertainment

February 2012

Compendio Reviews the Academy Award Nominations for Best Picture Chris Compendio ‘12 Editor’s Note: This article was written prior to February 26, 2012.

movies, to the unsung heroes of film-making through the technical awards. After last year’s disastrous experiment of having actors James Franco and Anne Hathaway host the ceremony, the Academy is looking to play it safer with perennial host Billy Crystal, who took the job

Bridesmaids and a pleasant surprise in veteran actor Gary Oldman’s first nomination. On the other hand, snubs included Ryan Gosling, who starred in three critically acclaimed films in 2011 (The Ides of March, Drive, and Crazy, Stupid, Love); The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo for Best Picture; and the final Harry Potter film for any major categories. Another disappointment is the Best Original Song category, which only has two contenders, neither of which is notable or will be

performed in the ceremony.

Looking at other significant awards shows this year, including the Golden Globes, the BAFTAs, and the SAGs, The Artist is expected to win big, as well as actors Jean Dujardin, Viola Davis, Christopher Plummer and Octavia Spencer. There have been few surprises in previous Oscar ceremonies, but still look forward to an interesting and hopefully more entertaining awards show. That being said, here are the nine nominees for Best Picture.

The 2011-2012 awards season ends February 26th when the 84th Academy Awards after original host Eddie Murphy dropped out. are presented. Hosted by eight-time host This year’s nominees come with surprises Billy Crystal, this year’s Oscar ceremony will and snubs, with an unexpected surprise from celebrate the best in film in 2011, from the big two nominations for the raunchy comedy blockbusters and the lesser-known obscure Midnight in Paris The Artist Written and directed by Woody Allen, this romantic This romantic drama set in Hollywood in the late 20’s/early 30’s is about comedy centers on a group of Americans visiting Paris. silent film actor George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) who’s career and life Gil Pender, a screenwriter (Owen Wilson), is engaged falls apart after the rise of sound films and the stock market crash. As a to be married, but his relationship with his fiancée goes tribute to the genre, the film itself is a silent film, presented in black and through a transformation during this trip as they find white and with almost no dialogue. The story is still comprehensible and that they have incompatible views on life. Charming, entertaining due to the leads’ powerful performances, making this one of clever, and taking advantage of what Paris has to offer, the more unique films of 2011. Having already won big in other awards this film is a classic Woody Allen film. However, while shows, The Artist is seen as the frontrunner for Best Picture this year. it is bound to win awards for its writing, this film is Other nominations: Best Director (Michel Hazanavicius), Best Actor unlikely to stand on top of the front runners for the Best (Jean Dujardin), Best Supporting Actress (Bérénice Bejo), Best Original Picture category.

Screenplay (Hazanavicius), Best Original Score (Ludovic Bource), Best Other nominations: Best Director (Woody Allen), Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Original Screenplay (Allen), Best Art Direction Editing Rotten Tomatoes score: 93% Rotten Tomatoes score: 97% Chances?: Moderate Chances?: Very High The Descendants From the writer and director of the 2004 film Sideways is The Descendants, a comedy-drama about a father (George Clooney) trying to repair his relationships with his two daughters after his wife is put in a coma after an accident. He discovers that his wife was cheating on him and takes his daughters with him on a trip to find her lover. During this time, he looks back and reevaluates his life. Like Sideways, The Descendants looks on the unpredictability and complexities of everyday life using humor and its cast’s powerful performances. Having won a Golden Globe for Best Picture (Drama), this film still has a chance at taking the top prize.

Other nominations: Best Director (Alexander Payne), Best Actor (George Clooney), Best Adapted Screenplay (Payne), Best Film Editing Rotten Tomatoes score: 89% Chances?: High The Tree of Life Probably the most complex and difficult Best Picture nominee to watch, this drama by Terrence Malick looks at the beginning and the meaning of life through the childhood memories from the 1950’s of a middle-aged man (Sean Penn) living in the present day. These flashbacks follow his relationship with his family, including his father (Brad Pitt). While many agree that the film is innovative and visually stunning, critics were divided over this film, being called “mad and magnificent” but also “self-absorbed” and “pretentious.” These polarized reactions make this nomination for Best Picture a surprise and is the reason that this film is unlikely to win.

Other nominations: Best Director (Terrence Malick), Best Cinematography Rotten Tomatoes score: 84% Chances?: Low The Help Also based on a novel. The Help is about two AfricanAmerican maids (Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer) and a young white woman (Emma Stone) in the 1960’s as the three form an unlikely friendship. Taking place during the Civil Rights movement, the film follows the three as they start a secret writing project meant to detail the hardships that African-American maids go through in everyday life. While well-reviewed, the film is mostly thought to only be carried by its performances and will most likely only make a splash in the acting categories of the awards.

Other nominations: Best Actress (Viola Davis), Best Supporting Actresses (Jessica Chastain, Octavia Spencer) Rotten Tomatoes score: 76% Chances?: Moderate

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Based on the novel by Jonathan Safran Foer, this film follows a nine-year old boy (Thomas Horn) two years after his father (Tom Hanks) was killed in the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. As he tries to make sense of his father’s death, he searches for a lock that matches the key for a scavenger hunt his father left behind. Having received mixed to negative reviews from critics, being called overly sentimental, this nomination was seen as a surprise and is very unlikely to win over the other films nominated.

Other nominations: Best Supporting Actor (Max von Sydow) Rotten Tomatoes score: 45% Chances?: Very Low War Horse Another film from a legendary director, Steven Spielberg, this film based on a novel and stage play of the same name. It takes place during the First World War and follows a young man who tames and builds a special friendship with his horse Joey. He and Joey are separated when Joey is sold to the cavalry, and the film mostly follows the horse as he touches the lives of various other people he encounters. Emotional and undeniably “Speilbergian,” War Horse received good reviews but was still thought by many critics and moviegoers to be too long and overly sentimental. This makes a Best Picture win unlikely.

Other nominations: Best Original Score (John Williams), Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography Rotten Tomatoes score: 77% Chances?: Low Moneyball Based on a true story, this sports film tells the story of Billy Beane (Brad Pitt), the general manager of the Oakland Athletics, and his assistant Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) as they come up with a more analytical and unconventional method of finding players to assemble a team. With great performances from Pitt and Hill, and a script touched up by Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing, The Social Network), Moneyball is a sharp, fast-paced, funny, and well-acted film. It is a baseball film with little baseball and turns an unlikely subject into an entertaining film. But like Midnight in Paris, it is more likely to receive awards for its writing rather than in the major categories.

Other nominations: Best Actor (Brad Pitt), Best Supporting Actor (Jonah Hill), Best Adapted Screenplay (Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin), Best Sound Mixing, Best Film Editing Rotten Tomatoes score: 94% Chances?: Moderate

Hugo Directed by legendary film director Martin Scorsese and based on the novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret, this family film is about a boy named Hugo who lives alone in a train station in 1930’s Paris, who is trying to repair a broken automaton that his deceased father left behind. On his adventure, Hugo encounters many colorful characters, including a toy store owner and his goddaughter. Like The Artist, Hugo acts as a tribute to the art of film-making but shows admiration for it rather than purely emulating it. Magical, emotional, and with a good use of 3D, this film was well received and could end up stealing the Best Picture win.

Other nominations: Best Director (Martin Scorsese), Best Adapted Screenplay (John Logan), Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Visual Effects Rotten Tomatoes score: 93% Chances?: High

Page 9 The Index - Arts & Entertainment

Arts & Entertainment

February 2012

“Eating With Sam” at Haverford Square’s Du Jour For this edition of Eating with Sam, Sam Bloch took a trip down the road to Du Jour on Lancaster Ave. What did he find?

Sam Bloch ‘13

I have always wondered what our parents do when we are at school. Sometimes it feels like they just meet each other for coffee or lunch. One of the hot spots for Main Line parents around Haverford is Du Jour, which is located within walking distance from The Haverford School at 379 Lancaster Avenue. I decided to check out the world of over-priced

salads for this edition of “Eating with Sam.” I went to Du Jour on a Saturday afternoon, and it was packed. After finding a table, I ordered a Caesar salad and a burger. From previous Du Jour experiences, I knew that the portions were small and that a single dish would not fill me up, but I would recommend that most eaters stick to one item.

After waiting for nearly fifteen minutes, my food finally came. The Caesar salad was pretty good, but it is tough for me to imagine paying nine dollars for a salad with no chicken in it.

Yes, a little bit of lettuce with some dressing and two croutons costs nine dollars. To me, this is borderline absurd, but the fact that the salad tastes good makes me feel slightly better. The lettuce is chopped very thinly, unlike any other

topped with a creamy dressing. Creamy Caesar salad dressings are often too heavy, but the dressing in Du Jour is surprisingly light. Du Jour also puts two long, crispy croutons on the salad, which I found to be delicious. Although I ate one before I touched the rest of the salad, I saved the second one for the end and soaked up the extra dressing with it, making it even better than the first.

It is a smallsized salad, especially, but, overall, the salad was tasty but overpriced.

Index Staff I then The Du Jour on Lancaster Avenue. moved on to salad I have eaten. Although this bothered me my burger. Similarly, despite the its wonderful at first, I found the diced lettuce to be quite taste, I found it to be overpriced. I was satisfied enjoyable, as it keeps the lettuce from getting by my burger with cheddar cheese. The bun doused in dressing and soggy. The salad is

was a nice fresh piece of bread. Personally, I prefer my bun-to-burger ratio to be on the low side; however, Du Jour’s burger is a little on the high side. I still enjoyed the bread, even though I there was a little too much of it. The burger itself was tasty piece of prime beef. I ordered mine medium, and it came out perfectly. In addition, the cheese was not just your average cheese. It was more flavorful and sharper than most. The juicy burger combined with the great cheese makes for an excellent experience. My only issue with the burger is the $13.50 price tag, which is just a little steep.

Still, the burger is excellent and worth trying.

Du Jour has many options other than the those I tried on my most recent visit. In the past, I have had their pizza and paninis. Both of these are also good choices when you try Du Jour. The pizza has medium thick crust with a crisp bottom, which complements the delicious sauce and cheese nicely. The paninis are all tasty as well. The panini bread is good, but the size of the paninis are too small for my taste. If you order a panini, it is probably a good idea to get a salad to complement it.

Overall, Du Jour is a great place to grab a bite to eat. I can see why the Main Line parents visit it so frequently. The price range is a little out of a high school student’s budget, but the quality of the food is very high. So, take a walk across Lancaster Avenue and give Du Jour a try. ■

Charles Mueller is the Latest Artist of the Issue Grayson Sessa ‘13

in his Form II year.

This award motivated him to continue in the Many Haverford students can count visual arts during his Third Form year. Overall, themselves proficient in some sort of creative Mueller credits his current artistic prowess to pursuit: writing, painting, or sculpting. But Mr. Chris Fox who taught him the “hard work, Sixth Former Charles Mueller’s artistic talent patience, and dedication” that make certain is particularly impressive because of its sheer artists great. depth. A self-professed art lover since Lower During this painting progression, Mueller School, Mueller had found a has watched his second creative command over the passion in poetry. crafts – mainly Beginning around poetry and painting the time of his – evolve over parents’ divorce, he “used poetry many years. to deal with my One of his first emotions in a memories loving positive light. art was in Lower [As] opposed to School teacher Ms. bottling up my Jenny Waring’s emotions, I let class where the them out using class made “class pen on paper.” monsters and…

As he privately abstract project practiced writing ideas.” Mueller Charles Mueller during Middle “Big Timber Montana” by Charles Mueller - an early phase in painting. considers his School, his poetry first flavors of a personal style to date back primarily reflected his “emotional state” at the to Middle School. In fact, in those three time. years he began to use painting “as a means But once in Upper School he began to of expressing [himself].” Not only was he branch out. He found a home in the Poetry beginning to make the craft his own, but he was also receiving praise from his teachers and Club, run by then-English teacher Mr. Laird peers, earning him the Excellence in Art Award Kopp, during his Third Form year. Mueller credits the club with instilling in him the

Honor Council Update

confidence to share personal poems as well as Sylvia Plath, who wrote the poem “Mirror.” providing a comfortable and safe environment.

His favorite genre of music, Country, inspired Hearing constructive criticism regarding each him to write “The Heart of Country.” He also poem, his poetry developed significantly reminisced of his childhood with a comedic thanks to these years. poem about pillow forts called “My Cushion Mueller is happy to serve as co-leader of the Fortress.”

Poetry Club this year. With this responsibility, Despite this variation in sources, Mueller he hopes to notes, “Often times, positively I can quickly think influence the of my first three perception of art, stanzas of a sad and in particular poem in my head, poetry, at but only a [thought] Haverford. or an idea will Many artists come to me for a struggle with happy one…I have inspiration, always found that so Mueller is it is easier for me fortunate to to write sorrowful frequently have poems than... happy blossoming ideas. poems.”

For his paintings, Students and these sparks faculty should Charles Mueller usually come check out Mueller’s “Big Timber Montana” by Charles Mueller - the finished product. from beautiful personal favorites of natural landscapes. Mueller considers this so his collection. Of his poems, he is most proud because he savors “the time that [he spends] of “For Sylvia,” “The Heart of Country,” in picturesque scenes like the vast Montana and “A Big Sky to Remember.” His favorite mountains or the placid bay of Cape Cod.” paintings are two recent ones: his portrayal of Nonetheless, he does not limit himself, and he a magnolia and one that he completed at the also paints flowers or still-lifes.

Montana artist retreat. Younger artists in needs His poetry now comes from a more diverse of advice should seek out Mueller as someone set of sources. For example, he recently wrote who has spent years dedicated to improving his “For Sylvia,” which commemorates the late craft. ■

The Honor Council wants to get word out about a change in the juror system for trials, and notes that elections for new Honor Council members are coming soon.

Chris DiBello ‘12 Greetings from the Honor Council. Recently with the help of the Character Mentorship Program, the Honor Council visited the Middle School for the second time to educate them on the hearing process. The Honor Council plans on meeting with the Second Form once more to answer any questions before joining our community. Overall the visits have earned positive feedback as these young men learn about character.

The Honor Council is also working on designing a sheet for the jurors that help with the hearings. These sheets, available the night before a hearing, will answer any basic

questions about one’s role as a juror.

The Honor Council is also preparing for our annual Honor Day. With a couple different ideas for speakers, we plan on making it an exciting day to learn about different honor codes around the area.

As a reminder, the elections for the Honor Council are around the corner. In the coming months people who would like to join the Honor Council will need to write a letter on why they would like to join and then go through an interview process. Classmates will then vote on their form’s Honor Council representatives. Thanks for keeping our community filled with respect, honesty, and courage. ■

James Shecter

This poll of 100 Haverford Upper School students (Fifth and Sixth Formers were asked to omit this question) was taken via Facebook using SurveyMonkey during the week of February 13, 2012.

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Sports

Winter Track Eyes Another Successful Season

was not the case this season because “We have a great sense of camaraderie on the squad with a spirited group of Sixth Formers leading the Haverford’s Winter Track team has had way.” The Sixth Formers, according to Coach a very successful 2011-2012 season. While Bryan Skelly, “did a great job of organizing some student athletes’ seasons are over, others the younger guys and keeping all working are still refining their skills for either the hard…and of keeping State Championships or [underclassmen] included the Meet of Champions. and running fast.”

Fifth Former Lucas Elek Despite the fact that the and Sixth Former Geoff Sixth Formers have led the Bocobo have successfully group to new heights, other qualified for the state contributing factors have meet in the 400-meter and helped the squad as well.

800-meter respectively, Fourth Former Faasel Khan and the 4x200 team of explained, “Everyone has Fifth Formers Andrew been willing to run.” He Weiner, Matt Galetta, commented that if there Chris Morgan and Bocobo had not been so much effort qualified for the Meet shown during practice, of Champions. Morgan “The coaches could have says, “Our relay team ran lost interest, and we would a pretty good time and not have been able to do so finished .6 seconds off the well.” Hard work at practice state qualifying time.” He was certainly the norm for notes that Bocobo “was the team, who often had hampered by a minor Jim Roese workouts or long runs to injury” but will be back Third Former James Greytok runs in a relay at a help them get in better shape. for the State Championship. meet at Glen Mills.

Third Former Dan Lyons According to Bocobo, commented that “The team injuries also prohibited Elek from racing in the worked hard the whole season and has showed 800 meter and mile. good improvement…the hard work paid off in Other notable accomplishments include the meets.”

Sixth Former Brendan Purcell earning medals But will this year’s success translate into an in the high hurdles, and the 4x800 team of even better season next year? Coach Ehrhart Fifth Former Colin Meehan, Sixth Former believes so. “We’ll be losing some very good Jack Meehan, and Fifth Formers Faasel Khan Sixth Formers, but we’ve got more depth this and Sawyer Warden receiving a medal at the year than I can ever remember.”

Delco Meet. Additionally, Sixth Former Paxton Coach Skelly also believed the future was Moore has been running well in the 400m bright for the winter track program. “Moving throughout the season, Sixth Former Will forward, we have to retain talented young Gural has made several finals in various meets athletes. Track is very much a numbers game, for the 55m dash, and Third Formers Alex [but] we always have strong top-end runners.”

Keszeli and James Greytok have done well in Although the State Championships and Meet the long sprint events as well. of Champions have yet to occur, Coach Skelly Last year’s campaign did not fare nearly said that this season was exceptional because as well. During the 2010-2011 school year, “Any time we get a chance to go to Penn State no runners from the Haverford School for the State Meet, the year is a success.” winter track team qualified for the State Best of luck to the winter track team at State Championships or the Meet of Champions.

Championships and Meet of Champions. ■ Coach Dr. William Ehrhart explained that this Matt Larson ‘14

February 2012

Wrestling Reaches 2nd Place in Inter-Ac Connor Atkins ‘15 Wrestling is not only an individual sport, where the athlete is on the mat by himself, but also a team sport where a group comes together to achieve victory. The Haverford School wrestling team has truly come together this year, and it is clear that its hard work has paid off. Ranging from Third Formers to Sixth Formers, this year’s team both puts in the effort on and off the mat and has striven to

Academy. This match truly showed the heart of the team after winning eight matches and experiencing a game-changing win from Sixth Former Chris DiBello. With this 36-30 win the Fords not only kept their undefeated Inter-Ac season alive, but also moved up the rankings to fourth place.

The Fords then faced Chestnut Hill Academy, and they could not be stopped. Wins from Third Formers Chauncey Simmons, Nick

Sixth Former Ron Tassoni during a wrestling match versus Episcopal Academy.

reach high goals and expectations..

The much anticipated season opener came against Malvern Prep. In recent years this match has seemed liked an easy win. Ever since Coach Kennett took over the team, the Fords have not lost to Malvern, but this year was a little closer than usual. Because there were a couple forfeits, every single match was much more important. The Fords took control of the match after back-to-back-to-back wins from Sixth Former Rémi Yang, Fifth Former Vince Bellwoar, and Sixth Former Dean Feinman led the Fords to a 42-36 victory.

The next Inter-Ac match came against Penn Charter, and Third Formers L.J. Barlow and Jack Gola stepped up, both winning their own matches, helping Haverford take a 57-21 victory and making them 2-0 in the Inter-Ac. The team then moved on to face Episcopal

Jim Roese

Gallo, and Ben Quan helped lead the fords to a 57-9 win, positioning the Fords with a chance at the Inter-Ac title. More importantly, the team is constantly pushing each other to become better wrestlers and a better overall team.

Although the Fords did not go onto win the Inter-Ac, they did finish the season at second place with a 4-1 Inter-Ac record and an overall record of 15-5. The Fords had great leadership from Sixth Formers DiBello, Zach Rego, Feinman, Ron Tassoni, Yang, Dylan Anderson, and Zach Trauger.

The season is not over for the Fords.

Finishing sixth place in the state tournament and qualifying seven wrestlers for nationals, the Fords are still pushing forward. This season has had its up sand downs, but all will agree that it was a success. ■

Athletes Commit to College before Sixth Form Year Continued from the Front Page Landolfi’s reasons for choosing Lafayette were particularly intriguing. He will be vying for the starting shortstop job since “the shortstop this year for Lafayette is a senior and will be graduating.” He went on to say, that Lafayette’s Head Baseball Coach Kinney “told me the spot would be up for grabs and that I would be given an opportunity to prove myself.”

Collegiate sports can be intense and compelling. NCAA affairs are continually covered by news teams and websites for primarily positive reports, but every few years, a scandal arises. What occurred this past year at Pennsylvania State University will forever be embedded in the minds of those at the college, the alumni, and its countrywide fan base. Some prospective Penn State athletes, not just in football, rescinded their commitments when the news of the scandal broke out.

Would Haverford athletes respond in the same manner if a similar event occurred at the school they have selected? Landolfi and Rohr immediately responded that they would revoke their commitments because, in Landolfi’s words, a scandal like that “brings into question the character and morality of the coaches at that school.” McBride is not sure what he would do, but he “would have definitely have to rethink [his] decision with [his] family.”

Jamgochian said that it “wouldn’t bother” him, and that he would “instead take the opportunity to take a starting position even earlier while

everyone else’s head is down.”

One might think that athletic talent provides a shortcut through the college process or a way not to worry about academics. Having learned of the top-notch GPA and SAT/ACT score requirements these four athletes had to fulfill before their commitments were verified, one’s opinion is easily changed. Having asked Jamgochian, McBride, Landolfi, and Rohr whether school had become more relaxed for them since committing, I expected a slurry of stories about care-free nights and stress-free days. My expectations were off.

McBride replied, “In no way has school become easier or more relaxing after my commitment. Princeton requires a tremendous amount of work to maintain the grades and attain the scores that are needed to get through admissions, and the commitment I have is basically just a handshake.” Though he did add, “It is nice to only focus on one place knowing that most likely that will be my future school.”

“Lafayette has a great academic reputation so to even be considered for the school, I had to achieve a high GPA and standardized test scores,” Landolfi replied. “I had a 3.8 during the process. I struggle with standardized tests, but managed to [do well] on the ACT.” Jamgochian simplified the athletes’ unified feelings, “[College athletic programs] still value grades more than anything.”

The athletes told me that each of their respective coaches played instrumental roles in initiating contact with colleges and securing the commitments, but what role do the actual

college counselors play? “College counselors according to Mr. Cousins, “Every college talk to college has unique coaches and ‘institutional admissions needs,’ and these officers to needs change from advocate for the year to year.” students, just From the first like we do for call, email, or letter all students,” a student athlete Mr. Cousins receives, a team informed. “If a effort to secures coach is telling a eventual full student it looks commitment: the like he will coaches, college be admitted, counselors, and the college most importantly counselors the students must then call our work themselves to admissions the bone to achieve representative their desired to make result. For some sure that the of these student coach has the athletes, college approval from athletics is simply admissions.” the next logical Mr. Cousins step towards additionally professional sports. believes Maybe Haverford’s that athletic future student body superstars will be playing as receive “no star lineman Grant more [boost Jamgochian ‘12 Jim Roese in the College in Madden 2018 Fifth Former Brett Campbell has committed to Georgetown.

Process] than or as golden-glove legacies and other students who are considered shortstop Andrew Landolfi ‘12 in MLB 2K20. ‘special interest applicants.’” This is because, We will have to wait and see. ■

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Sports

February 2012

Haverford Basketball Goes Beyond Expectations If one listens to the huddle talks or what the team says before breaking, one will understand the large goals of the team. After Coach Henry The 2011-2012 basketball season for the Fairfax beckons, “1,2,3,” the team often shouts Fords has been one of surpassing expectations. back statements like “championship,” “finish,” The Fords were projected to be fourth in the or “win.” These Inter-Ac, and cheers have been they were chanted since the not even first game against considered New Beginnings for a state and have ranking. continued even Every during the great practice since three-point win the beginning over Malvern. of the season The Fords have was centered always remained on the ideas focused on their of expecting lofty long-term to win, goals without figuring out letting little how to win, things get in the and getting way. nothing less The basketball than what was team has expected. played several Recently, high-ranking the team opponents this has been year and have in serious even challenged competition and beaten for the many. Malvern’s Inter-Ac basketball team championship was undefeated, race with top five in the Germantown state, and first Academy, Jim Roese in the league Malvern In a basketball game against Malvern Prep, Thomas goes up for a shot. when the Fords Prep, and took them into double over time and beat them Penn Charter. Until last Friday, Haverford was by three. Along with the great fan support, leading the race and, if not for a one-point loss the team managed to pull off the upset with to Germantown Academy, most likely would contributions from many. The two players who have ended up on top. How could a team that contributed the most were Sixth Formers Ray was expected to place fourth be in a spot to Hollman and Zach Thomas. Thomas was able win? The Haverford Basketball team has been to knock down several key three point shots going out every day and proving that they are while Ray locked down last year’s Inter-Ac better than what everyone else thought and MVP Brendan Kilpatrick to two points in the maybe even the best in league. second half. These two were not the only ones Trevor Atkins ‘13

Tae Xu goes for a jump ball in action against Malvern Prep.

Jim Roese

who performed that game: the team as whole came together to win the game to prove that they are what everyone thinks they are not, a championship-caliber basketball team.

Haverford went into her next game against Penn Charter expecting even more, considering that they had put themselves in a spot to be the best in the league. Coach Fairfax stressed that the game, and every Inter-Ac game from there on, would be a championship game. Despite Penn Charter coming out strong, Haverford battled and almost ran the Charter team off its own court. If not for a second technical on Sixth Former Tao Xu, Haverford probably would have won by 20 but still finished with a good win, 62-52. Unfortunately this second technical (for excessive celebration) banned Tao from playing in the next game against Germantown, who would beat the Fords in a 60-59 nail-biter. Despite this, Haverford still has a chance to get the Inter-Ac title, but it is no longer a lock.

The Haverford squad has had many

highlights and unexpected performances that have helped the team inch closer to its goals.

Haverford has five wins in the Inter-Ac beating Malvern, Penn Charter twice, Chestnut Hill, and Episcopal. The win against Episcopal was probably most enjoyable because the game was a rout and had great support from the Gentlemen’s Club dressed in “jorts.” Other highlights have included Fifth Former Sema’j Reed’s 23 point, 14 rebound performance against GA, Third Former Eric Anderson’s dunk against Boys Latin (which now can be found on YouTube), Fifth Former James Tarte’s double digit rebound performance against St. Stephen’s, and many other great showings from Third Formers Sammy Foreman and Shawn Alston. Despite these individual performances, each player on the team and the coaches will tell you that as long as the team gets the win, it does not matter who had a good game and who shot well, just that the job was done. ■

Basketball Analysis: Third Former Sam Foreman Logan Atkins ‘15

Name: Sammy Foreman Grade: Third Form Height: 5’11” Position: PG PPG: 11.2 (Total: 246) APG: 3.8 (Total: 83) FG%: 51% Steals Per Game: 1.9 (Total: 41)

The Fords have always taken pride in their basketball program, constantly competing for the Inter-Ac Championship and succeeding both on and off the court. However, before the season began, there was not the drive or the hype that is normally felt for a high school basketball team, which is most likely due to a disappointing end to last year’s season. This year’s team brought the Fords’ fan base and area parents to life because of the rookies, the first-year players who impacted the team in finish with the most assists on the team, ways no one could imagine. racking up 83 total and averaging 3.8 a game.

Third Form point guard Sammy Foreman Another impressive stat would include his was one of five players who had not suited team-leading total steals of 41, which created up for Varsity previous to the season and who many fast break points. Foreman is also on ended with quite the memorable year. The target for 1000 points in his high school career, 5’11” Philadelphia native came to the Fords finishing the season with 246, averaging about a Second Former and immediately brought 11.2 per game. For himself much Foreman, winning attention from is what matters. the basketball In every game he program after plays, he puts 100% doing extremely of his effort to help well for the team defeat the Middle School opposing squad.

Varsity team.

So what makes His ability to Sammy such handle the ball a force in the and to finish Inter-Ac? Could placed him onto it be his ability the starting to score when it lineup of the seems physically Fords under the impossible to put new head coach the ball in hoop? Or Mr. Henry is it his leadership Fairfax. on and off the From day court or his ability one, Foreman to play through impacted every injuries? Most game, scoring would say what with ease as separates him from he helped the the rest of the pack Fords have a is his athleticism quick start into and his ability to the season. make something Foreman out of nothing additionally on a consistent helped basis. Foreman Jim Roese Haverford constantly displays Foreman blows by a Malvern defender. in early nonpure strength going conference play when he hit an incredible through three defenders and finishing with game winner, giving the Fords a win against a reverse lay-up or saving a basketball that The Hill School 42-40 and had a team high is well out of bounds and then dishing it to of 21 points to win the Don McBride Classic another teammate for an easy bucket. against Frankford High School. Haverford Although Sammy is incredibly gifted and opened up the 2011-2012 season 8-1 because helps the team tremendously, he is not the only Foreman and his teammates, Fifth Formers one who gave Haverford the upper hand in Tao Xu and Sema’j Reed, Sixth Formers Zach fourteen games.

Thomas and Rashaan Hollman, and Third Sammy has a knack for the hoop like Formers Eric Anderson and Shaun Alston, no other. He has an incredibly bright future were able to dominate in almost every game. playing the point with the Fords. Although As the season progressed, the young guard the Gentlemen’s Club will not be shouting the slowly matured through some tough games and “He’s a freshman” chant next year, they will was able to lower his turnovers and to share definitely be exited to see their poised guard on the ball more productively, allowing him to the court wearing number four. ■

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Sports

February 2012

Hockey Rebounds to Claim Third Seed in Playoffs George Hall ‘15 With The Haverford School Ice Hockey team recently concluding their regular season, it is safe to say that the team has performed excellently although they have encountered a few negatives. Despite issues such as staying out of the penalty box, dropping close, winnable games after leading, and having to deal with injuries, the Fords have fought through and made this season a success.

However, the competitive success cannot take away from the collective effort the team put in on the practice rink. They started off on a bad note, losing a close game to Ridley and then tying Germantown Academy. In both of these games, the Fords played very well and controlled the game, outnumbering the opposing team in shots and other important categories, but neither time did they come out with a W. After losing badly to the Hun School, they then dropped one more nail-biter to rival Malvern, 3-2. Then, something started clicking for the Fords, despite their win-less record and their 0-2-1 league record. They would soon make an amazing comeback to get

back into the picture.

Three years ago, Haverford brought on fresh leadership with a new coach Mr. Tom Clark. When Reid Blynn, a Sixth Form Captain who has played Haverford Hockey since second grade was asked how the last few years of hockey have been, he answered, “When I was in eighth grade, the team got a new coach. This was a good overall move because he has shaped our program. When I was a freshman we won our league championship, so hopefully we can do that again this year.”

Reid continued, “It has been great watching the team progress, and we have a lot of depth.

The only thing I wish we could have now is more players, so we could field a JV team.”

Just before Christmas, the team beat The Hill School on their home rink. This big 4-2 win regained the momentum they needed. Then, after Christmas, Haverford added another win at home against Pennington, 6-5. The Fords were back on track with a 2-2-1 record and were in the middle of the season, about to play one of the most important games they would have all year against rival EA. On January 11, the Fords played their rivals on a memorial night for EA’s former hockey coach. Both teams had a great turnout of fans, and both not only

Sixth Former Chris Vattima looks to pass the puck in a match against EA.

wanted a win because it was a crucial game in the league, but also because they have always been such competitive rivals. In the second period, the Fords were susceptible to their worst weakness all year: penalties. With

The Fords huddle up during their game against EA.

EA winning 2-1 going into the third period, the Fords scored two goals and EA scored one. With 20 seconds left, a penalty shot was awarded to Haverford. Fifth Form Henry

Brooks took the puck and scored a backhand goal after faking out the EA goalie. When Third Form goalie Otis Baker was asked his favorite memory from this season to date he said, “It was definitely after the first EA game: skating as fast as I could over to the boards where are fans were and smashing into them in celebration of the victory.” Blynn agreed, saying this game was “icing on the cake.”

The team now had a lot to play for and came out in their next few games looking better then ever. They fought hard for a 5-2 league win against Germantown Academy, a team they previously tied 3-3. This showed the progress Haverford had made thus far.

Next, they beat the SCH hockey team 6-3.

The Fords were riding a five-game winning Jim Roese streak. With the end of the season approaching, the Fords traveled to Lawrenceville where Sixth Form Captain Chris Vattima scored two goals in another league win.

Jim Roese

This win took Haverford Hockey to their last game of their regular season, a rematch against EA at the Skatium, where this time they would be the home team. Before this game, Blynn said, “I’d like to see us come out focused and stay out of the penalty box and set the tone. They are really going to want to win it in front of their fans.” The team came out galvanized and determined. After allowing two goals both from scrums in front of the net, the Fords returned with a few goals and stellar defense. Third Former Brendan Jacobs had a hat trick, Brooks had two goals, and Vattima and Assistant Captain Sixth Former Toby Blumberg had one each.

The Fords are in a league with eight other teams; of these eight teams, the top four make the playoffs. Because of the success Haverford found in their last games of the season, they are the third seed, and EA will be the fourth seed. This is a fortunate outcome considering the team will now play the second seed, while EA will play the first seed. Finally, as Vattima put it, “This season has meant everything to me. It’s my last chance to play with these kids and to put on a Haverford sweater. All of us as Sixth Formers wanted to win a championship this year, especially after the last 2 seasons we had. My fellow captains Reid Blynn, Henry Blynn, and Toby Blumberg have all really stepped up when they were needed and have been great leaders and teammates. I’m excited for playoffs and to compete for the championship.” ■

Swimming and Diving on Record-Setting Season JJ House ‘13 Following a somewhat disappointing 20102011 season, this year’s Haverford Swimming and Diving team, coached by Mr. Sean Hansen, Mr. Brendan Jones, Mr. Kevin Van Such, and Mr. Justin Gaudreau, had high hopes for this year’s 2011-2012 season. Although they are led by what is arguably the strongest Sixth Form class in history, the Swimming and Diving team is also fortunate to have lots of depth in its underclassmen.

The All-Star cast of Sixth Formers includes Andrew Helber, Connor O’Prey, Kevin Zipf, Jimmy Orsini,

Davis Schwenke, Max Whitehead, Matt Luminais and Jimmy Ryan. They along with Fifth Former Jimmy Jameson and Fourth Former Dan McGrath, are the real reason this Swimming and Diving season is so special.

Shattering a ground-breaking 13 school records in the regular season alone, this year’s Swimming and Diving program has left a

permanent mark in Haverford athletic history.

The season began with two victories over Inter-Ac opponents Penn Charter and Episcopal Academy. Following the two relatively easy victories, the Fords team was left to face its two most formidable opponents: Germantown Academy and Malvern Prep.

Although it was a tough loss to the perennial

Fifth Former Jimmy Jameson racing in the 100 Fly.

powerhouse Germantown Academy, the Fords were not disheartened because the entire team put up a good fight, making it one of the closest meets with GA in years. They also knew they had their biggest fight ahead of them in the coming weeks.

Episcopal Academy may be Haverford’s ancestral rivalry; however, it is always the showdowns with Malvern Prep that, in recent years, are the most important and competitive for many of Haverford’s sports teams.

The legendary matchup between Haverford and Malvern was even further intensified not only because of the incident in the fall between the Water Polo teams, but also because Haverford had its most powerful and deep Jim Roese lineup ever.

Continued on Page 13

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Sports

February 2012

Haverford Squash Goes to Nationals to Finish 7th Jack Henderson ‘15 The Haverford School Varsity A and Varsity B squash teams travelled to New Haven, Connecticut, over the weekend of February 4th to participate in the 2012 U.S. High School Squash Championships at Yale University.

The High School Team Championship is the largest squash tournament in the world. This year the tournament featured 1,240 players participating in six boys’ and four girls’

divisions, representing over 140 schools.

Haverford’s A Team, led by Sixth Former Co-Captains B.G. Lemmon and Sam Henderson, was seeded sixth in Division I, while Haverford’s B Team, led by Sixth Former Scott Warren and Fifth Former Drew Field, was seeded 11th in Division II. Afternoon matches in New Haven required an early Friday morning departure for the squash team. Varsity A defeated the Collegiate School 4-3 in a riveting match that advanced the Fords into the quarterfinals, with key victories by Fourth Former Sean Kenny at #2 and Fifth Former Jason Shein at #6.

Meanwhile, Varsity B was tied with the Groton School at three matches each as Fourth Former Henry Ortmeyer walked onto the court for the final match. Ortmeyer won in an entertaining four games to clinch the win and advance the Varsity B into a quarterfinal match later that Friday night against Packer Collegiate, the 19th-ranked team in the nation. Fifth Former U.S. Junior Open champion. Third Former Ian Peter Thompson led off with a win at #7, but Rothweiler and Jason Shein each won intense while all other matches were close, Haverford five-game matches to lead Haverford to a 5-2 lost 6-1 and moved into the Classic Plate win, which sent the team into the Classic Plate Semifinals.

Finals the next day.

On Saturday morning, Varsity A faced Sunday morning Varsity B’s final match the Belmont Hill School, which featured was against the Brooks School led by Seif the third-ranked high school player, junior Abou El Einen, the number-one ranked player Edward Columbia, playing B.G. Lemmon at under 17 in the country and recently crowned #1. Haverford’s own Sam Henderson at #7 and U.S. Junior Open Under-17 Champion.

Jason Shein at #6 both won their matches, but With the match tied at three apiece with the team lost by a score of 5-2 and moved into wins for Haverford by Scott Warren, Fourth the Classic Plate Semifinals.

Former Ryan Hughes, and Third Former Jack At that time, Haverford’s Varsity B was Henderson, it came down to Henry Ortmeyer playing the Brunswick Academy’s C Team. to finish the match. Fighting through pain and Drew Field and Scott Warren won their opposing team clamor, Henry managed to matches in five games, and Fifth Former Josh prevail in five games, and the Fords attained Collins won his in four. However, the team lost 23rd place in the nation.

4-3 and moved into the Classic Plate Playoff Varsity A’s final match was against Taft against the Brooks School. and Zeyad Elshorfy, the second best player in Varsity A’s second match on Saturday was junior high school. Varsity A was playing for against the Westminster seventh place in the country in School led by Ahmed this crucial match. After being Check out Third Former Khalek, the numbertied 3-3 thanks to wins from Manav Khandelwal’s one ranked junior high Third Former Jay Losty, Jason Philly sports blog at www. Shein, and Sam Henderson, it school in the country and recently crowned came down to Fourth Former khandyman.com

The Varsity squash team.

Thomas Walker to win and end the trip on a great note for the whole team. Thomas, with the help of his teammates cheers, sealed his own victory and Haverford’s 4-3.

This tournament was an improvement for both Haverford teams as they each finished one place higher than last year. Sam

Dawn Blake

Henderson and Jason Shein went 4-0 for Varsity A, Scott Warren and Jay Losty went 3-1 during the tournament, and Thomas Walker and Henry Ortmeyer’s clutch performances helped secure important team victories.

Everyone at Haverford should be proud of what the squash team accomplished. ■

Fourth Former Sean Kenny in a match against the Springside Chestnut Hill Academy.

Jim Roese

Swimming & Diving Continues on Record Pace Continued from Page 12 The most crucial element of the match-up against Malvern was that not only the stars of the team put up winning times, but that the boys in the outside lanes, (the ones that are not projected to win, but expected to shoot for 3rd and 4th place), to step up and secure those crucial places. Coining a familiar basketball term, these “Sixth Men” did what they needed to do, giving Haverford vital points across the board. After what was a gut-wrenching meet full of excellent races between the two schools, Haverford ultimately ended up victorious, beating Malvern by a 103-83 score.

The victory solidified a second place finish for the Fords in the Inter-Ac, a feat that had not been accomplished for more than half a century.

Finishing the dual meet season with a record of 4-2, the Fords swam at the Inter-

Ac Championships, where they won the 200 Medley Relay (Helber, O’Prey, Jameson, Luminais) for the first time in school history.

The most important part of the Haverford Swimming and Diving season has yet to come, however. The ultimate goal for the Swimming

The Haverford swimming and diving team.

and Diving program, and the main target since day one, is placing in the top six schools at the Easterns Swimming Championships in late February.

After falling short of sixth place by a mere two points at last year’s Easterns Championships, it is needless to say that the Swimming and Diving squad is on a mission to finally be Haverford’s first to place in the top six at Easterns this year.

To accomplish this goal, the entire depth of the team, the Upperclassmen Sixth Formers, Fifth Formers Pat Somers, Jameson, and J.J. House, Underclassmen Fourth Formers Dan McGrath, Chet Bickhart, Alex Heldring, John Zipf, Will Pierce, and Third Formers Ben Nelligan and Luke Ryan as well as Second Former Alex Tyminski, all need to put up some best times.

The pressure is on, and Easterns are almost here, so cheer on fellow classmates on the Swimming and Diving team.

History is about to be made. Go Fords. ■ Dawn Blake

Page 14

The Index - Opinions

February 2012

Opinions

Recycling: Beneficial or Hurtful?

“Recycling is fantastic” Grayson Sessa ‘13 Recycling is rarely criticized and even less frequently seen as a negative development in society. It is an effectively flawless process that all communities would do well to adopt.

First of all, statistics about recycling should be taken with a grain of salt. Right now the EPA estimates that about 75% of waste products could be recycled, yet only about 30% actually is (Green Waste). This differential means that for all of the benefits current recycling affords society, the benefits can and will be more significant in the coming years.

Recycling serves two very important purposes. One is obvious: as more and more waste products are recycled, landfill space need not be expanded as quickly if at all. For paper alone, each ton that is recycled will save 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space (The Public Recycling Officials of Pennsylvania).

Remember, Sustainability Alliance President Fifth Former Wick Egan estimates that 500-800 pounds of paper recycling are collected each week. That means that within two to three weeks – at Haverford alone – 3.3 cubic yards are saved. And that it at a school whose recycling program is fairly new. As fewer and fewer waste products make it to the landfill, that space could be devoted to something else, maybe a park, which many would be considered more desirable than a landfill encroaching on clean public space.

This reason alone should be enough to endorse recycling as a necessary practice for a clean, environmentally-friendly future.

But recycling also plays an important role in reducing energy consumption. Opponents may argue that converting recycling into new goods also requires energy. And it does; however, for paper, it only uses 70% of the energy that would otherwise be used to create new paper

from scratch (The Public Recycling Officials Evan Kuritzkes ‘13 of Pennsylvania). At the same time each ton of paper that is recycled averts releasing 60 extra Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. How many pounds of air pollutants (Green Waste). When times have people repeated that message a small school like Haverford with a studentduring elementary school, maybe even during run recycling association can do something middle school? Recycling does have an upside: this successful, the possibilities for a world there is less waste produced; however, what committed to recycling are unimaginable. happens in the process?

The world still has some work to do.

There are also many different myths Switzerland leads the world in amount of associated with recycling materials. Take waste recycled with only 52%; Greece is at paper, for example. The first major myth the back with just 10%. The United States associated with paper recycling is that paper recycles almost a third of all waste products at production is killing forests. This claim is not 31.5% (BBC). This rate is actually a massive necessarily true. Deforestation is due to people improvement for the United States, considering that want to build homes in wooded areas. That this is nearly double causes deforestation, the rate a decade NOT paper ago (Environment production. Even Green). paper companies often While recycling plant trees. We use undoubtedly trees to get paper; and should remain therefore, we grow a core focus of trees, which means environmentalists, that most of the time the other two recycling paper does “R”s – “reduce” not actually save trees and “reuse” – are because the trees are also important. The going to be harvested average American for paper either produces 1764 way. Furthermore, pounds of trash per in several cases, the year (compared to recycling process 1272 pounds per creates material that is person in Western not usable, such as the Drew Field Europe). Since sludge left over from some waste products A classroom recycling bin set up by the Sustainability Alliance. the bleaching chemicals, still cannot be recycled, personal habits ought or the unusable fibers that are left over from to be reformed as well. the paper But when it comes to certain materials, such process. as paper, glass, plastic, and aluminum, the only There alternatives to recycling are landfilling and is another incinerating. Very few would consider either case where of these approaches as supportive of long-term recycling environmental health as recycling. ■ is not

Should Students Choose an Art Elective or Another Foreign Language?

Connor Atkins explores the decision many Third Formers must make: Is it better to finish off the arts requirement in the first year, or to opt to take an additional second language?

Connor Atkins ‘15 When joining Haverford’s Upper School, whether from the Middle School or a different school altogether, Third Formers are faced with many different options. One of the biggest decisions they must address is whether or not they want to take an art elective or a second language. This choice, though easy to some, can lead these Third Formers to think about what is important to them at that time, but also forces them to think about their future high school careers, especially in terms of managing the work involved with taking two languages and obtaining an arts credit.

Some of these Third Formers are not only uninformed, but do not have the time management abilities to judge these decisions as well. Essentially, they make these decisions blindly. The school tries to inform Third Formers on the pros and cons of each decision, but when it comes down to it, they make decisions not based on what their teachers tell them, but instead based on what they hear from older students, who often times give biased or poor answers that dissuade young students from challenging themselves. At the same time, taking two languages should not be an excuse for missing art, because by not taking an art, a person’s hidden drawing talents or acting abilities may never be uncovered. The

“There are alternatives” that were constructed without the recycling process in mind. The “downcycling” concept is when recycled goods leaving behind useless components that are thrown away.

However, that being said, it does not necessarily mean that all recycling is bad for the environment. The argument here is that there are a few recyclable things that people should think about before recycling.

Paper, seeing as the recycling process releases harmful bleaching chemicals into the environment, not to mention on the paper which is being made. Plastic is another case, especially PVC plastic. PVC, also known as polyvinylchloride, is very hard to recycle. It is often thrown away because it cannot be used in many practical applications.

There is also a form of indirect recycling, such as turning plastic bottles into things like rugs or carpets or chairs. This practice is also not the best thing in the world for the environment. What is claimed is that this process saves energy. This is true; however, when one looks into the fact that the soda bottles did not come naturally, which means they were made in a factory. Now suddenly there is twice the amount of factory time for a lower quality material; when in reality, the real environmentally friendly decision is to weave the carpet yourself out of natural fibers directly from the environment. There are stores in which you can buy yarn and carpet making materials that come naturally. The other claim about these environmental rugs is they save soda bottles from being sent to landfills. That claim is somewhat true; however, it is also true that simply reusing the same plastic bottle for a day or so would also save plastic bottles from being sent to a landfill. And this practice incredibly does not helpful: actually save plastic the soda bottles recycling. from going In many to landfills, it Texas Comptroller’s office cases plastic only delays them.

A Dallas landfill. recycling causes many materials to be left over Therefore you are not really saving anything and wasted. Also many things are created with from being thrown away, because eventually recycled plastic. Many times these materials the carpet will be thrown out. are made of the original materials with the This article is not saying that simply recycled plastic mixed into it. throwing things away is better than recycling; The second thing about recycling is that it is however, there are some alternatives that a manufacturing process, meaning an industrial are better for the environment than simply process that releases real chemicals into the throwing that plastic bottle or piece of paper in environment, many times using machines the recycling bin. ■

question exists then: is there a balance between counts as an art credit may be difficult because of one’s previous sport or extracurricular an art and language elective? commitments. However, as Upper School The Haverford Upper School handbook students, they are expected to reach these states that every student must obtain at least two consecutive years of language and at least one arts credit. However, when a Third Former decides to do the extra work and take the second language, how is he expected to obtain this arts credit?

There are many James Shecter different ways to This poll of 100 Haverford Upper School students was taken via Facebook using get an arts credit.

SurveyMonkey during the week of February 13, 2012.

Taking an elective requirements, manage their time appropriately, on top of the two languages is an option, be it and still try their best in all classes. Is this too is a difficult one. Every sophomore must take much to expect from fourteen, fifteen, and Health/PE, which occupies half of their free sixteen-year-old young men? period, so dual language takers would have to Lao Shi understands the difficulty in taking wait until their Fifth Form year to try to take two languages, but she and the rest of the a class in the arts. The class then only adds language department would like to see more to the already stressful lives along with SATs kids try to accomplish this feat. As long as and college preparation. Similarly, trying to the students are willing to try hard in and out participate in an extra curricular activity that

of school, no one will be left behind. The language department strives to not only teach the language but also explore the culture and history of the language, so that students truly become “global citizens.” The “global citizen” goal entails educating students on the different struggles of individuals across the globe in an attempt to create less judgemental Haverford graduates. This mentality will also apply within Haverford’s own community.

Language Department Chair Ms. Sara Adkins describes how she wants more kids to take two languages throughout their high school careers. She explains that she presents the idea to rising Third Formers every year, but she believes that students, with whom these middle school kids can relate, could do an even better job by sharing their experiences and teachers’ expectations.

Students who are thinking about taking two languages need to be aware that an arts credit is mandatory; however, they should not be worried. By forcing these kids to take an arts class, the school may be adding stress to their lives, but in the end the students will have had unique experiences in the arts. Students may find an unknown artistic talent that never would have been discovered. At the same time, students taking two languages are becoming well-rounded, “global citizens,” a much desired trait in the modern world. ■

Page 15

The Index - Sports

February 2012

Election Coverage

GOP Primary Finds Itself Ron Paul is Hidden Gem Full of Flawed Candidates of the Republican Party Matt Larson insists that although an initial glance would indicate that none of the Republican candidates seem to stand a chance against Obama, the opposite is true.

Matt Larson ‘14

I am truly amazed at the fickle nature of

people.

The Republicans want unity to bridge the gap between the Tea Party and the Establishment as well as to get behind a candidate who encompasses both moderate and conservative values. However, some seem to want a brokered convention so that another person could snatch away the nomination.

Why? Why can’t political pundits, reporters, and hosts just accept the field for what it is – not perfect by any means but adequate.

They say that none of the candidates can beat President Barack Obama, but that is not true at all. When unemployment is at 5.6%, or the number it was at when George W. Bush was president in January 2004 (a year in which he beat John Kerry to remain president) then I’ll concede that Barack Obama cannot be beaten.

Until then, 8.3% doesn’t cut it. I say that any one of the Republican presidential candidates can beat the incumbent president because of his other unpopular measures (stimulus, health care, unwise spending, etc.). So let’s take a look at the next potential candidates for president of the United States, shall we?

First, there is Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. “The Great Orator” would certainly be an ideal President of the United States based off of his initial appearance. He has conservative values, appeals to moderates from his previous bipartisan work with Bill Clinton, and can talk and get across the Republican message like no other candidate.

With all of these positives, you would think that Gingrich would be double digits ahead in the polls.

Oh wait…but there was the matter of cheating on his sick wife with another woman…or the time when he appeared on the couch with Nancy Pelosi to “Stop Global Warming”…or when he said that noted liberal/ progressive Franklin Delano Roosevelt was his favorite president…and how about his underhanded mean streak?

Still, Newt is currently a staunch defender of conservative values; his strongest platform is in or during a debate, yet even this can be subdued as it was during a recent one when the audience was asked not to cheer. Newt couldn’t rile up the crowd and fell flat because of it.

The next candidate, Representative Ron Paul, is a very complex (and arguably powerful) candidate in the Republican presidential race. Ever the grassroots candidate, Ron receives little to no press coverage and is considered dangerous by many who think that he wants to dismantle the government. But Ron Paul is the strange enigma that appeals to some conservatives and liberals yet is reviled by others in each group. He wants to cut many of the current government operations that are not necessary to help save the country in the face of the huge deficit. Conservatives like his ideas about domestic cuts while liberals agree with him on military and defense spending cuts. Truly a libertarian, Paul wants little government, but at what cost would this be? Some of his ideas are fundamentally sound and are needed by the country, but the United States cannot possibly remove all troops overseas or dismantle the Federal Reserve overnight. That would crush us.

Onto Former Senator Rick Santorum. The ultimate underdog, how Santorum’s seemingly monumental rise to fame was achieved few can understand, but it is certainly amazing that a person can go from last to first in a period of a few weeks. Still, Rick Santorum as a candidate is somewhat disappointing. Despite the fact that it has been already established that Barack Obama can lose the upcoming election, Santorum was an incumbent senator in a swing state (Pennsylvania) in which he lost in 2004.

Grayson Sessa finds Ron Paul to be the Republican candidate who stands the best chance against President Obama and in the November Presidential Election.

If he cannot win a (generally Republican Grayson Sessa ‘13 leaning) swing state, how does he expect to win the others in this election?

He is frequently ignored by the media. He And how will Santorum, a “heartland” once went through an hour-long debate with candidate, fare on the east and west coast? It only 89 seconds of speaking time although he appears to me as though his emergence is due was in the top tier of Republican candidates. to desperate hope for a conservative candidate Even after in the race with strong strong social values. finishes in He will also have the Iowa to deal with an Caucuses inevitable media and New “feeding frenzy” Hampshire over these; character Primary, he assassination will was only run rampant. No allowed to doubt that he will speak for a be portrayed as a measly six person that should minutes in a have lived in the later debate.

1700s with his He has yet to Christian ideas, win a state Chip Somodevilla but how will he outright, but The remaining four Republican candidates before a debate in Florida. respond? Santorum his motivated could win, but there supporters abound and are often more are just too many questions. numerous than those of “major” candidates.

Finally, the frontrunner, former Governor The candidate is Ron Paul. The Republican Mitt Romney. It is truly amazing to me that Party may be at risk of letting the one in the last election cycle, he was hailed as a politician who can defeat Barack Obama slip conservative, but in this one, he is simply a through their fingers, and the country may be moderate. How the times change. dismissing the only man What troubles me the most left standing with the about Romney is his inability right medicine for the to gain any ground against the nation’s ailments. rest of the Republican nominees; When it comes to he doesn’t lose any, but doesn’t discussing Paul as the exactly rise either. Apparently, Republican nominee, Romney does not appeal to the naysayers will usually conservative base which does not simply state that he has help his election chances – John no chance at winning McCain was another moderate the general election.

Republican candidate who could But using this tactic not appeal to conservatives, and only perpetuates he lost the general election. The James Shecter misinformation and This poll of 100 Haverford Upper School students idea that one must be moderate was taken via Facebook using stops undecided voters to win died with the 2008 SurveyMonkey during the week of 2/13/12. from bothering to look presidential campaign, so if he at Paul’s campaign tenets. thinks that it helps his “electability,” then he is Of course, Paul does not look like the mistaken. classic Republican candidate (Mitt Romney) As such, Romney’s largest mistake in and certainly does not share all of the beliefs of the eyes of fellow Republicans was the the current Republican Party. But, in reality, he Massachusetts healthcare bill, which paved the may have the best chance at stopping Obama way for “ObamneyCare” (as it is mockingly in the fall. In the Nevada Caucus entrance poll, known). There is no way for him to distance Paul did stunningly well in a few categories himself from this, and therefore he will that a Republican nominee must be strong always be ridiculed for it. The 2012 reelection in to win an election. He took young voters campaign for Barack Obama will no doubt be – a group key to defeating Obama – with a vicious, and I fully expect to hear ads over the strong plurality at 41%. He won those listing summer about how Romney is a hypocrite for their religion as “None” with 54% - the next attacking the national health care bill, and so closest was Romney at 24%. With a Paul on. One last thing about Romney – he reminds candidacy, no longer would “faith-less” voters me of another moderate Republican who be automatic tools of the Democratic Party. entered the presidential race and served eight When roughly 30% of the American electorate years as president, leaving at a time of great considers themselves “Independent,” Paul uncertainty…George W. Bush. winning them by 46% is quite important. The Nonetheless, I fully expect Romney to win candidate who is supposed to attract them as a the nomination. Santorum’s rise to prominence moderate – Mitt Romney – came in a distant seems too meteoric, Gingrich’s baggage will second with 28%. But Paul’s support was stop him, and Ron Paul is (somewhat unfairly) also strong among core components of the considered too radical. So who will the vice Republican Party: those looking for a “True presidential nominee be? An ideal person Conservative” voted for him 39% of the time; would be Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, a Romney only received 4% of that vote. young, energetic conservative and also appeals These results are not an anomaly. He won to the Hispanic vote; however, if not Rubio, all of the same categories – as well as voters Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell would be making under $50,000 a year – in Iowa. a good candidate because of his conservative Unsurprisingly, he had done the same in New stances and engineered budget surplus (an odd Hampshire; in fact, there he added those word nowadays when used if talking about looking for a candidate with “strong moral politics) in Virginia for two years straight. character” as another group he decisively won.

President Barack Obama is with no doubt Calling Ron Paul unelectable when he leads a tough incumbent to shove out of office; the with the groups that usually support Democrats question is, who among the four remaining is a joke. This week a poll showed that he had candidates will be able to accomplish this the highest favorability rating of all remaining goal – and will the Republicans stand behind Republican candidates. whoever it may be, or will quarrels and talks of But why does Ron Paul – by all visual brokered conventions dampen the spirit of the accounts a too old man with a faltering Republicans? ■ voice and an ill-fitting suit – have such a

motivated following? It is because of his perpetual honesty: try as his opponents might, Paul has never compromised his unyielding belief in freedom. When other Republicans – less inclined towards libertarianism – try to campaign on the issue of freedom, the message comes out as disjointed and hypocritical. Romney and Newt Gingrich campaign on repealing the “Obamacare” individual mandate, calling it unconstitutional and restrictive on personal freedom, but are quick to defend the War on Drugs, which by definition regulates what an individual may put into their body. Rick Santorum believes that the manufacturer is overregulated, but, god forbid, a woman ever see a combat role in the armed forces. Only Ron Paul’s plan makes sense: increase economic freedom while reinstating lost personal freedoms.

Paul once announced that a pundit told him that he could actually win if he just changed his non-interventionist foreign policy. He and his supporters laughed it off because it is that very libertarian policy – keep a strong military, just do not wield it across the world – that can make him popular with hawks and Code Pink activists.

Paul is also favored because he is willing to take on objective look at issues that are “scary” to other politicians. One may hear all of the Republican candidates – and even Obama occasionally – championing their budget cuts. But there is a reason that Paul’s cuts are emblazoned as “real.” Unlike his opponents, whose cuts are cuts from the projected budget, his cuts actually decrease government spending. While his opponents promise to cut billions from the projections, the budget deficit will still inch upwards. It is Paul who has the plan to cut $1 trillion of current spending.

In fact, his plan, which has been public for many, many months, provides a pathway for a balanced federal budget – and likely a surplus – within three years.

His focus on the tough issues of the day predates the 2012 campaign and even his 2008 one. In 2002, he presented the Free Housing Market Enhancement Act because he saw the housing bubble coming. Part of his speech on the floor of the House: “The government’s policies of diverting capital to other uses creates [sic] a short-term boom in housing.

Like all artificially-created bubbles, the boom in housing prices cannot last forever.” Paul, who is known as “Dr. No” on Capitol Hill for his refusal to vote for anything outside of the bounds of the Constitution, is said to be unpopular among other politicians; needless to say, his bill was never passed.

Many would argue that the American political system works best when compromise allows moderate yet effective solutions to cleanly pass through Washington. Paul and his libertarian message of smaller government are in and of themselves a compromise between the two parties: the Republican Party champions economic freedom while the Democrats champion social freedom. Paul loves both. As the 21st century is increasingly looking like a time of great hardship for Republicans, the party cannot afford to pass up embracing libertarianism. Libertarianism and Ron Paul may be the Republican Party’s last chance at becoming a mainstream, popular party that rejects men like Santorum.

Santorum, who is frighteningly emerging as a real competitor, once attacked Libertarians as “They have this idea that people should be left alone, be able to do whatever they want to do.

Government should keep our taxes down and keep our regulation low and that we shouldn’t get involved in the bedroom, we shouldn’t get involved in cultural issues, you know, people should do whatever they want.” He notes these principles as if they are evil, but shouldn’t they be the morals of every mainstream political party? ■

Page 16 The Index - The Outdex

February 2012

The Outdex In the News...

The Haverford Robotics team is one of the best in the country when it comes to placing a ball in a hoop. Although there’s an actual league dedicated to this called the NBA and it’s far more entertaining, we’re sure robotics will eventually catch on.

Haverford DECA attended its second vacation competition of the year in Hershey, PA. The Model U.N. team returned from their conference and won? We’re not sure what really happens there, nor why we choose to emulate a failed sovereign body, but we’re sure Haverford did well.

Stepping his game up from placing mere phone calls to your parents, Fisher Pressman will show up on your doorstep with a law enforcement agent if you do not have your senior paragraph in.

Jonathan Paras would like to know if you are allowed to donate blood if you turn sixteen on the Day of the Blood Drive at 11:59 PM that night.

Student Council has announced there will be no student lounge this year. A representative from the Council informed us that if they had followed through on their promise, they would not have anything to promise the student body with during this year’s upcoming elections.

Iran is worried that the United States has developed nuclear weapons capable of reaching themselves and their allies.

The DECA state judge

manorbooks.files.wordpress.com

It’s almost spring-time, and we all know which sport The Haverford School is set to defend its title in. Tennis.

Mitt Romney is a completely relatable Presidential Candidate.

Following the precedent set by the senior class taking trolleys to the Prom, the junior class will keep with the tradition of arriving on out-of-date forms of transportation as they will be traveling to this year’s prom on a steampowered locomotive.

Following the trend of younger students committing to colleges, the entire eighth grade cross country team has verbally committed to the college of their choice.

Clearly the most economical way to get to Prom

Wikipedia.org

Where Were the Seniors? An Eye-Opening Investigation This report is not about the whereabouts of a group of senior citizens (plus we already know where they were, it was the early bird special at Minella’s Diner).

Rather, it is aimed at ripping the lid off of the case of the Haverford School seniors who were missing from school a few weeks ago.

Rumors have been running wild.

Was it a senior skip day? Did it have anything to do with the copious amount of chicken wings and a certain famed hotdog eating champion inhabiting the Wells Fargo Center? Or could they have even been at one of the famed techno/electronic music concerts that the seniors seem to love?

(We don’t really understand why

they’re that exciting, but we hear No. The seniors who were missing they’re were all provocative at home and they get studying. the people Now we going.) here at the All of the Outdex above are not answers condoning could be the fact true, but that thankfully, parents they’re not. called in Does the to excuse deviantart.net This man is clearly doing a Quizlet on his laptop and the mouse mask on his head must be for a Haverford their sons biology presentation on rodents present in the ecosystem.

Community from truly believe that their school school that day, but it was for a leaders would skip school for a good cause. Students here know day to watch competitive eating that a Haverford School education or simply sleep in and play Xbox? is an incredible and costly gift,

and the only reason they would miss school and waste such a gift would be to get ahead and be a better student by staying home and studying. Instead of questioning students who missed school, we should be praising them for having the courage to be a better student and person. While this has seemed to be a case of seniors skipping school, if you do a little digging, you’ll find that to label it as such is slander against the individuals who stayed at home to study.

Hopefully this clears up any and all confusion, and we here at the Outdex would like to congratulate all the students who skipped school to stay home and do only academic work one last time.

The Outdex is The Index’s humor page and is not true nor intended to hurt or offend anyone. Please email hsindex@gmail.com with any concerns.