The Picador A PUBLICATION BY THE STUDENTS FOR THE HOLDERNESS SCHOOL COMMUNITY
December 12, 2011
Volume 7, Issue 6
A Much Needed Day Boy Update From Lower Weld Hall Day Boy room was to be locked for eternity, unless the day boys could learn to respect it.
By Aidan Kendall ’13 This fall has tested the reputation of the day men. It may come as a surprise to some, but the Day Boy room is not always spic „n‟ span. It is, in fact, a recurring problem, and at the beginning of this year, as you may have heard, it almost reached the tipping point. It was in a state of disaster. Clothes lay strewn across the floor; dishes (no telling how old) stood tall and proud, prepared to never see pantry again. Certain questionable piles of mystery food were solidified in places where food should never solidify. Mr. Ford, ever concerned,
With the threat of loosing their home away from home looming over them, the boys began to follow the schedule and things finally did turn around. The Day Boy room was saved, and the day was won!
organized a meeting with the day student population. Day boys from all corners of New Hampshire and of all shapes and sizes gathered in Weld; for a few, it was their first
visit to the Day Boy room. Mr. Ford insisted that a plan needed to be formulated to get the students back on track, or else drastic measures would be enacted; the
Soon after, however, there was an incident involving the breakage of a major school rule, which also led to the questioning of the day boys‟ honor. Suspicions arose among the faculty that the use of drugs was becoming a serious problem with the day (Continued on page 2)
Quotes of the Week: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” - Winston Churchill
Congratulations Ryan
“We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup.” - Buddy the Elf
On Qualifying for the Telluride Snowboard World Cup! Good Luck on Thursday!
Carp in the Bathtub? Really, Fabian?
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A Photo Essay: Francis Chapuredima 1 in 280 Page 8
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The Picador Day Boys (Continued from page 1)
students. One supposed theory was that the day boys were using drugs in the Day Boy room between classes, and they had a lookout man to warn if teachers were coming, a canary of sorts. I would like to appeal to your knowledge of the day students at Holderness school, and more specifically, the day students who frequent lower Weld. These kids are the far-
thest thing possible from ne'er -do-wells. Innocence cannot even begin to describe their nature.
derclassmen and do not drive themselves to and from campus. Even if they did, day students cannot leave campus and then return the same day. They provide the back bone of This rule is monitored scrupunoon and sit-down dinner lously. Given these boundapantry. They are polite, honries, it is irrational to assume est, and loyal members of that the day students are using Holderness School. drugs. Can you picture, for example, Day students have so much to Joey Casey as a drug mule, offer the school. They leave smuggling illegal paraphernathe bubble on a daily basis, lia on and off of campus? I which protects them from didn't think so. becoming too caught up in In addition most of the day strictly Holderness affairs. students in question are unThey also have many special
talents. Caleb Nungesser raps. Pete Saunders plays varsity basketball. Mitch Shumway has an excellent smile. Scott Merrill is good at all sports. And I heard Noah Thompson can dunk. These are but a few of the many day boy specialties. Without them, this school would surely lose a valuable part of its population. They mustn't be misunderstood, nor taken for granted. Fortunately, they survived the fall, and I suspect, they can survive anything.
A Photo Essay By James Robbins ’12 On Saturday night Mr. Chapuredima shared the music and culture of Zimbabwe with the Holderness community. With the help of Mervin Mervey, a South African who is also a theater major at PSU, Chapu showed the students the instruments that are traditionally used in African drumming — ngoma (congas), mbira (thump piano), marimba (xylophones), and hosho (shakers). After telling a few African folk tales and teaching the students a dance, Chapu invited everyone to participate in a jam session. James Robbins was there to photograph the event.
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Volume 7, Issue 3
“I am very grateful to the students who came and to Ellouise Sanborn who brought her friend Sandy with her. That was nice. Also, many thanks to Mr. Lockwood for letting us use instruments from Carpenter.� - Francis Chapuredima
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The Picador D e v i l s, Le a d, C ar p , a n d A p p l e s i n th e C ze c h R e p u b l i c By Fabian Stocek ’13
partake in this tradition.
There are many traditions during the Czech Christmas holidays that every Bohemian family should fulfill. I will describe only the ones I have encountered and experienced in my own house.
Another tradition is to pour lead into a bathtub or a container of water. Lead is melted over a fire and then poured into cold water to form a shape which predicts the future of the family.
On the evening of the fifth of December, if you find yourself wandering the streets in a town in the Czech Republic, you might think you have fallen into a children‟s tale. In every major village in Czech and Austria and Germany people dress up like angels, devils, and Saint Nicolas (Mikuláš). These people walk through the streets and ask children if they have been kind during the past year. If the children say yes, they get candy and other gifts from Saint Nicolas and his angels. If they say they behaved badly, the devils take them in a sack to hell.
We also make little boats out of empty walnut shells, and each family member places a little burning candle in it. Everyone's shell is then floated on a bowl of water. If the shell makes it across the bowl, its owner will live a long and healthy life. A shell that sinks brings bad luck to its owner.
It usually turns out that parents with little children call organized groups of angels, devils, and St. Nicolases to come to their houses, because in the center of the villages, there are usually fights between courageous teenagers and angry devils. Every minute you can hear at least one loud boom from somewhere out of sight. The teenagers are armed with poppers, thick red or green tubes packed with gun powder that serve only one purpose: to make really loud noises. Ninety percent of the time someone gets seriously
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Jilemnice, Czech Republic, home of Fabian Stocek
“According to tradition, if you fast until dinner on the 24th, you will see a golden piglet on a wall. I have tried it, but I did not see one - unfortunately.” injured or the police arrive to calm the situation. On the same day, children also receive St. Nicholas presents from their parents and relatives. Gifts (e.g. sweets and chocolates) are often put into stockings and hidden somewhere in the children's rooms. If children behave badly, they receive potatoes and coal. After the fifth of December things get pretty calm. Children open their chocolate advent calendars and men open their beer calendars, which are basically boxes with 24 beer bottles and an advent cover. Usually around the 20th, families buy Christmas trees,
and most also buy carp, a very typical Czech fish. The tradition is to keep the live carp in a bathtub until the 23rd or 24th so the delicious fish can be served fresh for dinner. According to tradition, if you fast until dinner on the 24th, you will see a golden piglet on a wall. I have tried it, but I did not see one - unfortunately. On the 24th there is a big job for the head of the family: killing the carp. It is one of the most illustrated activities of Czech Christmas - the father of the family with a towel over a carp swinging a big hammer to kill dinner. Oftentimes the female population of my family does not
Many families also visit their ancestors. Usually before dinner, we drive to all the cemeteries and light candles on the tombs. When we come back, we set the table. On the dinner table, there is usually some kind of chain that symbolizes the strong relationships throughout the family during the year to come. Also under each plate there is a coin and fish scale to symbolize fortune in the coming year. For dinner we have carp, potato salad, mushroom cake, carp soup, and a special kind of pastry (vánocka). The meal is always delicious. After Christmas dinner, every person present at the table cuts an apple in half (crosswise, from the stem down). Both halves are shown to everyone around (Continued on page 5)
Volume 7, Issue 3 Dean of Faculty, Peter Durnan, Speaks on Exam Preparation task, and the tests themselves are important determinants of I love exam week. I know that semester grades. It is easy to it an easy, even perhaps cruel fear them. Ultimately, though, assertion for a teacher to fear is the worst response to make, but it is true. Particuexam week. larly in December, when the darkness falls so quickly, To succeed on exams, you exam time brings a welcome really needed to have begun hush to our community. We your preparations months put athletics and classes and back. Those who have taken even the dress code on hold the most careful notes will for a few days and devote our- have the easiest time reviewselves to mastering our lessons ing; those who have worked and showing that mastery in hardest to master skills and examinations. Like most of my principles will find these lespeers, I delight in composing sons easy to summon once an the examination my class will exam is placed before them. take. So much to choose from: For those who missed impora sonnet by Wordsworth? tant skills and content, it will Quotations from Twelfth be difficult to catch back up in Night? Grammar? the days before the test. By Mr. Peter Durnan
I am aware that my delight in exam week is matched by horror and revulsion among some of the student body. Not by many, but by a few. Their response isn‟t shocking. Preparing for exams is an arduous
Even those who have done well keeping up with class work will need to study for exams. Let me make a few suggestions as we head into exam week.
Czech Holiday Traditions (Continued from page 4)
at the table will fall ill or die within a year.
the table. If the core is shaped as a star, it means that everyone will get together next year in happiness and health. A four-pointed cross is a bad omen and means that someone
First, have a reasonable plan.
Print out an exam schedule and use this as a template for your plan. Make sure that you leave three or four hours to study for each exam (I know, for AP Biology scholars, four hours will be just the beginning!). Split up these hours into manageable chunks. As you never have more than two exams in a day, the evening before each exam offers a couple of hours per subject. Augment this with some afternoon study time and be sure NEVER to miss a review session.
they are getting little done. Of course you need to socialize, but don‟t confuse that time with studying. Ninth graders, have you read this far? I am addressing you. Chatting together at a table with books open before you is NOT studying. Do not allow yourself this dangerous pretence.
Although there will be no official sports practices, most of you will be more focused if you take time to exercise. Plan a skate or a run or a game of squash into your study days, and you will be the better for When you study, really study. it. Eat right, of course, rest Turn off Facebook – get off of well, travel with a water bottle your computer and do not di- and stay hydrated. vide your attention. It isn‟t Above all, don‟t fear exams. necessary to cloister yourself Plan, prepare, and whenever in a basement room, but pick a possible, enjoy this chance to quiet spot in good light and pause and master the concepts make your study hours as you have spent all semester pleasant as possible. learning. Often I see groups gathered to “study” and it is apparent that
some people decide to go to bed, but the majority go to midnight mass.
After this activity, children go to their rooms to look for a After midnight mass it is time little Jesus in the sky, because to look forward to another He is the one who brings all holiday, New Year‟s Eve. the presents to Czech children. After everyone gets their gifts,
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The Picador School Sports Review Eastern Ski Team The past two weeks have been interesting for the Eastern ski team. With little snow, we found ourselves doing plyometrics and push-ups often, which in all honesty was probably for the best. The coaches made a good effort to try and mix things up each day with different workouts and games. One day the team played a game of speedball, a combination of soccer, Frisbee, and football. Another day we got to show off our skating skills at the PSU rink; later we were treated to a yoga session led by Ms. Dahl. We are all excited for the much anticipated reopening of Cannon Mountain! - Jeff Hauser ’13
Canon Mountain on Sunday
Varsity Hockey Dingers are no big deal for these kids. They have four wins and a close 4-3 loss to Brewster. Now you may be wondering, why are these boys so much better than last year? The answer to that question is simple: it's not because of our fabulous offense or defense, but because Munzy‟s flow is even more luscious than ever. The fourth line logged some major minutes against Vermont on Friday, and Skelley has actually been seen cracking a smile. That‟s when you know things are good. The entire team has been ecstatic to see the huge crowds at the games. A big thanks from the team to all you fans. Please keep up the support. Thanks for the read and keep the spirit alive. - Andrew Munroe ’12
Nordic Despite the snowless terrain juxtaposed quite strangely with the bitter January-like temperatures, the Holderness Nordic team is up and running, raring for a hearty New England blizzard. Since returning back to campus, we have been taking advantage of everything dry land has to offer. Always training hard, whether we‟re roller skiing down steep hills on dangerous highways, running, bounding, lifting the five-pounders in the free weight section, or just generally having the most swag on campus, Holderness Nordic skiers have high hopes for a very successful winter. With a rousing (and possibly all time high) enrollment of 36 skiers, our mini bus caravan to races will undoubtedly rival Eastern alpine. The girls team is hoping to finally take what is rightfully theirs and oust Gould at the NEPSAC championship this year. Motivation has already peaked due to a contract with a certain coach that mentions something about a razor and a new haircut. Our recent import from the Czech Republic, Fabian Stocek, has been breaking all records and defying all limits (like gravity, speed of light, etc); the coaches are trying to figure out how to slow down the video enough to be able to see him ski by. New freshman Lizzy Page 6
Bretton Woods on Saturday
Volume 7, Issue 3 Duffy has already shared with the team her incredible repertoire of Christmas carols, and we look forward to hearing them at the holiday training camp in Stowe, Vermont. Our trusty coaching squad of Mr. Patrick Casey, Mrs. Lindley van der Linde, Mr. Peter Durnan, and Mr. Peter Hendel are keeping the oodles of skiers in line, even the rowdy troublemaking duo of Vincent Guo and Tram Dao. We understand that our sport may be very cold and slightly difficult to watch, since 90% of most races are in the woods, but we welcome any supporters this season as we battle to the top of the Lakes Region and NEPSAC leagues. - Haley Mahar ’12 and Maggie Caputi ’12
Snowboarding Although Loon got 18-20 inches of snow this past week, the snowboard team has spent most of its time doing Brazilian jujitsu workouts. During our short two weeks back at school, Ezra has been teaching newcomers how to gain the coaches' respect. Meanwhile, the eastern racers made a trip out to Colorado, only to fly home due to the lack of snow; they returned to the Rockies earlier this week. All in all, the snowboard team seems to be prepared for an all-star athletic performance season. - Justin Simpkins ’12 and Peter Ferrante ’12 Loon Mountain on Sunday
New England Sports By Keith Bohlin ’12 The New England Patriots: After their win last weekend against the struggling Indianapolis Colts (the worst team in the NFL, winless, in fact), the Patriots have improved to 9-3 and hold a solid two-game lead in the AFC East over the New York Jets. Brady and Welker have continued to click in recent weeks, as they have now strung together four straight wins since back-to-back losses to Pittsburgh and New York in weeks eight and nine. Rob Gronkowski had another career day, catching two TD passes from Brady. With 13 TDs, he almost set the record for TD receptions in a season for a tight end; however, his final TD was ruled a rushing TD as Brady technically lateralled the ball to Gronk. As you may have already guessed, the Patriots are still in last place in the opponents passing yards per game category, as they allowed Dan Orlovsky to throw for 353 yards, nearly double their previous average per game. The Boston Bruins: While the Bruins have cooled off some since the last month, THEY STILL LEAD THE NORTHEAST DIVISION BY TWO POINTS OVER THE TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS! The Bs only have three home games in their next eight contests but many of their opponents are weak. The Bruins are proudly in first in the NHL in goals against per game (solid 2.0) and are in fourth for goals per game (3.2) and penalty kill percentage (87%). Great stats. Hopefully, the Bruins can keep it up through break, as many Holderness students will be in attendance for their games against Montreal and Florida. My fantasy teams: It's playoff time! Both of my teams are heading to the playoffs as three-seeds (out of six to make the playoffs, out of ten total teams). While both teams are projected by ESPN to lose this weekend in the first round, they are pretty much always wrong and should let me take over their jobs. But seriously, I desperately need my big name players to step it up this weekend, specifically Cam Newton, LeSean McCoy, DeMarco Murray, Vincent Jackson, Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall, Kellen Winsow, Bears D/ST, Sebastian Janikowski, Aaron Rodgers, Michael Bush, Steven Jackson, Miles Austin, Wes Welker, Pierre Garcon, Rob Gronkowski, Cowboys D/ST, and Sebastian Janikowski again. Stayed tuned or email/text/twitter me over break to find out the outcomes.
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The Picador 1 in 280: Maggie Peake There are 280 students at Holderness School. Each one has a story to tell. James Robbins sat down with freshman Maggie Peake to find out her story. Thanks for sharing, Maggie! JR: So Maggie, I'd like to start by asking you where you are from and how you found out about Holderness? Friends? Family? Why did Holderness appeal to you? MP: I was born in Nashville, TN. I lived there from birth to age 13. I found out about Holderness through family, actually. My cousins on my mom's side are very close to Mr. Lockwood. I moved to Waterville Valley about a year ago and started taking lessons from Mr. Lockwood as soon as I arrived. Mr. Lockwood and I developed a really cool teacherstudent relationship working together; when you write songs with someone that regularly, you share a lot about yourself. Mr. Lockwood has definitely been an influential mentor in my musical career. Holderness was my top choice, even after looking at other boarding schools such as Groton, Exeter, etc. because of the sense of community. Everyone knows everyone. I loved what it offered musically as well as academically. I can't imagine being anywhere else. JR: Would you consider yourself "artsy"? We know that you're a great song writer; what else do you do that represents your image? MP: I think "artsy" would be an appropriate term. :) I've been singing since I was two years old, and writing for about three years now. I know, for me, whenever I'm stressed or sad or even excited about something, I always turn to my guitar or a piano. I think the main thing that "artsy" people do to represent their image is to continue expressing themselves, no matter what anyone says. You have to be confident in your work and never give up.
myself in Carpenter whenever I have free time; the practice rooms are a great place for working on art. When it comes to social groups, our freshman class is really close. We're all friends with each other. However, I would say most artsy people are floaters, meaning they float between various social groups. I have friends in all different grades that are there for me when I need them, and I think that's the best way to go. Having just one group of friends can be difficult sometimes, especially when things are rough. JR: I have heard that your family spends time in Nashville. What is it like being in the one of the musical capitals of the country? Is it from Nashville that you developed your interest in music? Have you encountered Miley Cyrus and/or Dolly Parton? MP: Nashville is my favorite place in the world. Because I grew up there, it'll always be home. Since my parents are separated and my dad still lives there, I visit about once a month. I would without a doubt say that my musical interests were developed there. My dad made a living as a professional drummer (which is funny because if you saw me attempt to drum, you would laugh). He played for acts such as Jimmy Buffet, Tanya Tucker, and Kathy Mattea; he even played on the Conan O'Brien Show and at the Grand Ole Opry, so music is in my blood. I remember going to a lot of his performances as a kid and getting pulled on stage to sing the occasional "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." Nashville was a great place to grow up as a musician.
I have met Miley Cyrus and her father each once. I went to her concert and was invited to the sound check party beforehand due to family connections. It was a really cool experience for me to get to speak with her about music and how she MP: I think the art department is very well developed, and all became interested in acting. Before playing the role of Hanthe teachers who teach and support it do a great job. I find JR: How do you feel Holderness supports the arts and do you find yourself in a specific social group because you are a talented musician?
(Continued on page 9)
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Volume 7, Issue 3 I t ’s R o o m m a t e A p p r e c i a t i o n We e k : G i v e T h a n k s ! Okay, so Roommate Appreciation Week isn’t a national holiday or anything, but what better time to give thanks for your roommate than during the season of giving! Below are some short words of thanks from students who want their roomies to know how much they appreciate them. “I would like to say that all of the day boys, especially Scott Merrill, have been exceptional roommates. They always keep the day boy room in top shape. Also, Mitch's driving skills never cease to impress me.” - Peter Saunders “To Perry, Thank you for your diligence in inspiring me when I am struggling, taking me out of my imaginary world when I am lost, and waking me up when it is time to go to class.” - Zihan Guo “Chuckwagon and the rest of the BP are a bunch of fun.”
happy we're roomieZ. I love you, Man.” Love, Joben “Josie and I have an awesome and unique relationship, because we eat lots of candy together, play computer games together, and watch TV shows in our separate beds together. NOTHING comes between us; we are like gum stuck to the bottom of a shoe, peanut butter and jelly, and salt and pepper - I'm pepper, she's salt. We're a spicy combo. She also makes me laugh a lot, and accepts me for whom I am, unlike other people.... AUSTIN BAUM.” - Pippau Blau “Molly is the best roommate I have ever had in my life.”
- Chris Nalen
- Macy Jones “Megan, we have bonded quite well over these past months, “Riggs Alosa is the best.” and I just wanted to thank you for everything you have done for me. Thank you, Megan, thank you.” - Axi Berman - Hope Heffernan “I'd like to make a shout-out to my awesome roommate Claire Caputi. She's always there to talk to at the end of the day with an open heart and mind. I couldn't be happier with my first year here, thanks to her.” - Maggie Peake “So Pippa is my roommate and she is the best. Since freshman year we have had an unbreakable bond. Teekabrohey - So
big belt-it-out songs (Stay tuned, guys). I see myself going to a performing arts college and later starring in Broadway musicals nah Montana, she went to school in Franklin, TN, which was in New York. It's a big dream, but I've got a lot of determinawhere I went to elementary school; I was able to talk to her tion. I will always write songs on the side because without about our favorite places to eat, ride horses, etc. I have never them, I would be lost, but I don't think I'll be doing exactly met Dolly Parton, unfortunately, but I have met Tim McGraw; I what Mr. Lockwood is doing twenty years from now. met him through my father and Ronnie Dunn of the band JR: What are you doing over Christmas break? "Brooks and Dunn," because his daughter went to my school MP: I'll actually be going to Nashville! I fly down Christmas and we were close. day and will be working on my album for the week that I'm JR: Mr. Lockwood is a bona fide champion. Do you see there and maybe play in a few gigs. I plan to spend the first yourself doing what he does in twenty years? week back at home in Waterville Valley with my best friend MP: As much as I love writing songs, I've actually directed my and my family. I'm sure I'll do a little Christmas shopping, but interests towards Broadway music and acting. I've been doing mainly I'm looking forward to spending some relaxing time at both for a long time and have always had my heart set on the home. Peake (Continued from page 8)
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The Picador Movie Reviews By Keith Babus ’12 Elf It's Christmas time, which is the setting for maybe the greatest movie of all time, Elf. Not only did it receive the award for best movie of the decade from the American Film Institution, but it was also selected to be inducted into the highly coveted Saint Nick's register of fabulous x-mas flicks. The film is directed by Jon Favreau, who brought us many classic films such as uh-oh looks like someone forgot santa is allergic to peanuts, and one of my personal favorites, looks like grandpa drank all the darn eggnog. Elf tells the touching story of Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell) who is trying to find his long lost father (James Caan). Buddy, who is a few feet taller than the other elves at the North Pole, doesn‟t realize he was born to a human father. Once he finds out, he goes on a long and treacherous journey, which includes traveling through the seven levels of the candy cane forest, passing the sea of swirly-twirly gumdrops, and then walking through the Lincoln tunnel. Buddy‟s purpose in this journey is not only to be reunited with his daddy but also to get his dad back on the nice list, which should be the goal of any son. Through his kind and innocent nature, Buddy wins the hearts of all around him and brings Christmas joy to all. This is a great movie to watch around the holidays, and one that will keep you laughing.
Senior Editors Nate Lamson Haley Mahar James Robbins Junior Editors Jake Barton Jeff Hauser Charlie Williams Faculty Advisors Ms. Magnus Mr. Solberg Mr. Carey Contributing Writers Aiden Kendall Fabian Stocek Peter Durnan Andrew Munroe Justin Simpkins Peter Ferrante
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Shout Outs Keith Bohlin Keith Babus Kristina Micalizzi Shawn Watson Sara Mogollon Maggie Caputi Hannah Halsted Steph Symecko
GD & HT = A little lovin‟ at Loveland?
Contact Information
OJ = Who knew Macbeth had such good flow?
Holderness School Chapel Lane P.O. Box 1789 Plymouth, NH 03245
AB = Abs like Gisele and an arm like Brady.
Phone Number: 603.536.1257 Fax: 603.536.1267 Email: info@holderness.org
JB = Becca or Bass? He‟s a JV Superstar now.
SM & MH = Slam dunk for this BIG boy. HH &AP = Aiming for peace, love, and hope this holiday season. XX & RX = Good fortune and precious love from China.
BC & DW & CM & MK = Congrats! Hopefully these are the first of many more acceptances! Good luck on exams and may the mistletoe bring many more kisses for us to spot. - Kristina Micalizzi ’12 and Shawn Watson ’12
Volume 7, Issue 3 Horoscopes By Sara Mogollon ’12 Aries: You started the week off with lots of energy; keep up the momentum! The last thing you need is to get run down when midterms roll around. Towards the end of the week, it might be tempting to mix work and play, but don't fall into that trap. Get your work done before giving yourself that break you so deserve.
full strength with the eclipse. You go! Cancer: It‟s going to be an intense week with conflicting priorities and emotional conversations, so prepare, but relax! Your mood will be at a positive high by Monday afternoon; use that to your academic advantage.
break when you can take a breather. Take extra care of yourself if you are in full work mode; balance is everything. Some exciting news awaits you at the end of the week.
hausted by Friday. Do the thing you love most, and then enjoy the company of those that you love.
Aquarius: So much to do! Be careful not to overdo it this Scorpio: Work, work, work. It week or you may buckle under all feels so familiar. Take the pressure. Focus on what is some time to connect with the important; the rest will take people most important to you; care of itself. it might help you feel better. Leo: The beginning of the Pisces: You haven't been as However, watch out for the week will be delightful; you focused as you should have Taurus: Is this week feeling a talkative individuals who may will be in full social butterfly been this fall and many details little funny? If repetition is distract you from what needs mode. Enjoy your friendships; have slipped. This is the time getting to you, switch things to be done this week. you are so close to saying to make up for lost time, with up and try something new! goodbye for break! However, Sagittarius: Get ready for friends and at work. Pick up Don‟t let the momentary balance your social life with change and embrace it. Althe pieces and put them back slump get your mood all good doses of work. Your though it is not always easy to together again. You will be twisted; a lot of things will fall listen to the spontaneous peo- glad you did. friends will wait for you! into place by the end of the ple in your life, let them perVirgo: If you start to feel week. suade you to do something overwhelmed, relax! Take a Gemini: Make sure to take a new this week. Look forward walk and reorganize yourself second to figure out what you to a positive future and what it away from all your usual daily want to get out of this week; may bring you! distractions. The clearer your choose your priorities carehead, the more relaxed you Capricorn: Keep your free fully, maybe even consult a time nice and relaxing, take will feel. wise friend. You may feel a bit everything slowly, one step at panicky as Wednesday apLibra: What a busy week a time. You can‟t expect to proaches, but your sign is in you‟ve had; look forward to multi-task and not be ex-
In and Out In
Out
Shipping gifts overnight
Sleeping enough at night
Acceptance letters
Anticipation
Caroling
Cram sessions
Helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads
Roller skiing down hill
Khan reviews during free time
Facebooking during free time
Burritos at dances
Grinding at dances (still)
The senior girls' record in Powderpuff
Ripping shorts
- @magsthemuggle, @haha_the_haha, @stephiesmeckie, @halezie Page 11
The Picador A PUBLICATION BY THE STUDENTS FOR THE HOLDERNESS SCHOOL COMMUNITY
A Letter From the Editor Dear Holderness Community, Thursday night, when the student editors of The Picador sat down with our advisor, Ms. Magnus, we discussed the Letter from the Editor. Nate‟s letter about late lights got a lot of response, and we were looking for another subject that would get people thinking. As we sat around the table, throwing ideas around, someone mentioned the holiday season. A large majority of students at Holderness celebrate Christmas. But a significant portion of the Holderness community does not. Hanukkah is probably the second most celebrated holiday, but some members of our community celebrate things like the winter solstice; some do not even celebrate anything at all. Should we be devoting more attention to other religions during the holidays? All in all, I‟d say the holiday spirit at Holderness is great: inclusive, decorative, generous. The hot grog at Christmas dinner itself may be enough to rouse holiday cheer in everyone. Emphasis is made on community service during the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas and on giving to those who may not be as lucky as we are during the holiday season. Maybe the “Christmas” spirit doesn‟t have to have anything to do with religion at all. Maybe it can center on being with friends and family, being grateful for all that we have and all that we are able to give others. Sure, Christmas may be a Christian holiday, but for many people, Christmas symbolizes a time of gift-giving without any religious attachments. But the truth is that Christmas at Holderness is, at least in part, a religious celebration. So how do we go about including those who don‟t celebrate Christmas? Before I go any further, I want to establish the fact that I am completely aware of the fact that Holderness is an Episcopal school. We go to Chapel twice a week, and we say prayers before dinner; taking care of our souls is an integral part of the school's mission. Keeping Christmas as the main focus of our holiday season is both relevant and sensible. But in a school that stresses diversity and continues to include more and more students from other countries and cultures, does our almost exclusive focus on the Christian holiday have negative effects on our community? Sure, we‟ve had announcements at sit-down dinner about Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah, but I don‟t think we‟ve ever lit a menorah as a community. Even though our school is Episcopalian, shouldn‟t we at least acknowledge other forms of worship during the holidays? Holderness attracts a bevy of students from a range of countries and religions -- Episcopalian, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist. Don‟t these religions deserve some sort of recognition? How would a Christian feel going to a school where Judaism was the most commonly celebrated religion? Wouldn‟t it be weird to give little thought to Christmas? Is this how students and members of the community at Holderness feel every holiday season? Not exactly forgotten, but certainly secondary? All in all, the holidays are exciting and festive. No matter what religion you celebrate, hopefully you‟re able to relax, take some time off from academics, and be with friends and family. But maybe in the coming years, Holderness will integrate more religions into the holiday season, or maybe not. - Haley Mahar ’12
Overheards You know those moments when you are walking down the path past Niles and Webster or walking through the Dining Hall, and you overhear a snippet of conversation? Sometimes, without knowing the context of the conversation, what you overhear is just plain funny. Below are a collection of quotes overheard throughout campus and compiled by the Picador editors. Enjoy!
“Do you ever have the desire to jump in front of a moving bus?”
“What noise does a pigeon make?”
“They are all so pretty, I want to take one home and put her on a leash.” “I was tied to a chair tonight. Is that harassment?” “I don‟t care; I like the taste of raw chicken.”
“Is there a word for a ball of toothpaste that got stuck in your arm hair?” “Joe Bro, you‟re looking scandalous today.” “Holderness Saturday nights are my favorite, when else do I get to play board games?”