Hopkins School 986 Forest Road New Haven, CT
Vol LXVI, no. 8
March 11, 2022
www.therazoronline.com
Hopkins Offers Several New Courses for 2022-2023 Riley Foushee '23 News Editor For the upcoming school year, Hopkins is offering several new courses across the Arts, English, History, and Science Departments, along with the Malone Schools Online Network (MSON). In total, there are 16 new courses for students to choose from. The Arts Department has two new classes: Painting, a term-length class available Term I or II for all high school students, and Songwriting and Music Composition, which is only available Term II for all high school students. The English Departments is offering three new courses, all Term II electives for senior school students. The new courses include Nature Literature, Postcolonial Literature: The Empire Writes Back, and Queer Literature. The History Department has one new addition to their curriculum: Topics in Women's History: American Women in the 20th and 21st Centuries. For students interested in a less conventional experience, the Malone Schools Online Network is offering 11 new classes next year. The two new full-year classes offered next year are German I and Introduction To Spanish-Language Literary Analysis. The Term I-only classes are Advanced Economics I; Cancer; The Science and Ethics Of Sports Performance: Genetics, Biochemistry, and Sociology; Tenements To Townhouses: Stories Of Urban New York; and Turbulent Times: History of the First Amendment and Dissent During American Wars. Term II-only classes include Advanced Economics II, Advanced Latin Literature, The History of Modern Germany: World War I to the Present, and A Nation Divided: The Literature of Civil Rights in the Modern US. The approval process for new courses is standard across each department. History Department Chair Elizabeth Gleason said, “Proposals for new courses travel the same path for every department, coming up for conversation and a vote in the department first, then in the Academic Policy Committee, and then before the full faculty.” The process for adding new courses for next year began during the 2020/21 school year. English Department Chair Joseph Addison said, “[First], we completed an audit of our curriculum. We finalized proposals in the fall of 2021, and the full faculty approved them in December.” Gleason emphasized the effect that student input has. She said, “Ideas for new courses bubble up from student interest - that’s how the Econ elective began, for example - and from department brainstorming.” Addison also highlighted the role students have in curating the curriculum. He said, “We also spent the year [2020/21] speaking with current students and alums. Based on those efforts, these three course proposals evolved to address gaps in what we teach while also serving the interests of students.” MSON has a different process for adding courses. With 28 schools from across the country, teachers propose courses that fill gaps in their own schools’ curriculum. Benjamin Taylor, Hopkins Academic Liaison to MSON, said, “[The teachers] ask their schools’ administration for permission to propose courses to our consortium and our Executive Director, Claire Goldsmith, meets with the teachers to discuss how the course would
fit it, whether it would Riley Foushee draw students, and how it could best leverage both the online platform and - above all else - the huge benefit of creating a geographically diverse roster.” Addition of courses also requires subtraction, however. Gleason said, “The tricky part is that, for every course we add, we need to retire one, so we try to be really thoughtful about our mix of offerings.” The Arts Department retired Roots of American Popular Music, the English Department retired Legends of Literature, Literature in Brief, and Magical Realism, and the History Department retired Human Rights Amir McFerren '24 browses the Course Guide. and the Politics of Music. MSON discontinued fifteen courses ranging from The American Food System: Past, Present, and Future to Camus to Orwell’s Exigence: Writing for an Urgent Moment. Students were generally enthusiastic about the new courses. Arjun Aggarwal ’23 said, “I appreciate the commitment to offering progressive courses that represent and address marginalized communities.” Luke Brennan ’23 added, “I know most people don’t focus on them, but some of the MSON courses look really cool.” Aggarwal agreed that the MSON offerings were interesting, but there was a caveat. He said, “I’m not sure I would want to have to reorganize my schedule and be online for a class.” Students may be tempted to choose one of the new courses, but there is a plethora of options, especially for rising juniors and seniors. Gleason said, “We also have several electives that we added just prior to the pandemic that may not be on students’ radars, so I really encourage everyone to take a good look at the Course Guide before making choices, and to ask their current teachers any questions they might have about electives.”
Black History Month Inspires Events on The Hill
also spoke on what the month means to him, saying, “For me at least, Black History Month is like a celebration of Black excellence. I feel like you don’t have that enough, especially in academia.” Iheanacho added, “Black history has long been overshadHopkins celebrated Black History Month this owed and put to the side as part of the larger AmeriFebruary through events including guest speakers, movie can narrative.” He continued, “It’s history that’s not screenings, and a student showcase, all organized by the been taught and is essential to our world nowadays.” Black/LatinX Student Among the events was a Union (BLSU), Students screening of the documentary United for Racial Equity I Am Shakespeare: The Henry (SURE), and the Hopkins Green Story with a Q&A with Student Diversity Board. the Director, Stephen Dest, and Nati Tesfaye ’22 a Junior School movie night and Eze Iheanacho ’22, screening of Spider-Man: Into two of the co-heads of the Spiderverse. The guest the BLSU, were some of speakers during the month inthe main organizers becluded Dr. Jennifer L. Ellis, hind this year’s celebraone of only a few Black female tion. “We want there to board-certified cardiothoracic be some type of growth surgeons in the country and a that happens as a result Hopkins Alum, and Jill Snyof this month,” said Tesder, author of Dear Mary, faye. “The biggest things Dear Luther: A Courtship in Letters. that we hope to do are Speaking about the progress educate, both through that has been made in education speakers and also through around Black history, Iheanacho looking and learning said, “The type of classes that we about African-American @hopdiversityboard take, for example, the Post-Colonial culture and Black hisLiterature elective, that’s a good A poster for I Am Shakespeare. tory in general.” Tesfaye step forward. Providing the means Inside: News........1-2 Arts Page 6: Keator Features Page 3: Features....2-3 Gallery Student Spotify or Apple Op/Ed.......4 Showcase Music? Arts...........5-6 Sports.......7-8
@hop.sure
Kallie Schmeisser '22 Lead News Editor Amir McFerren '24 Assistant News Editor
A list of events held during Black History Month. to learn about Black history and people wanting to learn about Black history are all you really need. In order to move forward you have to provide the ‘why.’ People are willing to learn.” Iheanacho continued, “Many facets of everyday life have been whitewashed, whether you realize it or not. Just taking the time to un-whitewash the things you already know about is a really good step. We have the internet. Information is so accessible. Use it.”
Sports Page 7: New Coaches Profiles
The Razor: News
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March 11, 2022
Hopkins Celebrates the Lunar New Year Evie Doolittle ’23 News Editor On January 27, the East Asian Intangible Cultural Heritages Club (EAICHs), Chinese Culture Club, and Asian American Student Association organized a decoration-making event in preparation for the Lunar New Year. During the three-hour event, students explored Southeast Asian culture through food, movies, and games. Harini Thiruvengadam ’23 described the memorable event: “My favorite part was making a cut-out tiger after EAICHs Co-head Megan Yi ‘22 taught me how. My attempt at this tiger turned out to have two tails and one eye, but I had so much fun trying! ... It was so cool to learn a little bit more about some of my friends’ cultures and traditions.” Nicole Kargin ’24 applied her knowledge of Mandarin while learning to play Mahjong, “Although I’m only in my fourth year of taking Mandarin, I could use what I knew to successfully enjoy myself.” February 1 marked the beginning of another year on the Lunar Calendar. Celebration of the holiday began in the Shang dynasty around 3,500 years ago. During this event, people celebrate gods and ancestors, by developing well-known traditions such as lighting firecrackers, making dumplings, and spending time with family. EAICHs Co-head Yuki Ma ’22 explained that the main purposes of the holiday are, “reuniting with family, honoring the heavens and ancestors, and perhaps most importantly, having a good time.” Chinese Teacher and Head of the Modern Language Department Lan Lin stated that some Southeast Asian countries have formed their own traditions, “For example, Korea celebrates the Lunar New Year by building a ‘moon house’ that is made from wood and branches. They’ll then set it on fire to ward off any bad spirits and make a wish for the New Year.” Over time, different traditions have been spread across 15 days. Lin described the family-centered traditions, “On New Year’s Day, people would pay a visit to their parents’ house, and children would receive red envelopes from parents and grandparents. On day 2, married couples would visit the woman’s parents and bring gifts. On the 15th day of the Lunar New Year’s celebration, it is the Lantern Festival, which marks the end of the … celebration.” This year is the Year of the Tiger. Yi said, “There are twelve Chinese zodiac signs: Mouse, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. … In Chinese culture, tigers symbolize courage, strength, and youthful energy.” Different people look forward to a variety of holiday traditions. Chinese teacher Ran Ran explained, “Wearing red and the dragon dance are my favorites. The bright color and the music shows the happiness of the festival.” EAICHs Co-head Gisella Castagna ’22 anticipated “going to the Asian market with my mom to buy ingredients for dinner the night before the New Year and getting together with friends.” Rachael Huang ’23, co-head of the Helping Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders Club, said, “During Lunar New Year, my family and I always have dumplings, steamed fish, and noodles. On
the last day we have a dish called tangyuan, which are sweet mochi-like rice balls with sesame or red bean filling (and there are so many more foods that I haven’t mentioned).” Yi feels that non-European holidays are overlooked: “We don’t have huge celebrations or learn about the significance of other cultures’ holidays beyond a 30-second speech at assembly (if a club steps up to deliver said speech) or in language classes. We hope that the Lunar New Year event helped people learn about and engage in Lu@hopkinsschoolct
Students create decorations to guarantee good luck in the new year. nar New Year’s traditions, but in all honesty, it didn’t seem like the event had an impact on the Hopkins community.” Ma echoed this idea: “Most people just came for the food and left without actually broadening their perspective a single bit. … Although we can’t force people to learn about others’ holidays, it was sad to see our culture kind of being exploited for food. … For those who did stay and participated in events, thank you for coming and showing appreciation for the Lunar New Year celebration!”
The Razor: Features
SAGA Sets Its Sights on an Eventful Year of in-person events, leading SAGA to reach the Hopkins community through new mediums. To increase their digital outreach, SAGA has been active in providing online resources through Google Classroom and social media. As the severity of the pandemic wanes and clubs Co-head Dhalia Brelsford ’23 said that her favorite part regain the ability to convene in-person, Sexuality and of leading the club is compiling lists of “books, shows, Gender Advocates (SAGA) is just one among the many and movies that [contain] LGBTQ+ representation” and clubs that anticipates having another action-packed year. posting them on the SAGA classroom page. Club leaders SAGA kicked off this school year hoping to work also frequently post petition links and educational pretoward educating and spreadsentations that spread informaing awareness on queerness by tion on famous queer activists. teaching lessons to the Junior Johnson, who manages the @ School Health classes. Club hopkins.saga Instagram account, members volunteer three times claimed the platform reaches “a a year to educate students on far greatr audience than in-person topics not covered by the trameetings. Members of the club ditional health curriculum, also frequently contribute infoincluding gender norms, LGgraphics they made themselves, BTQIA+ terminology, and the [which is a] great way to engage spectrum of gender identity. club members in a personal way.” Though the content covered SAGA is currently brainstormin classes remains consistent ing ideas for the Day of Action each year, club member Kyle celebration planned for April 11, Holler ’23 described how 2022. Day of Action was forSAGA has recently shifted merly known as Day of Silence; their teaching towards “makon this day, students gathered for ing people comfortable and performances and speeches at the @hopkins.saga aware of queerness on cammorning assembly and remained pus, as this is key for buildsilent for the rest of the school @hopkins.saga frequently posts educational infographics made by SAGA members. ing true allyship and underday to honor LGBTQIA+ people standing of the queer community.” combat bigotry on campus and on a wider scale as well.” who couldn’t share their identity. Samuel believes that Club members were struck by the sheer amount In addition to posters, SAGA intends to cre- the change was much needed: “[A] day of silence is not of enthusiasm and the high level of engagement they re- ate more private spaces in athletic locker rooms to fur- an effective way to get your message across when all the ceived from the Junior School students. Co-head Jessica ther ensure the privacy of students. This project is cur- people who [are involved in activism] are being silent.” Horkovich ’22, who has been actively involved since her rently underway, as members have already sketched To raise awareness on Day of Action, SAGA freshman year, enjoys observing their “active participa- out layouts for the placement of new stalls and walls in hopes to have food trucks out on the quad, movies projecttion with the material,” and has heard “many insightful the locker rooms. When asked about the inspiration be- ed in Upper Heath, and speakers invited to talk during Asquestions and opinions” throughout her years of teach- hind this initiative, Teddy Johnson ’23 answered, “Club sembly. As Holler noted, SAGA strives for this day, and, ing. Laila Samuel ’23 appreciated having a comfort- members have shared stories of feeling uncomfortable more broadly, all their initiatives, to serve as “a message able and accepting space where she could “share [her] and experiencing harassment, which is unacceptable.” for everyone on campus, queer and non-queer, to never be story and a part of [herself],” and at the same time, “an- Allocating more private spaces would therefore “help afraid to reach out for help: whether that’s to understand swer questions and give [the students] reassurance.” everyone feel more secure, not just LGBTQ+ students.” queerness better, or to hear people’s own experiences.” SAGA pushed to expand their impact beyond COVID-19 restrictions have limited the amount Vivian Wang ’23 Lead Features Editor
just health classrooms and to the entire school community by putting up posters around campus. Colorful, hand-decorated flyers containing fun drawings and inviting messages such as “come out to SAGA” hang from the bathroom walls in Thompson and the bulletin boards in Upper Heath. Holler explained the impact of these posters: “I wanted to make people more aware of the presence of queer people on campus. … [H]elping to get rid of the alienation of queerness in their minds is crucial to
The Razor: Features
March 11, 2022
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Apple Music or Spotify? Students Weigh in on Streaming Services a plan.” Similarly, Thomas Pittard ’27 started using Spotify due to family preference: “I’ve used it for at least 6 years ... first on my parents’ phones, then on my own.” Other students have found their preferred streaming platforms through their friends and classmates. Ava Music platforms have always been a controver- Littman ’23 said that she “started using Spotify about a sial topic, each with its own unique features and dedi- year and a half ago when I got made fun of for using Apcated fan base. A long-standing debate across the internet ple Music.” Sophia Neilson ’23, on the other hand, got has made its way into conversations between Hopkins Apple Music in summer of 2020 “after a friend suggeststudents: which is better, Apple Music or Spotify? The ed it,” so she gave it a try and “got a 3-month free trial.” Razor sent out a survey to the entire student body to Hopkins students have strong opinions on their see which platform has won the hearts of Hilltoppers. service’s features as well. Lera Strickland ’23 explained The majority of students reported Spo- that she prefers Apple Music because she “loves being able to have no ads, and the aesthetic blends in perVivian Wang fectly with my iPhone.” However, that very feature is less appealing to James Jeffery ’22. He said that Spotify is “visually better than Apple Music and gives the distinct impression of a large music library rather than [just] an app store extension.” Ava Maccaro ’24 appreciated “the variety of songs and genres that Spotify offers, including small artists.” The bashing of other platforms is equally as common as praise. Matthew Vasseur ’22 argued, “the green with Spotify’s [design] is gross and it looks like it’s from 2010.” Many students agree that, compared to Apple Music, Spotify has more social features. Avary Gomez ’24 likes that Spotify allows her to “look at what my friends are listening to more easily,” and she can use it on devices “other than Apple.” Laila Samuel ’23 The debate between Apple Music amd Spotify is agreed: because of Spotify’s popularity, “it is fun to a constant topic of discussion. share playlists [with others]. It has cool features, like tify as their preferred music platform, outnumbering [Spotify] Wrapped or blending playlists with your friends.” Apple Music users in a nearly 3:1 ratio; 74% of reAnother factor streaming music users must spondents favored Spotify as their preferred service. consider is controversial content. After Spotify came Some respondents also reportedly use Amazon Mu- under fire via social media for hosting the podcast The sic or YouTube Music, but in very small numbers. Joe Rogan Experience, legacy acts like Neil Young and The reasons for these choices vary from conve- Joni Mitchell revoked Spotify’s license to host their munience to personal preference. Amory Erenhouse ’27 ex- sic. Due to Rogan’s spread of misinformation on COplained, “I tried using SoundCloud and Spotify but just VID-19 vaccinations, some Spotify users have even didn’t like them.” Most Hopkins students use their plat- started to reconsider their music platform of choice. form of choice due to the convenience of whole family usHowever, the issue has largely eluded Hopkins age. Charles Scott ’25 shared that he has been using Apple circles. The majority of students, particularly those in Music since “I was four [or] five. ... My family bought the Junior School or ninth grade, have not heard of the Megan Davis ’23 Assistant Features Editor Aanya Panyadahundi ’23 Lead Features Editor
controversy at all. older students went on to share their wide range of thoughts. Ayelet Kaminski ’22 felt torn “because I really like Joni Mitchell and Neil Young, but I still like [Spotify’s] formatting and feel much better [about it] than any other platform.” Other students echoed Kaminski’s sentiments and felt like the issue would not affect their future listening habits. Jeffery took issue with Spotify’s decisions, because “spreading vaccine misSpotify’s display of friend information is just listening activity. wrong.” However, he believed that mass outrage is unnecessary because “[misinformation is] going to be on the internet everywhere no matter what. I could get up in arms about how Spotify ought to take his platform down, but, in the grand scheme of things, it’s actually the least of Spotify’s problems.” Sean Kelly ’25 said, “I don’t mind [it] that much. Joe Rogan isn’t the only thing on Spotify; it’s not like you have to listen to him if you don’t want to.” This polarizing debate continues to divide classrooms, friend groups, and even families. Opinionated students might agree with Hannah Ceisler ’22, who said, “If you use Amazon Music or YouTube Music, I don’t think we can be friends. Spotify and Apple Music users must unite against them.” Aanya Panyadahundi Some
Don’t Call It a Comeback: Calarco Returns to Social Media the librarians send out [information about] new books in the library, tend to get on the Instagram more because I see them more frequently and use them for ideas,” Brelsford said. While Brelsford has enjoyed creating content for the account, not everything about running the Calarco Instagram page has been easy. “My least favorite part [of If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram over the past couple of weeks, you running the account] is the lack of engagement I get regarding new ideas. For example, may have noticed some new posts from the Calarco Library account (@calarcolibrary). I tried to do a Google Form where people could recommend their favorite book and I Older students and faculty might be surprised by this account’s activity, considering that would post about it and it only ever got two replies.That was a bit disheartening but its last post, prior to the ones shared this year, was from two years ago. The sudden re- you’ve just got to keep trying things out until one of them works.” Brelsford added, “The Google Form is still linked in the [bio] of the Invival of the Claraco Instagram begs the question: stagram page if anyone wants to fill it out now”. What prompted this comeback? The answer lies Despite those setbacks, Brelsford has high hopes in the student behind the account, junior Dhalia for the Calarco Instagram, and the ways in which Brelsford. The Razor reached out to Brelsford she can use it to impact the Hopkins community. to ask her why she decided to take over the ac“Short term, I want to post once a week and start count, the obstacles she has faced in her takedoing a book of the week. Long-term, I want to plan over, her process for coming up with new conlarger projects… where I group books by theme, tent, and her hopes for the Instagram platform. like ‘books to read on summer vacation’ or ‘books Brelsford ’23 shared how she got inby AAPI [Asian American and Pacific Islander] auvolved with the Calarco Instagram and why: “I thors’. This last idea is in the air but I would like to joined the Library Student Board my sophomore do some kind of book-related fundraiser and [the] year and had been trying to find more ways to Instagram would definitely be used to promote it.” help the library and connect it to the greater The Razor also reached out to students Hopkins community. I had been following their about their thoughts on the revival of the Calarco Instagram since my freshman year but noticed Instagram. Esmé Olshan-Cantin ’23 shared her the last post they made was two years prior… thoughts: “My initial reaction was positive beSo I spoke with [Head Librarian] Mr. Gette cause I think it’s a good idea for the library to have and he said it was inactive because no one had an Instagram. Although their selection is very offered to run it so I asked for the login inforgood, I don’t really have time to wander around mation.” Brelsford added that, after taking the stacks; so an Instagram could be a good way over the account, she “felt really excited to be for the library to share their exhibits and book doing something for the library and to finally Examples of Brelsford’s recent posts from the Calarco Instagram account. recommendations. I think the actual page … have an outlet to share the books [she loved].” [could] be more useful if it had some structure to After taking over the account, Brelsford began to post, sharing book reviews and asking for recommendations from students. “I it… It’d also be cool to see them summarize new exhibits as they get put up.” James try to post every two weeks, either showcasing a book I’ve read that I loved, or a series Jeffery ’22 agreed with Olshan-Cantin’s positive sentiments, adding that it’s “always of books with a similar theme,” Brelsford stated. Her posts have also been influenced by dope to see… books recs” and advising that “the Calarco library Instagram… keep up current events. For example, in her most recent post, Brelsford highlighted six books, all the good work.” Alexandra Mathews ’22 also enjoyed the return of the Calarco Inswritten by Black authors featuring Black protagonists, in honor of Black History Month. tagram: “Seeing the page coming up on my feed was really exciting.” Mathews’ only Brelsford also explained the ties between the Calarco instagram and the Calarco website: suggestion for further improving the account was to post “book recommendations … “the Instagram acts… like a pitstop on the way to the website, which is why it’s linked on our on a more regular basis” in order to “encourage students to engage with the library.” [profile].” Brelsford elaborated on other sources of media that the account has connections Finally, Mathews observed that the “Calarco Instagram page [is] a star example of to. For example, the books featured in the “‘Good Book’, emails, [a newsletter in which] how school-related social media accounts can enhance our sense of place at Hopkins.” Zoe Sommer ’23 Assisstant Features Editor
OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Page 4
“Processing” the College Process fore winter break, and I was there to hug those who got deferrals and rejections. As much as I was excited for my friends, I was also filled with envy and longing for my
Abby Regan ’22 Lead Op/Ed Editor Rumors, hype, and scary conversations surround your final two years of high school. At a deeply competitive school like Hopkins, where everyone wants the best grades in the best classes and the same positions as club heads and captains, we constantly strive towards similar goals. The college process is the first time we as a class go through the same thing together, but everyone is fighting for something different. One of the hardest parts is letting go of what others are doing. Despite everything going on around you, college applications and decisions are uniquely your own journey. When I first started searching for colleges, I let a few of my friends’ offhand comments affect how I viewed a school. One of my friends said something nasty about a school I really liked, and I carried that with me, afraid of what people would think if I ended up there. But the problem was, I loved, and still do love, the school. I’ve come to realize that my friend and I are very different people and need different things as we approach our next chapter. The conversations we have with friends and classmates about this process aren’t always healthy and fun. I can remember days when I sat around a table with a group of friends and we discussed college for so long that we started to snap at each other and get angry. My biggest piece of advice is to make sure you’re in the headspace to have these conversations. If you’re not, it’s okay to walk away. Similarly, check in with your friends and make sure they want to talk about college before you start the conversation. Everyone’s process is going to be a little bit different; it’s stressful, and sometimes hearing about others' journeys adds to that stress. The peer pressure is hard though: many people applied to schools Early Decision and I didn’t. It is binding and, if you have any hesitation at all, I don’t suggest applying Early Decision. I was close to applying early to a school, but ultimately chose not to because I envisioned myself opening an acceptance letter in December and feeling happy, but also being filled with regret and “what ifs.” Of course, this left me with a longer period of waiting. I was there to celebrate my friends’ early acceptances be-
LA Times
A senior looks ahead at the mountain of college application work.
moment to open a letter. I felt like I was two steps behind everyone else, and that’s not easy. But I also know that applying Early Decision was not for me. I needed the extra months to research and ponder and grow as a person before I made a decision. And now, in early March, just weeks away from the release of many schools’ decisions, I am ready to see what my options are and make a choice. I am grateful that I ignored the pressure around me and made the choice that was right for me. Even if it seems like everyone else around you did, you don’t have to make a decision in a split second. You have options. A gap year, though not in my plan, is a great next step too; I am really excited for the people I know who are planning to take one. Everyone hypes up senior fall to be so busy because, on top of maintaining good grades, which get submitted to both Early Action and Early Decision schools, you have so much application work. I highly recommend writing your main Common App essay over the summer before senior year. I know it’s not the most fun thing to spend time on over your summer, but just do it. Trust me when I say it is a huge thing to have off your plate when you begin the year. In fact, have the entire Common App
March 11, 2022
filled out before the first day of school. It will be a relief to have all the tedious biographical information, the essay, and the activities section done when you’re trying to focus on keeping your grades up and writing supplements. They were not joking about the supplements - there are a lot of them. The supplements are harder to do over the summer; I waited until the school year started to write mine. I took one day off of school in the fall because I got a cold and wasn’t feeling well. I used that day to write supplement drafts for my early schools; I applied to three schools by November 1, either for priority to be considered for merit scholarships or Early Action. I wrote the rest of my supplements over Thanksgiving and winter break. I was always the person who spent breaks working on my term paper so I wouldn’t have to worry about it during school; this was a helpful approach for me when writing supplements, too. I took another day off from school in October because I needed to tour a few schools. My mom and I drove to Boston and visited Tufts, then made our way to Rhode Island and Brown, all in one day. While this solidified some of my interests, it was also the day I decided not to apply Early Decision. More than that, however, it was a beautiful and memorable time that I got to spend with my mom. Part of this process is grappling with the fact that your childhood is ending. It’s hard not to let that fear consume you, but instead to spend quality time with the people you love before the time comes for that change. While I am still in the waiting period now, I am just a few weeks away from making the big decision. Each day, I become more and more aware of what is coming, and I can see how little time I have left at Hopkins. I am caught between excitement for what’s to come, heartache for what’s going to be lost, fear of the unknowns, and pride for how far I’ve come. All of the steps in this process are overwhelming and unknown. The biggest thing I’ve learned is that everyone is on their own journey, and everyone’s journey is going to be different. Although we all may be feeling similar things about what’s to come, this is the part when we prioritize ourselves and face the unknown. Senior year is for growth, self-love is year is for growth, self-love and self-discovery, and it is a time to feel and experience everything you possibly can.
On Endings: Reflecting on 5 Years on the Hill Zach Williamson ’22 Editor-in-Chief
In the past few weeks, I’ve been bingeing HBO’s quintessential dramedy: Sex and the City. It’s imperfect, but also ineffable, a portrait of the time of life in which your friends are your family. Yes, it’s a show about New York, about dating, about intimacy, but at its core, it’s a show about relationships. All of its plot points are secondary to the friend-
ships between the four leading ladies. In the final episodes of the final season, Carrie Bradshaw decides that it’s time for her to leave New York. Dissatisfied with life as an unmarried woman in her thirties, she convinces herself that her friendships and love for the city are holding her back, and leaves her life in New York behind to move to Paris. In the span of a few days, she packs up her entire apartment, quits her job as a writer, bids her friends farewell, and expatriates. Once there, though, she realizes that in her haste to move into the next phase of her life, she’s abandoned its most important pieces. All this is to say, though, that Carrie’s struggle to adapt to changing circumstances has led me to consider how I’m working through my own. I don’t know where the next few years will take me, and, as much as I’m harboring fear of them, I’m also excited. This experience, while by no means unique, is not an easy one. I’d be remiss
not to point out that, from a young age, I’ve struggled with transitions. I have a habit of skipping to the end of books and skimming Wikipedia summaries of shows and movies before I watch them. If I know what the end looks like before it arrives, I’m in control. As I sit down to write this editorial, my final for The Razor, I’m consumed by uncertainty about what is to come. This is an ending I can’t skip to, but also one I’ve always been aware of, if only subconsciously. Since I first set foot on the Hill in eighth grade, June 10, 2022 has always been the finite ending to this chapter of my life. And yet, now that it looms on the horizon, I have no idea what comes with it, or what comes next. In grappling with the end, I’ve found myself slipping into reductive think-
ing. I’ve begun to doubt the impact of my work in clubs, my place in my friend group, and the knowledge I’ve gained in the classroom and beyond. Convincing myself that I won’t be missed has made everything simpler. If I’ve had no impact, I won’t have any trouble saying goodbye, right? If my friendships are all surface-level, I’ll be
“As I sit down to write this editorial, my final for The Razor, I’m consumed by uncertainty about what is to come.” perfectly fine with ending them and starting over in college, surely. Halfway through writing this piece, I got in my own head, as if putting these thoughts on the page was an acknowledgement that the end was coming. So, I went for a drive. I drove to New York, away from my desk, my computer, and this editorial. Then it hit me: that drive was my giving in to the difficulties of change, just as Carrie had done. Carrie flew to Paris; I drove over the Tappan Zee. I was running from a difficult transition instead of doing the work of grappling with it. When I returned to my computer, I did some earnest thought work. The reality is that I have contributed. I’ve enmeshed myself in clubs that matter to me, from this newspaper, to HDA and Harmonaires. I’ve made meaningful connections with my peers and the adults on campus. Instead of losing my grip on who I am and what I’ve done, I’m driven to dig deeper. With three months left at Hopkins, I’m resolving to continue making an impact of which I can be proud, to savor the connections I’ve made and make new ones, to end things on a positive note. I have more to give, and I’m going to give it.
March 11, 2022
ARTS
Page 5
Going Behind the Scenes With the Crew of Les Misérables - painting, moving props, cleaning up, etc.” Amalia Tuchmann ’23 Zach Williamson ’22, who has worked as Assistant Arts Editor Production Stage Manager for nine shows On March 3, 4, 5, and 6, the Hopat Hopkins, described his role during a run kins Drama Association (HDA) presented of the show: “I’m responsible for calling Les Misérables, directed by Hope Hartup. light and sound cues, ensuring that everyAlthough they may have been less visible thing runs smoothly on and offstage, and in the musical, the stage managers, costume keeping track of actors and set pieces.” His crew, prop managers, and Beyla Ridky role in Les Miother members of HDA’s sérables spetech crew involved were cifically “has vital to the success of the meant coming production, and provide in to help paint a unique perspective on some weekon the theater process ends, organizfrom behind the stage. ing costume fitAisha Nabali tings and other ’23, one of the Assistant behind-theStage Managers for Les Les Misérables’ stage management team scenes needs, overseeing a rehearsal. Misérables, walked us and making through her job in the production: “Stage sure that actors remember where they’re management is a role that requires a lot supposed to be at any given point.” Wilof organization. When we were first layliamson summed up the role as being one ing out the blocking of the show, the stage of the “most powerful, if underapprecimanagers were responsible for notating ated, roles in the theater.” He also shared every action on stage, every prop and set a theater ritual which exemplifies just how piece, and all the scene changes. Once integral the stage managers are to the prothese decisions are set in stone, it’s my job duction: “On opening night, it’s common to make sure everything is running smoothpractice for the director to say to their stage ly when we rehearse the show in full. I manager, ‘it’s your show,’ and it really is.” need to push set pieces on and offstage, as Another key aspect of the prowell as ensuring the actors are where they duction process is costuming, which was need to be, when they need to be there.” managed by Kathryn Duffner, an underLes Mis has been one of the biggraduate student at Southern Connecticut gest HDA shows in recent years with 35 State University, along with Costume Asactors, which has meant that the organizasistants Ayelet Kaminski ’22 and Caitlin tional part of stage managing was all the Phipps ’24. Phipps explained how she bemore crucial. Stage Manager Beyla Ridky came involved in costuming: “I love fash’24, added “A lot of our job has been helpion, and I’ve also always loved character ing Hope with whatever needs to be done expression, so finding this opportunity to
express the characters through fashion was because it helped me be connected to the the perfect intersection of both of my inter- show without being onstage.” Calderone ests.” Kaminski said, “One of my interests said. Regan said “I really like working beoutside of HDA is visual art so the design hind the scenes for the musical -- it’s so fun aspect is especially fun for me since I get to watch it come together and so different to apply certain skills like an understand- from a play.” Their work in Les Misérables ing of color theory and composition into an been focused on both the coordination and unexpected setting. I also enjoy the more making of the props. “As we got closer to mechanical aspect of costumes, building production, Abby and I spent a lot of time and repairing different pieces.” For Les Mi- in the shop getting the prop table together, sérables, both students spent time “taking making sure everything is very organized measurements, repairing buttons, making so the actors know where their props are, labels, and doing whatever little tasks we and constructing props—for example, can to help out,” said Kaminski. As for the since Les Mis is a period piece, there are actual run of the show, Kaminski explained some maps and pieces of paper in the show “we have to be aware of everyone’s cos- that need to look era-appropriate, so we tumes, make sure there are safety pins on spent a good amount of time tea-staining Zach Williamson some paper to hand in case anything malfunctions, and help out with make it look whatever quick changes older,” said there are.” Phipps emphaCalderone. For sized just how passionthose interested ate she is about costumes: in being a prop “It’s so much fun. Even manager for a though I really like fashfuture producion, I never thought I would tion, Calderone Actors and crew amid a tech rehearsal. have been doing costumes advised “knowfor an HDA show, and now ing how to be it’s one of my favorite things ever.” organized, being comfortable with being Another essential element of authoritative, being able to be patient with a theater production is the props that ac- the actors and collaborate with the directors use during their performance, and the tor, and keeping a cool head when everypeople who organize and create them. For thing might be going crazy backstage.” Les Misérables, props were managed by Next time you visit Lovell Eli Calderone ’22 and Abby Regan ’22. Hall and sit in the audience of an HDA Calderone first managed props for Spa- production, pay close attention to the malot in his sophomore year. “That was a lighting, sound design, costuming and very fun experience. I really enjoyed mak- props, and appreciate the indispensing props and having a really organized able effect that they have on the show workspace, and I wanted to do that again and the talent of those creating them.
Hopkins Drama Association Presents Les Misérables
On March 3, 4, 5, and 6, the Hopkins Drama Association (HDA) presented Les Misérables, directed by Hope Hartup. The Razor had the opportunity to view the dress rehearsal before going to press and is pleased to share these photos from the production.
Felipe Perez ’22 (Thenardier) and ensemble sing “Master of the House.”
Anand Choudhary ’22 (Valjean) sings “Bring Him Home.”
Right: Zack Haywood ’24 (Marius) sings “Empty Chairs Empty Tables.”
The cast of Les Misérables in “Prologue,” the show’s opening number.
Will Schroth-Douma ’23 (Javert) sings “Stars.”
Charlotte Cocozza ’23 (Fantine) and Anand Choudhary ’22 (Valjean) sing “Epilogue.”
Abigail Murphy ’23 (Cosette) sings “In My Life.” The ensemble of Les Mis sings “Epilogue.” All photos by Abby Regan ’22.
The Razor: Arts
Page 6
March 11, 2022
Keator Gallery Hosts “Pop-Up” Student Showcase From Wednesday, February 2, to Tuesday, February 8, Hopkins’ Keator Gallery featured a Pop Up Art Show. The show contained nearly fifty pieces of various forms of art, ranging from sketches to paintings to a dress and a tile tapestry. The gallery was filled with work from Jessica Chapman ’22, Leela DeSil-
va ’22, Ayelet Kaminski ’22, Sofia Schafer ’23, Julia Sotelo-Emery ’22, and Chase Stevens-Scanlan ’22. The artists were proud of their work and participation in the show. Stevens-Scanlan said, “Having pieces in a gallery of only six people is actually really intimidating, but also super fulfilling. It’s easy to feel like what you’re making doesn’t matter and no one cares or notices, but gallery shows reassure me that people do notice.” DeSilva said, “I think I speak for my entire class
when I say that we are so thankful that we had the opportunity to display our work in our own gallery. We all have worked diligently at creating a multitude of works, most of us for a portfolio that we sent to colleges. Since we all created so much in so little time, we never really had an outlet to show anyone what we did throughout the term. The gallery allowed us to put together something for the whole school to see in a coherent way.”
Jessica Chapman ’22
Ayelet Kaminski ’22
Julia Sotelo-Emery ’22
“My favorite piece Sophia Neilson in the gallery of mine is probably the girl with the feather boa. This piece took me forever and I really ventured out of my comfort zone when it came to the materials,” said Chapman. The gallery also featured a red gown created by Chapman. She said, “I get asked a lot about my dress, as it is very different from most of the art you tend to see in the gallery. It took me a really, really long time, as the skirt is pleated with three layers and the majority of the bodice is hand-sewn. I have been sewing and making clothes since middle school, but this was my first time ever showing that side of myself to Hopkins.”
Kaminski’s piece Sophia Neilson of choice was a self-portrait using pencil. “I like it because I think it shows some clear technical skill, as well as conceptual depth. Rather than drawing from a mirror or a photo taken of me, I decided to use a Snapchat selfie as my reference, and overlay it with different quotes from feminist writers that resonated with me. I wanted to show the struggle of still wanting to be seen as pretty and desirable under the male gaze despite the fact that I know that’s not what I should be working towards,” Kaminsky said.
Leela DeSilva ’22
Sofia Schafer ’23
Chase Stevens-Scanlan ’22
“I often feel embarrassed about showcasing my art, since my finished sketches and illustrations always look like rough drafts when I hang them next to someone else’s lovely oil paintings. I was also a little disappointed that one of the pieces I worked on for class this year couldn’t be shown, since it was a spinning shadow lamp that would Sophia Neilson have req u i r e d someone to stand in the room and turn it all the time. All that aside, the gallery show ended up being really exciting. I was proud to see my lockets and my map showcased beside the fantastic artwork of my classmates, and I definitely consider it a confidence booster,” said Schafer.
“I’ve been doing art forever. It totally runs in my family,” said Stevens-Scanlan. When asked about her most challenging piece, she said: “The piece in the gallery of mine that had the Sophia Neilson most difficult process was the glass tapestry. I wanted to do something 3D and I was running with the water theme, so I thought why not render my water painting with glass.” The process was long and challenging, and Stevens-Scanlan said “The glass cutting was so much harder than I realized. For the 82 panels I cut I probably had 50 failed panels and I can’t count the number of times I nicked my fingers. It was the most tedious process ever. I love the final piece, though. I guess I want people to look at it and reimagine how they look at nature.”
Sophia Neilson ’23 Arts Editor
Sophia Neilson
When asked about her early experiences with art, DeSilva said, “I first knew that I really enjoyed art the first time I was given the opportunity to create it. I felt as though it was the perfect outlet and I loved looking at a finished piece of something that I created.” Of her own work, DeSilva’s favorite piece in the gallery was “definitely [her] largest piece, displaying a winter landscape.” She said, “I never thought I would be able to create a canvas that large (4x6 feet), for one; and painting something of that size was ambitious for me. However, I am truly proud of the finished piece - I think it displays how far I have come in developing my skill, style, and love for painting.”
Sophia Neilson
Sotelo-Emery said: “These collages were not originally meant to be a pair, and I made one of them as a reflection on the other. In my first one, the blue one, I took more time in creating it. I carefully cut out images from old magazines and used photosensitive paper to create the title. When working on my second, I mostly ripped the paper with my hands to create an angrier feeling. In my opinion, ‘get well soon’ can sometimes feel like an empty phrase, and make one feel isolated rather than comforted. The collages are meant to represent two responses to the phrase: frustration and sadness.”
Op/Arts: Celebrating Black History Month through Art Anand Choudhary ’22 Lead Arts Editor Just over a year ago, I wrote a piece about the many art forms through which people protested against police brutality and participated in the Black Lives Matter movement. All over social media, artists were creating, connecting, educating, and having a shared experience about the unjust way the Black community has been treated in this country. Today, a simple Google search of “Art + Black History Month” brings me to articles that were published not weeks or months, but years ago. Why? Why have we, as human beings, neglected one of the most powerful forms of communication and connection when celebrating the contributions and legacies of Black people globally? Art comes in so many different forms and is one of the most effective ways to bring people together. In our struggle to obtain some sense of normalcy two years out from the pandemic, we have chosen to forget the hardships that others face in their lives, and go on autopilot in our own day-to-day routines. The urgency with which we brought the injustices that plagued the Black community to light has diminished, and it is important that we find a way to do so again. At Hopkins, our Black/Latinx Student Union, Diversity Board, and Students United for Racial Equity organizations have done a tremendous job of keeping the community engaged through numerous events, such as guest speakers, among whom were artists who talked about their work. One needs to look no further than the Hopkins community to keep engaged with the spirit and meaning of Black History Month. But what about staying engaged beyond the Hopkins community? How do we reignite the flame that burned so brightly just a year ago? We could use social media to our advantage again. When we were all stuck in our homes, our phones were the only way through
which we could safely educate ourselves and celebrate the accomplishments and achievements made by numerous Black artists and individuals throughout history. By using social media to our advantage, we gain access to communities that are outside our reach and educate people beyond our immediate social circles. So, as you go forward with your day, month, year – life, even – consider how you can explore how art enlightens us about the struggles of Black people. Connect with a piece of art that moves you so deeply, you feel compelled to fight for a cause and honor an unforgettable hisBillie Holiday performs “Strange Fruit” in 1939 to raise awareness tory of Black people around the for lynchings of Black people in the south. world. Share it with the world. Forget the unspoken rules of social media and spread awareness of this art form that you love that speaks to a cause so important that every person following you on Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and Twitter should know. Ask yourself: what kind of impact do you want to leave on the world? biography.com
SPORTS
March 11, 2022
New Faculty Coaches
Hopkins has many teachers who also serve as coaches for athletic teams. In this series, some of these recent additions to the coaching staff will be introduced into the Hopkins community as coaches, rather than as teachers.
Ian Clark this year, so one point of focus will be on developing the JV and less experienced Varsity players.” Clark added, “Helping students have a strong mental game, good Ian Clark has been at discipline, and good decision making on Hopkins since 2008 and has had the course is a big goal for this spring.” many roles during his time here. Clark’s techniques have helped Clark began as a math teachthe less experienced players improve er, but “switched to teaching Junior their game. Joe Cardenas ’24 said, School science pretty quickly af“[Clark] never shied away from explainter [his arrival].” Clark has also coing even the most basic things to those coached J-School Volleyball since who were just starting [to play golf]. He 2009, which he describes as “a lot of knows when to step in to provide advice fun,” and he coached J-School Tennis and when he should defer to the playuntil 2015. After that, Clark became er’s knowledge.” Essie Gao ’23 agreed “an assistant golf coach, first with with this statement: “I just started playCoach [Rocco] DeMaio [’86] and then ing golf last year and [Clark] spent a Coach [Josh] Brant [’88] .” During lot of time teaching me the basics.” the 2021 Spring season, Clark worked Clark’s approach to unifying his first spring as the Head Coach the team is also appreciated by his athof the Hopkins Varsity Golf Team. letes. Ryan Coffey ’24 said, “[Clark] Clark began playing golf when he makes everyone feel comfortable on was fourteen years old. He played on the team, and he has a very calm dehis high school team for two years meanor.” Cardenas expressed a similar before becoming captain of the team sentiment: “[Clark] never makes anywhen he was a senior. His involveone feel left out or unimportant, and ment continued in college, when he [he] creates a great team experience Jonathan Henninger was a part of the Amherst College that everyone loves to be a part of.” Golf Team for three years. His coach- Clark confers with co-coach Jackie Beck on the golf Clark’s main goal is for ing career began at Berkshire School, course. these athletes to foster an appreciawhere he was the assistant golf coach. last year’s scores and team record and tion for the sport: “I started playing in While he has been coaching golf to be as competitive as we can be with high school and still love the game, for over five years, as head coach, Clark the top teams in the league.” Clark will so that’s something I hope will be the has “a couple of big goals for the golf also work to improve the team’s basic case for all the players on the team.” program at Hopkins.” One of these goals skills: “We’re a relatively young team Hanna Jennings ’24 Assistant Sports Editor
is to increase the girl involvement in the sport: “We’re a co-ed team, and there are six girls on the tryouts list for this spring, so the goal is to grow that number into a [separate] girls golf team.” For this year, Clark hopes for the team to “improve on
Carl Atlee peting for Hopkins” and “remember the camaraderie that they shared with their fellow players during their years on the team.” To the players he coaches, Atlee’s love for tennis is evident in his active teaching style. Varsity Boys’ Tennis Carl Atlee began coaching tennis at Hopkins in 2016 Co-Captain Andy Toft ’24 said, “Coach Atlee is very pasand has been an integral part of the Hopkins tennis program ever sionate about the game. He loves to be out there and to play since, first as Assistant Coach for Boys Junior Varsity Tennis and with us.” Luke Brennan ’23 agreed: “[Atlee] took the time to now for the Boys Varsity Tennis team. work with me after practice when I Atlee’s love for tennis began was having trouble with my serve. in his youth. He “grew up playing tennis He works with players and isn’t competitively and especially enjoyed the most results-oriented coach.” being a member of the teams [he] was For many of the playa part of in high school and university.” ers, Atlee’s impact goes beyond As a college student, Atlee also “taught the tennis court. Varsity Boys’ tennis in grassroots programs during Tennis Co-Captain Jeremy Penthe summers;” he credits this summer nington ’22 described Atlee as job as his “first teaching experience.” a “very positive influence” who In 2015, Atlee joined the is not only “a great coach” but a Hopkins community as a Spanish “mentor who understands the playteacher and began coaching tennis ers very well.” Brennan added, the following spring. Atlee explained “[Atlee] maintains a calm, suphis decision to come to Hopkins: “I portive demeanor through difficult always wanted to work in an institucircumstances. He taught me the tion that valued excellence in teachvalue of patience and hard work.” ing and learning. A colleague [...] This year, Atlee will work thought that [Hopkins] would be a alongside Head Coach Rodrigo good fit for me, [and] she was right!” Frías to “build on the success that At Hopkins, Atlee appreciates the op- Carl Atlee [the team] had last year during the portunity to work with students “who 2021 season, which was abbreviAtlee practices tennis during his downtime. are always eager to learn new things.” ated due to COVID.” With a team As Assistant Coach to the Boys composed mostly of ninth and tenth graders, Atlee plans to Varsity Tennis Team, Atlee works to “foster a positive athletic “focus on team-building and on coaching players through experience” for the players. While he “continue[s] to value what, for nearly all of our squad, will be their first full inthe role that athletic competition plays in one’s development,” terscholastic season with league and regional tournaments.” Atlee also places an emphasis on making sure that “every Atlee continued, “These ‘hopeful youths’ sure can play, and teammate’s contribution and growth matters.” It is important the next few years will include lots of excitement in New to Atlee that the players “look back fondly on their time com- England as our team matures and gains more experience.” Melody Cui ’23 Co-Lead Sports Editor
Page 7
MARCH MADNESS Continued from Page 8
All it takes is one game [to be knocked out of the tournament].” Each year, a few teams make surprising runs in the tournament. These teams are known as “Cinderella Story” teams for their luck in games. A “Cinderella” team is typically a 10th- or lowerseeded team that defies all odds to become at least one of the final sixteen teams in the tournament. Arman Hyder ’22 appreciates these surprising teams because he “loves an underdog story.” One example of this came just last year, when 11th-seeded UCLA won four games, making it to the Final Four. Beckett Ehrlich ’27 said he believes UCLA has a shot to win this year “because last year, as the 11 seed in a bracket, as 45 seed overall, they made it to the final four and barely lost.” Fans each year fill out brackets to attempt to predict all sixty-three games correctly. Caroline Meury ’22 said, “My family fills out brackets every year with my cousins and we have a competition and watch all the games together, [which is something] I look forward to.” Very few people have come close to guessing each game perfectly, but it does not stop people from trying. The longest recorded streak of correctly predicted games came in the 2019 NCAA Tournament, where a user picked the first forty-nine games right. The odds of choosing the winner of all sixty-three games is one out of nine quintillion, making this challenge nearly impossible. It is so impossible that in 2014, businessman Warren Buffett offered to pay one billion dollars to anyone who chose all sixty-three matchups correctly. In a survey asking which team the Hopkins community believed would win the tournament this year, the favorites were Gonzaga and Duke. Hopkins Athletic Director Rocco DeMaio said Gonzaga is “very experienced” this year. The team has had lots of success in recent tournaments including second-place finishes in 2017 and 2021. Steele Malkin ’27 believed Gonzaga would win this year because “they lost last year and they are hungry to win it all.” Gonzaga has also earned the number 1 seed in three out of the last four tournaments, in part due to their coach, Mark Few, who has led the program since 1999. This season, the team is led by players Drew Timme and Chet Holmgren. PJ Cooney ’23 said, “[Timme and Holmgren] are not being guarded by any team in the country come March.” The other favorite according to the Hopkins survey was Duke, a team with lots of success in past tournaments. The program has won five national championships, most recently in 2015. They are led by Mike Krzyzewski, who has worked with the program since 1980. Last summer, Krzyzewski announced that the 2021-2022 season would be his final one. Dev Madhvani ’23 said he thinks Coach K and Duke will “make a special run for [Coach K’s] last year.” Chris Ruano ’22 commented on Duke’s roster this season: “Duke is clearly a good team. They have stars like Paolo Banchero and AJ Griffin and a lot of bench depth.” Banchero, just a freshman, is ready to lead Duke back to the championship game. Wiley Johnson ’22 said Duke has the “best players [and the] best coach.” Ruano ’22 believes March Madness is “an extremely competitive tournament.” There are lots of young talented players ready to lead their team to a national title, but it will be hard for the top teams to reach the title game, and even have a shot at the trophy. Ben Novemsky ’25 concluded, “It’s March Madness. It’s all unpredictable.”
The Razor: Sports
Page 8
Baseball: “This year, we’re looking forward to fighting for the FAA championship once again. We have a great group of guys who we believe will step up and play some great baseball. We hope to see everyone at our games this spring.” - Matthew Spenner ’22
Spring Sports Preview
Jonathan Henninger
Softball: “My goals for the team are to play hard and focus on our goals. We have the most players trying out compared to years past, and I’m excited to see the program growing.” - JJ Drummond ’22
Boys Lacrosse: “This season, I’m looking forward to playing our first complete schedule since 2019. Our obvious goal is to win the FAA [Championship], but we are also bringing in a lot of younger guys this year, and I’m excited to see how they develop and grow over the course of the season. I can’t wait for the season to start.” - Zach Bleil ’22
Jonathan Henninger
Girls Lacrosse: “I am looking forward to playing under Coach Kwich as a first-time head coach. We graduated a lot of starting seniors last year, so I am excited to see what Coach Kwich is going to do to fill in those gaps, as well as how the team will adapt. I would say that one of the goals I have for the team is to compete in the FAA tournament.” - Marin Ciardiello ’22
Jonathan Henninger Jonathan Henninger
Jonathan Henninger
Golf: “I’m looking forward to an FAA championship! We missed it last year. My goals are obviously to have a good record for this year, but I also want people to get on the course more and enjoy the team.” - Dev Madhavani ’23
Jonathan Henninger
March 11, 2022
Boys Tennis: “I’m looking forward to seeing how our team gets to know each other this year. We couldn’t have a whole lot of team bonding activities last year, but this year, the team will really be able to learn more about each other as players and people. We’re a very Jonathan Henninger young and talented team, Girls Tennis: “I’m super excited for team dinand I can’t wait to see what ners and team bonding, and a goal I have is for we can achieve this year us to go undefeated and win FAAs.” - Ellie and next.” - Andy Toft ’24 Medovnikov ’22 Jonathan Henninger “We’re also excited to get to know and play Boys Track: “We’re looking forward to our tennis with the new members and to play mufirst normal season since freshman year. We sic during practice again.” - Megan Yi ’22 have a really big team with a lot of new talent, so we’re excited to see how both newcomers Jonathan Henninger and older runners perform. We’d love to keep everyone injury-free, win FAAs this year, and put together some fast 4x100 and 4x400 relays.” - Will Cooper ’22 Jonathan Henninger
Water Polo: “I am eager to have a seemingly normal water polo season. There are many newcomers, and I look forward to showing them the way of the game and sharing my insight throughout the season. I wish the girls an energetic and enjoyable season.” - Lara Jasaitis ’22
Jonathan Henninger
Interviews with Spring captains conducted by Assistant Sports Editors Eli Ratner ’24 and Sam Cherry ’23
Crew: “I really appreciate the stability of this season already, since last year Covid interrupted much of our time. I’m looking forward to having team dinners and even starting some new traditions for Hop Crew to really unite the team. This year, both the girls and guys boats have set their minds [on] making it to NEIRAs (New England Interscholastic Rowing Association)!” - Mykaila Meunier ’22
Girls Track: “I hope that we can build a strong, supportive, and cohesive team. I also hope that everyone will work their hardest and put their full effort in. Above all, I hope everyone has a good time and enjoys track and field!” - Suthi Navaratnam-Tomayko ’22 “In terms of competitive goals, I hope to see almost, if not everyone on the team make new personal bests this season and hopefully we’ll see some school records get broken.” - Caroline McCarthy ’22
Hopkins Predicts Duke or Gonzaga Will Win March Madness Tanner Lee ’23 Co-Lead Sports Editor On March 17, the 2022 Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament, known as March Madness, begins with thirtytwo first-round matchups between sixty-four men’s college basketball teams. These teams will play in high-intensity games to compete for the national championship in New Orleans on April 4. March Madness is a one-gameelimination style tournament, meaning a single loss will end a team’s tournament run. The tournament consists of four con-
ferences: E a s t , W e s t , South, and Midwest. Sixteen teams from each conference will be seeded to determine the layout. The firstr o u n d
Tanner Lee
March Madness 2022 Survey Results.
matchups are the 1sts e e d vs. the 16thseed, the 2nds e e d vs. the 15thseed, a n d so on. I n the first
round, lower-seeded teams have a real possibility of upsetting their first-round opponent. This would mean a 12th-seed, for example, beats a 5th-seed, thus ending their tournament run. Past tournaments have featured several upsets, one of which came four years ago when 1st-seeded powerhouse Virginia, looking to make a push for a national championship, was eliminated in the first round by 16th-seeded University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). This is still the only time in tournament history a 16th-seed has upset a 1st-seed. Nati Tesfaye ’22 said, “I like the high-stakes atmosphere of the games. Continued on Page 7...