May 2014 Issue

C HRONICLE the harvard-westlake

Los Angeles • Volume 23 • Issue 9 • May 28, 2014 • hwchronicle.com

90-minute exams before winter break to replace midterms

By Jake Saferstein

AUDREY WILSON/CHRONICLE

IN HOT PURSUIT: Courtney Corrin ’16 (#5) races behind an Alemany runner in the girls’ 4x400 meter relay CIF Final race at Cerritos College May 24, where the team placed second.

Hitting their stride

The girls’ track and field team won the Division III title at CIF Championships. Eight athletes from the track and field program qualified for CIF Masters May 30.

By Tyler Graham Three Wolverines ascended the throne and one defended it when the girls’ varsity track team captured the crown jewel of CIF Division III in a golden CIF Finals for the Harvard-Westlake track program Saturday.

After winning the Mission League for the third consecutive year, the girls’ team can hang up another banner in Taper Gymnasium as the winners of the CIF Division-III Championship Saturday at Cerritos College. Efe Agege ’14, Alex Florent ’15, Courtney Corrin ’16 and David Manahan ’14 claimed individual CIF titles, with Corrin repeating as CIF Champion in the long jump.

Corrin clinched her second girls’ long jump title in two years with a jump of 19-feet, 9.5-inches, highlighting the girls’ team CIF Championship. The girls’ team qualified seven athletes for CIF Masters. Joining Corrin at Masters will be Agege, Florent, Shea Copeland ’15, Imani Cook-Gist ’15, Lizzy Thomas ’14 and Francesca Walker ’16.

Corrin added a third place finish in the 300m hurdles to her victory in the long jump. The girls’ team’s victory was aided by wins from Agege, who won the girls’ triple jump with a jump of 38-feet, 3.75 inches, and Florent, who won the girls’ high jump with a jump of 5-feet, 9-inches. Copeland’s 100m time of 12.04 set a new school record and put her in second place in the meet. Cook-Gist was also able to set a school record in girls’ pole vault with a vault of 10-feet, 9-inches.

Manahan was the only athlete on the boys’ side to qualify for masters, recording a win in the 800m

with a time of 1:52.53. Manahan’s time set a new school record.

Heading into CIF Finals, Head Coach Jonas Koolsbergen was optimistic about his team’s prospects.

The team sent a total of 13 athletes to CIF Finals who qualified by way of CIF Prelims.

“We’re excited and we’re looking forward to competing extremely well and doing extremely well,” Koolsbergen said. “We had probably our best CIF Prelims that we’ve ever had as a program. We hope to cross that success over to hopefully our best CIF Finals that we’ve ever had as a program.”

Reflecting on the season, Koolsbergen is proud of his athletes but believes the best is still to come as the team advances further into the postseason.

“The season has been excellent,” Koolsbergen said. “It has been a pleasure to coach and work with the athletes. We have excelled, we have done well. Now we’re just coming to the best part were we hope to do our best work in terms of CIF Masters, and ultimately the California State meet. We’re very proud and pleased and looking forward to a fantastic completion of the season.”

The team will compete in CIF Masters at Cerritos College this Friday to attempt to qualify for the California State Prelims June 6.

“I ran absolutely terribly in the 1600 in the morning,” Thomas said.

“It hurt our chances of winning as a team, but everyone else really picked up the slack and had amazing outcomes, so that we were still in contention. I knew I couldn’t do the same thing in my second race so I pushed myself to place as high as I could, for my teammates and coaches.”

Mid-year assessments will replace midterms next year and will be held in December the week before winter break.

There will be two 90-minute exams each day.

“This decision was trying to be sensitive to the fact that students are feeling pressured with regard to their time and part of this was caused by being heavily tested before break and then over winter break having to prepare for exams,” Faculty Academic Committee Head Kent Nealis said. “It really made winter break not really a break.”

Nealis, Scheduler Beverly Feulner, Science Department Head Larry Axelrod, Assistant to the Head of Upper School Michelle Bracken, Upper School Dean Sharon Cuseo and Upper School Dean Beth Slattery will work as a team to finalize the assessment schedule.

Since the new assessments are shorter, FAC is encouraging teachers to “explore alternative forms of assessment and have assessments count less than traditional midterms,” Head of Upper School Audrius Barzdukas said in an email reporting the change.

“The assessments are designed to be something less than the semester exam,” Nealis said. “That assessment might in fact just be a unit test. I don’t envision it being as weighty as a semester exam.”

This decrease in testing importance makes next year’s mid-year assessments similar to those instituted for freshmen this year.

During the week of Dec. 15-19, no regular classes will

INSIDE

STEP INTO THE RING: The Class of 2014 recounts the memories and milestones through our six-year journey at HarvardWestlake.

meet, there will be no sports competitions or performing arts performances and sports practices will be limited to one hour.

While this limits time before winter break, this change frees up time in January for sports and helps synchronize the sports schedule with other schools, so league games no longer interfere with midterms.

Moving the exams also frees up January for teaching.

Previously, teachers only had a few days to teach new material, and then had to start reviewing for midterms, but now teachers will be able to teach through January.

“January was not a month that typically a lot of teaching took place,” Nealis said.

“School would start and stop, start and stop, so we decided to address the issue of pressure students were feeling from all these assessments.”

The exception to this new schedule is for one-semester classes.

One-semester classes that have a traditional final exam will still be able to have one on the last two days of the semester, which will end Jan. 16.

Second semester will begin after a four-day semester break Jan. 21, and since semester break is earlier than before, the administration is adding a long weekend in March to break up the long stretch of no vacations.

One other consequence of the schedule change is that the two semesters will be equal in number of days, which will benefit AP courses because there will be more teaching days in second semester before • Continued on page A9

D6-7 ONtheWEB

SUMMING IT UP: The Chronicle multimedia team compiles a list of this year’s highlights.

Watch the video at hwchronicle.com/ 2014video

A2

The Harvard-Westlake Chronicle Wednesday, May 28, 2014 3700 Coldwater Canyon Ave. Studio City, Calif. 91604

Preview

PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF MELANIE KRASSEL

DECORATED: Megha Srivastava ’14, left, Melanie Krassel ’15 and Molly Cinnamon ’14 accept their Aspirations in Computing awards at the National Center for Women in Information Technology Summit May 20.

EOJIN CHOI/CHRONICLE

News A8

Features B5

CALLING THE SHOTS: Plant manager Felipe Anguiano discusses campus operations with maintenance member Richard Gomez.

PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF PAMELA SCHOENBERG SAM SACHS/CHRONICLE

FLY BALL: Jackson Grayson ’15, left, dives for a catch while Michael Vokulich ’14 backs him up in the baseball team’s playoff win over J.W. North May 23.

offbeat

Sports C1

A&E B10

SHOWCASE: The official poster advertising the “What Remains” exhibit at the DNJ gallery in Santa Monica, where student photography will be exhibited June 7-21.

Artist creates giant bear for class

By Jake Saferstein

Grizzly bears can grow up to nearly 10 feet tall and five feet wide, and can weigh up to 1,500 pounds.

Darby Caso’s ’14 bear is nearly as big, but weighs almost nothing and is made out of plastic.

The bear, when it lies on its side, spans about nine feet in length and four feet wide.

She made the bear for her 3D Art class taught by visual arts teacher Dylan Palmer.

To create the bear, Caso started by cutting up the plastic into different parts of the bear.

Then, she heated up the edges of the plastic and melted

the parts together, “sort of like sewing it,” she said. To keep the bear inflated, she had a pump constantly running.

The bear went on display Tuesday at the Senior Art Show in the Feldman-Horn Gallery.

The show was held for seniors to display their favorite pieces of art they made.

Caso first got the idea for the bear last year.

“Last year we were experimenting with shapes so I wanted to do it again for 3D art,” Caso said. “My first project was a tank which was ironic because it’s something that people fear, but the materials and look make it seem playful or like a child’s toy. My bear is

also ironic like that since it’s a huge bear but it looks like a giant teddy bear.”

The tank she made is about four feet in length and was also on display.

The tank took her about one and a half months, and the bear took her two and a half months.

Caso finished the bear a month ago, but still uses plastic in her art.

In the last month, she finished a curtain made out of plastic strips to decorate a doorway, which was also on display in the gallery.

At home, she also found a bike wheel and is using string in between the spokes to make a design on the wheel.

The Chronicle, the student newspaper of Harvard-Westlake School, is published nine times per year and distributed free on both the upper and middle school campuses. There are 727 students at the Middle School and 870 students at the Upper School. Subscriptions may be purchased for $20 a year for delivery by mail.

Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the seniors on the Editorial

PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF DYLAN PALMER

A BEAR OF AIR: Darby Caso ’14 inspects the large plastic bear she created for her 3D Art class. Caso’s project was displayed at the Senior Art Show in the Feldman-Horn Gallery.

Board. Letters to the editor may be submitted to chronicle@hw.com or mailed to 3700 Coldwater Canyon Ave., Studio City, CA 91604. Letters must be signed and may be edited for space and to conform to Chronicle style and format. Advertising questions may be directed to Tara Stone at 310-430-8537. Publication of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of the product or service by the newspaper or the school.

hwchronicle.com/news

May 28, 2014

Top Honors

News A3

Students and faculty were recognized for their contributions and dedication to the school at the awards assembly Tuesday, May 27 in Taper Gym. The recipients of the Bishop’s Medal, Veritas Award and the Blanche Nelson Boyle Award will be announced Friday, June 6.

Valedictorian – Zoe Bohn ’14

Senior Academic Awards

Salutatorian – Joey Lieberman ’14

Each department honored a senior for an outstanding commitment to or achievement in that discipline.

Lester Medvene Award – Adam Yaron ’16 Awarded to a sophomore who contributes to the life of the school and embodies Lester Medvene’s “curiosity of mind and dedication of spirit.”

Rensselaer Award – Jamie Skaggs ’15 Given to a junior who has distinguished himself or herself in the study of math and science throughout the year. If the student chooses to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, they receive a four-year scholarship.

Morris Michael Landres Award – David Ozen ’16 Recognizes a sophomore who has demonstrated “consistent effort, dedication and promise” through his or her work on a school publication.

Tamkin Community Service Award – Vincent Huang ’14 Given to a senior who has given his or her time to serving the community, both on and off campus and both independently and with others.

Brendan Kutler ’10 “Two Hats” Award – Ethan Weinstein ’15 Awarded to a junior who pursues intellectual experiences outside the classroom, takes risks to pursue his or her interests and demonstrates kindness towards peers and adults inside and outside the classroom.

Computer Science – Jonathan Burns ’14 Ducommun Award (Mathematics) – Aaron Anderson ’14 English – Julia Aizuss ’14 World Language – Eugenie Lund-Simon ’14 The World Language Department recognized one exemplary senior who has taken Chinese, French, Latin and Spanish and inducted new members into the National Honors Society. See A7 for further coverage.

History/Social Studies – Sarah Novicoff ’14 Performing Arts – Justin Carr ’14 and Molly Chapman ‘14 Publications Chronicle Award – Grant Nussbaum ’14 Vox Populi Award – Katie Jung ’14 Speech and Debate - Annie Kors ‘14 Sandifer Creative Writing Award – Hannah Kofman’14

Jerry Margolis Jazz Award – Andy Arditi ’14 Named in honor of performing arts teacher Jerry Margolis, who taught for 36 years begining at the Harvard School for Boys, to a student who contributed to the jazz program during his or her time at the school.

Frederick Douglass Diversity Award – Tigist Menkir ’14 Recognizes a senior for his or her focus on his or her own culture or others based on ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation in a creative, courageous and compassionate way through art, activism or outreach.

George Coleman Edwards Award – Justin Carr ’14 Given to the member of the senior class who has best served his or her classmates, this award is in memory of George Edwards.

Cuscaden Blackwood Medal – Jensen McRae ’15 Given to a member of the junior class for his or her outstanding contributions to the school environment and spirit. The recipient is nominated and selected by senior class officers and faculty members.

Lamar Trotti Jr. ’50 Award – McKynzie Dickman ’14 Given to a senior, in memory of Lamar Trotti Jr. ’50, who made the most dramatic transformation in his or her life and work both inside and outside of the classroom during his or her time at Harvard-Westlake.

David Justin Rascoff ’91 Award – Justin Carr ’14 Given in memory of David Jusin Rascoff ’91 to a member of the senior class who has always spoken his or her opinions in his or her daily life.

Science – Larry Zhang ‘14 and Kevin Zhang ’14 Visual Arts – Darby Caso ’14 William L. Davis Award (Economics) – Michael O’Krent ’14

Faculty Awards Garrett Hardin Award –

Wendy Van Norden (distinguished service) Kevin Weis (early achievement)

Given to a senior faculty member for distinguished service to the school and a junior faculty member for early achievement in his or her department.

Rascoff ’91 Faculty Award – Kathy Neumeyer Created in honor of David Justin Rascoff ‘91, this award funds summer sabbaticals for faculty members which the recipients can decide how to use.

Senior Athletic Awards Lee Carlson Award for Athletics – Jack Flaherty ’14 Lizzy Thomas ’14 Awarded to two members of the senior class, one male and one female, who demonstrate excellence and dedication in athletics.

Schumacher Award – Jack Temko ’14

Humanitas Award – Daniel Palumbo ’14 Honors a senior who has demonstrated service to the school, friendliness, consideration for others and loyalty to the community.

Given to a senior for his or her contributions to the athletics department, effort in a sport and display of sportsmanship during his or her senior year.

Basketball player to deliver soundbyte valedictory address at commencement

By Marcella Park

Zoe Bohn ’14 will speak at graduation June 6 as valedictorian, President Rick Commons announced at the annual Cum Laude Induction Ceremony last week.

The valedictorian is elected by a faculty vote every year based on academic ability, Commons said. Bohn has been playing piano for 11 years, cocaptained the girl’s basketball team for her second time this winter and sings as a thirdyear Bel Canto member.

Bohn said she’s finished writing her speech, and plans to thank “everyone who has contributed to our HarvardWestlake experience.”

“I want to make sure that it’s about everyone’s experiences, not just mine,” she said.

“I want to talk about Justin and Julia, too, because they

should be here with us right now.”

Bohn said she will probably feel anxious about speaking when graduation day is closer, especially because she’s never spoken in front of as many people as will be there.

Her prior speaking experience includes an impromptu speech at a basketball banquet and debate class in eighth grade, she said.

“I will be looking out over the heads of everyone so I don’t get nervous,” she said.

“Actually, my friend from out of town is going to be there, so I might be looking at her.”

While at Harvard-Westlake, Bohn said she became especially close with her science and English teachers, especially her AP Physics C: Mechanics teacher, John Feulner.

It was this course, which she said that she loved, that made her consider majoring

in Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University, where she will start school in fall, Bohn said.

She plans to choose between Mechanical Engineering and Symbolic Systems, which combines psychology, computer science, philosophy and behavioral sciences.

Bohn was one of 59 seniors inducted to the Cum Laude Society in what Head of School Jeanne Huybrechts called “the highest-GPA gathering ever in Rugby” as she opened the ceremony.

This was also history teacher Ken Neisser’s first year as Cum Laude chapter president, and he dedicated much of his speech to former chapter president history teacher Eric Zwemer.

When Huybrechts told her two weeks before the induction ceremony that she would speak at graduation, Bohn

SOURCE: EMILY KENNEDY GRAPHIC BY SCOTT NUSSBAUM

“I wan’t to make sure that it’s about everyone’s experiences, not just mine.”

—Zoe Bohn ’14 Valedictorian nathanson’s

called her mom, and then her dad.

“My mom was really, really happy,” Bohn said. “It was a reaction of shock first, and then, ‘I’m so proud of you.’”

Bohn’s dad accidentally left her a voicemail of himself telling all his coworkers the news, she said, and her twin brother, Zach Bohn ’14, has been “so supportive, he’s adorable.”

“I had no idea that’s why Dr. Huybrechts wanted to talk to me,” she said. “I thought it was something about financial aid.”

After Commons announced that Bohn was valedictorian

and ended the induction ceremony, all the seniors inducted into the Cum Laude Society gave her a standing ovation as well as applause.

“As soon as I stood up, everyone came over and started hugging me, so I did that for about five minutes,” she said.

Bohn’s mom gave her flowers after she had gotten through the crowd.

“Everyone has been so nice and supportive since finding out,” Bohn said. “I think I’ve gotten a hug, handshake or a high-five from everyone in my grade and from a lot of people in 10th and 11th as well.”

The Chronicle

A4 News

Leon to head financial aid office

May 28, 2014

By Benjamin Most

Assistant director of admission and co-director of the ninth grade advisory program, Melanie Leon, will replace Geoff Bird, who is retiring, as Director of Financial Aid next year.

“Through my work with the Student Ambassador program and with the ninth grade advisory program, I have gained a strong understanding of student life and how to help students develop the tools they need to be successful at Harvard-Westlake,” Leon said.

“I hope to use this knowledge to better support students attending Harvard-Westlake who receive financial aid.”

Leon has experience dealing with families during her time in the admission office, which will help her interact with families seeking financial aid, she said.

“I think developing relationships with families, specifically families receiving financial aid, is extremely important,” Leon said. “It gives them a contact on campus whom they are comfortable with and whom they can reach out to with questions or concerns.”

Admission associate Nancy Jeon ’89, who filled in during Senior Associate Director of Admission Michelle Hung’s ’91 maternity leave, will fill Leon’s role in the Student Ambassador program next year.

“Mr. Bird has run an incredible financial aid program,” Leon said. “Before I implement any major changes, I plan to take time to learn more about the needs of our students and families receiving financial aid and research the best practices at other educational institutions.”

NIKTA MANSOURI/CHRONICLE

Coder Dojo volunteers teach underprivileged children coding A NEW LANGUAGE: Melanie Krassel ’15, center, works over students’ shoulders at the programming workshop May 24. Student volunteers hosted the workshop through Coder Dojo, an organization that teaches underprivileged kids programming basics with languages like Scratch. The students had the opportunity to make a game in Scratch, a website or a webapp with JavaScript.

Students receive fellowships to travel abroad

By Nikta Mansouri and Scott Nussbaum

Six students will travel abroad this summer as the 2014 Harvard-Westlake Global Fellows, selected by a faculty selection committee. The students will travel to Cameroon, China, Spain, Korea and Mexico.

Annelise Colvin ’15 received the Junior Summer Fellowship to travel to Cameroon to continue studying French and volunteer at local orphanages. She applied for the fellowship before Spring Break by submitting a detailed explanation of her proposed trip and its goals.

“I am excited to be pushed out of my comfort zone and spend time with the children at an orphanage,” Colvin said.

“I think it will be a really humbling experience and I think I’ll learn to be a lot more independent because I’ll be travel-

ing alone across the world.”

The Gunter-Gross Asia Initiative was awarded to Diana Kim ’15, Sophia Szu ’15 and Sabrina Szu ’15. Kim plans to visit Korea to study ceramics and pottery. While the Szus proposed to study the effects of pollution and environmental conditions on Chinese society.

“We hope to not only inform the Harvard-Westlake community about the environment’s current condition and the effect on China’s people, but we also hope that students will take what they have learned and apply it to their everyday lives in order to benefit our own community,” Sophia Szu said.

Alexandra Grande ’16, Karenina Juarez ’16 and David Weitz ’15 were selected to receive the new Iberian Latin American Studies Fellowship.

This fellowship is part of the Harvard-Westlake Global

Education initiative.

The fellowship encourages students to immerse themselves and Latin American culture and create something to give back to the school, Head of School Jeanne Huybrechts said in an email in March, which announced the fellowship.

Grande will focus on Spanish cuisine and its origins.

Juarez plans to research mariachi music and its role in society throughout Mexican and American culture.

“Harvard-Westlake students would greatly benefit from appreciating the culture and contributions of the Mexican American community in Los Angeles and specifically the San Fernando Valley,” Juarez wrote in her fellowship proposal. “In my research on the development of mariachi college ensembles I discovered that many of the key figures are natives of the San Fernan-

do Valley. I want to highlight their contribution.”

Weitz originally planned to go to Costa Rica to immerse himself in the culture and establish an English teaching program for children, but he has declined the fellowship for logistical reasons.

“I felt passionately about my proposal and was excited to go to Costa Rica to help the kids,” Weitz said. “However, I now realize it is for the better that I did not accept the money. There was far too high a risk that something would go wrong and the grant money would go to waste, which would be a shame.”

The applicants did not know who was part of the selection process and likewise the students were anonymous to the faculty members who were reading and vetting the proposals. The proposals only had an ID number on them, no names.

Stem cell executive discusses latest regenerative medicine technology

By Zoe Dutton

all sorts of laws were passed to make human clones illegal.

California Institute of Re- Then federal funding was cut generative Medicine chair, and it brought to a halt lots of Jonathan Thomas, (Lizzy ’14, exciting work, until California John ’16 and Matt ’17) spoke passed Proposition 71 in 2004 about stem cell research and [which created his agency].” regenerative medicine May 23 He said that the public during third and fourth pe- outlook on stem cell research riods in Ahhas changed manson Lecsignif icantly ture Hall. since then.

I thought that Thomas “The first both his history and gave a history human emof important bryo was the history of modern advances in cloned last science were riveting.” medicine and year.

How medical techof you —Oliver Sanderson ’15 many nology, startknew that?” ing with the he asked. development “People see of the polio vaccine in 1955, the amazing potential this has and explained that California to totally change medicine and is the current leading center the way we deal with disease.” for stem cell research.

Thomas also spoke about “After the breakthrough of cutting-edge experiments that Dolly [the first cloned sheep] were still in the trial phase, in 1996, stem cell research but that have the potential to stalled,” he said. “Everybody revolutionize the way doctors was really scared about what treat cancer. the next step would be, and “I thought that both his

“

history and the history of modern science were riveting,” Oliver Sanderson ’15 said.

“How he presented CIRM’s programs showed the incredible feats achieved every day really inspired me to more strongly consider a future in the sciences.”

The science department invited Thomas to speak after he mentioned to Head of School Jeanne Huybrechts that he would be willing to give a presentation about his work.

“In about an hour, Dr. Thomas provided a broad overview of the cutting-edge of cellular biology research that only someone in his position could provide,” science teacher Blaise Eitner said. “I appreciated how he commented on the necessity of examining the ethical challenges that future biotechnological advances will pose, in addition to describing the huge potential benefits for health care. It was such a privilege to have him speak to

CARLY BERGER/CHRONICLE

PUSHING BOUNDARIES: California Institute of Regenerative Medicine Chair Jonathan Thomas speaks to students about the history of biological research and new regenerative technology. our students.”

Though Thomas had long been interested in stem cell research, he only became chair of CIRM in 2011 after a career in investment banking. He graduated summa cum laude with degrees in biology and history from Yale, and holds a doctorate, with a medical focus, in Commonwealth his-

tory from Oxford as well as a Juris Doctorate from Yale Law School.

“Mr. Thomas was a great speaker,” Sarah Winshel ’15 said. “I attended a USC stem cell research project earlier in this year and it sparked an interest in regenerative medicine that was only furthered

by Mr. Thomas.”

May 28, 2014

hwchronicle.com/news

News A5

Council to develop new system for sign-ins

By Nikta Mansouri

SCOTT NUSSBAUM/CHRONICLE

RHYME TIME: Matt Beyer ’15, left, and Brian Ginsberg ’14, perform a slam poem about the dangers of conformity during Senior Transition Day May 22. The six-person poetry slam team was formed this year, and the Get Lit Classic Slam was its formal first competition.

Poetry slam team takes 2nd in Classic Slam

By Benjamin Most

The poetry slam team won the quarterfinals and earned second place in the semifinal bracket of the Get Lit Classic Slam May 22 and 23.

“I’m proud that our team almost made the finals in our first year because we didn’t really know what to expect, and I think we have a good shot to win next year,” Matt Beyer ’15 said. “At the same time, it’s important to remember not to put too much weight into the scores.”

Poetry groups from all around Los Angeles met to perform original and classic poetry. Judges rated each performance out of 10 points, and

the team lost to the Youth Op- during activities period and portunities team by 0.2 points after school on Wednesdays. in the semifinals with a score “We had a lot of ups and of 124.6. downs due to limited rehears“ T h e y al times and performed after school so well unconflicts, but I’m proud that der pressure by the time and prewe got to the our team almost made sented such slam, we were the finals in our first incredibly confident beautiful, poand happy year because we didn’t etic, personal and ready really know what to work,” coach to support and English each other expect.” teacher Carono matter —Matt Beyer ’15 what,” Jensen line Miller said.

McRae ’15 The team said. formed in late April to write The slam also encouraged group pieces and practice solo teams to bond and meet other poetry for the competition students with similar inter-

“

ests.

“While we waited for the slam to start, we were somehow involved in two rousing bouts of the Cupid Shuffle onstage with other competing poets, which was a great example of the environment — not competitive, but appreciative,” poet Hannah Dains ’16 said. “As poets from other schools went off stage after performing, we set up a highfive train, and after the round was over, everyone was complimenting everyone else on their poetry, regardless of who had won or who had more points.

In the end, the points were in the poetry, not the other way around, and I thought that was awesome.”

The Technology Council has begun working on an electronic sign-in and sign-out system for attendance. The program will be installed on an iPad at the security kiosk and students will be able to scan their IDs to sign in and sign out, math teacher and Tech Council faculty adviser Jason Fieldman said.

The new system will also facilitate record keeping and immediate head count in case of an emergency, Fieldman said.

“The end goal is to be able to have students skip [Attendance Coordinator Gabe] Preciado and go directly to any security kiosk and just scan their ID to sign out,” Technology Council member Branden Kim ’15 said.

Technology Council has already met with Preciado, who fully supports the project, Kim said.

The council doesn’t expect the new program to be tested and implemented until next year.

“I really hope that the program will not only create convenience for seniors leaving campus, but create efficiency for Preciado as well,” Head Prefect and Technology Council Henry Hahn ’14 said.

School bans Yik Yak due to bullying reports

By Scott Nussbaum

to their deans. The administration blocked Yik Yak from In response to complaints the Wi-Fi, which put a bubble of bullying, the administra- around the school, “in the intion placed a ban on the use terest of civility,” Head of Upof the social networking ap- per School Audrius Barzdukas plication Yik Yak by blocking said. the application when a phone Barzdukas has downloaded connected to the school Wi-Fi the application to view the attempts to open it. However, comments posted around the users have still been accessing school campus. the app and making comments “It doesn’t seem like it has a on campus by turning off their place in the Harvard-Westlake Wi-Fi and using their community, where cellular service inpeople are interested stead. and engaged in real An email was issues,” he said. sent to all parents Because students from Head of School can still access the Jeanne Huybrechts application when May 16 notifying they are not conthem of the ban and nected to the school’s asking them to disWi-Fi, the school has nathanson’s cuss the application requested that the Audrius and its effect on the makers of Yik Yak Barzdukas school community. place a “GeoFence” “[Banning Yik around the Middle Yak] makes a statement, and and Upper School campuses it’s a little like graffiti on in order to completely block walls,” Huybrechts said. “Un- the application, according to less you clean it off right away, the email Huybrechts sent to more grafitti follows. And so I parents. think we need to clean up our The creators of the applimesses as we make them, and cation are currently developset an example and a tone in ing “GeoFences” for school that way.” campuses and other areas that Yik Yak was created in Oc- wish to eliminate access to the tober 2013 and allows users to application. post anonymous messages to a “It did not seem to be servvirtual bulletin board. ing any good and it seemed Any user who has down- to be a tool for doing harm,” loaded the application can Huybrechts said. “Because it read comments that have been was relatively easy for us to posted within a 1.5-mile radius eliminate it, we decided to do of the user. The administration so. When you are in a position was notified of the application to be able to put a stop to bad being used for bullying when behavior, it is incumbent upon students complained about it us to do so.”

HENRY HAHN/CHRONICLE

TRILINGUAL: Latin teacher Paul Chenier disusses Ovid’s “Metamorpheses” in his Latin Literature Honors class. Chenier has taught history, Latin and Greek classes during his career at Harvard-Westlake.

Latin teacher to join English Department

By Julia Aizuss In 1999, Harvard-Westlake was advertising at Stanford University for an English teacher opening while Latin teacher Paul Chenier was at graduate school there for classics. Figuring that his literature-based seminars at Stanford would make him a good fit, he applied for the job, but didn’t get it.

But he did come to the middle school campus that year, having been hired to teach The World and Europe I and Latin III. Now, 15 years later, Chenier will assume the job he originally applied for: English teacher. After a career that has included teaching history, Latin and Greek as well as a tenure as upper school World Languages Department Head, Chenier will teach English II and AP English Literature next year.

Although Chenier said he’s always loved teaching Lat-

in, he never forgot about the prospect of teaching English.

He even asked Head of School Jeanne Huybrechts a couple years ago to keep him in mind for a position if the opportunity ever arose.

Not that moving to English is what’s always been on his mind — he said he would have been happy teaching Latin forever, and he consistently refers to the Latin program not as a program but as a family.

“It’s a small family that I’m happy will be taken care of but of course I’m going to miss as well,” he said. “You’d have to be quite cold not to. And Latin itself, of course I love it forever, it’s like a lifelong hobby. It’s not going to be something I’ll ever put behind me. I’ve had a long, happy relationship with it and it’s not going to end any time soon.”

He’ll still be teaching the new Kutler Center course “Myth and Its Meaning in the Ancient and Modern World,”

he may continue advising Junior Classical League and his answer to whether he would teach Latin again was “who knows.” Still, the most noticeable feature of his desk in the World Languages office were the stacks of English II and AP Lit books he’d just gotten.

“It’s like being part of a fantastic book club,” Chenier said. His new copy of “Antigone,” which he’d just been paging through, was open on his desk, and he returned to it.

He’s also looking forward to returning to Shakespeare, watching the evolution of the legacy of classical thought in works like “1984” and, most of all, to learning and growing.

“I teach to grow,” he told his Greek directed study class, the first class to whom he broke the news.

“I don’t mean that in an arrogant way,” Chenier said.

“But that attitude I hope is a winning one as a teacher in a classroom, that you enjoy the growth and it still excites you.”

A6 News

The Chronicle

inbrief

May 28, 2014

School accepts 7 more sophomores

Seven new sophomores were recently admitted to next year’s 10th grade class, in addition to 15 admitted earlier.

“We have a very large 12th grade class graduating, and the ninth grade class is smaller than usual, so we had a goal of admitting more 10th graders,” Director of Admission Elizabeth Gregory said. “We didn’t want to admit too many earlier because we weren’t really sure at that time how many of our current upper school kids would be leaving and how many of our current ninth graders.”

The Office of Admission admits new 10th graders every year because there is more room at the upper school.

—Jonathan Seymour

Prefect Council grants 7 clubs funds Prefect Council announced May 5 that it will grant funds to seven clubs for activities and supplies. The clubs are Junior Classical League, Helping Hands, KHWS Radio, Soma Club, Chinese Pen Pals, Science and Outreach Club and Bridge to a Brighter Future.

Clubs were able to apply for up to $500, and in their applications leaders had to describe exactly how the club planned to use the funds.

“We based our decisions on the quality of the application and whether or not we felt that what they wrote on the application would help the community at large,” prefect Grace Pan ’16 said.

—Jessica Spitz

Papyri expert speaks to Latin classes A professor from the Department of Classics at the University of Southern California spoke about papyri in Greco-Roman Egypt to the students in Latin III Honors and Latin Literature Honors May 19.

Professor Christelle Fischer Bovet gave a history lesson on Alexander the Great and had the class translate quotes from Cicero. Bovet also instructed the class in a lesson on Greek and helped students translate their own papyrus.

“I didn’t really get the full effect of the study of papyrus, but I did find it an interesting topic that I could explore further,” Latin student Patrick Albarino ’16 said.

—Cole Feldman

Sophomore fires final shot in Assassin

Tommy Tilton ’16 took the final shot in the school-wide game of Assassin in front of Taper Gymnasium May 12 to kill Rosie Rubenstein ’15 and win the game. Tilton was on his way to his locker coming from the bus.

Game master William Lee ’14 made the announcement via a Facebook post May 21.

Tilton made six kills during the game.

“I got lucky because I was rarely attacked,” Tilton said.

The awards ceremony for the victor and people who won achievements was held Tuesday.

—Sacha Lin

ENYA HUANG/CHRONICLE

DAVID WOLDENBERG/CHRONICLE

DAVID WOLDENBERG/CHRONICLE

LOOKING AHEAD: UCLA and NASA Mars exploration specialist Karen McBride ’80 presents a slideshow on her various jobs, left.

Amy McCullauh ’05, marketing and business manager of ice cream truck company Coolhaus, speaks about her experiences, top right. Sam Teller ’04 talks to students about his company, Launchpad LA, which invests in and mentors startup companies, bottom right.

Engineers, journalists, entrepreneurs, lawyers describe jobs at first on-campus Career Day

By Marcella Park

Thirty-one alumni and current parents held sessions open to all upper school students third through fifth period May 13 as part of the first Career Day held on campus.

During Career Day events in previous years, juniors visited professionals at their workplaces off campus. This year’s Career Day stayed on campus and was open to all upper school students who had free periods during the event, which was divided into six sessions. The day included free lunch and Coolhaus ice cream sandwiches for participants.

Samuel Hornblower ’97 and Michael Kaplan ’08, both associate producers on the CBS show “60 Minutes,” were two of the 19 hosts who spoke to students during session one, but neither was on campus.

Hornblower talked to students through Skype, while Kaplan, after a FaceTime meeting was canceled because of technical issues, talked to students by phone.

During the second of the sessions he hosted in Seaver 103, Sam Teller ’04 spoke about the decreasing cost of starting businesses. Teller is the Managing Director of Launchpad LA, a startup accelerator that

invests in the early stages of tech companies.

After Teller shared that his company tends to invest in people who are “crazy” about their projects, because it means they are committed, Chief Financial Officer Rob Levin, who had sat in on the discussion, pointed out that students interested in entrepreneurship might consider taking time off before, during or after college to launch their own business ventures. He brought up David Lim ’13 and Austin Chan ’13 as examples.

Prada Vice President of U.S. VIP Relations Celine Khavarani ’95 told students

about solving crises on her job, including one time when she had to board an airplane with a large necklace on and a larger sweatshirt over it because it had been too late to ship the necklace to a client. She also talked on the importance of people skills and “taking ego out of the picture,” especially in the fashion industry.

A table organizing the sessions and their hosts by location was sent to students before the event by email.

Actor and voice over specialist Phil LaMarr ’84 and digital marketing specialist Ashley Felts ’02 both planned to come, but could not attend.

Google awards Generation Scholarship to senior

By David Woldenberg

March, and is especially looking foward to attending the Google awarded a internship. The in$10,000 Generation ternship is part of the Scholarship and the broader Generation opportunity to parGoogle Scholarship ticipate in Google’s package and it is reComputer Science quired to participate Summer Internship in the internship in to Megha Srivastava order to accept the ’14. scholarship.

The scholarship “All the kids who is merit-based and get into that pronathanson’s offered to seniors gram are people who Megha who are certain they are really passionate Srivastava ’14 want to study comabout computer sciputer science in college. She ence, even if they might not applied for the scholarship in have as much experience as

the scholars might have,” Srivastava said.

She will be staying at Google headquarters in Mountain View, though the exact location has not yet been disclosed.

The internship consists of a three-week program, which includes lessons, lectures and labs. The interns explore Google’s work environment and learn more about their software development, Srivastava said.

“I really wanted to be able to go to Google because I don’t know that much about net-

works and web apps and how the computer science behind Google software works,” Srivastava said.

The interns will learn skills for software development, including Python and Android development.

A final project, which might be something like an Android app or a website, is due at the end of the program.

“I wanted to use this experience as a way to judge whether I’m interested in the company side of computer science or the academic research side,” Srivastava said.

2 new deans to replace Bird, Silberman next year

By Carly Berger and Sarah Novicoff

Jamie Chan and Kyle Graham will join the deans office next year, replacing deans Mike Bird and Pete Silberman, Head of Upper School Audrius Barzdukas announced to their counselees in emails.

Chan is coming to Harvard-Westlake from Emory University, where she is an Assistant Dean in the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

Chan will visit Friday to meet her future counselees. “[Chan] truly knows of how elite colleges and universities identify candidates for admission,” Barzdukas wrote in the email. “She developed and executed Emory’s strategic student recruitment plan for leading high schools in California.”

While at Emory, Chan has been the admissions officer responsible for the Los Angeles area and has been visiting and reading Harvard-Westlake students’ applications, while getting to know the area, for the past three years.

“Ms. Chan believes in learning as a way of life, that it is worthwhile to pursue happiness and balance in school, and that it is possible to do well by doing good,” Barzdukas wrote in the email. “Ms. Chan aspires to help her students grow in mind, body and spirit.”

Graham currently works as Co-Director of College Counseling at Marymount High School. In addition to his time at Marymount, Graham worked in the Admissions Office at New York University, where he also earned a master’s degree in Higher Educa-

tion Administration, and at college counseling process, Hamilton College, where he dean Beth Slattery said. received his bachelor’s degree.

“Having experience both “[Graham] has a friendly on the high school side and personality, wide-ranging in- the college side means that he terests, a sharp wit and a is likely going to seamlessly keen intelmove into the ligence — he deans office can talk with because he’s anyone about got experiI care deeply a n y t h i n g ,” ence doing all about helping students of the things Barzdukas wrote in the that we do,” and their families email. “It is Slattery said. demystify the [college] easy to imagGraham ine students said he looks process.” befriending forward to —Kyle Graham w o r k i n g him, seeking his counsel on with Upper School Dean closely matters imthe diverse portant and and talented mundane and wanting him to student body. think well of their efforts and “I care deeply about helpachievements.” ing students and their families Graham also specializes in demystify the process,” Grathe use of technology in the ham said.

“

May 28, 2014

hwchronicle.com/news

News A7

inbrief

Wimbish announces All-Community Read

SCOTT NUSSBAUM/CHRONICLE

HIGH HONORS: Tom Thorne ’14, right, wears a toga as he receives a certificate showing his induction into the World Language Honor Society from Latin teacher Paul Chenier in the induction ceremony May 20. Thorne and other students performed during the assembly.

World Language Department inducts students into Honor Society

By Scott Nussbaum

Sinclair Cook ’14, Claire Goldsmith ’14, Julia Aizuss ’14 and Kennedy Green ’14 received Outstanding Senior Awards in Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish respectively at the World Language Department Honor Society ceremony. In addition, selected upper school students were inducted into the society on May 20.

Students who have taken advanced language classes and shown their ability through classwork were chosen by their teachers to be inducted at the ceremony.

Students in each of the four languages recited pledges

in their language as part of the guage can advocate more efceremony. fectively for a more just society Additionally, students and can participate more in were given certificates of their worldwide conversations such achievements as climate by their change, global teachers. health, re“Learnsources and Learning other ing other migration.” languages makes languages is Four stuus better at being more than dents also just practisang songs humans.” cal,” world and recited language de—Margot Riemer literature for partment each of the World Language languages behead Margot Riemer said.

Department Head fore the Out“Learning standing Seother lannior Awards guages makes us better at be- in each language were aning humans. Citizens who are nounced. fluent in more than one lanPerformances included

“

Aiyana White ’14 singing in French and Tom Thorne ’14 reciting the opening lines of Vergil’s “Aeneid” from memory and in correct meter.

To conclude the ceremony a “Message from the Future” was played in which middle school students taking classes in Chinese, French, Latin and Spanish gave advice to graduating seniors in their language of study.

The advice ranged from “Go, See, Conquer!” from a Latin class to “Don’t eat too many Ramen noodles” from a Spanish class.

A reception was held outside the Rugby Auditorium for students and their families following the ceremony.

School to offer video storytelling trip to Cuba

By Sophie Kupiec-Weglinski

Visual arts department head Cheri Gaulke, who has led previous storytelling trips, has planned a “Digital Storytelling Adventure: Cuba” for semester break next year.

Three chaperones, Gaulke, Emmy-Award winning documentary filmmaker Jeff MacIntyre and Director of Friendship Tours World Travel Alethea Tyner Paradis, will take a maximum of 20 students who wish to learn skills in documenting life on the island.

Students will visit Miami, Florida and Havana and Vinales, Cuba. Even though Miami

is in the United States, it has a rich Cuban culture, Paradis said.

“It’s nice to use our gateway city, Miami, as a teachable moment,” Paradis said. “There is very little love for the Castro regime among the Cuban expatriates living in Florida.

In our pre-departure learning session, we try to understand their perspective, get a sense for how they have influenced Florida’s cultural and political landscape over time.”

“Plus, the shared climate and proximity of Florida to Cuba, only 90 miles, provides a nice opportunity for students to compare and contrast the two countries and how resi-

dents of both countries might look longingly across the Florida Straits towards a life they left behind, or imagine it better than the one they are living,” Paradis said.

Students will study native and colonial architecture, learn about rural and urban culture, photograph scenery, listen and enjoy Afro-Caribbean music and art, visit a tobacco farm and converse with locals. In previous trips, students traveled to Rwanda and Laos to document local conflicts and struggles.

“We took students to Southeast Asia, we took students to Africa, so we thought let’s go to a completely differ-

ent part of the world,” Gaulke said. “Cuba is in the Caribbean. We are always interested in destinations that have a very rich, historical, political, human story to tell.”

Paradis originally came up with the idea to go to Cuba.

She has taken other students to the island before.

“The one thing I’m interested in Cuba is that it’s a weird time travel,” Gaulke said. “They’re kind of frozen in time. I’ve heard it’s incredibly beautiful. The architecture is incredibly stunning and at the same time there’s this sort of decay because they have not been able to maintain themselves.”

Student raises money for school in Thailand

By Justine Chen

Pim Otero ’16 held a bake sale May 5 to raise money for an elementary school in Thailand.

Otero visited the school, Bahn Nong Ku, a few months ago in northern Thailand.

“It’s in a very rural part of Thailand where there isn’t a lot of electricity,” Otero said.

“The next school over is several miles away, so it would take kids several hours to get to school, so they decided to build a school closer to their

own village.” made with the help of the club Otero raised money for Bake a Difference and were supplies and sports sold on the quad at a equipment for the name your own price. newly built school.

“I’m going to “They don’t have bring the money over any desks or chairs there and the supor really any pencils plies are going to be or pens, so teachers bought over there teach on the floor of and will be given to the school,” Otero the kids,” Otero said. said. “There are only “The money will go to two or three people buying pencils, pens, nathanson’s that are the adminisdesks, marker and Pim Otero ’16 tration, so the princisports equipment.” ple co-functions as a teacher.”

Otero was inspired to start The baked goods were her own bake sale by other

students holding their own bake sales at school to raise funds.

“I got interested in this when I met the man P. Dusit at our temple and he started telling stories about the poverty he had grown up in,” Otero said. “They didn’t have food or electricity. [This] was a story that contrasted greatly with what we have here. It inspired me since a lot of bake sales have been going on to raise money to make a difference rather than cheering on from the sidelines.”

Head of Middle School Jon Wimbish announced “Pay it Forward” by Catherine Ryan Hyde as the middle school’s All Community Read May 19.

The story follows Trevor Mckinney, who is assigned a project to come up with a plan that will benefit the world.

Mckinney initiates his plan of aiding people who then repay him by “paying it forward,” or helping other people, which thus creates a chain of good favors.

“I think it should be a good book, and I’m looking forward to reading it,” Lauren Lapesarde ’17 said. “They chose a book not a lot of people heard about, which was a good choice because it will teach us something new.”

—Justine Chen

School to stream graduation online Commencement will be livestreamed this year for the first time.

The livestream will be available to watch on the Harvard-Westlake website in real time.

People can also watch the video afterward.

—Jonathan Seymour

Stone-cutters magazine distributes new issue Stone-cutters, the upper school art and literary magazine, was distributed May 23 and features students’ artwork and writing from the 20132014 school year.

Students were emailed in October with submission information and instructions.

The magazine features 41 pieces which include photography, paintings, and poetry submitted by students across all three grades.

“It was great to collaborate with my classmates’ class to take [our submitted] photo, and I’m glad it’s in the magazine,” Katie Zipkin-Leed ’15 said.

—Kelly Loeb

Students make signs for Carr foundation Students had a second opportunity Tuesday to take pictures with personal message boards for the Justin Carr Wants World Peace Foundation for the foundation’s website.

The messages will be used as print promotion and possible wall decoration for the after school art program that Justin’s father, Darrell Carr, wants to start.

Students decorated message boards that read “Justin Carr Wants World Peace” with signs and drawings.

The students were then photographed with the message boards.

“Having photos taken of the Harvard-Westlake community is a crucial part for the project because many at Harvard Westlake were close to Justin and were so important in his life,” senior prefect Mazelle Etessami ’14 said.

—Jacob Goodman

A8 News

The Chronicle

May 28, 2014

Commons addresses parent concerns

By Noa Yadidi

SCREENSHOT PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF HWSCHOOLVIDEOS

SHARING WISDOM: Upper School Dean Pete Silberman participates in “At the MIC,” an event where a faculty member addresses the audience with personal insights. In the May installment, Silberman spoke about the importance of simple but universal social customs.

Silberman to depart, move to Tennessee

By Sarah Novicoff

Silberman’s wife will attend medical school at LinAfter three years at the coln Memorial University in school as a dean, chair of the the Cumberland Gaps, about character education commit- an hour outside of Knoxville, tee and teacher of a class he Tenn. in a program that spehelped to create, Dean Pete cializes in primary care and Silberman will leave Harvard- rural medicine.

Westlake and move to Tennes“I’m thinking about it like see. an adven“I will ture,” Silbermiss the stuman said. “It’s I’m thinking dents a lot a place that — that’s why I think I’d about it like an you work at never live on adventure. It’s a place a place like my own, and I think I’d never live on this,” SilberI think it will man said. “I be a really my own.” will definitely different kind miss my col—Pete Silberman of communileagues, and I’m hoping Upper School Dean ty.

I’ll miss bethat some of ing in a rethe opportually collaborative place, being nities that will come my way in a place where you can bat will let me do some things I rearound new ideas. You’re given ally want to do professionally. I a lot of support and autonomy hope I get a chance to do more in this community; I got to de- research, I hope I get a chance sign a brand new class, I got to to work back in higher educatake on some interesting new tion.” responsibilities outside of dean Higher education was stuff, and in dean land, we get where Silberman began, as to work with you guys, which assistant dean of admissions is a lot of fun.” at the University of Pennsyl-

“

vania, his alma mater, where he read college applications, including those from Southern California. While living in Los Angeles, Silberman earned a doctorate in education from UCLA and wrote his dissertation about the use of educational technology in secondary schools. Silberman also worked with Director of Student Affairs Jordan Church to design the curriculum of a Kutler Center course called Unconventional Leadership. “[He] epitomizes the core principles he and Mr. Church teach us in Unconventional Leadership,” John Copses ’14 said. “He actively teaches the student body how to behave, how to effectively work together to get things done and most importantly, he teaches everyone how to be a wonderful person, just by being the Silbs we know and love.”

As chair of the character education committee, Silberman helped lead Civitalks programming and shape the moral education of the school.

“I have always felt like he has helped be the moral com-

pass of the dean group,” dean Beth Slattery said. “He’s always reminding us about the right things to do and, whenever we’re struggling with some sort of dilemma, he helps sort of crystallize things.”

Alex Berman ’14 called Silberman “my guidance counselor, my mentor, my role model, my comedic relief and my friend.”

“He helped me discover myself throughout my three years, whether it was through the college process or within various predicaments I encountered,” Berman said. “I will truly miss him, and the school will be missing a gem of an educator.”

Copses echoed Berman’s sentiments, saying that he felt Silberman was a great mentor and teacher during his tenure at the school.

“Silbs goes out of his way to remove the intense academic environment and truly make his students feel somewhere safe and at home,” Copses said.

“I have really been able to connect him and he has been a very important role model.”

Students win awards for computer science

By Patrick Ryan

The National Center for Women and Information Technology honored seven Harvard-Westlake students with the Aspirations in Computing Award during a ceremony in Newport Beach May 20.

The ceremony was part of the 10th annual NCWIT Summit, which ran from May 1921.

“This year was especially exciting because the ceremony was during the NCWIT sum-

mit, so there were many college professors, famous women in technology, and even Chelsea Clinton,” Megha Srivastava ’14 said. “I was actually more excited about the chance to meet all these people than the award itself.”

The students who won the award were Srivastava, Melanie Krassel ’15, Molly Cinnamon ’14, Divya Siddarth ’14, Cami Katz ’16 and Lara Bagdasarian ’17. Nina Juarez ’16 was also recognized and received a runner-up award.

The application included essays about how the girls got involved in computer science and what their future plans are in the field along with scores in AP Computer Science and other math and science classes.

The application also needed endorsement from the students’ computer science teachers. Students who attended the awards ceremony received iPad Minis from Apple employee Andrea Jung who attended the summit.

New World Language, English teachers to join upper school faculty

By Sophie Kupiec-Weglinksi

Two new World Language teachers and one English teacher will join the Upper School next year.

Amandine Nelaton will replace French teacher Geoff Bird, who is retiring, while Bradford Holmes will take over Latin teacher Paul Chenier’s position.

Nelaton comes from The Athenian School in Danville, California and Holmes is

from St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano.

“In the classes they taught, we saw that they were very knowledgeable about the subjects, and that they could transfer that knowledge to the students in a student-centered way,” World Language Department Head Margot Riemer said. “They were very enthusiastic, very dynamic and very able to involve the students in their lessons. Also, both are well prepared and pay

attention to detail, qualities that are near and dear to my heart.”

Chenier will transfer from the World Language department to become an English teacher, replacing Adam Howard ’93 who will become an upper school dean. Maura Roosevelt, who is currently teaching at New York University, will replace English teacher Ariana Kelly, who is leaving after getting a book deal for her book of essays,

The girls each received two plaques, one for the school and one for themselves.

“It inspires the people that have won the award to go further with it. Once you win the award, you are part of a community,” Krassel said. “There is a Facebook group and you get constant emails about different events and I think they can actually help people find internships. Once you are a member, you are part of the movement to increase women in computer science.”

“

President Rick Commons and Head of School Jeanne Huybrechts have invited parents of African-American students to a dinner June 4 at the home of Maria and Jeff Harleston (Miles ’15, Zachary ’17) to discuss the experience of black students in the classroom and social community.

Members of the Parents of African-American HarvardWestlake Students group, which regularly meets, received an email from PAAHWS co-chairs Tiffany Aldridge (Chase ’15) and Anne Brown (Evan ’12, Morgan ’15, Brandon ’18) notifying them of the event, which will be an “open, honest dialogue,” according to the email.

The invitation was sparked by some concerns shared about the experiences of black students at one of PAAHWS’s meetings, Commons said.

“We heard about a couple of incidents that caused us to think that perhaps it would be a good idea if we just listened,” Huybrechts said. “Nothing extreme that doesn’t come up from time to time, but there [were] a couple.”

Huybrechts does not believe there is anything approaching a big problem regarding the black students’ experience at the school, but said that while she hopes much of the feedback will be positive, she and Commons want to hear it all.

Commons added that the problems fall under the general category of “occasional racial insensitivity,” and that it is not atypical of institutions working on diversity to discover that there are areas where they are less inclusive or sensitive then they could be.

“It’s not a crisis, but an opportunity to learn from each other and be more inclusive,” Commons said.

Huybrechts also added that it is a good opportunity for Commons to meet and interact with more members of the Harvard-Westlake community.

“He is a very good listener and this is another opportunity for him to listen to the opinions and the reflections of a group of Harvard-Westlake students,” Huybrechts said.

They were very enthusiastic, very dynamic and very able to involve the students in their lessons. Also, both are well prepared and pay attention to detail.”

—Margot Riemer World Language Department Head

“The Phantom Phone Booth.”

“Two amazing additions of extremely thoughtful, dedicated, intelligent and kind people, one a proven all-star teacher here from whom we will learn a lot, a great privilege to welcome him into the department

nathanson’s

and the other with great potential beginning her secondary school teaching career,” English department head Larry Weber said.

For each position, the applicants taught classes, while a teacher observed.

May 28, 2014

hwchronicle.com/news

News A9

School to host StartUp Scramble

By Jessica Spitz

MARCELLA PARK/CHRONICLE

VICTORIOUS AT LAST: The members of the Science Bowl “A” team scrimmage teachers during a 12-minute long Science Bowl match in Ahmanson Lecture Hall during STEMfest. The students won 22-14, redeeming last year’s loss to the teachers at the same event.

Students defeat teachers in Science Bowl scrimmage during STEMfest activities

By Marcella Park

Five seniors defeated five science teachers in a 12 minute-long Science Bowl match during STEMfest May 21.

Science Bowl team members Anser Abbas ’14, Zachary Birnholz ’14, Donhem Brown ’14, Kevin Zhang ’14 and Larry Zhang ’14 and teachers Larry Axelrod, Blaise Eitner, Jesse Reiner, Wendy Van Norden and Yanni Vourgourakis ’90 played to a final score of 22-14.

The teachers came into Ahmanson Lecture Hall as the champions of last year’s students vs. teachers match.

The event took place during STEMfest, which included demonstrations of an Unmanned Aviation Vehicle, a

Quadcopter, a helicopter pow- Abouzeid, who was in the midered by four rotors, hovercraft, dle of reading a physics quesvideo games, a mood-meter, tion, to answer, “137 newtons.” waffle-making robot and mul- He was correct, and won the tiple iPhone and Android apps. first point of the match.

The SciKevin and ence Bowl Larry Zhang scrimmage would go on It was definitely was the to answer team’s last eight quessatisfying to reclaim public event tions corthe trophy from the of the school rectly during year.

Nick the round, all teachers, especially Abouzeid ’15 to the laughs after last year’s loss.” read quesof the watchtions, Jona—Nick Abouzeid ’15 ing crowd. than HeckerThe Zhangs man ’15 called answered players when most of these they buzzed in and Jacob Gold questions before Abouzeid ’15 kept the score. even finished reading them.

On the first question, When Larry Zhang answered Kevin Zhang interrupted a question at the end of the

“

round, science teacher David Hinden in the back of the hall shouted, “But they have two of them!”

“It was definitely satisfying to reclaim the trophy from the teachers, especially after last year’s loss,” Abouzeid said. “It was a great way to end an absolutely incredible year for the Science Bowl club.”

Abbas, Gold and Kevin Zhang were on the club’s A Team this year, while Abouzeid, Birnholz, Brown and Larry Zhang were on the B Team.

The B Team placed sixth after nine rounds of play in the U.S. Department of Energy National Science Bowl championship April in Washington, D.C.

There are 36 spots available to all ninth through 12th graders for the Harvard-Westlake StartUp Scramble, an entrepreneurial workshop that will take place at the Upper School June 20-22.

Middle school students with entrepreneurial interest can also apply for a ticket.

StartUp Scramble will be a “highly intense, hands-on weekend where you will team up with other Harvard-Westlake students, identify realworld challenges and develop entrepreneurial problem-solving skills by launching new ventures,” the H-W Scramble Committee said in an email to all upper school students May 23.

Nicholas Abouzeid ’15, Matt Klein ’14 and Emma Sanderson ’14 are the student leaders of the initiative. “[Chief Financial Officer Rob Levin] approached me with the idea of running a StartUp Scramble at HarvardWestlake and I jumped on board immediately,” Abouzeid said.

The newly formed Harvard-Westlake Innovation Lab has teamed up with Scramble Systems, a company that specializes in entrepreneurship programs.

Successful alumni will be there to teach, coach and advise the different student teams, Sanderson said.

Midterm schedule affects school calendar

However, she also likes the idea of all sections of a class the exams. taking the exam at the same The scheduling committee time. is deciding between two main “What I like about havscheduling outlines. ing an exam — everyone who One possibility is sched- takes a given class having an uling exams by period, so ev- exam at the same time — is eryone’s first period class as- that there’s this wonderful cosessment will be on one day, operative thing that happens but this means teachers might here, with everyone prepping have to make multiple versions for the Algebra II with Analof tests for ysis exam,” each secHuybrechts tion since said.

“Kids What I like each class making study about having an exam will be testguides online, ed on muland helping – everyone who takes tiple days if each other, a given class having it is taught that’s kind of an exam at the same in different nice too.” periods.

The assesstime – is that there’s this O t h ment change wonderful cooperative ers prefer is currently a schedule scheduled to thing that happens similar to last one year here.” now, where to see how it all students —Jeanne Huybrechts works out, at in a section which point Head of Upper School FAC will detake the exam in the cide if it wants same peto keep the riod, which is why the sched- changes or go back to midterm uling team is still working out exams. the specifics.

FAC believes that the stuHead of Upper School dents will receive the changes Jeanne Huybrechts, proposed to midterms well. that the first through fourth When Nealis told his class period exams be held Mon- about the changes, he said day and Tuesday, then a break they responded in favor of the day, then the rest of the exams them, and that they believed Thursday and Friday. it would reduce their stress.

• Continued from page A1

“

ANGELA CHON/CHRONICLE

COORDINATED: Lynn Miller helps Rahul Natarajan ’15 sign out for the day at the reception desk located in Seaver. Miller will replace Ryan Wilson as summer school and dean’s office coordinator.

Receptionist to serve as dean coordinator

By Angela Chon

After almost two years at Harvard-Westlake, receptionist Lynn Miller will be taking the position of summer school and dean’s office coordinator as Ryan Wilson goes back to teaching English at the Middle School. Wilson has held the position for six years and decided to go back to teaching eighth and ninth grade English because he “thought [he] should be teaching full time in the subject [he] loves”.

“I’ve been teaching my Creative Writing workshop for the last six years in the summer, along with my Kutler class the last two years and Choices and Challenges since I arrived

here,” Wilson said. “All of that classroom time just added up…

I’m most excited about engaging [with] kids when reading and writing are beginning to take on a truly profound role in their development as people, solidifying identities, ideas and philosophies about life. That’s the whole point of literature, to connect to one another, and to be part of getting the most out of that connection, that’s exciting.”

With her new position, Miller will be supporting the deans and double checking their work with student schedules, testing and college choices in addition to helping with summer school programs.

“It’s just all the logistics to

the summer school programs,” Miller said. “You know, making sure our brochures are done, we have all the teachers lined up, all the classrooms together.”

Miller describes herself as a “chatterbox” and likes “making [people] feel welcome”.

“I really am happy here,” Miller said. “But that will give me a little more responsibility and interaction with the kids.” “[I’ll be sad] to leave behind the deans and summer school and dean coordinator Camille da Santos”, Wilson said. “[They’re] truly great people who have been supportive in every fool endeavor I’ve floated their way. Much love to all of them.”

A10 News

The Chronicle

May 28, 2014

Sophomores to explore local historic, urban sites

By Benjamin Most

SCOTT NUSSBAUM/CHRONICLE

National Cum Laude Society inducts 59 seniors in ceremony WITH HONORS: Sinclair Cook ’14 signs his name before Head of Upper School Audrius Barzdukas hands him his certificate. Seniors with GPAs in the top 20 percent of their class and their parents attended the annual Cum Laude Induction Ceremony May 19 in Rugby Auditorium.

Students present business ideas to Yahoo! experts

By Justine Chen This year’s STEMFest included Harvard- Westlake’s own “Change the World Idea Competition,” an opportunity for students to receive feedback on environmentally beneficial tech business ideas from Yahoo! tech experts, a new addition to the annual science and math festival.

Students were sent an email informing them how to prepare their presentations and the potential questions that would be answered by the panel.

It also explained the areas of expertise of each of the six guests, their names and the

number of years they’ve been one mentor. working at Yahoo.

Students then got to ask Though it was intended questions and present their for students environmento present tally benefiorganized cial ideas to pitches to a the leader of In the next panel of six their group. years, I hope to keep tech experts, The leadhonoring student work, er then gave the competition, which suggestions collaboration and was held in on how to encourage inventions Chalmers improve on sixth and their ideas. and research.” seventh peIf a student’s —Paula Evans ideas riod, was were rearranged Math Department Head interesting to and instead any of the six had people guests, he or separated into their own small she could be selected for Intel group, with each group having Science Talent Search or one

“

Business of Life textbook editor stresses searching for simple solutions

By Benjamin Most Peter D. Kaufman, editor of the Business of Life class textbook “Poor Charlie’s Almanack” and CEO of electrical connector accessories company Glenair, told students that the key to productivity is finding simple solutions and relying on an understanding of how the world works in a lecture May 20.

Sarah Jensen ’14 said that Kaufman emphasized what the class’ teacher Rob Levin had been discussing throughout the year.

“It solidified what Mr. Levin has been teaching us all year by showing that applica-

tions of strategical simplicity or to use Mr. Levin’s term, intelligent laziness, can be really effective,” Jensen said.

Kaufman explained how smaller factors can create larger products known as emergent effects. Some combinations of factors produce unexpected and potentially useful effects.

For example, when a family buys a puppy, the puppy may be frightened by its new environment.

However, when the puppy is provided with care and safety for one week by its new family, it becomes intensely loyal to the family.

“For the puppy, it takes

one week,” Kaufman said. “For a human being, it takes six months.”

This principle can be used effectively in human relationships as well, he said.

He told students that simple solutions can often yield the greatest benefits and shared how former NBA star Larry Bird chose his agent by mailing 80 potential agents and asking each one why he should pick him and whom he should pick if he did not pick him.

Kaufman also told students that one tip for success is using other people’s ideas in clever ways. For once, when asked how to provide security

of the Siemens competitions.

“This year, the corporate visitors [at STEMFest] were Spencer Aerospace and Yahoo.

Mario Portillo ’15 also made a great display about careers in that field,” Math Department Head Paula Evans said.

The Harvard-Westlake Change the World Competition is in its sixth year and Evans plans to continue the annual competition.

“Everyone said it was interesting,” Evans said. “The projects were amazing and it was so much fun. In the next years, I hope to keep honoring student work, collaboration and encourage inventions and research.”

“

Five sophomores will be among 20 Los Angeles high school students given the opportunity to experience culturally diverse aspects of Los Angeles during a summer program and eight Saturdays next year through the Los Angeles Service Academy.

Ben Winters ’16, Noah Redlich ’16, Shelby Weiss ’16, Emma Schechter ’16 and Patrick Hudnut ’16 will explore historic and cultural urban sites through LASA, which will begin its third year in September and is administered by the Huntington-USC Institute on California and the West, an organization that studies western American culture.

History teacher Ken Neisser will serve as a chaperone.

The goal of LASA is to supplement the regular school year by providing students with a greater understanding of local infrastructure and culture. The academy visits locations such as Warner Bros.

Studio, the Los Angeles Police Department headquarters and Union Station.

“I look at Los Angeles in an entirely new way,” history teacher and 2012-2013 LASA chaperone Katherine HolmesChuba said.

The program consists of a four-day summer program and eight Saturday meetings during the school year. At each meeting, students will attend a seminar on a specific aspect of Los Angeles culture and then visit sites that demonstrate this aspect.

It solidified what Mr. Levin has been teaching us all year by showing that applicaitons of strategical simplicity or, to use Mr. Levin’s term, intelligent laziness can be really effective.”

—Sarah Jensen ’14

defense for the new second campus of Glenair, Kaufman suggested leaving an empty police car in front, a technique that he had seen before at a bank.

Several common problems or struggles that everyone experiences have simple, efficient solutions, he said.

For example, when writing an essay for a college application, identifying and reading more about the founding father of whatever field the stu-

nathanson’s

dent wants to study makes the student appear knowledgeable while also teaching the student about the history of the field.

When applying for a job, if the interviewer asks the potential employee if he has any questions, asking “During your career, what has surprised you the most?” will give the interviewee an accurate glimpse into the interviewer’s work while also demonstrating the interviewee’s curiosity.

May 28, 2014

hwchronicle.com/news

News A11

Student wins national Chinese competition

By Pim Otero

Everard ’13 were chosen to represent Harvard-Westlake Joss Saltzman ’16 won first in the U.S. southwest region place in division B of the 2014 division of the competition.

Preliminary Competition of Chinese teachers Tiantian the Chinese Bridge Proficiency Wang and Jiang chose Lee, Competition for the southwest Knight, Saltzman and Everard United States in San Diego out of all students enrolled in May 16, and received a prize Chinese classes to participate package including books and a in the competition this year.

Beijing opera mask.

The Chinese Bridge Profi“I think Joss’s success is ciency Competition is held by due to his creativity, which in- the Confucius Institute from spires him to create and sing a San Diego State University, Chinese song, which perfectly which worked with the Office combines Chinese folk music of Chinese Language Internaand America music,” Chinese tional Council, Hanban, which teacher Yi Jiang said. dedicates itself to spreading After the preliminary the Chinese language, culture competition, Saltzman is now and history outside of China. under final Judges for the consideration 2014 compeby the Chitition were nese Hanban, chosen from We chose a section of the Chinese students with the the Chinese consulate.

Education “We chose highest level in speaking Ministry and students with Chinese with high the Chinese the highcommunicative skills, Embassy in est level in the U.S. to and also have a passion s p e a k i n g represent Chinese with for Chinese culture.” the United high comSates team —Yi Jiang m u n i c a t i v e in semifiand Chinese teacher skills, nals in China also have a this October. passion for If selected, Chinese culSaltzman will compete against ture,” Jiang said. contestants from 60 to 100 In the competition, stucountries around the world. dents were divided into two The decision is scheduled to competition groups: A, for be announced by Hanban this students studying Chinese for summer. only two years or less, and B Saltzman, Jaebok Lee ’16, for students studying Chinese Victoria Knight ’16 and Koji over two years. Lee compet-

“

PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF YI JIANG

BRIDGE BETWEEN CULTURES: Joss Saltzman ’16 speaks in front of judges of the Chinese Bridge Proficiency Competition. Saltzman’s cultural experience presentation involved his performance with famous Chinese pianist Lang Lang. He won first place in the B division of the competition. ed in group A, while Knight, Saltzman and Everard competed in group B. The competition was divided into three parts regardless of group level. The first stage was a two minute speech on various topics, which included sections such as memorable Chinese cultural experiences, followed by four multiple choice questions on any topic relating to Chinese culture and language from the past or present.

The competition finished with each student performing any talent in Chinese or relating to Chinese culture; students had the opportunity to perform Chinese songs or poems, to write calligraphy and

Melrose Driving School

to present Chinese-influenced art.

Everard spoke of his visit to Xian, China five years ago with his family that greatly influenced his decision to pursue clay pottery as a passion and hobby.

For the talent portion, he displayed three ceramic pieces he made based on Chinese ceramic influence and tradition, and explained the intention and process of creation behind each piece.

Lee performed “Mo Li Hua,” or “Jasmine Flower” on the cello, and spoke on the topic of “My Chinese Studies and I” for his speech portion of the competition.

“I talked about what inter-

ested me about Chinese culture in the first place, and how Chinese, as China is becoming more and more important in the world, has the power to connect different people,” Lee said.

Saltzman composed original music and lyrics in Chinese that combined Chinese and American musical influence into one performance.

This composition was awarded first place.

For his speech portion, he spoke on his experience befriending and performing with the internationally-famed Chinese pianist Lang Lang.

“Personally, I think it went really well,” Saltzman said. “It was a lot of fun.”

C HRONICLE the harvard-westlake

Los Angeles • Volume XXIII • Issue 9 • May 28, 2014 • hwchronicle.com

Editors in Chief: Jack Goldfisher, Noa Yadidi Managing Editors: Claire Goldsmith, Sarah Novicoff, Jensen Pak, Patrick Ryan Executive Editors: Julia Aizuss, Lizzy Thomas

Opinion The Chronicle • May 28, 2014

editorial

Presentations Editors: Mazelle Etessami, Sydney Foreman, Emily Segal Sports Editor: Grant Nussbaum News Managing Editors: Elizabeth Madden, Lauren Sonnenberg News Section Heads: Sophie Kupiec-Weglinski, Nikta Mansouri, Jake Saferstein, Jessica Spitz News Assistants: Justine Chen, Cole Feldman, Kristen Gourrier, Eugenia Ko, Jonah Ullendorff Opinion Managing Editor: Beatrice Fingerhut Opinion Section Head: Haley Finkelstein Opinion Assistants: Alexa Bowers, Kelly Riopelle Features Managing Editors: Eojin Choi, Morganne Ramsey, Lauren Siegel Features Section Heads: Carly Berger, Marcella Park, David Woldenberg Features Assistants: Angela Chon, Sacha Lin, Benjamin Most, Su Jin Nam A&E Managing Editors: James Hur, Alexander McNab A&E Section Heads: Leily Arzy, Zoe Dutton A&E Assistants: Sharon Chow, Siddharth Kucheria, Kelly Loeb, Pim Otero Sports Managing Editors: Lucy Putnam, Sam Sachs Sports Section Heads: Elijah Akhtarzad, Mila Barzdukas, Jordan Garfinkel, Tyler Graham Sports Assistants: Bennett Gross, Caitlin Neapole, Jonathan Seymour, Henry Vogel, Audrey Wilson Chief Copy Editors: Jivani Gengatharan, Enya Huang, Jessica Lee Managing Editors of Chronicle Multimedia: Henry Hahn, Eric Loeb Art Director: Jacob Goodman Chief Photographer: Scott Nussbaum Ads

and

Business Manager: Tara Stone

Chronicle Online Webmaster: David Gisser Adviser: Kathleen Neumeyer The Chronicle is the student newspaper of Harvard-Westlake School. It is published nine times per year. Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the seniors on the Editorial Board.

Letters to the editor may be submitted to chronicle@hw.com or mailed to 3700 Coldwater Canyon, Studio City, CA 91604.

Letters must be signed and may be edited for space and to conform to Chronicle style and format. Harvard-Westlake has an enrollment of 870 10th through 12th grade students. The Chronicle is also distributed at the Middle School, which has 727 7th through 9th grade students.

Stories go through a rigorous editing process and are rewritten by the writers listed on the byline or with additional reporting credits.

JACOB GOODMAN/CHRONICLE

Dear Mr. President, It’s been a while since the first letter, but we hope you’re still willing to be pen pals. Your duties are hefty, we know, but we’ve seen you often on the quad ready to stop and chat. So if you have a minute to spare, we’ve got a little something to draw you even closer to the student experience: a progress report.

As we acknowledged in August, many of our suggestions did not fall under your direct jurisdiction, especially since you decided to step back from the action your first year (which we agree was the best move for a brand-new president). Still, that doesn’t mean you’re getting off easy; it only makes sense to follow up. We’re going progressive and eschewing the usual end-of-year report card, but here, in no particular order, is an evaluation of what you’ve done so far: 1. Bring back semiformal and sell gum and mints in the cafeteria: Although the prefects spearheaded these two initiatives, the buck stops at the top. As president, you must have some sort of veto power, and we’re thankful you didn’t veto Homecoming Formal or Tic Tacs, the two great early successes of the school year. (We’re not sure why we got Life Savers instead of gum, but we’ll take it.)

2. Set midterms before winter break: This debate has yet to be settled once and for all, but by experimenting with midterms before break next year, a first step — and one with which most students agree — has been taken. But while we applaud the school’s willingness to experiment educationally, we’re wary of the other changes.

While downgrading the midterms to shorter, midyear assessments might seem like a good way to minimize stress, this pilot program might actually increase stress by making finals the only big tests of the year, and therefore more important. Students (especially this year’s ninth graders, who for the first time this year took in-class assessments instead of midterms and finals) will also be less prepared for these finals. While these changes won’t affect us, we’re sure next year’s editorial board will have an opinion come December, so keep an ear to the ground.

3. Make ninth grade feel more like high school: Next year’s experimental midyear assessments are indeed quite like this year’s ninth grade midyear assessments, which does in one way integrate ninth grade and the Upper School like we requested in August.

But we asked for ninth grade to feel more like high school, not for the rest of high school to feel more like

ninth grade. This is a fine line, but an important one.

Even this year’s workload study acknowledged that there is a definite gap between the Middle School and the Upper School, especially regarding the ninth to 10th grade transition. Now that the workload study committee has recognized this gap, something concrete must be planned to combat it. With a year as a ninth grade English teacher under your belt, we’re sure your experience in the field will make you pivotal in resolving this issue — and in the correct linguistic manner.

4. Prioritize quality, not speed, for the mission: Community’s been a big buzzword this year thanks to Civitalks and your decision to rewrite the mission statement. While Civitalks wasn’t the most successful of ventures, we’re impressed by your eagerness to delve into the core of what the school is and how it presents itself to the outside world. It would have been nice if you’d met your end-of-year target for the new mission statement’s debut, but the beginning of next year is just as good, especially if that means you’ve spent time editing and revising your credo. As you brainstorm, try to free yourself from the basic premise the administration seems to have assumed this year, that the school’s community is lacking in some way.

5. Forge a relationship with the student body: Remember what we said a few hundred words ago about often glimpsing you on the quad ready to chat? That was a compliment, and far more student-president interaction than we ever imagined. When we semijokingly suggested a lunch date back in August, we never expected you would take us up on it and sit down for a bite with students on the quad.

Don’t think the effort you’ve put in trying to learn all our names so that you can greet us in passing on the Seaver stairs has gone unnoticed. When we shake your hand at commencement next week, we won’t be shaking the hand of Tom Hudnut’s recent successor; we’ll be shaking the hand of Mr. Commons. All we ask is that you keep it up in the years to come.

Thanks for being such a fervent supporter of the Chronicle these past few months. We’ve had a great time getting to know you, and we’re proud to be your first graduating class.

See you June 6, The Chronicle Editorial Board

May 28, 2014

hwchronicle.com/opinion

Opinion A13

Don’t blame Yik Yak

By Jessica Spitz

A

fter wreaking havoc at many schools across the country, the popular app Yik Yak recently made its way here. For those who have not scrolled through the app themselves, Yik Yak is an app that allows users to post anonymous messages that anyone within a 1.5-mile radius can view, making it the perfect medium for high school gossip. Not so surprisingly (but still disappointingly), the app quickly became a platform for posts that range from funny to outright cruel. After only a few days of Harvard-Westlake students using the app, it was almost impossible to get through a class period without hearing about a recent post or watching someone download the app from the app store.

The administration attempted to take care of the problem by contacting the owners of Yik Yak, which resulted in students not being able to use the app while on the school’s WiFi network. However, with a simple touch of a button disabling WiFi, students were able to continue using the app. The administration’s strategy to discourage use of the app, while an admirable effort, clearly did not have a lasting effect. Students simply disregarded this restriction and continued to post anonymous and hateful messages. This situation speaks to a problem that is much larger than Yik Yak and more complex than the banning of a single app can fix: bullying is present at our school, and Yik Yak is simply one outlet for this type of behavior.

The administration has also asked the developers of Yik Yak to create a “GeoFence,” which would make it impossible to access the app at school, even without being on the WiFi network. Again, this seems to be missing the point. Yik Yak is not the first social network of its kind; Bathroom Wall, Formspring and ask.fm are all incarnations of the same idea, and

another will inevitably arise with the downfall of Yik Yak. The concept of anonymity has been around since the dawn of the internet, and it won’t disappear any time soon.

If the administration truly wants to crack down on Yik Yak, it needs to address the root of the problem rather than put a Band-Aid on a bullet hole. I believe that the only way to make progress is to have students be open with each other. Most students who use Yik Yak see it as harmless fun, and many students who have been mocked in posts do not take them seriously. However, I have had friends tell me that they were personally hurt by especially harsh comments. If these opinions were discussed explicitly, the number of students who ignorantly post or laugh at malicious remarks would most likely decrease.

In the many discussions of Yik Yak that I have participated in over the last few weeks, I have often heard that people should not be so sensitive or that it is silly to be offended by posts that are clearly intended as jokes. This argument seems incredibly thoughtless to me. We are in high school, a time when emotions can be overwhelming and insecurity seems unavoidable. A fundamental issue in the mentality of those who post on Yik Yak is that they perceive people who are hurt by rude comments as weak, but they do not recognize their own weakness in hiding behind anonymity.

Although this problem is not an easy fix, a step in the right direction would be to discuss this topic in class meetings or Civitalks. Essentially, we need to have open and honest conversations that would force students to really consider the implications of their actions. As a generation that grew up immersed in technology, it is all too easy for us to click send without a second thought, but what we really need to focus on is what happens after.

JACOB GOODMAN/CHRONICLE

Misfortune cookies

By Scott Nussbaum

E

ver since I started high school, my biggest fear has not been the SAT or not getting enough sleep; it’s fortune cookies. My irrational and extremely foolish fear of the cookies is based on my experience that my fortune always ends up being wrong in the worst way possible.

For example, during my second week at HarvardWestlake as a new ninth grader, I forgot my locker combination and had to wait until I went home to look at the slip I wrote it on. My fortune cookie the night before read, “Your memory is your best asset. Use it to your advantage.” The next year, when I was taking an SAT subject test, my fortune cookie opened the night before read, “You will see the path where others cannot.”

The next morning, I went to the wrong room at my testing center and eventually found my room seconds before the test began. Earlier this year, I opened a fortune cookie that read, “Others admire your responsibility and punctuality.”

Anticipating the misfortune that would occur, I made sure I had not forgotten any test or other assignment that I may have accidentally pushed aside. I spent that day in ex-

treme caution, looking for any way the fortune might take its revenge on me again. Surprisingly, I made it through the school day without an incident; however, when I made it home, I instantly remembered that I forgot to turn in my Junior Questionnaire to my dean the moment I stepped in my house. I was convinced that I was cursed.

In order to stop the ironic misfortunes that seemed to be unleashed by the cookies, I could have simply stopped opening them. However, this seemed like I was backing down from a challenge. In some odd and crazy way, I saw my fortune cookie tribulations as annoying yet valuable experiences. To me, the bad events seemed to make me appreciate other things in my day that were going well. In a sense, I learned to accommodate to the evils of the fortune cookies and find a way to accept the inevitable mistakes. By learning to accept the misfortunes a slip of paper introduced in my life, my overall tolerance for bad events and bad days rose.

However, my accustomed acceptance of the fortune cookies was put to the test the night before my AP Physics B exam when my family

yet again ordered Chinese food at the worst time possible. I nervously cracked open the cookie, well aware that the fortune would affect my test. I read aloud the small slip which said, “You are in for a surprise.” I immediately threw the slip out in frustration. The cookie had finally broken me by threatening my test. I desperately wished I had never opened that stupid cookie because I knew there was nothing I could do to stop the evil that had been unleashed.

Fortunately, nothing went wrong during my test, although this may be speaking too soon because I have not received my scores. The apparent end to the madness made me further realize that I would always experience misfortunes I my life and I would often not be able to stop them. To me, this stresses the importance of being optimistic whenever possible. There is a line between having a good outlook on life and being overly optimistic, but having the ability to let the little things go can make all the difference. And after all my misfortunes, I have adopted a rule that I will not eat Chinese food the day before a test for the rest of my life.

Judgment isn’t conducive to success in the real world

By Jacob Goodman

I

personally think Jef Mallett is the unsung genius of this generation. He’s the illustrator and writer of the comic strip “Frazz,” and before I continue, yes, I do read the comic section of the Los Angeles Times every morning.

A recent “Frazz” strip compared schooling to preparing for a marathon, and asked the question that if homework and tests are part of your “training” for college and the workforce and if we don’t time training runs because that’s what the race is for, then why do we receive grades on everything we do in high school even though it’s just training?

Yes, the obvious answer is to have a basis to a) be accepted to college and b) mark our comprehension of what we’re learning.

However, the “judgment” and measurement that we face as students isn’t conducive to success at an actual job.

No one is a professional high schooler. High school by definition is a training ground where we have to build the skills in order to succeed later in life, and yet we’re judged on our ability to consume information and rewrite it.

Granted, some basic facets of knowledge need to be established before students can work at jobs requiring high skill levels. But the way we are made to consume knowledge and regurgitate it is not at all like the scenarios we will face as adults or even in college.

In my AP U.S. history class my grade is relatively low because for the first seven

months of the year, I failed most of the multiple choice sections on my tests.

The thing that seems unfair is the fact that my teacher, my parents, my college adviser, anybody I ask tell me that when I go to college and take history courses 100 percent of those courses will not include any multiple choice questions.

So how is the judgment that I experience in high school comparable to the judgment I will find down the road? The scrutiny I face now is like a parallel line to the scrutiny I will face later: they both have the same slope but never hit the same points.

There needs to be a change in how we are judged.

We’re already in high school. We’re already undertaking the training. And

there needs to be recognition of that. Students want to succeed in life, and often it is judgment that can turn kids away from running the final race. If we fail a math test, then we assume we’re not good at math.

The SAT does not measure how well I will do in college, and it certainly doesn’t tell me if I will be successful as a graphic designer. Or a philosopher. Or a doctor. It holds me to a baseline along with millions of other students.

Homework grades, test grades, paper grades — unless one wants to go into academia — are not in-line with the type of judgment I will face at a real job.

High school students are already incredibly judgmental people. We want to succeed and are therefore critical of

ourselves. We hold ourselves to the standards of judgment we see around us. But it doesn’t guarantee anything.

As much as I hear talk about how good grades and lots of extracurriculars can get me into college, I hear even more talk about how the application process is a total craps shoot.

Successful people have meaningful relationships, find happiness in their work, innovate, inspire and do countless other things that often cannot be quantified or predicted by the grade they were given.

The future for students is so much more than a transcript, and yet that’s where we’re all told we need to start from. Assessment needs to change, otherwise we might not be prepared for what lies ahead.

A14 Opinion

The Chronicle

May 28, 2014

guest column

Enforce change

By David Hinden and Moss Pike Workload Committee Co-chairs

W

e’ve just finished the 2013-2014 workload process, something we do every six years at the midpoint of the school’s accreditation cycle. The process begins with an exhaustive survey that looks at pretty much everything our students do at school. Then the Workload Committee, composed of teachers and deans as well as students and parents, reviews the data and ultimately makes a set of recommendations.

For the first time, we’ve been able to survey all grades and let students give voice to their thoughts in the form of free responses.

Compared to the first workload survey in 2001, our students take more solid courses, more AP courses and participate in more extracurricular activities. They get home later from school, do more homework and get significantly less sleep. Almost half of the students in the Upper School report that they generally sleep less than six hours a night during the school week.

Virtually everyone values their academic experience.

There is more agreement on this question than any other in the survey. Compared to the 96 percent of our students who value their academic experience, only about 55 percent of our upper school students (80 percent at the middle school) enjoy it.

Overall, around 90 percent of the middle school students and 75 percent of the upper school students report that they are satisfied with their

overall experience at school; less than 5 percent of the middle school students and less than 10 percent of the upper school students report that they are dissatisfied; the other students report neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. We use a measure (distressed behavior) that identifies students who report the highest level of stress and are either dissatisfied with their overall experience at school or miss school because they cannot keep up with the pace of the work. When you combine these numbers, around 20 percent of the middle school students and 45 percent at the upper school are less than satisfied or distressed.

To round out the picture, we asked all of our students what they liked best and least about their experiences at school. In their free responses, students pointed to inspiring teachers, friends and the deep choice of opportunities as what they liked best. On the least liked side of the ledger were homework, stress and competition.

Our kids are doing more than they were when this process started a dozen years ago. Too many of them don’t sleep enough, don’t enjoy what they are doing as much as they could and don’t respond positively when asked whether they are satisfied with their overall experience at school. The free responses tell us that many are struggling with what seems to them an unremitting pressure about college and what comes next.

Paradoxically, what our stu-

dents value most is the source of what they like least.

We have made a series of recommendations designed to address some of these issues without undermining the quality of our academic programs. Here is a sampling.

Work, pressure and competition are part of the package here, but too narrow a focus on achievement as a means to an end can be corrosive and self-defeating.

Concern for self and focus on results should be balanced by values such as service that go beyond the self. Some of our sports teams do service projects as part of the team experience. This builds team spirit and is a worthy end in itself. Why can’t our classes incorporate service projects into the curriculum? Why isn’t service a bigger part of what we do? The answer is that there is not enough time, and for this reason we are recommending adding days to the school year. A commitment to service and other non-assessed activities (e.g. field trips, student-sponsored learning activities) simply will require more time than the current schedule affords.

We also believe there need to be enforceable scheduling limits. Too many students load their schedules with an “arms-race” mentality about what colleges want on a transcript. If students are interested in taking solid courses above a set limit, they should be allowed to do so on a credit-no credit basis subject to approval by the department offering the course. This

JACOB GOODMAN/CHRONICLE

way the load can be lightened without weakening the quality of our course offerings. Our survey indicates that our girls perceive their school experience differently than our boys, reporting that they have more homework than boys, that they get less sleep than boys and are less satisfied with their overall experience at school. We should be at the forefront of addressing this important issue and form a working group to address it going forward.

We have made significant improvement in ninth-10th 12 transition issues over the last twelve years, but there are still departments where the transition is reported as being more difficult than it was in the last survey. The middle school and upper school departments in question each need to review the other campus’ program and resolve any differences in approach. The Sports Council has contributed significantly to easing the friction between academic and athletic programs. The Sports Council should be expanded to become a Co-Curricular

Council responsible for oversight of issues including time commitments for activities.

In a school as large and successful as ours, change can be difficult. We have systems in place to implement and conserve the policies which have made our school so successful; however, we do not have a mechanism focused on change. We should create a standing group (including faculty and students and supported by senior administrators) charged with encouraging change through experiment and experience rather than by one-size-fits-all fiat.

The next stop for some recommendations will be the Faculty Academic Commitee; we can expect administrative implementation of others and there will be continued discussion on the question of the extended school year. One of the things that makes Harvard-Westlake a great school is our willingness to listen to our students, closely examine what we do and always look for ways to do better. We hope we have contributed to that process.

guest column

In which direction should Harvard-Westlake School go?

By Joaquin Fernandez-Castro, Spanish teacher

T

he constant pursuit of excellence and the successful placement of our graduates at some of the most competitive colleges in the nation has long been the essence of Harvard-Westlake’s identity. The majority of our students and parents choose our school because of its quality college preparatory programs and extracurricular activities.

However, with a new president, the critical question is: what direction will the school choose to go?

The workload committee is recommending limiting the number of core subjects and extracurriculars a student can take to reduce workload and stress. The committee has also suggested extending the school year and reducing vacation time in order to expand days dedicated to service and other extracurricular activities. Several top administrators have proposed the elimination of the AP program and semester exams.

While our students want changes, the data from the survey does not support the interpretation made by the committee or administration.

One of the few positive

correlations from the data, as described to me by a committee member, is that students taking more AP courses report higher levels of academic enjoyment. By contrast, one could infer that students struggling academically or unable to find their own niche are the most stressed and least satisfied. The crucial question is: how can we offer ALL our students a path to excel and reach their full potential without lowering standards?

Introducing multiple tracks beginning at the middle school level in all academic departments could accommodate the diverse set of backgrounds, gifts, abilities and ambitions of our students. This flexible structure could include regular, honors and accelerated tracks, as well as offer more rigorous and advanced courses beginning in the Middle School.

The math department, and to a lesser extent, the science department are the only academic departments that have multiple tracks since seventh or ninth grade. It is not a coincidence that these departments have almost no

“transition problems” between ninth and 10th grades.

Similarly, these departments that track earlier are also the ones preferred by our male students (60% of the total students taking APs), who overall, are a “happier” group than our female students. By contrast, our female students, tend to prefer the liberal arts departments (English, history, world languages, arts) in more similar proportions than male students. Unfortunately, most of the liberal arts do not currently offer early tracking.

Consequently, these students do not have the opportunity to take advanced classes or choose between honors and regular tracks until 10th or 11th grade, which may be one of the causes of ninth to tenth grade “transition problems” and the lower level of academic satisfaction among female students.

Multiple tracks in ALL departments would allow most of our students to move faster and reach AP and other advanced courses in their areas of strength by 10th or 11th grade. These expanded opportunities would allow other students to move

through the curriculum at a pace more suited to their needs, interests and motivations. Under this flexible structure, some students may choose to load up and thrive with many core subjects, while others may find their niche in electives and extracurriculars.

ALL our students need more opportunities to thrive within the school rather than limit their choices further by cutting their options.

The administration and the Faculty Academic Committee’s decision to allow each department to choose whether to drop its AP program or continue is just setting the stage for an eventual phasing out of APs at our school.

Our AP program has been one of the sources of strength and excellence at our school compared to other schools nationwide. In fact, the opportunity for students to have several tracks and choose a variety of classes, including AP and post-AP courses, adds richness and depth to Harvard-Westlake’s educational experience in the context of a more competitive and global world.

Furthermore, the recent

pilot program approved by FAC to move semester exams before winter vacation will negatively impact AP practice exams by shortening the exam time. Students do not want to extend the academic year or add days of service beyond our current community service requirement. Any service beyond that should be voluntary by those advocating it and on their own time.

Instead, beginning school a week earlier, ending it a week earlier and reducing the review days to the first four days after winter break would provide extra teaching days and several three day weekends. This can be done without extending the academic year or disrupting our current semester and AP practice exams.

Careful consideration should be made before recommending, adopting and implementing policies that could negatively impact our school tradition of academic excellence. A flexible multiple track structure beginning earlier and strengthening our AP program could unleash our students’ and our school’s full potential.

May 28, 2014

hwchronicle.com/opinion

Opinion A15

quadtalk

The Chronicle asked:

“Do you think that President Rick Commons has brought positive change to the school this year?”

316 students weighed in on the Chronicle poll “Mr. Commons did a great job in trying to build a community and getting to know the students. I liked always seeing him on the quad.”

Yes

—Bridget Hartman ’15

2 4 0

“I think Mr. Commons is great. Moving his office down metaphorically was huge and also I run into him all the time. I’m a big Mr. Commons fan.”

No

76

—Arthur Troy ’14 ALL PHOTOS BY HENRY HAHN/CHRONICLE

“Do you think that Commons interacted with “Which of the following changes did you like most this year?” the student body in a meaningful way?”

334 students Civitalks 1.2%

weighed in on the Chronicle poll

Other

Homecoming dance

55.4%

1.5%

“I appreciated the fact that Mr. Commons got to know the kids and made the true effort to talk to them on the quad.”

—Imani Cook-Gist ’15

“Mr. Commons has so far done a great job in including the student body and their opinions in improving the school.”

President Commons moving his office Rewriting the mission statement

7.8%

Gum and mints in the cafeteria

3.3%

30.8%

—Julian Girod ’16

Why does Harvard-Westlake hate humanites?

By Sam Schlesinger ’15

T

he imbalance between the varied list of math and science classes and meager amount of English or language courses is disappointing, to say the least.

As I thumb through my curriculum guide, STEM courses take up a staggering 21 pages. And while there are many humanities courses offered as electives, the core English curriculum list tops off at five pages (though it could probably be four if the spacing were a tad more economical).

Fortunate is the student with a passion for mathematics, for in senior year he or she can choose from 10 different math courses, ranging anywhere from AP Statistics to AP Calculus to AP Micro/ Macroeconomics. In contrast, the English student chooses between AP Language, AP Literature and whatever extraneous side dish the English department decides to offer up for the next few years.

However, the disproportionate course offerings begin much earlier than senior year; this imbalance pervades into the middle school, too. For freshmen, the pickings are slim when it comes to English

courses.

There is practically no advanced track for English students. No, not until junior year can the English student flex his or her skills in close reading, analysis and discussion and take on an honors course. That’s four years of regular level English class purgatory before the literature fanatic can even demonstrate an interest in academic English. Twelve months later, APs stumble into the realm of possibility, conspicuously late, disoriented and unshaven, mumbling, “Is it senior year already? … Alright, alright; I’m here; take me; I’m here.”

If course availability is imagined as trees, with seventh grade as the base and senior year at the canopy, then math and science are lush, blooming maples. For these trees, it is springtime, and their AP quickly begin to blossom. Meanwhile, the English, language and history trees are the imported palms along Sunset Boulevard.

This lopsidedness not only limits avenues for humanities students to refine their abilities and interests; it can result in drastic differences in the GPAs of otherwise similar

STEM kids and humanities students. Honors and AP classes are aphrodisiacs for college admission committees, with the potential to trump even intoxicatingly high standardized test scores and alluring displays of community service or extracurricular interests.

Anyone who has undergone the countless information sessions knows that universities universally “want to see that you’ve challenged yourself.” However, when the challenges do not even present themselves until late in the game, it can be difficult for humanities students to size up against their scientific counterparts, who were offered more diverse opportunities to apply themselves through out their high school career.

Of course, I don’t mean to pigeonhole anyone as strictly math or science whizzes with no capacity to appreciate the arts versus humanities hippies who can’t tell a polynomial from a Pythagorean identity. However, time is a limiting factor and decisions have to be made. In part due to the rigor of the typical Harvard-Westlake course load

and in part to the pervasive attitude to run faster, stretch our arms farther, push our grade point averages higher, some students will gravitate towards STEM classes while others will excel in humanities. Enticing electives are somberly dropped to make room for that second science AP. This is both the intrinsic beauty and chronic hamartia of the Harvard-Westlake student—eventually, when the deadline for course sign-ups comes around, many will ask themselves not what classes they have to take, but what classes they can afford to take.

But when APs are essentially the only English courses offered consistantly in senior year, the student devoting most of his or her time to AP Calc BC and AP Environmental Science might not be too burdened by taking on AP English Language. This student can now tack on an extra AP to their behemoth of a college app. Conversely, it would be outlandish for the English buff to take on AP Calc BC for a manageable boost to fill out their transcript a bit more. They may be equivalent in apti-

tude when it comes to their respective passions, but at a cursory glance, the STEM student looks like he or she has taken more advanced classes throughout the years.

Sensationalism and clumsy metaphors aside, this obvious disparity raises more questions than answers.

Is this imbalance unique to Harvard-Westlake or are high schools and colleges trending away from a varied humanities course curriculum? Is the greater quantity and diversity of STEM courses offered a result of the demands of the student body, the offerings of the Harvard-Westlake administration, the acceptance rates of college admissions boards, or some other, nebulous factor? These are questions that need to be answered before progress can be made. Yet it seems improvement is still a ways away. Six language classes, two history classes, and a multitude of right-brained electives (The Creative Process, Surrealism, Gender Studies and more) were cancelled for the 2014-2015 school year. In comparison, a mere two science classes were cancelled. Oh, the humanities, indeed.

exposure

A16

May 28, 2014

Outside the lab

Students in various science and math classes and clubs showcased their projects during a 45-minute activities period May 21. Exhibitions included statistics projects, apps, robots and liquid nitrogen ice cream.

COOLING DOWN: Students serve ice cream frozen by liquid nitrogen outside Munger Science Center.

FLYING HIGH: Cole Kawana ’16 operates a remotecontrolled quadcopter next to the field.

CATCH AND RELEASE: Science teacher Krista McClain’s husband and daughter observe the Robotics Club’s competition robot.

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT: Jonathan Burns ’14, left, tells science teacher Hilary Ethe ‘00 about his scheduling app, iHW.

DO IT YOURSELF: Ben Winters ’16, Harold Chong ’16 and David Ozen ’16 showcase the inside of a computer at their booth on the quad.

ALL PHOTOS BY NIKTA MANSOURI/CHRONICLE

Features The Chronicle โ ข May 28, 2014

87

8212

****

NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS

Honor Board cases

tickets sold by the middle and upper school bookstores and online

2 members of the 1 faculty 7

2013-2014 IN NUMBERS 4466

books circulated at the Upper School Library

playoff wins

400+

1597 942

2

student tours given

CIF championships

7

ยง

CHRONICLES PRINTED

ยง

9

2314

ยง

student parking spots

ยง

college applications submitted:

students

3 8 2

54

COLLEGES THE CLASS OF 2014 WILL ATTEND

people awarded summer fellowships for travel and learning

28

different types of lip balm sold in the upper school bookstore

number of people who signed up for

PEER SUPPORT

GRAPHIC BY: MAZELLE ETESSAMI, SYDNEY FOREMAN, SARAH NOVICOFF AND EMILY SEGAL SOURCES: CHRONICLE ARCHIVES, UPPER SCHOOL BOOKSTORE, PREFECT COUNCIL, HW.COM, SECURITY, DEANS OFFICE, AMBASSADORS, UPPER SCHOOL LIBRARY, PEER SUPPORT DIRECTORS

B2 Features

The Chronicle

Fighting words

By Alex McNab

D

an* ’14 never meant to be a bully. He first started making jokes at other people’s expense as a way to get friends. Bathroom Wall, a now disabled anonymous posting function on Facebook, was most fun when he was around other people.

“You’ll be with friends hanging out at your house on a Friday or Saturday, and it’s just funny to do with your friends,” Dan said. “I didn’t think about [hurting anyone’s feelings].”

So it was unexpected when, last week, a girl in his English class approached him, and told him she had been hurt by comments he had made about her in the seventh grade. He apologized.

“Some of the things that I’ve been told I did I can’t imagine doing at all,” he said.

“The only thing on my mind [in seventh grade] was thinking of the funniest thing I could possibly say.”

“I wasn’t outgoing enough to make friends that I thought mattered,” he said. “And I was very good at making fun of people. It was Darwinistic.

I had to survive, and I did it by putting other people down.

I had no regard for anyone’s feelings at all. The biggest attraction to bullying somebody is to attract your friends. It’s to make them laugh. Your intent isn’t to hurt that person.

It’s to be funny. In the process, you may hurt that person.”

Dan said he has matured since seventh grade. He said that he is now able to determine what is an appropriate level of meanness to use when making a comment about someone.

“If you call someone a faggot on Yik Yak [an anonymous posting application often used for bullying], they’re not going to kill themselves,” his friend Nate* ’14 clarified. “It’s just an insult. I would tell the person that it was me because I want to take credit for the funny

joke. If it’s funny, it’s not mean.

If they were like visibly hurt by it, I’d take it down. If it gets a lot of down votes, you want to delete [it] because it’ll ruin your rep [on Yik Yak].”

“I don’t think bullying’s that much of a problem anymore in high school,” Dan said.

Carl* ’16 was afraid to be interviewed for this story. He thought that his friends would find out who he was, even with a pseudonym.

When the bullying was really bad, sometimes he didn’t come to school.

His grades dropped from A’s to F’s because he could not stop thinking about the hurtful, anonymous comments that someone had written about him.

“I couldn’t focus in class,” he said. “I was trying to think who was writing these things and why they had written it.

I thought it was just a joke.

Then, more posts started popping up. They weren’t that offensive. It’s just the fact that they were doing it in general. I got tired of seeing these things. People would come up to me and repeat these jokes or try and make jokes off of these jokes.”

Carl had no clue who was writing about him, but his friends did. They would rat each other out, but when Carl would confront a friend whom he had been told was writing about him, the friend would always deny it. Carl realized no one was going to tell him the truth.

“I couldn’t really trust my friends,” he said.

Carl, although hurt and angry, tries not to let people’s comments affect him. He has learned how to cope with the taunts better than when he was first bullied.

“I used to try and be more like the people who were treating me badly so that they’d stop,” he said, “I feel like ‘Oh, they’re just joking around with me,’ but that’s not the case.”

Now, he just tries to ignore it. In the heat of the moment however, Carl usually fights

May 28, 2014

GRAPHIC BY JACOB GOODMAN

While computers and phones often separate the bullies and the bullied, students still face their tormenters at school and social gatherings.

back, meeting people’s taunts with insults of his own, but they never make him feel any better.

It was Friday, May 16, and Jane* ’16 was on her way to a party. She checked her phone.

There was a message from Chuck* ’16.

“F*** u you c***,” he texted.

She remembered when they were close, but that was back when he called her by her name.

“I f ****** hate you. Don’t ever f *** with me again you b****.”

The black words kept coming, arranging themselves into a large, white bubble on her iPhone screen.

“I hate your f ****** face.”

“I’m on my way,” she replied.

“Come I’m going to f ****** s*** on u for two hours.”

She didn’t believe him and continued driving towards the party.

When Chuck confronted Jane in the middle of the party, he called her again using that word that made her “feel like a bad person…feel like a lost cause,” this time in front of her friends.

He was screaming before he grabbed her. She started crying.

“It hurt so much,” she said. “‘How can you say all this stuff to me?’” she asked. He ignored her, and she phoned a taxi to take her home.

She was stuck outside the party crying as the lost driver made his way. Chuck came back again and again “periodically throughout the night [to] like rip on me.”

As her younger sister deleted Chuck’s messages from her phone, Jane felt surprised by the tears flowing down her face. It’s not like this hadn’t happened before. It wasn’t even a month ago when her best friend, Livia* ’16, egged her house before posting a nude picture of her on Facebook. She remembered that well. The photo had been on her wall for almost half an

hour before her friend Gloria* ’16 phoned her.

“Check your Facebook,” she said.

Jane cried then too.

“I try not to let it get to me,” she said, but that doesn’t always work.

After the Facebook incident, Jane lost 10 pounds. Her A’s turned into B+’s, and she felt alone, very alone.

“I felt like I had no friends anymore because no one would talk to me,” she said. “I was feeling like I was the friend that everybody secretly hated.”

She didn’t tell her parents, “[but they] knew something was wrong,” she said. “Because I would come home crying every day.”

That was when she decided to get a therapist. She goes there to talk, not to hear what the therapist has to say.

It’s good, she thought, to have someone to talk to who isn’t one of the outof-school friends she I felt like I had would call no friends anymore during passing peribecause no one would ods because talk to me. I was feeling there was no one at school like I was the friend she felt she that everybody secretly could trust.

S h e ’ s hated. ” never confronted Livia —Jane* ’16 or Chuck or told them how they’ve made her feel, but she believes she’s just as responsible as they are for stopping their actions towards her. That’s why she apologizes.

“I wanted things to go back to the way they were,” she said. “I feel like me and [Livia] are going to be friends in the long run, but it’s going to take some time. If I be the bigger person... if I just apologize to her for posting the picture on Facebook and egging my house, then, maybe they’ll stop bullying me.”

“

*Names have been changed

hwchronicle.com/features

Features B3

Hair today, gone tomorrow

PA R

A

LL

AR CE

M

BY

C

“

necessary; it’s not a normal thing. But since it is the ideal for beauty, I guess women feel that they need to do it.”

Girls use various methods to maintain their eyebrows such as tweezing, threading and most commonly, waxing.

“I maintain my eyebrows every morning,” Erica Jaffe ’15 said. “You can always wear pants to hide your legs, but you can’t do the same with your eyebrows, which is why I think it is important to keep them groomed.”

With removing hair on the bikini line, views differ. Some get Brazilian waxes, which remove all hair on the bikini line; others remove smaller amounts. Some shave or wax their bikini lines every couple of weeks; others do it every couple of months.

While removing hair on the bikini line is common, it has health risks. Hair defends from infections, and removing it makes that area more vulnerable, dermatologist Joshua Zeichner said. Waxing can also cause microscopic wounds, irritation and burns when done improperly.

“If you [wax it] at a clean place it is very rare, but it can h a p p e n ,” Sabeti said.

HI

their legs, others favor shaving their legs, as it is less painful Two days after tearing her and time consuming. skin off with Sally Hansen’s “I shave mostly in the sumWax Strips, Kristen Gourrier mer, and I barely shave my ’16 was in the emergency room legs in the winter,” Audrey with a third-degree chemical Chambers ’15 said. burn. Gourrier’s friend had Chambers believes that placed a waxing strip made of girls remove their leg hair less chemicals rather than wax on often in the winter because her upper lip, and when she they do not show their legs in ripped the strip off, Gourrier’s public as much, while others skin had turned red. remove their leg hair just as “I thought it wasn’t a big often as in any other season deal because it always was red, due to personal comfort. Durbut it got darker instead of ing the warmer months, when lighter after a couple hours,” wearing clothing that reveals Gourrier said. their legs, girls tend to shave Gourrier had been using an their legs more often, as they acne cream, and was later in- feel uncomfortable with othformed by her doctor that she ers, mainly men, seeing them was not supposed to wax while with leg hair. on acne medication, as it made “Guys do like shaved legs her skin more sensitive. and I think it does influence “My friend and I thought it what they do,” Cameron Kao would be fun to wax ourselves ’15 said. “It’s all about sex apso we went to peal.”

Walgreens to W h i l e buy hair reboth leg I think it has moval prodand armpit become something that hair ucts, but now grow I will only go naturally on our society has made a to a profeswomen, some norm, when it really is sional after men believe not.” what hapthat it is unpened to me,” —Marianne Verrone ’15 natural and Gourrier said. unattractive, The first and should be area where girls most com- removed. monly begin removing their “I think women’s leg hair is hair is on their face, usually gross because society told me around age 12, pediatrician it is, and I agree with them for and hair removal specialist Dr. the most part,” Matt Klein ’14 Anita Sabeti (Nikta Mansouri said. ’15) said. The most common While Noah Gains ’15 bemethods for removing hair are lieves leg hair on men is sowaxing, shaving and laser hair cially acceptable, he does not removal, which is a fairly re- believe the same for leg hair cent technique that removes on women. hair for a longer period of “I feel that hair is a sign time. Girls remove hair mainly of masculinity, and for girls to on their legs, underarms and have leg hair, it makes them bikini lines, Sabeti said. She less feminine,” Gains said. believes that laser hair removMarianne Verrone ’15, al is the best method for hair however, believes that leg removal since it lasts longer hair on women is normal than other treatments. Laser and should be socially hair removal removes hair af- acceptable. ter four to six sessions on av“I think it has erage, which are done every become something two to six weeks. that our society “I like waxing my legs be- has made a norm, cause I think it is more natu- when it really is ral, and also my hair doesn’t not,” Verrone grow back as quickly or as said.

“It thick,” Lili Cohen ’15 said. “I s h o u l d n ’ t have a high pain tolerance so be that it doesn’t hurt, but I think it could sometimes hurt.”

While some prefer waxing

AP

By Carly Berger

K

100 percent of female students who answered a Chronicle poll remove hair on their bodies by shaving, waxing, tweezing, lasering or threading.

Both males and females say it is a social norm.

GR

May 28, 2013

B4 Features

The Chronicle

Cheating on the Reading

By Marcella Park

Of 389 students polled in a Chronicle survey, 65 percent use online reading aids like SparkNotes and Schmoop, both of which provide chapter summaries for books commonly read in English classes as well as analysis.

Thirty-one percent of these students use reading aids instead of doing reading assignments, while 61 percent use them with reading and 71 percent only use them to review plot points for final exams.

Booker* ’15 is one of these students, often using reading aids to supplement his reading, and sometimes using chapter summaries when he’s short on time.

“I don’t think it’s cheating,” he said. “I mean, it’s not like you’re cheating on a test where you have actual answers. That would 100 percent boost your grade. But this is like basically reading the cover of a book or the backside of a book, where it says some dumbed-down plot.”

Turner* ’14, who uses reading aids only for final exam review, also doesn’t think he’s cheating, even though he acknowledges that such resources are banned.

“They can’t expect everyone to reread the books before the final to review, so I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it.”

English teacher Isaac Laskin ’98 thinks otherwise.

“It’s a violation [of the Honor Code],” he said. “It’s unambiguous.”

To explain the English department’s policy on SparkNotes, he simply said, “Not allowed.” This included using reading aids as supplements to actual reading and for final exam review.

Booker thinks using online reading aids has helped his grade in English through reading quizzes and increased participation in discussions.

Other students who use online reading aids, however, are less eager to say it has helped their grade.

Turner said they might have helped him “maybe because I did better on multiple choice on finals, but it hasn’t re-

In spite of it violating the Honor Code, many students use Sparknotes and other aids to help them with their English assignments.

ally affected my essays at all.” online and put it in their paRyder* ’15 doesn’t get pers,” Winshel said. many reading quizzes, so reThough both of her Engviewing with online chapter lish teachers this year and summaries after he has done last year did not allow online his reading hasn’t raised his reading aids at all, Winshel grade, he said. said she thought policies differ Ryder was having trouble from teacher to teacher. with Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Laskin, however, said the “The Scarlet Letter” when no-reading aids policy is a dehe looked it up online. Since partment-wide one. then, he said, he’s become a “In a perfect world, they more active should absoparticipant in lutely say that class. Now, he [SparkNotes] It’s a violation uses Schmoop can be used with his read[of the Honor Code]. It’s as a suppleing regularly. ment,” Winunambiguous.”

“I’ve asked shel con[my teachtinued. “My —Isaac Laskin ’96 concern ers] in the if English Teacher they change past about SparkNotes, their poliand they said cy, though, it’s fine as long as I don’t use would be that ... it might be a it instead of reading and take slippery slope. I would be hesitheir ideas,” Ryder said. tant, but I think it could defi“I think it’s fine because nitely be a conversation in the you’re doing what you signed department, if it isn’t already.” up for, and you’re going above A different member of Preand beyond to understand it.” fect Council uses SparkNotes Online guides don’t seem to to review characters before fihelp much with analysis, even nals, they said, but not for esif they do with plot points. says or instead of reading.

“A savvy user of They agree with Winshel SparkNotes might be able to that students should be able steal things that sound smart to use reading aids as long in essays, but it’s not going to as they do the actual readhelp you close-read,” Laskin ing, but think the English desaid. partment’s policy should not Students agreed. change.

“The couple times I glanced Though department policy at it, it was a very simplified prohibits even supplemenanalysis so it was pointless to tary use of reading aids, the look at,” Turner said. circumstances under which Reed* ’15, who used Laskin would report students SparkNotes instead of readto the Honor Board for using ing much of Kazuo Ishiguro’s reading aids are plagiarism “Never Let Me Go” last year, and clear evidence of using acknowledges that summaries reading aids instead of the usually lack details. reading, he said.

Ryder thinks reading sumWhen some of his students maries without the actual answered quiz questions in a reading is dangerous. way that suggested but did not “If you only read the analyshow that they had been ussis in the summary, you’ll take ing SparkNotes, for example, that analysis as a fact, and it’ll by mentioning characters who bleed over [into your writwould only appear 100 pages ing],” he said. ahead, Laskin confronted the Junior prefect and head whole class about reading aids, prefect elect Sarah Winshel but did not report anything to ’15 doesn’t use online guides the Honor Board. because she enjoys reading “Not that I condone assignments, but she said she [cheating] by any means, but understands why a majority of I do think that that’s a realstudents would use them. ity of Harvard-Westlake, so if She’s never sat on an Honas a prefect I tried to go afor Board case concerning a ter every instance of it that I student who hadn’t done the heard, I don’t think that would reading, though she has seen be a reasonable thing to do, plagiarism from online reand because of the culture of sources. this school, I don’t think that “I could imagine if you go would be a fair thing to do.” online and you see something “I don’t think people are that’s said exactly how you cheating more or less,” Reed want it, ... sometimes said about the record low students will number of Honor Board cases take bits of this year. “They’re just getting analysis better at it.” *Names have been changed from

“

May 28, 2014

“IT IS HELPFUL BECAUSE IT JUST GIVES A SHORT OVERVIEW AS A RECAP” —Anonymous “I THINK IT’S HELPFUL TO INCREASE YOUR UNDERSTANDING TO PARTICIPATE MORE IN CLASS, IF YOU CAN’T REACH YOUR TEACHER OR ANOTHER STUDENT BEFOREHAND.” —Anonymous “IT’S LIKE DOING THREE MATH PROBLEMS OUT OF A SET – ONE IN THE BEGINNING, ONE IN THE MIDDLE, ONE IN THE END. YOU MISS SOME NUANCES.” —Anonymous

65% of students use reading aids like Sparknotes

31% of students who use online reading aids use them instead of doing the reading assignments SOURCE: CHRONICLE POLL GRAPHIC BY MORGANNE RAMSEY

GRAPHIC BY MORGANNE RAMSEY

May 28, 2014

hwchronicle.com/features

Features B5

ALL PHOTOS BY EOJIN CHOI/CHRONICLE

CAMPUS QUALITY CONTROL: Plant manager Felipe Anguiano reviews room layout information for an event in Chalmers, top left. Anguiano gives instructions to wash and raise the bleachers, top right. Anguiano instructs a staff member to organize the umbrellas from the quad, bottom left. Anguiano answers a phone call while checking his email in his Weiler Hall office, bottom right.

‘I’m on call 24/7’

Plant manager Felipe Anguiano, who oversees the campus and supervises the maintenance crew, started working at Harvard School for Boys in 1977.

By Jensen Pak Upper school plant manager Felipe Anguiano arrives at school at 6:30 a.m. every weekday to review maintenance requests and assign responsibilities to the rest of the maintenance crew.

“In the morning, I come in and check the work orders and pin them up for when the guys come in at 7 a.m.,” Anguiano said.

As plant manager, Anguiano oversees the six members of the maintenance crew at the Upper School, two of whom also maintain the baseball facility at O’Malley Family Field.

His daily routine involves delegating duties and hiring contractors to maintain the quality of the campus.

While the maintenance workers are usually capable of fixing small things such as equipment or furniture, Anguiano contracts outside companies to handle plumbing and

landscaping.

Anguiano also works during the weekends to set up for special events on campus, such as SAT testing days.

“When we have SATs on campus, I have to make sure that the air conditioning is running, the heating works in the buildings that they use and make sure that everything is fine,” Anguiano said.

As a result of his frequent presence on campus, Anguiano lives on a street adjacent to school.

“I’m on call 24/7,” Anguiano said.

Anguiano has worked on this campus for 37 years, starting with Harvard School for Boys.

“I like my job,” Anguiano said. “I like doing stuff for other people, which is very rewarding. Setting up classrooms, school events, just being here. Just serving the school and the students. I like what I do.”

Outside of his required

tasks, Anguiano often looks for small improvements that he can make on campus.

“If I see a chain link fence that’s old or messed up, or some shrubs, I take them out and bring in new plants, for example,” Anguiano said. “I also sometimes do high pressure washing of the campus during spring break and summer, when no one is around.”

Although he is not wellknown to most students, Anguiano said that he often interacts with teachers.

“For school events I have to meet with teachers pretty often,” Anguiano said. “I can give any advice that they need for something to do, how they want to set up, I can say what works better.”

Anguiano said that he pretty much only talks to students for certain events such as bake sales or Coffee House.

Despite arriving at school early in the morning, Anguiano said that he is often the last to leave campus.

“I’m here until the events at night are over,” Anguiano said. “I like to make sure that my group has everything handled and cleaned up from the event, so that school can run normally the next day. For major assemblies, we usuI like my job. ally set up on a Sunday so I like doing stuff for that we can other people, which is arrange about very rewarding. Setting 1,100 chairs to be ready for up classrooms, school Mondays.” events, just being here.”

Despite a physical —Felipe Anguiano condition Plant Manager that required therapy last year, Anguiano said that with enough rest he is still capable of maintaining the school campus.

“It didn’t keep me from working, because physically and mentally, I’m okay now,” Anguiano said. “I’m just here to work.”

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The Chronicle

B6 Features

May 28, 20

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By Leily Arzy and Jacob Goodman Emma, You have a birthday on Aug. 5, and you are from Zhanjiang in the Guangdong Province of China.

While we don’t know for sure what happened, I believe that your birth mother must have cared about you very much, but she couldn’t take care of a child as she wanted to. She kept you safe while you were with her, and I’ll always be grateful to her for that.

This is the letter that Emma Wasserman’s ’16 mother read to her at night for the first four years of her life. The letter, written in 1999, is part of a book that her mother made to further explain how she was adopted.

Wasserman sees the adoption book as a source of comfort.

“The book makes me smile,” Wasserman said. “I love how my mom made this and read it to me. It is so cute, and the drawings are adorable.”

China had a strict onechild policy meant to control the nation’s growing population size. Because of this law, newborn Wasserman was abandoned in a street and soon after taken to an orphanage. After three months, she was adopted by single mother Susan Wasserman, who had also adopted Annie ’13 in 1995.

Despite feeling loved by her family, Wasserman said it is easy to feel like an outsider.

“Sometimes I feel like I am much as she would love her a guest everywhere,” Wasser- birth mother. man said. “I was raised like “For me, I was my mom’s a white girl, and my mom is child from the moment I was white. And sometimes I forget born,” Blachman said. “I think that I am Chinese. I obviously for kids whose parents die identify with Chinese because and then are put into foster I look Chicare and are nese, but I then adopted, do not go their relationinto the culI live in this liberal ship with their ture that adoptive partiny bubble where I much.” ents is differdo not get any hate Wasserent and maybe man said less connectfor my gay parents or that someed.” adoption. It is common times the If Blachcircumman has any now and no one really stances unquestions cares.” der which about her she was ad—Katie Zipkin-Leed ’15 adoption, her opted can mother anget to her. swers them “Sometimes, there will be freely, she said. split seconds where I feel sep“When I was younger, I arated by other people, but I asked questions like, ‘what are also know that it is normal to their names?,’ ‘do they have feel like this way because I ac- any other kids and where do tually kind of am a stranger in they live?’” Blachman said. my own family,” Wasserman “So, I know their basic inforsaid. “But it has never gotten mation, but there have never to my head enough to be an is- been bigger questions.” sue.”

Blachman said that the While Wasserman stands only time that her adoption out among her family because ever comes up is when people of her race, Cayla Blachman ask about her father. She said ’15 said that most people can’t that she then has to explain tell that she is adopted. her adoption and that she’s Blachman was adopted as never had a father. an infant. Although it sounds Like Wasserman and unusual, she said that some- Blachman, Jack Flaherty ’14 times she forgets that she was was raised by a single mother. ever adopted in the first place. Growing up, he felt more difShe credits these feelings to ferent due to having a single the fact that it is all she has mother rather than the fact ever known. that he was adopted, he said.

She feels like she has a “My mom has done an unnormal relationship with believable job,” Flaherty said. her mom and said that she “She told me what loves her just as was going on and handled it really well. She has been unbelievable for me.”

Despite his mother’s efforts, Flaherty said he was confused upon

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finding out he was adopted. est story is that four years “I did not really under- ago some person added me stand the situation,” Flaherty on Facebook and I had no said. “I was not mad, just con- idea who he was but our only fused.” mutual friend was my birth Flaherty said that he has mom,” Zipkin-Leed said. “So conflicted feelings about want- I asked him who he was and ing to meet his birth parents. how this was our only mutual “There are times when I do friend. He was like ‘we have want to meet them and others the same birth mom.’” when I really do not,” he said.

Even though she has “You kind of want to know contact with her biological who they are and what they mother, Zipkin-Leed said she do, but you do not really want knows nothing about her bioto find out. It could go really logical father. well or really poorly.” “[There are] some thoughts He said that he wants to of me wanting to know who he know more now because he is,” Zipkin-Leed said. “But I thinks he would be able to am comfortable with our livhandle it better. ing situation and I am 17 and “I think if it were to go I have been living this way my badly, it would not be as bad if whole life. I do not constantly I were younger,” Flaherty said. think about it. I know he is out “It’s not like a burning desire there but I do not care.” of mine.”

Zipkin-Leed and her Katie Zipkin-Leed ’15, who brother were adopted from was adopted by gay couple Jo- separate families and have seph Zipkin and Rick Leed, never felt isolated due to their has visited her birth mother unconventional family. a few times and has contacted “I live in this liberal tiny her somewhat irbubble where I do not regularly. After her get any hate for my gay birth mother and parents or adoption,” her family moved she said. “It is common out of the state, now and no one really Zipkin-Leed has cares.” had limited contact Zipkin-Leed thinks with her. However, she was about 5 years her birth mother old when she realized and her adoptive that she was adopted. nathanson’s parents have con“I knew that I had a versations over different set of parents James Brink the phone and she than other kids did by comments on Zipkin-Leed’s the time I was in kindergarFacebook activity. ten,” Zipkin-Leed said. “I do “My parents met my birth not remember being sat down mother when she was preg- and being told. I always knew nant with me, and she al- it. I mean I have two dads, so ready had three kids,” I knew neither of them could Zipkin-Leed said. “But what is interesting is that now she has adopted a kid from someone else. It does not bother me.

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28, 2014

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Features B7

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have given birth to me.”

Zipkin-Leed thinks there is a common misconception that all children who were adopted were found in an orphanage. Like Blachman, Zipkin-Leed’s parents were waiting in the hospital to pick her up.

Science teacher Jim Brink adopted his first daughter, Lacey, at an adoption agency three weeks after her birth.

Both of Brink’s daughters, Lacey and Marissa, were adopted locally. Lacey’s mother is from Glendora, and Marissa’s mother is from Mexico, but gave birth to Marissa in Orange County. Both were adopted through Holy Family Adoption Services.

“For Lacey, the actual adoption was an emotionally charged process because the birth mom was actually there.

The birth mother handed her to us physically,” Brink said.

Brink said he is open about the fact that his two daughters are adopted.

“They’ve known from the beginning,” Brink said. “That’s sort of the modern way of doing it. The covert part and keeping it secret and not letting anybody know is part of the past as far as I know. And because I think that children develop a stigma at that point if they don’t know. and “Why did you keep it a secret?” and “Is there something wrong with being adopted?” And so those questions have never come up at our house.”

Brink said he and his wife were required to fill out numerous papers as well as compile a profile in the form of a scrapbook in order to be considered for adoption.

“It’s what you call an open adoption,” Brink said. “You go through a fairly rigorous application process with a lot of papers with in-

formation on them, and then they have you put together a profile, which is essentially an annotated photo album.

And they show that album to prospective birth mothers and the birth mother picks you.”

It’s important that his daughters have contact with other adopted kids, Brink said.

“We run this parents auxiliary that’s adjunct to the agency called Holy Family Adoptive Parents,” Brink said. “And about once a month, usually around a holiday, whatever holiday happens to fall that month, we usually gather with 15 to 20 families [who have adopted kids].”

Brink’s family, like many others, have created an environment in their home that leaves their adopted kids satisfied with their family dynamic.

“You have to be happy with the way you live,” Zipkin-Leed said. “You cannot live with what if this what if that? I think that is how I view things. I am very happy and comfortable with the people I am surrounded by.”

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B8 Features

By Zoe Dutton

The Chronicle

Going public

As a freshman at UC Berkeley, Solange Etessami ’13 regaled her friends with tales of her high school cafeteria.

For many of those students who had come from public high schools, the idea that a cafeteria would have a boba and smoothie bar was incredible.

“Culture shock is a good word for it,” she said.

Etessami acknowledged that coming into contact with new people from different circumstances is a universal college experience.

Yet while plenty of students who attend public high schools matriculate into private colleges and universities, public universities are nevertheless a big draw for many because of lower in-state tuition and some states’ automatic admis-

sion policies.

“There’s a lot more diversity, which is cool and interesting to see,” Emily Persky ’13, who studies at the University of Michigan, said.

While larger classes can also be found in many major private universities, they are a given for public schools.

“When you’re in a lecture hall with 400 other kids and the professor has no idea who you are, it’s jarring,” Etessami said. “At first it was a little harder for me to be motivated.

At Harvard-Westlake I wanted to succeed because I had a good relationship with my teachers and wanted to show them the proper respect.”

Dean Vanna Cairns believes that for many students making the transition, large class sizes can be a positive change.

“I find that students who

May 28, 2014

ILLUSTRATION BY JACOB GOODMAN

The switch from private to public institutions means adjusting to larger lecture sizes, increased diversity and a bigger student body. choose public universities are ready for them because at Harvard-Westlake we have small classes and they’re ready to maybe be anonymous,” Cairns said. “They want to learn independently.”

Dara Moghavem ’13, now a freshman studying mathematical theory at the UC San Diego, said large classes had not been an issue for him.

“Three or four hundred student classes are really par for the course at least initially, but as you get more advanced and take courses that are more specific to your major, that’s less of a problem,” he said.

“There are also always office hours, and when you get into the really massive lectures, a lot of students just won’t go to those, so you can generally talk to [professors] if you really want to.”

The lack of one-on-one at-

tention from counselors is an- time, so often they’ll be the other key change from private ones helping other students to public. figure out how to get things “Harvard-Westlake abso- done and not procrastinate.” lutely holds your hand,” EtMichael Sugerman ’13, a essami said. “At my freshman at the Unischool we have 12 unversity of Michigan, dergraduate advisers said that Harvardfor 30,000 students.

Westlake equipped I’ve had to become a him well for the tranlot more independent sition. and learned to take “It’s really not a care of things mymatter of public vs. self.” private,” Sugerman Etessami believes said. “I really didn’t nathanson’s that while public notice anything Solange school students are about it being public Etessami ’13 not necessarily betbecause it was outter prepared to deal of-state. I think it with this bureaucracy, they do might have been different had at least have more experience I stayed in-state, but I can’t with it. say that definitively because I “Our students do very well didn’t go to an in-state school.” transitioning from private “At the end of the day, I feel to public,” Cairns said. “They it’s more reflective of what the know how to take care of real word is like,” Moghavem themselves and manage their said.

Arts&Entertainment The Chronicle • May 28, 2014

Singing in the Spotlight

Students performed in the Upper School Choral Program’s production of “Lights, Cabaret, Action!”

May 23 to 24 in Rugby Theater. The show included renditions of the song “Let It Go” from Disney’s “Frozen” and the theme songs from the “James Bond” movies and from the “Pink Panther” movie series.

CLOWNING AROUND: Andrea Torre ’14 , left, and Angus O’ Brien ’14 prepare to throw pies into their faces in their rendition of the song “Make ’Em Laugh.”

FIRE POWER: Kirk Woo ’14 and an ensemble of Bel Canto singers perform “Build Me Up Butter Cup.”

WHEN I’M GONE: Mikaela Hong ’14, left, Arden Willliams ’14 and Zoe Bohn ’14 perform “Cups” from the movie “Pitch Perfect.”

DYNAMIC DUOS: Will Harriton ’15, left, and Maxine Moore ’15 lean on each other while singing “As Time Goes By” from “Casablanca.”

QUARTET: Claire Nordstrom ’15, left, Greg Lehrhoff ’14, Jordan Gutierrez ’14 and Camelia Somers ’14 lock arms and sing “Life’s A Happy Song” together.

UNDER THE UMBRELLA: Eric Greenberg ’14, left, and Michelle Lee ’14 sing “Rain Drops Keep Falling on My Head.”

ALL PHOTOS BY ANGELA CHON/ CHRONICLE

YELLOW BRICK ROAD: Tara Joshi ’14 sings “Over the Rainbow” from “The Wizard of Oz.”

B10 A&E

The Chronicle

May 28, 2014

MASQ

PHOTOS PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF JAMES HANSEN, ANIMAAN PATHAK AND MICHAEL EDWARDS

MY TUNES: James Hansen ’16 plays the drums during a performance with his band The Offtracks, left. Animaan Pathak ’15 poses underneath a tree with a couple of members from one of the three bands he plays in: MASQ, Outcry and Dead White Day. Michael Edwards ’16 plays guitar in a show at Beverly Hills Farmer’s Market, right.

By Sacha Lin

Student banding

It is hard for Pathak to define the number of hours he James Hansen ’16 some- spends on music.

“The time commitment times feels like he spends all doesn’t really facday on music, like tor into my thinkwhen his band meets ing because I feel up to rehearse for a the need to express show. He also pracmyself through mutices drums or guitar sic, so I don’t look every day after finat it as a hobby or a ishing his homework. job,” Pathak said. “I Michael Edwards would just say it’s an ’16 and Animaan ongoing process. I’m Pathak ’15, two other almost always comstudents who have nathanson’s ing up with ideas and played in bands, deJames new songs in my free vote similar amounts Hansen ’16 time.” of time to music.

Playing in a band Pathak is one of two members in Dead White requires a type of balance, Day, a band that plays heavy Pathak said.

“Compromise is important, rock music with metal, punk and acoustic rock influences. but sticking to your integrity He plays drums and guitar and being honest with yourself and writes melodies and lyrics. are the two most important The other member of the band ideas I’ve come to realize playing in bands,” Pathak said. plays bass and guitar.

Edwards plays guitar and “Currently, I’m working on demos for the Dead White piano.

He formed his first band, Day EP, which I’ll be recording Flynt, with four others at in the summer,” Pathak said.

He previously played in the School of Rock, a music school bands MASQ and Outcry and he attends in West Los Angehas performed at clubs such les that provides music lessons as The Roxy and The Trouba- and performance opportunities to student musicians. dour.

Composing, rehearsing and playing in performances exhaust off-hours.

Though Flynt is no longer together, he occasionally plays with his former band mates.

Flynt regularly played at meetings for the Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club, where the bassist’s parents are members, but most shows took place wherever the band can find a gig such as The Joint and The Mint, two music venues.

He has most recently been playing guitar and piano in a rhythm section for various singers and songwriters.

Having played mainly solo music before Flynt, Edwards has found that there is a major difference between playing in a band and playing alone.

“You have to learn to cooperate with others and learn to give in to what others want over just what you want,” Edwards said.

Hansen plays the drums and does vocals for The Offtracks, whose repertoire includes a few original songs and covers of Hansen’s two favorite bands, the Beatles and the Canadian progressive rock band Rush.

Four of the members play the standard rock ensemble

Artwork by photography students will be featured in a show entitled “What Remains” at the dnj Gallery at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica June 7 through 21.

This will be the second time artwork by Harvard-Westlake students will be exhibited at the dnj Gallery.

The exhibition entitled “The Figure of Photography” was shown last year at the gallery.

The specific student pieces that will be exhibited at the gallery will be selected by visual arts teachers Joe Medina, Kevin O’Malley and Alyssa Sherwood.

The exhibition was arranged in collaboration with the dnj Gallery owner and

director Pamela Schoenberg (Dora ’16 and Nathan ’18).

“I believe in art education,” Schoenberg said. “I hope, at dnj Gallery, to further one’s thoughts, dreams and impressions. Art can encourage creativity, invite a dialogue and present us with new ways of viewing the world. It is a form of communication. I enjoyed the process of working with the teenagers, seeing their sense of completion or finality, and actually learning from them,” she said.

The “What Remains” student art exhibition will open June 7 with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m.

The dnj Gallery is open every Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 2525 Michigan Avenue.

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Teachers win cabaret contest

Student art to be in gallery

By Jacob Goodman

instruments, which include Since they could meet up guitar, bass and drums. after school, they rehearsed The fifth member’s role almost every other day. reflects the influence of the Rehearsals and perforBeatles, according to Hansen, mances with the full band because, he plays the cello in- became sparse after middle stead of an instrument usually school especially since its bassassociated with rock. ist moved to Nashville after “I have always been influ- middle school. enced by The Beatles and how However, the other memthey were able to so well add bers still meet around once a orchestral sounds into their month. music,” Hansen said. “The celTheir most recent perforlist plays the notes of the chord mances were at a friend’s birthhigher up so that it gives tex- day party without the bassist ture to the mix.” in February and as a studentAnother opener for p o p u l a r Hansen’s guicover choice tar teacher at for The OffMoose Lodge I feel the need to tracks is The in November, express myself through Who, whose where Hanmusic, so I don’t look at sen’s teacher a n t h e m rock “Won’t every it as a hobby or a job. It’s plays Get Fooled month. something I need to do Again” usualThey met ly opens their during winand want to do.” shows. ter break “That is —Animaan Pathak ’15 when Hansen always a fun and his band one because mates flew it gets insane in the end,” to Nashville to visit the bassHansen said. ist, and they plan on spendHansen and the other band ing more time playing music members met while at Walter together during the summer Reed Middle School. break.

By Enya Huang

PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF VERONICA CROW

WHAT REMAINS: A poster for the dnj Gallery art exhibition made by Veronica Crow ’16.

ticipants had to provide the movie in which each song first Interdisciplinary studies appeared and what year the department head and history movie was produced. teacher Larry Klein and midThe “friendly neighbordle school secretary Tim Smith hood, family contest” was won a song-identifying compe- posted on the faculty portal tition to increase publicity for and lasted a week and a half the final performing before it closed May 21, arts concert of the Guerrero said. year, “Lights, CabaAbout 25 faculty ret, Action!” and remembers responded to ceived four concert the competition across tickets each in adthe two campuses, dition to their one Guerrero said. complimentary fac“[The winners] ulty ticket each. weren’t 100 percent Performing arts correct, but I gave nathanson’s teacher Rodger them an A,” Guerrero Larry Klein Guerrero hosted a said. competition among The May 23-24 faculty to identify movie tunes. concert showcased some of the Given a list of the event’s most influential songs in Holselections, all songs that have lywood, some of which were appeared in movies, par- specifically written for movies.

May 28, 2014

hwchronicle.com/ae

A&E B11 Film Festival

Panel selects directors

By Jacob Goodman

Improv groups perform in year’s last show

MARCELLA PARK/CHRONICLE

MAKING IT UP AS YOU GO: Bryce Terman ’15, left, Oliver Sanderson ’15, Elizabeth Edel ’16 and Shelby Weiss ’16 play the game “Props” during the Jackanapes show, in which they pretend to be inanimate objects. The Jackanapes performed May 9 and Scene Monkeys performed May 16 in Rugby Theatre. Each show lasted approximately 90 minutes and featured about 25 games.

Theaters to produce student-written plays

By Eugenia Ko

Four plays written by students and an alumnus were chosen to be performed at playwright festivals featuring young writers. The Blank Theatre’s Young Playwrights Festival will produce plays by Patric Verrone ’13 and Aiyana White ’14 in June. Sabrina Batchler ’15 and Alex McNab ’14 will have their plays produced in the fall after winning awards from the Young Voices with New Visions Short Play Competition.

The Blank Theatre will produce White’s play “Barophobia” and Verrone’s play “The Son Also Rises,” which discusses issues such as sexuality, substance abuse and sex-

ism through a group of friends McNab wrote his play, on their way to a music festi- “Duck and Pigeon discuss the val.

Finer Points of AFLAC,” dur“The Blank did a fantastic ing his sophomore year. The job producing ‘Eve’ last year, story is inspired by an AFLAC and I was ecstatic to get the commercial with a breakdanccall that ‘The ing pigeon. In Son’ had been his play, the a c c e p t e d ,” main characVerrone said. ters “Duck”

I can’t wait to “I can’t wait and “Pigeon” start working with the to start workare both ing with the plagued by director and the actors director and stereotypes to see what it becomes” from the actors to the see what it —Patric Verrone ’13 commercial. becomes.”

“I’m reAw a r d ally excited winners from the Young Voic- that it will be produced, but I es with New Visions Short probably won’t be able to see it Play Competition will also since it’s in Georgia,” McNab have their plays produced in said. “But this is the first time Georgia in the fall. anything I’ve written has been

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produced on a stage.”

Batchler will have her play “Save the Date” produced in the festival. Although it was originally written for the Harvard-Westlake Playwrights Festival, it was not chosen to be performed. Performing Arts teacher Christopher Moore then encouraged her to submit to other playwright competitions, and “Save the Date” ended up winning the gold medal.

“I’ve never thought of myself as a writer, but both my parents are, and my older brother had two plays accepted into the Playwrights Festival, so I decided to go for it,” Batchler said. “Now everybody in my family will be a produced writer.”

Video arts students film documentaries for citywide project

Choir

Concert features seniors

By Sacha Lin

Twenty-three seniors from the vocal program were scheduled to sing Tuesday at the annual Senior Solo Night in St. Saviour’s Chapel. Each senior was allowed to sing one solo and one group number.

Some of the singers accompanied themselves or had friends play for them.

“It’s just a fun night for all the seniors to get to be together one last time before we graduate,” Bel Canto singer Arden Williams ’14 said.

Dramatic Arts

By Su Jin Nam

tractions there. They interviewed people about the Six students in Video Art beach culture and the benefits I filmed, edited and uploaded of spending the day on the mini documentaries to show- boardwalk.

“It was a good experience case a typical day in Los Angeles for the One Day in LA and a good feeling knowing my work is going to be in a place project.

Participants in the project where multiple people can see filmed what they were doing it,” Bradley said. “It was also fun getting to go to Venice.” on April 26.

On the One Day in LA Cole Kawana ’16 created a film made up entirely of aer- project website, a virtual map of the city with pinial shots from his points is available for drone. viewing. Anyone can He filmed the click on any of the pinGriffith Observapoints to see the video tory, beaches, the filmed there.

San Fernando Val“I think it’s a reley and the upper ally important project,” school campus.

Thompson said. “Los Jack Stovitz ’16, Angeles is so different Jeffery Ehlers ’16 nathanson’s from anywhere else in and Henry Roskin Jenna the world, and it’s cool ’16 documented Thompson ’16 that people get to extheir six-mile condiperience the city from tioning run around the UCLA area. They filmed the eyes of natives.”

Participants in the project, using a GoPro camera.

Jenna Thompson ’16 and which is run by executive diEric Bradley ’16 spent a day rector Rory Mitchell ’97, had in Venice Beach, filming the until May 26 to upload their boardwalk and the many at- videos.

Max Cho ’15, Danielle Stolz ’15 and Marianne Verrone ’15 will serve as the student directors of the Harvard-Westlake Film Festival next year, visual arts department head Cheri Gaulke announced in an email May 4.

The three were chosen by Gaulke, visual arts teacher Kevin O’Malley, visual arts teacher Alyssa Sherwood, performing arts teacher Ted Walch and this year’s student directors.

The three juniors were chosen from seven applicants after submitting an application and being interviewed by the four faculty advisors and the three student directors.

“The film festival is always such a fun and inspiring event, and I can’t wait to help make an already amazing night even more special,” Stolz said.

JAMES HUR/CHRONICLE

SHOWCASING TALENT: Aiyana White ’14 admires art by Eugenie Lund-Simon ’14 at the Senior Art Show in Feldman-Horn.

Gallery displays seniors’ art

By Sharon Chow

Seniors displayed their favorite pieces of art they created for other students, parents and faculty at the Senior Art Show, which was scheduled to be held May 27 in the Feldman-Horn Gallery from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Paintings, ceramics, photography and sculptures were all featured in the show along with group pieces that seniors worked on together during the

year.

Films created by seniors were also shown.

Artwork ranged from abstract paintings like Matt Leichenger’s ’14 “Blue and Orange,” to Darby Caso’s ’14 “Soft Tank,” a 4 foot by 8 foot inflatable tank created in her 3D Art class.

“I feel the artists of the class of 2014 have been outstandingly successful in meeting their goals,” Visual Arts Teacher Marianne Hall said.

Moore reveals next year’s performing arts shows

By Marcella Park

“Company” will be the fall musical, and “As You Like It” will be the winter play next year, performing arts teacher Christopher Moore said in an email May 21.

“Company,” with music and lyrics by composer Stephen Sondheim and a book by George Furth, will be directed by performing arts teachers Michele Spears and Ted Walch.

“As You Like It,” a play by William Shakespeare, will be directed by Moore. English teacher Jocelyn Medawar will work on the production as a dramaturge.

B12 Features

The Chronicle

May 28, 2014

Election season

GRAPHIC BY ZOE DUTTON

Some parents and alums throw their hats in the ring for the June 3 primaries, while students volunteer in campaigns.

By Morganne Ramsey

“I also think a component of why he’s okay with running now When Amelia Miller ’15 got is that I’ll be leaving soon,” Millhome one day last week, she found er said. “It’s not like I’m 10 and a group of people admiring tempo- he’ll be living across the country. I rary tattoos that said “Matt Miller won’t be home anyways.” for Congress, Endorsed by the Los Miller said that the election Angeles Times.” has not had an effect on her dayMiller’s father, Matt, is running to-day life, but that she does help his campaign to represent Cali- out with it. fornia’s 33rd Congressional Dis“I don’t have an official job, but trict out of their I go to fundraisers house. There are and pass out fly17 other candiers,” Miller said.

When you hear dates vying to Marianne Vercandidates that are win the votes rone ’15 also has a good and smart talking parent running for in the district, which consists of office — her father, about what they want the westside of Patric, is running to do, it hammers home for a seat in the Los Angeles and many beach citCalifornia State how politics can be the ies.

Senate.

Verrone biggest and best tool for however, is not inMiller said creating change on a that the deciterested in politics sion to run was and has not been large scale quickly.” a family decision, involved at all in and together —Amelia Miller ’15 her father’s camthey decided that paign. it was something “He made sure feasible for their family. In fact, we didn’t have to be involved in all Miller’s father was going to run of that, which was very considerfor office before Miller was born, ate,” Verrone said. “I’m more supbut her mother said that he could portive than interested.” either marry her or run for ConMiller is a debater, and has algress. Miller said that her father, ways had some interest in politics who is a host of a political radio because of it, but she said that the show and worked in the Clinton campaign made her even more inadministration, had been planning terested in it. to run for Congressman Henry “When you hear candidates Waxman’s seat for a while, but did that are good and smart talking not expect Waxman to retire for about what they want to do, it another five or six years. hammers home how politics can “It was kind of shocking when be the biggest and best tool for [Waxman] announced he was re- creating change on a large scale signing, especially because it only quickly,” Miller said. “There is no left a three-month period for cam- substitute.” paigning,” Miller said, “which is Many of the strategic decisions kind of absurd.”

Miller heard revolved around how Miller said that if her father to spend money for the campaign. wins, it is likely that he will move She said that the campaign has to Washington D.C., but Miller had to raise about $1 million in and her mother will stay in Los the span of three months.

Angeles until Miller graduates.

Another candidate in the dis-

“

trict, Mark Matthew Herd is not have not deemed him as a major taking any donations. candidate.

“We’re trying to get money out “[The way the media ignores of politics,” Herd said. “There are some candidates is] bad for society about five candidates that have and bad for democracy,” Kremer raised probably over a million said. “It’s also just not journalistic.” each, and once you get to that level Kremer said that he had alyou’re not winning a race based on ways been interested in politics, ideas, you’re winning a race based and when he was a child, wanted on money.” to be president until he learned Although Herd did not gradu- that he couldn’t because he was ate from the Harvard School for born in Israel.

Boys, he attended for two years, Like Kremer, Samantha Garand said that although he was field ’14 has always been interested not interested in politics in high in politics, but she’s found a way to school, the rigor of his education get involved while still at Harvardat Harvard helped prepare him for Westlake. She is president of the a career in politics. school chapter of Junior State of When Herd previously ran for America and is mayor of the Los a city council seat, his campaign Angeles region of the organization. was managed by Yuval Kremer ’89, Garfield works about 12 hours who is now running for Los Ange- each week as an intern for anles County Supervisor. other congressional candidate in Kremer is known as “bus guy the campaign for the 33rd district, and animal guy,” because the two Wendy Greuel. most important issues to him are Garfield said that this is the animal shelters and the bus sys- first time that she has worked on tem. a campaign, and that she began Kremer, who is the owner working after other of an 8-year-old cat named members of the camSunshine, wants the county paign reached out to to subsidize animal adopJSA. tions and spay and neuters “I was waiting for a in order to stop the killing of candidate that spoke to animals in shelters. me and had all the same If elected, Kremer also views that I had, and I hopes to increase bus service realized that I wasn’t hours. Kremer does not own really going to find that a car and relies on the bus. unless I ran for office,” nathanson’s When attending his 25th Garfield said.

Samantha Harvard class reunion reWhile Garfield will Garfield ’14 cently, Kremer could not get be too young to vote in back home because the last the June primaries, she bus left at 6:30 p.m., and the event said that she will vote for Greuel in did not end until after that. the November elections if Greuel Kremer is running an “untra- advances past the primary. ditional” campaign, which consists “I think it’s going to be really mainly of automated calls and web empowering that I have such a ads, and said that he has not been close connection to the candidate able to get any attention from ma- and feel like all of my hard work jor media. He has not been invited is going to go for something,” Garto any of the debates held by the field said, “I can actually influence major media outlets because they something. I count, which is nice.”

The campaign trail These members of the Harvard-Westlake community will be up for election June 3.

Mark Matthew Herd Libertarian for Congress Supports cutting military spending and repealing the Affordable Care Act.

Matt Miller Democrat for Congress Supports reforming campaign finance and the healthcare industry to reduce costs.

Yuval Kremer ’89 Democrat for Supervisor Supports subsidizing animal adoption and increasing bus service hours.

Patric Verrone Democrat for State Senate Supports building more state universities and decreasing tuition.

SOURCE: CANDIDATES’ WEBSITES GRAPHIC BY ZOE DUTTON

Sports The Chronicle • May 28, 2014

THE LAST DANCE: Boys’ basketball coach Greg Hilliard will hang it up after 30 years following the 2014-2015 season.

C4

SAM SACHS/CHRONICLE

FINAL STRETCH: Second baseman Ezra Steinberg ’15 dives to reach third base after he smashes a triple down the midde of the field against J.W. North in the first round of the CIF Playoffs May 23. The Wolverines finished the regular season 8-3-1 and played Edison High School Tuesday in the second round.

Road to Chavez Ravine The baseball team started its CIF run to return to Dodgers Stadium last Friday by beating first round opponent J.W. North 5-0.

By Sam Sachs

J

ack Flaherty ’14 walked the leadoff batter in the Wolverines opening round CIF playoff game against the J.W. North Huskies on May 23. After that the sixfoot-four senior pitcher threw 10 strikeouts and reached 92 mph on his fastball on his way to no-hitting the Huskies and retiring 21 straight batters.

“Just when you think you’ve seen Jack do everything he comes out and does something new that you’re pretty amazed at,” Coach Matt LaCour said. “Gutsy performance by him. He could’ve had a perfect game and, you know, we needed a gutsy performance out of him and the rest of our team, with the little bit of adversity that we’re go-

ing through.”

The adversity LaCour was talking about is the dismissal of starting catcher Matt Karo ’14 after Karo and the coaching staff had a disagreement about the Columbia-bound catcher’s role on the team.

“It is what it is, you know,” LaCour said on the subject. “We’ve got 20 guys in the dugout for the playoffs and we feel really good about those guys.”

“I’m reluctant to comment on anything beyond what is happening with the team on the field as that’s where the focus should be,” Karo said. “So all I’m going to say is that I’m happy for Jack as he had yet another outstanding performance in his [Harvard-Westlake] career, and it was a great team win.”

John Thomas ’16 stepped in for the absent Karo, like he did earlier in the season as Karo was knocked out of the lineup by an injury.

“I don’t know if John is going to start at catcher the rest of way,” LaCour said. “Tom Fuller ’15 is more than capable. We’ll make that determination in practice over the next couple days, but the thing about John Thomas that we know is that he’s going to do whatever we ask him to do as a teammate on this field, and that’s third base, that’s left field, that’s catching. He’s tough enough for us to put him in really difficult situations and for him to handle it. It’s a testament to the work ethic that kid has, even when things weren’t going well this year for him, when he wasn’t play-

ing a whole lot that he stuck to it. I’m really happy for him and the performance he had behind the plate today.”

Flaherty’s near-perfect game was saved when center fielder Jackson Grayson ’15 dove in front of right fielder Michael Vokulich ’14 to catch a pop-up hit between the two to record the last out , and before that by left fielder Jake Suddleson ’16 running into the outfield fence to track down a fly ball in the sixth inning.

“Honestly, we did nothing right,” Vokulich said. “We didn’t talk at all and the last thing I remember seeing was [Grayson] jumping out in front of me and catching it so it all worked out.”

Next on deck for the • Continued on page C6

Lacrosse

Team falls to Crespi in CIF Playoffs

By Mila Barzdukas

SAM SACHS/CHRONICLE

SLAPPING STICK: Midfielder Phil Thompson ’16 (#35) evades a St. Margaret player in the varsity lacrosse team’s 10-9 win April 26. The squad won the Mission League title against Loyola May 2 but fell in CIF Quarterfinals to Crespi 9-7 May 8.

The biggest foe for the Wolverine lacrosse team has always been Crespi. The Wolverines triumphed over the Celts in league, winning the last game against Crespi before playoffs and securing the league title and the top seed. However, the Celts surprised the Wolverines when they went head to head in the quarterfinals, beating the Wolverines 9-7 and ending their season and quest for a championship.

“We played pretty well but in the end their goalie was making a few good plays and our shots just didn’t fall and we made a couple of silly mistakes on defense,” defender Andrew Park ’15 said. “I guess that all cost us the game.”

Unlike the previous two matchups, the Wolverines

were unable to lead at any point in the game.

The Celts jumped to a quick 3-0 after the first quarter. Brooks Hudgins ’14 and Jack Temko ’14 each scored in the second quarter to take a 3-2 lead. The game wasn’t tied up until the end of the second quarter, with Hudgins tying the score at 4-4.

Two quick goals by Crespi made the score 6-4 at the half. Active efforts by the Wolverine offense were made in the second half, but the Celts maintained their two-goal lead until the end of the game.

Crespi went on to lose to Oak Park 10-9 in the semi-finals.

Foothill-Santa Ana ended up winning the tournament and the cup.

“I think we definitely could have beat Oak Park if we beat Crespi,” defensive midfielder Alex Corlin ’15 said of the loss.

“It’s just always a battle with Crespi. Every single year.”

Despite the loss to Crespi in playoffs, the Wolverines managed to secure the league championship by beating Loyola 11-8 on the Wolverines’ senior night. Harvard-Westlake had the lead throughout the game, but the score was never more than a few goals apart.

The only league loss this year was to Crespi 14-13 March 7.

“We have a more intense rivalry with Crespi, I’d say,” offensive midfielder Drew Corlin ’15 said. “But Loyola was big because if we didn’t win that we wouldn’t win league.”

Crepsi lost to Loyola in a league game during the season, giving the Celts one more loss than the Wolverines, who finish their 2014 campaign with a record of 13-5.

The Chronicle

C2 Sports

Facts &

May 28, 2014

Boys’ Tennis

Figures The number of events the track and field team qualified for in the CIF Finals.

38

13 Jack Flaherty’s ‘14 projected ranking in the upcoming 2014 MLB draft.

The total number of goals Roman Holthouse ’15 scored this year, a season and career record.

98

63

The percentage of games Michael Genender ’15 has won this season.

Game to watch MAY 30

Track and Field at CIF Masters At Cerritos College

The Wolverines qualified seven athletes by way of CIF Finals to compete in CIF Masters this Friday. The group is headlined by Courtney Corrin ’16, who repeated as CIF Champion in girls’ long jump. Efe Agege ’14, Alexandria Florent ’15 and David Manahan ’14 were also CIF Champions in their respective events last weekend.

LUCY PUTNAM/CHRONICLE

BACKHAND: Michael Genender ’15 prepares to return the ball with a backhand swing in the Wolverines’ match against Crespi. The Wolverines won the game 18-0 and made it to the CIF Finals before losing to University High of Irvine 10-8 May 23 at Claremont Club.

Team falls short of CIF title after loss to Uni

By Lucy Putnam

Despite the boys’ tennis team 8-10 loss to University High School at CIF finals Friday, five team members look ahead to the state individual tournament.

The loss means the Wolverines will be seeded slightly lower for the state tournament, which is comprised of the top four teams in Division I, and the top two in Division II. Although the Wolverines will have to face University again in order to win the state tournament, their last match gave them the belief it is possible since the score resulted in a such a slim margain.

“It was a close match, and

we proved to everyone that we could have gone either way. I have the ability to beat the best think the crowd also gave an team, University,” Jared Eisner advantage to University be’16 said. cause although I’m grateful The team has had a last- for all our support, it’s hard to ing rivalry out yell dozens with Unimore fans.” versity, comThe team’s peting to be most recent I think everyone the domimatch against really stepped up to nant high University was school tenthe closest the highest level and nis presence the Wolversharpened their game.” in Southern ines have come California. to victory in —Jaird Meyer ’15 “I think the past three everyone reyears. ally stepped “University up to the highest level and will continue to be our biggest sharpened their game,” Jaird competition along with San Meyer ’15 said. “We were neck Marino,” captain Max Rothand neck with University. It man ’14 said.

“

Baseball alumni reach semifinals with Emory

KEY PLAYERS

David Manahan ’14 In one of his final high school track meets, Manahan looks to go out with a bang. Manahan set the school record for the 800m with his meet winning time of 1:52.53 at CIF Finals May 24 at Cerritos College.

In previous years he battled injuries, but he was able to come back and capture both the Mission League and CIF Championship titles in the 800m. He will compete at CIF Masters May 30. Manahan will continue his running career at USC next fall.

Junior Varsity Baseball (15-8) Last Game: W (12-7) vs. Notre Dame

Boys’ tennis (8-1) Last Match: W (18-0) @ St. Francis

Lacrosse (10-3) Last Game: W (9-7) vs. Loyola

Boys’ volleyball (13-9) Last Match: L (2-0) vs. Newbury Park

Rothman will be competing in a doubles team with co-captain Sam Hummel ’14.

In order to beat University in the next round the team feels it needs to work on finishing its points and not giving opponents chances to get ahead, Meyer said.

“There is just a slim margin that we had to break to beat University and in our last match,” Rothman said. “We couldn’t capitalize on key moments.”

The team competed in the first round of CIF Regionals yesterday.

The second round of CIF Regionals will be held May 30 and those teams that qualify will compete the following day.

By Eric Loeb

PRINTED WTH PERMISSION OF CHRIS CHIRSK

DIG: Josephine Kremer ’14 dives into the sand to dig up a ball after a hitter spiked the ball. Kremer is committed to play at Notre Dame.

Kremer ’14 named beach volleyball All-American

By Elijah Akhtarzad

The American Volleyball Coaches Association selected girls’ volleyball standout and University of Notre Dame commit Josephine Kremer ’14 as a Sand Volleyball All-American May 13. The exclusive AllAmerican team features just four sand volleyball players around the nation, including two others from Calif.

“I am incredibly honored to be named to the first-ever High School Sand Volleyball All-America Team and cannot wait to bring what I’ve learned on the beach to the Notre Dame volleyball team in August,” Kremer said.

Kremer, who was one of the captains of the girls’ volleyball team, made her case in her final year as an elite indoor hitter after leading the Wolverines to the CIF Finals where they fell to La Salle 3-0 Nov. 26.

The sand volleyball vet-

eran recently finished her high school season undefeated on the beach while also playing at the Elite Beach Volleyball Club coached by sand volleyball legends Holly McPeak, Barbara Fontana and Eric Fonoimoana.

Since its inception two years ago, the beach volleyball program at Harvard-Westlake has participated competitively in the Amateur Athletic Union for Beach Volleyball.

In its first year, the squad came in third in the championship tournament, but was only able to reach the semifinals last spring. Although the team is composed of many indoor volleyball players, only six athletes are able to participate in each tournament during the year.

“This year we had a lot of sophomores on our indoor varsity team that played beach last year so I think everyone has gotten a lot better,” Kremer said.

mound this season. The righthander struck out 78 batters The 22nd ranked Emory in his 84.1 innings pitched this baseball team has reached the year, while only surrendering semifinals of the NCAA Di- 22 earned runs. vision III Baseball Peacock batted .339 Championships, folon the year, notching a lowing a 9-7 victory team high 15 doubles. over State University His best game this of New York, Cortseason came against land, May 25, and an Rochester March 2, upset victory over when he went 4-4 with second ranked Linfive runs batted in durfield College, May ing the team’s 14-2 vic24. The run has been tory. He likened his due in part to the efexperience as an Eagle nathanson’s forts of three former to his experience as a Connor Wolverines who have Wolverine, but said Dillman ’11 made an impact on that there was a major the team this year, pitchers difference in the time commitConnor Dillman ’11 and Hans ment.

Hansen ’13 and outfielder Wes “We play a lot more games Peacock ’11. in college, so the grind of a long Hansen finished his senior season really gets to you by playseason at Harvardoff time,” Peacock said.

Westlake by winning “In the World Series, the National Chamwe have a game every pionship, pitching 31 day. You don’t have innings and sporting that kind of schedule a 1.35 earned run avin high school. The erage. He has struck schedule is tough on out 44 batters thus far our bodies, but you this season, while only just got to get over it allowing six to reach and play hard like any base via walk. Hansen other day.” nathanson’s credits his experience “It’s been a really Hans as a member of the special experience,” Hansen ’13 Wolverine baseball Dillman said. “[Diviprogram for shaping his per- sion III] baseball doesn’t ususpective on the sport. ally get too much attention, so “[My time at Harvard- it has been really nice to be able Westlake] definitely made me to compete on a bigger stage at expect more of myself and the such a well-organized event.” team I’m on,” he said.

The team played Southern Dillman led the Eagles Maine, May 26, but results were with a 10-1 record when on the not available as of press time.

May 28, 2014

hwchronicle.com/sports

Sports C3

inbrief

Swimming

8 race at CIF Finals

Fried ’12 to return to action in minors

Max Fried ’12 has returned to practice after injuring his pitching forearm in late February. He was throwing more than 90 mph at practice in Arizona this month. Fried is “close to game action” according to rotoworld.com.

In 2013, Fried pitched 23 games for the Fort Wayne TinCaps, the minor league affiliate of the San Diego Padres, the team that drafted Fried in 2012.

By Audrey Wilson

Eight Wolverine swimmers competed to wrap up their season at CIF Finals May 17 at the Riverside Aquatics Center.

Both the boys’ and girls’ teams finished with overall records of 5-2. The girls’ squad went 4-1 in league and the boys’ finished 3-2.

“CIF Finals were historically fast this year,” head coach Jon Carroll said. “As a testament, four national high school records were set.”

Despite tough competition, the Wolverines closed their season with strong races.

Co-captain Colin Lynch ’14 won the B Final in the 100m backstroke and set a school record with his 46.71 relay lead-off in the 100m free.

In the boys’ 100m breaststroke A Final, Alex Hsing ’16 placed seventh and John Copses ’14 placed ninth. Henry Copses ’14 placed 16th in the 500m free. The team of Bryanna Lee ’15, Helen Miles ’16, Sydney Wong ’14 and Claudia Wong ’18 placed 17th in the girls 200m free relay.

“It was the first time we had all been to CIF Finals and just being able to swim at such a fast meet was a great experience,” Lee said. “We were all really proud of ourselves and we came out knowing that we could do this again next year and improve even more.”

The journey to CIF Finals resulted in a number of new

–Henry Vogel

CAITLIN NEAPOLE/CHRONICLE

STEALING A BREATH: Izzy Frankel ’16 comes up for air during a butterfly race against Chaminade. The girls’ team finished the season 4-1 while the boys completed league play with a 3-2 record. school records. At Mission League Championships, Claudia Wong set a record with a 1:56.97 in the 200m free.

Five school records fell at CIF Prelims as Lynch swam 50.74 in the 100m backstroke, Johnny Hooper ’15 raced in the 50m free with a time of 21.37, Hsing swam the 100m breaststroke in 56.45, the boys’ 200 medley relay with Lynch, Copses, Andy Liu ’14 and John Chu ’15 swam 1:34.87 and the boys’ 400 free relay with Lynch, Henry Copses, Hooper and Chu took the record in 3:09.48.

“We did not do anything especially different this year,” Carroll said. “We continue to try and offer our athletes the maximum opportunities to train and improve on their skills. More athletes took advantage of those opportuni-

ties this year, particularly a.m. lose its veteran seniors, the workouts at the start of the team is hopeful for success. season, and it paid dividends.”

“I feel pretty good about The small the future of changes the the team,” Wo l v e r i n e s Henry Copses made this We were all really said. “We still season made many proud of ourselves and have a signifiof my club we came out knowing t e a m m a t e s cant impact.

Swimmers that we could do this there, as well also saw an as other fast again next year and s w i m m e r s . increase in organization improve even more.” I think in that they future —Bryanna Lee ’15 the felt the team we should be lacked in earable to have lier years. continued “This year was more or- success in the pool.” ganized than previous years,” As the Wolverines prepare Lee said. “Coach Carroll did for next season, Carroll said a good job of guiding people he looks to Claudia Wong and through the swim season, es- Lee on the girls’ side to have a pecially for those who were chance to make individual CIF new at the sport.” events next year and Hsing Although the program will and Hooper on the boys’ side.

“

Swoope ’10 progresses in Colts’ training camp

By Tyler Graham

CHRONICLE ARCHIVES

FLYING HIGH AGAIN: Former Wolverine basketball player Erik Swoope ’10 (#21) has been training to play the tight end position for the Indianapolis Colts despite never playing organized football previously. Swoope signed with the Colts May 11.

ball transition is not unique to Swoope. Swoope is folAfter signing as an un- lowing the blueprint of curdrafted free agent with the rent Saints tight end Jimmy Indianapolis Colts on May 11, Graham who has become an former Wolverine basketball All-Pro in the NFL after fostar Erik Swoope ’10 will get cusing primarily on baskethis opportunity to play on an ball at Miami. Future NFL NFL team. Swoope had never Hall of Famers Antonio Gates played organized footand Tony Gonzalez ball before the Colts’ also made similar rookie minicamp last changes. week.

“It was mainly The 6'5", 220 pound just the opportunity Swoope, known for that pushed me tothrowing down rimwards the NFL, and shattering dunks at it really came out of the University of Minowhere,” Swoope ami, has impressed said. “At first I nathanson’s Colts Head Coach wasn’t really sure if Erik Swoope ’10 Chuck Pagano with his it was legitimate or athleticism. if it was just a joke.

“He looks natural,” Pagano I was able to exchange numtold the IndyStar. “We’ve had bers with the scout that was guys here before that couldn’t interested in me and found even get in a stance. He can out that this wasn’t a laughget in a stance. He looks natu- ing matter, so I ran a workout ral running routes. He’s obvi- and things were very positive ously got great ball skills and so I figured I should pursue hands. He doesn’t drop any the opportunity.” balls. He’s got a high ceiling.”

Head of Athletics Terry In his senior year at Har- Barnum feels optimistic about vard-Westlake, Swoope av- Swoope’s leap to football. eraged 21.8 points and 8.9 “I think [Swoope] is going rebounds per game and was to be great,” Barnum said. “He named to the California All- was an amazing athlete when State Basketball Second he was here, he continues to Team. Swoope went on to play be that. I would have loved to four years at Miami, where he have seen him play football for averaged 5.0 points per game Harvard-Westlake. I think he and 2.7 rebounds. would have had a major imThe basketball to foot- pact.”

SAAC names Athletes of Month

The Student-Athlete Advisory Council has selected Michael Genender ’15 of the boys’ tennis team and Jessica Johnston ’14 of the girls’ softball team to be the Male and Female Athletes of the Month.

Genender has not lost a set since March, and he has only lost two sets all season. In total, Genender won more than 98% of his games this season.

Johnston, who plays centerfield, batted .475 this season. In the last game of the softball team’s season, the Wolverines were down by one against Alemany, and Johnston hit a walk-off three-run home run to right field with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Johnston will continue to play softball at the University of California, Santa Barbara next year, where she is expected to be a starting player as a freshman.

–Jonathan Seymour

Two continue to rowing nationals

Rowers Amiya Brown ’14 and Riley Spain ’15 advanced to USRowing Youth National Championships June 13-15 at Lake Natoma near Sacramento from Southwest Regionals. Rowing for the California Yacht Club, Brown’s double took gold. “[It] was made all the better by the commentator saying our boat was one of the best he had seen at this race in several years,” Brown said.

Spain’s women’s eight boat with MAC Junior Rowing qualified third and will continue this year for redemption after being disqualified last year over a technicality.

–Audrey Wilson

Grossman ’11 wins national championship With two goals in the championship game, Ashley Grossman ’11 helped lift the Stanford Cardinal Women’s Water Polo team to a national championship over the UCLA Bruins May 11, by a final score of 9-5.

The Cardinal lost just one game all year, and ended with a final record of 25-1, with their only defeat coming to the Bruins earlier in the season. The team was down by four goals, but then scored seven unanswered goals.

Grossman, who competed in the Canada Cup this past January, netted the equalizing goal before the team scored four more goals to win the championship game.

–Bennett Gross

The Chronicle

C4 Sports

May 28, 2014

HILLIARD TO RETIRE PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY GRANT NUSSBAUM

By Grant Nussbaum He entered in 1985 as the new Harvard school basketball coach from Oregon, taking over a team that went 1-23 a year earlier. With 603 wins, nine CIF titles, two State Championships and one season to go, he will exit in 2015 as the winningest coach in HarvardWestlake history. Boys’ basketball head coach Greg Hilliard will retire following the 2014-2015 season, the athletic department announced in a press release April 29.

“With a tinge of sadness and lots of gratitude, I would like to announce that the 201415 basketball season will be my last,” Hilliard said in a statement. “It will be my 40th year as a varsity head coach and my 30th at Harvard-Westlake. It has been an honor and a pleasure to represent this community in a small way for so many years. The players, parents, coaches, support staff, opponents and administrators have gone out of their way to bless my coaching experience.

I couldn’t have done any of

courttalk

it without them, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.”

After stepping off the court for the final time in 2015, Hilliard will stay on board with the athletic department as Director of Alumni Athletics, the press release stated.

Hilliard cited multiple reasons for declaring next year his final run, but felt it was overall the proper moment to bow out.

“There are a lot of reasons [I am retiring], obviously, and I’ve thought about it a lot,” Hilliard told the Chronicle.

“The administration has asked me for a while now how I would like to go out and how I’d want to do it. One of the things I wanted to do was have a year where I knew it was going to be my last year. It’s kind of like if somebody told you ‘You’re going to die here and you have this much time.

What do you want to do with it?’ So there are things I want to do this year that’ll make it a lot of fun for me and hopefully for the kids.”

He added that the change

in coaching culture played a still savors his first of back-tosmall role in the timing of his back State Championships in decision.

1996 and 1997, noting the first “The last part [of my deci- as one of the highlights of his sion] is the new way of coach- career. ing in basketball involves a lot “The first [highlight] was of obligation to coaching club a major moment and it hapteams,” he said. “Of course, pened with the [Collins] when I came in that wasn’t twins,” Hilliard said. “The the case. I kind of assumed my first time you experience going whole career all the way would be that and finishing [not affiliatit with a win. ing with club It was 1996 I never worked teams], but when we won a day in my life, and I now, not only the state title is it being the first time. hope every person gets done by every That’s an into pursue his or her coach down credible feelpassion the way I did.” here, but our ing.” school would H owe ve r, —Greg Hilliard the long-time like all of our guys to do Boys' basketball coach high school that. It’s not basketball something coach takes that I am comfortable with pride most in constructing philosophically, and it’s not a basketball contender at a something I envisioned do- school more renowned for its ing in my last years coaching. academics.

That might have sped it up a “The last and best thing little bit, to be honest. But in was that I got to do it for so all honesty, it is time.” many years at a school like Through three decades at this with the kind of kids who Harvard-Westlake, Hilliard everyone looks at as a disad-

“

vantage in basketball,” Hilliard said. “I was quick to discover and benefit from the fact that it’s actually an advantage. I’ve got the smartest kids and the hardest working kids. They’re used to being successful. With what they do in the classroom after a day of school here, basketball is nothing. I’ve always gotten so much out of these kids that that’s been the third and probably most important part of this whole run.”

Hilliard remains grateful for the opportunity to mentor 30 teams worth of players at Harvard-Westlake and unconcerned about what his legacy in Wolverine history will be.

“Legacy is something that other people decide, and the only thing that I’d want other people to know is that I loved every minute of this,” Hilliard said. “I never worked a day in my life, and I hope every person gets to pursue his or her passion the way I did.

Whatever’s left over as far as a legacy, I’ll leave that to other folks, but the legacy HarvardWestlake has left me has been incredible.”

The Chronicle asked: “What sort of impact has coach Hilliard had on you as a player?”

GRANT NUSSBAUM/CHRONICLE

"I play with a lot of emotion and fire but Coach’s calm demeanor has helped me stay poised on the court, and I think that balance has been really beneficial for me."

— Alex Copeland '15

GRANT NUSSBAUM/CHRONICLE

"He always gave all the praise to his players and only took credit when things went wrong. I wouldn’t be the player and man I am today if it wasn’t for Coach."

— Bryan Polan '14

GRANT NUSSBAUM/CHRONICLE

"Coach helped me become the player I am today by pushing me and trusting me. He has set an example of truth and honesty which are further carried out by his team.

— Parsa Shoa '16

GRANT NUSSBAUM/CHRONICLE

"He finds the perfect balance between kid and player.

He has had a tremendous influence on my life as he not only improved my game but become a better person.

— Noah Gains '15

GRANT NUSSBAUM/CHRONICLE

"He has impressed a magnitude of basketball knowledge and understanding. He knows the game at a level I can only hope to achieve one day.

— Carter Begel '17

May 28, 2014

hwchronicle.com/sports

Sports C5

ACROSS THE NATION

Class of 2014 Committed College Athletes

Baseball Jack Flaherty Brian Ginsberg Matt Karo Sean Kiley Logan Simon Tyler Urbach Michael Vokulich

Softball University of North Carolina Brown Columbia Oberlin Bowdoin Fordham New York University

Amherst

Jackie Carr Madeline Kaplan Jessica Johnston Molly Steinberg

Harvard UC Santa Barbara Carleton

Fencing Jake Raynis

University of Pennsylvania

SAM SACHS/CHRONICLE

Soccer

Track and Field

Nick Knight Jonah Blume-Kemkes Lucy Putnam Malanna Wheat Mackenzie Howe Mckynzie Dickman

Washington University in St. Louis Oberlin Williams Southern Methodist University Northwestern Creighton

Efe Agege Mintis Hankerson

Bucknell Babson

David Manahan Lizzy Thomas

USC Harvard

Wrestling Jake Bracken

Lacrosse Noah Pompan Jack Temko

Gettysburg

Golf

Gettysburg Hamilton

Bakari Bolden

USC

GRANT NUSSBAUM/CHRONICLE

Water Polo Rebecca Armstrong Sydney Cheong Warren Snyder

University of Michigan Princeton UCLA

Swimming Gettysburg

Henry Copses John Copses Colin Lynch Sydney Wong

Emory Emory Bucknell University of Chicago

Volleyball Marielle Bagnard (sand) Caroline Branigan Nicole Elattrache Josephine Kremer Mia Natsis

USC Connecticut College Duke Notre Dame Amherst

Football David Hartmeier CAITLIN NEAPOLE/CHRONICLE

Princeton PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF REBECCA ARMSRONG

C6 Sports

The Chronicle

May 28, 2014

Softball

Squad ends on 4-game winning streak, fails to make CIF Playoffs

By Bennett Gross and Henry Vogel

GRANT NUSSBAUM/CHRONICLE

EYE ON THE BALL: Outfielder Jessica Johnston ’14 loads up to hit a fastball. The team finished on a four-game win streak with an overall record of 10-12-1 and a league record of 6-4.

Despite finishing the season with a four-game winning streak, the varsity softball team fell just short of CIF, ending Mission League play one game out of the top spot.

The team’s final league record was 6-4 and its overall record was 10-12-1.

The team’s winning streak was highlighted by team captain Jessica Johnston ’14, who was named Athlete of the Month for May by the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, hitting the game winning RBI during the team’s 2-1 Senior Day victory over the Chaminade Eagles at the team’s home field, Birmingham High School, May 8. “[Johnston] totally deserved [Athlete of the Month],” teammate Victoria Knight ’16 said.

“She kicked it up a notch on Senior Day in her last league game, and she literally hit it out of the park.”

Johnston finished the sea-

son ranked fourth in the Mis- Mission League opponents. sion League in batting average Players said the team’s seawith a .474 average, third in son ending four-game winruns scored with 22 and fifth ning streak could not have in on base percentage with a occured prior to the roster’s .507 average. Johnston previ- return to full strength with ously comall four seniors mitted to taking the play collediamond. Regiate softcovering from [Jessica ball next injuries was a Johnston ’14] kicked it spring at major theme UC Santa throughout up a notch on Senior Barbara. the team’s seaDay.” F i r s t son, and playyear varsi—Victoria Knight ’16 ers said they ty pitcher hope to expeHailey de rience better la Vara ’17 luck with injualso ranked in the top five for ries next year, allowing them the Mission League in two cat- to keep their best players on egories at the end of the year, the field. finishing fourth in ERA and “At the beginning of this second in wins with 10. year we had a rough start with Along with de la Vara, the a lot of injuries, but at the end team has seven other fresh- of the season, we came out remen returning next season, ally strong and hopefully next and after gaining experience year, we can start out with as this year, Knight said they much fire as we ended with are excited for the upcoming this season,” Knight said. season, and feel they have the •See C8 for Johnston Q&A potential to do damage against

“

Boys’ Golf

Team finishes 2nd in CIF, advances to next round

By Jordan Garfinkel

Following an 8-4 regular season in league play, the boys’ golf team is now getting ready to move on to the second round of CIF play.

“I think we have played continually better as the playoffs have progressed,” Adrian Berger ’15 said. “We started out okay, but I definitely think AP’s being over helped us concentrate on golf. I don’t think we were very happy with our league record, so we definitely were motivated to do well in playoffs.”

The team ended the regular season on a very high note, claiming victory in four of the last five league matches, including the final two against Chaminade.

“The team understood that our regular season meant ab-

solutely nothing,” Bakari Bolden ‘14 said. “We couldn’t put up a solid team effort this entire season. However, starting at league finals we started to play and practice with a purpose.”

The Wolverines placed second in the Mission League Finals tournament. Brandon Kewalrami ’17 posted a 74 and Bolden a 76. Both Kewalrami and Bolden moved on to the first round of the CIF-SS Individual playoffs with their performances.

“We were very disappointed,” Bolden said. “We did not come out and play smart golf, which is why scores were so high including myself. We lost to Loyola by four strokes I believe. And as terribly as we played, we were still able to compete with the league champions of the past 4 years.”

On May 14, Kwealrami shot

a 74, which landed him the top 20 out of 105 competing players. The performance elevated Kewalrami to the CIF-SS Individual Championship that will be taking place on Tuesday, May 27. Bolden also had an opportunity to move on to the CIF-SS Individual Championship, but was disqualified because he did not sign the scorecard that was turned in.

“I’m really looking to improve on my mental game,” Bolden said. “I find that my biggest obstacle is my brain and once I improve my mental game, I know that my golf game will improve exponentially.”

In the first round of the CIF playoffs, the team shot 11 over par and finished in second place out of the 20 competing teams. Berger led the team with a 1-under 71, Kewalra-

mani finished even-par and Tyler Graham ’15 shot a 75.

“We didn’t do as well as we wanted in League finals, but we played very well in CIF, finishing runner-up,” Berger said. “Since I have been frustrated with my performance all season, it was very rewarding to finish 2nd overall as an individual at CIF. We head to the desert next week to compete among the top 14 teams in Southern California, and I am personally excited to play well there.”

The team now moves on to the second round of the playoffs, along with 14 opponents from the southern section.

“Now that we are in CIF, we only get one round of golf to determine whether or not we advance and we understand the importance of every single shot,” Bolden said.

LUKE HOLTHOUSE/CHRONICLE

FOCUS: Jeffrey Aronson ’15

reads a putt at a match against Loyola at Encino Golf Course.

Baseball

No-hitter propels Wolverines to victory, four wins from title • Continued from page C1

SAM SACHS/CHRONICLE

DEFENDING THE TITLE: Jack Flaherty ’14, top, pitched a no-hitter in baseball’s 5-0 win over JW North in the first round of CIF. The team competed against Edison High School yesterday.

Wolverines was a game against the Edison Chargers, ranked 55 in the state by MaxPreps, on May 27. However, results were unavailable as of press time.

With a win the Wolverines, who finished second in Mission League to the rival Loyola Cubs, would advance to the quarterfinals where they would face either top seeded JSerra Catholic, the Trinity League champs, or the Valencia Vikings on May 30.

If their win streak, which now stands at three games, continues, the Wolverines would advance to the CIF semifinals on June 3 at Blair Field and then the CIF finals on June 6 at Dodgers Stadium.

With a loss, the Wolverines

chance to repeat as CIF Champions would also be lost.

“You always want to win a ring,” designated hitter Jacob Pardo ’14 said. “But we’ll all be satisfied if we give our best and leave it all out on the field.

We just need to keep playing up to our ability. When we play our best and everyone is locked in and focused we can beat anybody in the country.

As long as we have that mentality and focus we’ll be good.”

Vokulich will move from right field to take the mound as the starting pitcher when the Wolverines square off against Edison, and Flaherty will return to the field to play third base for the team.

“I got to go out and lead the way as pitcher, and help our team get another win,”

Vokulich said.

The Wolverines are just four games away from another ring, and if they advance to the Finals Flaherty and shortstop Brian Ginsberg’s ’14 win total would reach 100 wins over their last four years as starters on LaCour’s varsity squad.

However, 101 wins and the CIF championship that would come with those last four wins is the goal, not just hitting the century mark for the winningest duo in Harvard-Westlake baseball history.

“We got to win it all,” pitcher Logan Simon ’14 said.

“We won it all last year, and I think this team is just as capable, so I don’t see why we can’t win four more games and win the championship, I really don’t.”

May 28, 2014

hwchronicle.com/sports

Sports C7

Boys’ Volleyball

Wolverines exit CIF play after 3-0 sweep by Corona del Mar

By Elijah Akhtarzad

After finishing the season fourth in the Mission League, the boys’ volleyball team defied expectations by entering CIF Playoffs with a 7-5 league record. The Wolverines’ hope of a CIF run was ended early when they were swept 3-0 in the first round of CIF play May 13 by Corona del Mar High School, ranked fifth in the nation.

“I thought we did a really great job improving and competing,” Head Coach Adam Black said. “Our guys never gave up, especially when times were tough. They stayed together and stayed the course.”

Despite suffering a sweep at the hands of the Sea Kings, the Wolverines were able to remain competitive in the second set due to their defense, which got the team within seven points, but they eventually fell 25-18. The Sea Kings were able to progress all the way to the CIF Semifinals, but were defeated by Wolverines’ league rival Loyola in five sets.

The Wolverines fell to the Cubs twice this year during league play.

“We were a bit intimidated but also excited when we heard that we would play Corona Del Mar in the first round of CIF playoffs,” Hudson Ling ’15 said. “The game took place at their home, which notoriously

attracts many Corona del Mar fans.

“Although they’re ranked fifth in the nation, we battled and never gave up. We wanted to put up a fight for our boy Bryan Polan [’14], who played his final volleyball game on his birthday that day in Newport Beach.”

Despite the squad missing seven seniors from last year and lacking the height they used last year to make a quarterfinals run, the Wolverines were able to play as a cohesive unit and end the season with a record above .500 in the Mission League.

“Although our team as a whole was the youngest the program has seen in a while, our team also proved extremely mature and tenacious,” Ling said. “In terms of size and experience, we were at a disadvantage, comprising of only two seniors. However, smart play and mindful practices showed drastic improvement from the beginning of the season. Next year’s squad will be almost identical to this year’s, so the fraternity we were able to build this year will lead to a very strong start next year.”

The Wolverines were able to play many young players on their team this year since there were only two seniors on the team.

The four juniors, Brad

Comisar ’15, Scott Nussbaum ’15, Nico Lubkeman ’15 and Ling were able to get key minutes and gain experience this season that could potentially help with their chemistry next season.

“The two seniors that we are losing, Eliott [Sassouni ’14] and Bryan, filled roles that were important to our team by position and cohesiveness,” Black said. “Their presence will be missed. With that said we do look forward to continue building on 2014 as we head into next season with the returning players.

The experience gained from this year will only enhance our performance next year.”

“As the only returning senior on the team, I have learned to appreciate all the hard work and dedication it takes to not only improve as a volleyball player, but also to build the integral relationships with the other guys to improve as a team,” Sassouni said. “I don’t know if I have a particular moment that stands out to me as a highlight of the season, but every time we took the court, we are more than just individuals playing our respective roles.

We are one unit that played volleyball like a well-oiled machine, and as the only returning senior and a veteran, it was really awesome to see our team gel as well as it did.”

CAITLIN NEAPOLE/CHRONICLE

HANGTIME: Hudson Ling ’15 gets vertical in order to smash a spike in a loss to Loyola on April 4. The volleyball team lost in the first round of CIF and finished with an overall record of 10-10-2.

The Chronicle

C8 Sports

May 28, 2014

Batter Up Q&A with Jessica Johnston ’14

LUKE HOLTHOUSE/CHRONICLE

WALK-OFF WIZARD: Outfielder Jessica Johnston ’14 prepares to swing. This season she has had two walk-off home runs and led the team to a 6-4 Mission League record.

Stats:

By Bennett Gross

Do you play softball outside of school and if so, what is the time commitment like?

What made you decide to start playing softball, and how old were you when you started?

I’ve played club since I was 10 and it is extremely time-consuming and really strenuous.

I started when I was 7, and actually I showed up to the tryouts without even having equipment, so my parents just decided to put me into it and I only got competitive when I was 10.

What was it like to hit the gamewinning home run on senior day?

Oh my goodness, that was actually so crazy. I was actually not really expecting that to happen. It’s such a cliché…I don’t know, but having all my fans cheering for me and stuff. It was awesome.

What was the most memorable moment of your Harvard-Westlake career?

We had a game the [week after Senior Day] against Alemany, and I also hit a game-winning home run in that game.

That was more recent, but it was really exciting also. Probably Senior Day was cooler, though. There were more people.

What are your thoughts on how your senior season went compared to your junior year or maybe even freshman year?

I guess I felt more of a leading role this year. A lot more pressure was put on me since Maddie Kaplan ’14 was out with an injury. There were just a lot of injuries this year, and I really had to step it up, but I think I was just good with the pressure personally.

Do you have any more thoughts on how your senior season went and how the team can improve for next year?

.474

Batting Average

22

Runs Scored

I have no idea how next year will be.

There are actually not a lot of girls on the team so I really hope that there’s more interest. I think that the girls who will be seniors will be able to lead the team. They’ll hopefully have a great season.

What helped your decision to commit to UC Santa Barbara?

I had offers from other schools, but it was sophomore year and I was just really excited. And I think it was actually more the people at the school.

I really liked a lot of the people there, and the girls on the team were really nice, and I thought it would be a good fit for me.

What are you most looking forward to for your season next year at UCSB? I’m kind of expecting to be a starter, and I just really hope that I’ll catch on quickly and, I don’t know, make friends. I hope to have a really strong bond with the girls on the team.

NATHANSON’S

Seniors The Chronicle • May 28, 2014 • Class of 2014

COVER BY AIDAN YETMAN-MICHAELSON ’14

D2 Seniors

The Chronicle

May 28, 2014

JESSICA SPITZ/CHRONICLE

SCOTT NUSSBAUM/CHRONICLE

DAVID WOLDENBERG/CHRONICLE

Seniors perform, reflect during transition day May 22

COLLEGE BOUND: Michael O’Krent ’14, left, and Ben Greene ’14 perform “Such Great Heights” at Senior Coffee House, top left. Patrick Cook-Deegan, West Coast Director of Inward Bound Mindfulness Education, speaks to seniors, bottom left. Adam Yaron ’16, left, and Michael Edwards ’16, left, sing at the senior breakfast, right.

Lieberman to continue tradition of male Scene Monkey salutatorians

By Sarah Novicoff

Scene Monkey, actor and lacrosse player Joey Lieberman ’14 will deliver this year’s salutatory address, typically a funny and light-hearted speech, at graduation June 6.

“In the letter I wrote to myself in Choices and Challenges — I just got it like three days ago — it said ‘Are you salutatorian?’ so I thought that was pretty cool,” Lieberman said. “I’ve always thought about it ever since my brother [Nick Lieberman ’11] was salutatorian, which was when we were freshmen. And it’s been a male Scene Monkey for the last six or seven years. It’s always been something where I always thought ‘that’d be pretty cool,’ but it wasn’t like I needed to do it.”

Lieberman was elected salutatorian in a write-in vote by his classmates during class meeting and was informed of his selection by Dean Beth Slattery last week.

“I want to do something that’s obviously funny and interesting, but also has a good message,” Lieberman said. “A message that I’ve been thinking about that I do care about a lot and that I’m worried about — one of my biggest fears moving on from Harvard-Westlake — is that I will never have teachers that are as good as the teachers I’ve had at Harvard-Westlake. I might want to make that a strong talking point in my speech.”

The rest of the speech remains undetermined, but Lieberman has ruled almost nothing out, saying a musical number, a video or even some improvisation would not be out of the question. Lieberman is even debating incorporating a “Fishbowl” component to his speech, in which seniors would write something they want to hear talked about on a slip of paper and then he would have to speak a little on that topic.

Lieberman does, however, know what he will avoid: being

Doing it themselves Eojin Choi’s ’14 independent study is a paper on medical fraud, or quackery, in American society and how it evolved. Choi’s paper focused specifically on patent medicines and the vitamin industry. She was mentored by history department head Katherine Holmes-Chuba.

“I knew I wanted to write something about medical fraud, but it was difficult to focus my topic,” Choi said.

—Siddarth Kucheria Divya Siddarth ’14 researched the political, social, cultural and literary atmosphere of the Augustan Age. Along with writing a research paper on the topic, Siddarth created a student edition commentary and translation of poems by Tibullus, Properti-

too sentimental, meta or selfdeprecating in his speech.

“I think that a lot of graduation speeches are really the ‘blah blah blah, our grade’s great, we’re going to miss each other,’” Lieberman said. “I also don’t want to do the whole ‘so, I was thinking about writing this speech’ and talk about the writing of the speech. I hate when people do that.

Also, when you’re left with only one person, I feel like a lot of the humor can become just self-deprecating because that’s easy comedy. Obviously I’ll have some jokes in there about me, but I think it would be better to make more jokes about Harvard-Westlake.”

Besides his time acting and playing lacrosse on the varsity team, Lieberman is also a national champion in bridge.

“Bridge is definitely something I can see myself talking about really briefly in the speech,” he said. “Obviously you can get some good jokes out of bridge like the classic

EUGENIA KO/CHRONICLE

FUNNY BUSINESS: Joey Lieberman ’14, right, performs in a skit with Daniel Palumbo ’14 during the Scene Monkeys show. Lieberman will deliver the salutatory address at commencement.

‘So I play bridge, and you may be thinking “Wow, how did this 80-year-old get into the senior class?’’’ or a joke like that.”

The writing of the speech will take all the time he has, Lieberman anticipates, and will likely involve bouncing jokes off his brother and his

friends.

“I need to figure out who I want this speech to be directed towards, whether it’s the audience or the people sitting behind me, the seniors,” Lieberman said. “I think I’ll start at the beginning and see where that takes me.”

Six seniors worked on independent study projects first or second semester after their ideas were approved by a faculty committee.

us and Sulpicia. Siddarth’s mentor for the study, Latin teacher Paul Chenier, met with her every Friday.

—Carly Berger Kevin Zhang ’14 wrote a Java program to draw fractals based on user inputs and researching properties of fractals throughout the year.

“I’d always wanted to learn more about fractals, and I thought doing it with the help of a mentor and the structure of an independent study would help me learn more,” he said.

Math teacher Kevin Weis and computer science teacher Jason Fieldman mentored Zhang.

—Carly Berger Michael O’Krent ’14 wrote a paper investigating how philosophi-

cal thought can influence a nation.

O’Krent researched the relationship between the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche and the actions of Hitler’s Third Reich. History teacher Celia Goedde mentored O’Krent.

“The greatest thing I got out of doing the independent study was a greatly improved ability to organize and express my thoughts,” he said.

—Carly Berger Alex McNab ’14, mentored by performing arts teacher Chris Moore, wrote a three-act play that explores the development of a mixed race kid’s views of his racial identity and his development into manhood for his independent study.

“I just took my experience trying

to discover my race, then made it way crazier,” McNab said.

—Sharon Chow Mentored by Mock Trial adviser David Hinden, Sarah Jensen ’14 wrote a 50-page paper as part of her independent study comparing the criminal justice systems of the U.S. and France.

Even though she has always been interested in law, Jensen said the experience broadened her thoughts on the types of criminal justice systems used in other countries.

“Growing up in the U.S., I always thought our system was the only real way to do it, but now I know that is not true,” Jensen said.

—Jivani Gengatharan

May 28, 2014

hwchronicle.com

A Year Abroad

Seniors D3

Three seniors received the Michael Brownstein ’99 Fellowship, established after the death of Brownstein in 2007, and will have up to $10,000 to use during a gap year to do community service.

Student to work, teach, volunteer on 4 continents

By Morganne Ramsey

Conor Belfield ’14

Eojin Choi ’14

Alex McNab ’14

GRAPHIC BY JAMES HUR AND JIVANI GENGATHARAN

Senior to teach English in Asia

By Pim Otero

McNab plans to spend four months in Vietnam volAlex McNab ’14, one of unteering at an orphanage, this year’s Brownstein Fel- then traveling to Nepal for lows, plans to travel to Nepal five months to teach English. and Vietnam before starting He chose Nepal and Vietcollege in the fall of 2015. nam bcause they were the He was first inspired to most financially feasible opapply for the fellowship during tions and they were the a class meeting assembly in most different from the U.S., which previous Fellows spoke McNab said. in Rugby Theater.

He will work with McNab said he the International Volhopes a gap year unteer Headquarters, will give him an alan organizations in ternate perspective which participants on his surroundvolunteer in various ings. parts of the world and “Right now, do community service.

I’m seeing college He plans to write all up close in my daily personal colnathanson’s face because I’m umns and bi-weekly Alex McNab ’14 profiles on people he here in America, and everything is meets abroad in hope college, college, but you can’t of recreating an experience see anything when everything similar to reporting at the is all up close in your face. National Geographic, someYou got to step back, and you thing he would like to pursue start seeing different stuff. professionally later.

And you know if I go over, and “This is the stuff I want to kind of step out of this whole do with my life,” McNab said. school thing I’ve been stuck in “I want to be running around since birth, I’ll be able to get places writing about things. a different view on it,” McNab Also because I think that by said. stepping away from my life

here, [my perspective] will be a little bit better.”

McNab was motivated to apply for the Brownstein Fellowship to obtain additional funding for a gap year he was hopeful of taking. He picked Nepal and Vietnam as destinations in part because of their low costs of travel and their difference from the United States.

“Part of the point is to practice stuff I think I’m going to do, the other part of the point is to change myself, change my perspective of everything around me in that process and change my perspective of myself,” McNab said.

McNab plans to attend Columbia University the fall of 2015.

“I’m sure there are other things, important things I’m going to gain that are beneficial, but I don’t really know what those are yet, because I haven’t been yet. These are the only ones that I can kind of predict. Once I get back, I will have gained so many things I couldn’t have even imagined,” McNab said.

Record number of graduates plan to attend universities abroad next fall

By Sarah Novicoff

A record seven members of the class of 2014 will attend college abroad next year, five in the United Kingdom and two in Canada.

The previous record occurred in 2004 and 2005 when five students each year chose undergraduate education abroad. Since then, the numbers have been significantly lower.

Dean Jim Patterson, who handles interaction with UK institutions, said that applications to such schools have increased reliably over the last

few years, but that the number who choose to attend had not been increasing accordingly until this year. When the interest first started to rise four years ago, the school registered with the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, the UK’s version of the Common Application.

“We did that because we had started to see an increase in interest in the UK, and not just Oxford and Cambridge — we’ve always had a certain amount of interest in Oxford and Cambridge — but beyond that, adding schools like St. Andrews, Edinburgh, the Lon-

don School of Economics, Imperial College and a number of different outstanding universities in the UK,” Patterson said.

Attending school in the UK or in Canada is often cheaper than in the U.S. especially than at private institutions where the cost can be near $60,000 a year. Additionally, applications abroad are more driven by test scores, a factor which often benefits Harvard-Westlake students, Patterson said.

“We have a significant number of students whose test scores are really strong and so that positions HarvardWestlake students well in ap-

to fund the rest of her trip.

Choi will also volunteer as Instead of traveling to a journalist in Tanzania and New York this fall to start work on a farm in New Zeaat Cornell University, Eojin land in exchange for food and Choi ’14 will travel to Nepal housing. to start her gap year.

“I don’t know how I’m goChoi, who is one ing to survive this,” of the winners of Choi said. this year’s BrownIn each country, stein Fellowship, Choi will participate will spend time in in homestays. Choi four different counpreviously traveled tries over the course to Mongolia, where of her travels. In she used gestures to Nepal, Choi will communicate. work as a health “[Traveling] is nathanson’s education volunsomething I enEojin Choi ’14 teer, teaching about joy, and I think it’ll disease prevention, help prepare me nutrition and hygiene. She for college, both personally will then go to the Galapagos and academically,” Choi said.

Islands, where she will study “I don’t think I’m ready to conservation and biodiver- move on from high school sity. yet, since I’m not even sure Choi will then spend the what I want to study. I think winter at home, celebrating it’ll be helpful to broaden my the holidays with her family perspectives and have a year and working to earn money to myself.”

Fellow to explore ancient ruins in South America

By Jessica Lee

taking a gap year, Belfield said.

Conor Belfield ’14, who is However, after a semesa recipient of the Brownstein ter at the High Mountain Fellowship, plans to travel to Institute in Colorado during South America through the junior year, Belfield began to gap year program consider applying Thinking Beyond for the Brownstein Borders.

Fellowship.

Belfield will “I was around a spend five weeks lot of young people, in Ecuador, a week particularly young climbing up to Maadults who had takchu Picchu in Peru, en gap years, and followed by a final they shared the cool five weeks in Bolivia. experiences they nathanson’s “I’ve never travhad post-graduaConor eled before,” Belfield tion,” Belfield said.

Belfield ’14 said. “Experiencing “I know that once new cultures and I’m in college, I’ll [meeting] people who are in wrap up whatever I’m studysituations different from the ing and get a job when I get one I grew up in is very im- out of college, so this is mayportant to me.” be one of the last times that Initially, he had hesita- I’ll have to go out and explore tions about the concept of the world.”

“

I knew since maybe the middle of sophomore year that I wanted to go abroad. I want the experience of living in a foreign counry, and college is the best time for that.”

—Michelle Lee ’14

plying to schools outside of the US,” Patterson said. “Now that students are beginning to understand how well they’re positioned and we’re seeing that increased interest, I think there’s just become more of an opportunity for students to seriously consider studying abroad.”

Canadian schools, such as McGill University where two students will attend this fall,

nathanson’s

factor in GPA heavily as well as test scores, but still emphasize essays and other qualitative factors less than American schools.

“I knew since maybe the middle of sophomore year that I wanted to go abroad,” Michelle Lee ’14, who will attend King’s College London, said. “I want the experience of living in a foreign country, and college is the best time for that.”

The Chronicle

D4 Seniors

Packing up the tent

May 28, 20

Members of the Class of 2014 report they will matriculate to 87 colleges, including a record number of schools outside of the United States.

Anser Abbas UC San Diego

Jeremy Bradford USC

Jack Cooper St. John’s College

Jonathan Garfinkel University of Michigan

Lucas Hernandez University of Maryland

Addison Abdo Northeastern University

Nathalie Bradford USC

Henry Copses Emory University

Jivani Gengatharan UC San Diego

Maddy Abrahams Williams College

Caroline Branigan Connecticut College

John Copses Emory University

Juan Acevedo University of Notre Dame

Nick Brooks Yale University

Kennedy Corrin NYU

Jonathan Getzoff Washington University in St. Louis

Kevin Ho University of Pennsylvania (Engineering)

Efe Agege Bucknell University

Amiya Brown Gap Year

Hansel Cortez Johns Hopkins University

Julia Aizuss University of Chicago

Donhem Brown Johns Hopkins University

Levi Craske-Curtin Barnard College

Adil Akram NYU (Stern)

Rachel Burdorf Colorado College

Kelly Crosson University of Michigan (Ross)

Aaron Anderson Cal Tech

Jonathan Burns Carnegie Mellon University (Computer Science)

Aliyah Daniels Tulane University

Patrick Angelo UC Berkeley (Engineering)

Zachary Bushkin Trinity College

Daniel Davila USC (Thornton)

William Gingold University of Chicago (Gap Year)

Mackenzie Howe Northwestern University

Brian Ginsberg Brown University

Vincent Huang Yale University

David Gisser Carnegie Mellon University (Computer Science)

Brooks Hudgins University of Edinburgh

Jacob Glaser Boston University (Communication) Mara Goeckner Emory University

Sarah Jensen Kenyon College

Jacob Byrnes University of Michigan

Andy Arditi Columbia University

Eli Caplan Pitzer College

Rebecca Armstrong University of Michigan

Jackie Carr Amherst College

Justin Bae Cornell University

Glenne Carter Indiana University

Brooke Bagnall University of Michigan

Darby Caso Emory University

Katie Ehrlich Washington University in St. Louis

Marielle Bagnard USC

Robert Castillo University of Michigan

Nicole Elattrache Duke University

Eric Greenberg University of Chicago

Alisha Bansal Barnard College

Garrett Cayton University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)

Julie Engel University of Pennsylvania

Ben Greene Carleton College (Gap Year)

Mazelle Etessami UC Berkeley

Simon Gunter Washington University in St. Louis

Molly Chapman NYU (Gallatin)

Mckynzie Dickman Creighton University Sanah Ebrahim Santa Monica College James Edwards Dartmouth College

Tatiana Ettensberger Wesleyan University

Conor Belfield Bowdoin College (Gap Year)

Sydney Cheong Princeton University

Caroline Bell USC (Annenberg)

Brendon Cho University of Michigan

Alex Berman Emory University

Eojin Choi Cornell University (Gap Year)

Zita Biosah University of Notre Dame

Tommy Choi Stanford University

Zachary Birnholz Stanford University

Hana Chop Johns Hopkins University

Jonah Blume-Kemkes Oberlin College

Grace Chung Bryn Mawr College

Zach Bohn USC (Marshall)

Molly Cinnamon Harvard College

Zoe Bohn Stanford University

Sam Clement Colorado College

Bakari Bolden USC

Elizabeth Cohen USC

Varun Gadh Carnegie Mellon University (Engineering)

Camilla Borgogni Syracuse University

MacAlistair Colquhoun UC Davis

Gabriel Gamez Cornell University

Jake Bracken Gettysburg College

Sinclair Cook Stanford University

Samantha Garfield Vanderbilt University

Class Rings More than a third of the senior class will attend one of these seven schools in the fall.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY SYDNEY FOREMAN AND TARA STONE

Jonathan Felker University of Michigan Beatrice Fingerhut University of Michigan Jack Flaherty UNC Chapel Hill Anelise Florescu Tulane University Sydney Foreman Rhode Island School of Design Andrew Friedman USC (Viterbi) Andrew Friendly USC (Cinematic Arts)

Kristen Goldberg UNC Chapel Hill

Henry Jiang USC

Jack Goldfisher Harvard College

Jessica Johnston UC Santa Barbara

Claire Goldsmith Yale University

Andrew Jones University of Michigan

Oliver Goodman-Waters Brown University

Tara Joshi Dartmouth College

Kennedy Green University of Chicago

Katie Jung NYU

Patrick Halkett University of Chicago Alexander Haney USC (Cinematic Arts)

Connor Kalantari University of Miami

Irene Kao Columbia University

Jordan Gutierrez Northern Arizona University

Henry Hahn University of Chicago

Benji Kagan University of Michigan

Alex Kano McGill University

Sophie Gunter Washington University in St. Louis

Shana Haddad University of Michigan

Sam Hummel Cornell University James Hur Dartmouth College

Gabe Araya University of Michigan (Engineering)

Anton Beer Washington University in St. Louis

Clay Davis Tulane University

Mikaela Hong Washington University in St. Louis

Maddy Kaplan Harvard College Matt Karo Columbia University Matthew Kelson McGill University Sean Kiley Oberlin College Andrew Kim Cornell University

Angie Haney Columbia University

Julia Kim Dartmouth College (Gap Year)

Mintis Hankerson Babson College

Peter Kim NYU (Gallatin)

David Hartmeier Princeton University

Ray Kim Indiana University (Jacobs)

Lisa He Duke University

Teddy King USC (Trojan Transfer)

Shelby Heitner Cornell University

Ben Klein Duke University

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USC

University of Michigan

ay

28, 2014

hwchronicle.com

Seniors D5

Matt Klein Carnegie Mellon University

Eugenie Lund-Simon Georgetown University

Emma Pasarow Wesleyan University

Emily Segal Claremont McKenna College

Tyler Urbach Fordham University

Angela Knight Colorado College

Quinn Luscinski Bard College

Rayne Peerenboom Gap Year

Aidan Victor Princeton University

Ben Knight University of Maryland

Colin Lynch Bucknell University

Amita Pentakota University of Michigan

Julian Shabahang University of Colorado Boulder

Nick Knight Washington University in St. Louis

Elizabeth Madden Boston College

Nadine Perez University of Maryland

Taleen Mahseredjian USC

Bryan Polan University of Michigan

David Manahan USC

Noah Pompan Gettysburg College

Ale Marenzi Ithaca College

Trevor Price Bucknell University

Michael Sheng San Francisco State University

Caroline Watts University of St. Andrews

Louly Maya Barnard College

Lucy Putnam Williams College

Divya Siddarth Stanford University

Lydia Weber Northwestern University

Alexis McCarthy Barnard College

Gabriel Quinonez University of Maryland

Lauren Siegel University of Michigan

Sam Weintraub University of Miami

Kay McCarthy American University

Michael Rahhal University of Michigan

Logan Simon Bowdoin College

Juliette West Boston University

Alexia Le Columbia University

Alex McNab Columbia University (Gap Year)

Nicolas Ramirez Colby College

Warren Snyder UCLA

Nicole West USC

David Lee Cornell University

Lizette Medina UC Riverside

Morganne Ramsey University of Chicago

Camelia Somers USC

Jessica Lee Claremont McKenna College

Tigist Menkir Princeton University

Mia Ray Wesleyan University

Lauren Sonnenberg Northwestern University

Malanna Wheat Southern Methodist University

Jihye Lee USC

Caroline Moreton University of Utah

Jake Raynis University of Pennsylvania

Luke Soon-Shiong Stanford University

Lauren Lee Rhode Island School of Design

Jessica Murdock NYU (Gallatin)

Amanda Reiter Washington University in St. Louis

Megha Srivastava Stanford University

Michelle Lee King’s College London

Mia Natsis Amherst College

Kyla Rhynes Declined to state

Robert Lee Johns Hopkins University

Derick Newton Wilbraham and Monson Academy

Samantha Richmond University of Edinburgh

Krista Knighton Scripps College Hannah Kofman Barnard College Annie Kors Yale University Jo Kremer University of Notre Dame Kate Kushi NYU Alex Lange University of Michigan

Steven Lee NYU (Stern) William Lee Case Western University Greg Lehrhoff Tufts University Matt Leichenger NYU (Gallatin) Jake Lepler Emory University Emma Lesher-Liao Columbia University Grace Levin Middlebury College Joey Lieberman Northwestern University Eric Lin Yale University Andy Liu University of the Pacific Jesse Liu Cornell University Eric Loeb USC (Annenberg) Sophia Lopez USC (Cinematic Arts) Matthew Lucas Princeton University

16 NYU

Monica Nimmagadda Amherst College Brooke Nosratian Washington University in St. Louis Sarah Novicoff Brown University Grant Nussbaum USC Angus O’Brien NYU (Tisch) Michael O’Krent USC Ross O’Shea UC Berkeley Kelsey Ogomori University of Chicago Jensen Pak Williams College Daniel Palumbo MIT Chelsea Pan Amherst College Ojas Parashar University of Chicago Jacob Pardo University of Pennsylvania

Jacqueline Ridgley Columbia University Alberto Rivera Tufts University Mathis Rodriguez Boston University Gabriela Romano Brown University Miles Rosner Tufts University Max Rothman University of Michigan Julia Rutter Willamette University (Gap Year) Patrick Ryan Georgetown University Sam Sachs Georgetown University Ashley Sacks USC (Gap Year) Emma Sanderson Stanford University

Nima Shamtoub Washington University in St. Louis (Engineering) Josh Shapiro Cornell University Kayla Shenassa UC Santa Barbara

Molly Steinberg Carleton College Matthew Stieg University of Michigan Tara Stone Wesleyan University Arielle Strom University of Michigan Paul Suh University of Notre Dame Sophie Sunkin University of Michigan Jack Temko Hamilton College Alexander Thal University of Michigan Elizabeth Thomas Harvard College Tom Thorne Oxford University (Merton College) Peter Tilton Claremont McKenna College Andrea Torre NYU (Tisch) Christina Tribull Duke University

Eliott Sassouni Northwestern University

Arthur Troy Southern Methodist University

Zachary Saunders University of Chicago

Alisa Tsenter USC Anthony Ulloa USC

Jason Park NYU (Tisch)

Bennett Victor Princeton University Michael Vokulich NYU Ashley Volpert University of Michigan Jason Vranek UC Santa Cruz

Aiyana White Columbia University Arden Williams NYU (Tisch) Mane Williams University of Pennsylvania Miles Williams Cornell University Danielle Wolf NYU (Tisch) Sydney Wong University of Chicago Christina Woo Brown University Kirk Woo Williams College Liza Woythaler Wesleyan University Noa Yadidi Washington University in St. Louis Christopher Yang NYU (Steinhardt) Hang Yang Stanford University Frank Yeh Columbia University (Fu) Aidan Yetman-Michaelson Maryland Institute College of Art Alec Zadikian UC Berkeley Kevin Zhang Harvard College Larry Zhang Harvard College *Specified schools or programs are noted in parentheses.

11

10

University of Chicago Washington University in St. Louis

Columbia University Cornell University

(tie)

(tie)

The Chronicle

D6 Seniors

May 2

7th grade The Human Cannonball

Sometime in March of sixth grade, an invitation arrived in the mail. Something about Harvard-Westlake, a suitcase and a passport. We, having been accepted, accepted and did whatever sixth-soonto-be-seventh graders do during the summer. We convened in early September to find, among the mansions of Holmby Hills, we’d unknowingly walked into a circus. The tent was new and shiny and barely completed — without electricity, internet or a field, at first., but they came later. Without any sort of Fast Start, we were shot out of a cannon, and the sensation of freefall and unpreparedness didn’t in any way ease as candy and soda

were just an ID swipe away and a gossip column about our class appeared online. Circusesque literature like “Freak the Mighty” only added to the dizziness of our flight, as did the month-long and taken-VERY-seriously dodgeball tournament in the spring.

Our first year at the HarvardWestlake Big Top culminated at an equally chaotic place: Universal Studios, where we joined such esteemed fellow performers (albeit from movies) as King Kong and the T. Rex from “Jurassic Park” for the day. We returned to the tent to find, with the graduation of the freshmen acrobats to the Upper Tent, that we’d been promoted to clowns.

8th grade The Clown

Our feet now firmly on the ground, we entered what would seem to be a year of hilarity. If anyone was laughing though, it certainly wasn’t us, as we encountered a series of dropped juggling balls and nonfunctional squirty flowers in the forms of Bathroom Wall and various weather and/or planning disasters at well-known clown colleges El Capitan and Joshua Tree. Worse yet, the concession stands had stopped selling circus performer diet staples such as Swedish Fish and Sprite — though they had started offering cupcakes, inexplicably. The sudden departure of one of our supervisors, Rod Huston, following a Mammoth semester break accident caused us to trip over our oversized shoes.

But the real stumble came when we lost our fellow clown Julia Siegler ’14, a wonderful and brilliant friend who managed always to bring smiles to the faces of those around her.

The Big Top seemed darker as the rest of the year passed in a blur. We were more than ready to be acrobats and leave our clowning behind.

We were anxious about what the future would hold — without the safety net of Middle School, we would be forced to walk the tightrope of high school with real grades.

9th grade The Acrobat

No longer laughingstocks, we started to limber up for our new gigs as acrobats. Inspired by the snaking curves of the Colorado River, we arced our bodies in the air, soaring to new heights and contorting midair into the shapes expected of high school students.

The pressure started to set in.

Even if we had screwed up as clowns, it still would’ve been funny. If we got bad grades now when our performances really mattered, we could jeopardize our college lives. This was also our first year of midterms, our equivalent of soldout circus shows. Observed by

pacing teachers, we needed to perform, as a good deal of our grades depended on them.

Outside of the classroom we were flashy and impressive, flying high above the rest of the Middle School. We started handling real extracurricular responsibility, publishing The Spectrum and playing on varsity sports teams. Socially, we were starting to bloom as well.

We were finally allowed to come to Semiformal with the ringmasters, lion tamers and tightrope walkers, but a bunch of them yacked after eating too much cotton candy and got the whole thing cancelled for

the foreseeable future.

Back in the dressing room, a certain performer kept sitting on our leotard lockers and got us banned from our own locker area. Our supervisor John Kim was not happy.

Even though we were flying high, we were still protected by a safety net. The truly dangerous stuff was yet to come.

Tightropes and lions loomed ahead as the big tent of the Upper School stood dauntingly before us.

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Ssniors D7

12th grade This year, we took command of the ring. Starting by turning Convocation into Tropical Tuesday, we made sure that all the acts knew we were here to put on a show.

We were old hats, showing first-timer President Rick Commons the ropes. In the fall, we entered the tent and threw ourselves into the spectacle — beating Loyola in our first football game, singing and dancing in “Hairspray” and reveling in our first Homecoming Formal. The nightly performances became more and more demanding as early application deadlines drew clos-

The Ringmaster

er. Whether in December or March, we figured out which companies we’d be joining next year and settled in to enjoy the time left before our bows. We tried (though never too hard and not to much avail) to pull pranks and throw a wrench into the well-oiled machine of the circus. Befriending the tent guards, we used our senior privileges to expand our audience past the fences of the circus grounds. The ringmasters achieved more than ever before, dazzling their audience with National Merit Scholarships, NSPA Best of Show awards, Scholastic Gold

Keys and CIF Championships.

For one night, the circus went all-out, dancing at Prom. We learned how to leave the tent behind at Senior Transition Day and planned to commemorate our last days by imitating our younger, more acrobatic selves and diving once again, this time into the pool.

Now, we will retire our top hats and batons knowing that we took the circus to its most spectacular heights.

June 6, our final performance, is just one week away.

Come one, come all and see the Class of 2014 run the show one last time.

11th grade The Lion Tamer

Text by Julia Aizuss, Jack Goldfisher, Claire Goldsmith, Lizzy Thomas and Noa Yadidi

Although we had become adept at completing our swaying journey to the other end of the tightrope, with the onset of junior year, we wondered if maybe it would have been better if we’d fallen to the ground. The constant fear of looking down was preferable to this newest threat: a fartoo-hungry lion snarling just inches away from us. The lion had been brought to the circus many years ago by its original master, the College Board, and now it was our turn to tame it with a steady diet of raw AP classes, medium-rare SAT scores and a well-done GPA, with maybe a flourish of a class from the brand-new Kutler Center. But not even the caffeine-fueled hours we spent planning the most aweinspiring lion-taming stunts

could have prepared us for the second tragedy to occur under our tent: the loss of Justin Carr ’14. United in our mourning for one of our brightest performers, we struck back at the beast with renewed vigor, fending it off with reams of questionnaires and scantrons.

Even the senior pranks added to our constant carnivorous danger: although the dogs ambling on campus distracted the lion for a few moments, the food fight was one of the last lunges we had to dodge before the lion finally surrendered, backing away meekly into its cage. With our No. 2 pencils set down and our AP exams and finals conquered, we put down our whips and stepped out of the tent for some muchneeded fresh air — well, and a summer internship.

10th grade Our days as flashy audience-pleasers were over. Although our acrobatics had garnered more impressed oohs and ahs, our more subdued role walking the tightrope of the lowest rung of the Upper School required more grit. In the first months of our job we were often scared to look down — we weren’t used to operating at such a vertiginous height, and we couldn’t believe we had to ascend all those stairs

The Tightrope Walker to our position at the tightrope every single day. Peer Support served as our balancing pole — although we may have quavered dangerously to one side, thrown off balance by a brutal in-class essay or a chemical reaction gone disastrously wrong, we never fell down.

Adding to our worries was the construction surrounding us that robbed us of a library, and just as we thought we could rely less on the balancing pole, the Chronicle announced that

our beloved circus owner President Tom Hudnut would leave the Big Top at the end of next year.

Not just the tightrope but the circus itself seemed dangerously shaky, rocked by cheating scandals. Our freeflying circus would soon become more stringent under next year’s Honor Code pledge, and next year’s role in the circus loomed — unlike the tightrope, it would allow not even the slightest slip-up.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY AIDAN YETMAN-MICHAELSON

D8 Seniors

The Chronicle

May 28, 2014

You can read more senior farewell columns at hwchronicle.com.

Saying goodbye

By Julia Aizuss

W

hen I came home last Saturday night, having eschewed a kickback for a quiet night to finally write this column, I was greeted by dozens of cars parked on my typically unfrequented street. It turned out a substantial number of students from Calabasas High were partying it up post-prom a few doors down.

My bedroom didn’t shut out the bass thudding and kids cheering. The thought of opening my window, channeling my inner crotchety 80-year-old man and yelling, “Get off my lawn!” occurred repeatedly.

I’m not terribly concise, though (ask my English teachers). If I had the stamina, I might have added that where I attend school, we have the decency to pull off these Project X-like displays of adolescence more subtly, and sometimes end our prom nights with waffle-making and record-listening instead

of a spiritual continuation of prom (I swear they had a DJ).

I could have continued in this disgruntled vein. Being judgmental is kind of my forte. I was interrupted by my recollection of what a friend is fond of saying: that everything I do is utterly predictable. The most “me” thing I could have done was berate my peers for accompanying their fun with bass drops instead of jazz. As for channeling my inner 80-year-old, many friends are convinced it’s not so inner. Recently Ted Walch, age 72, instinctively addressed me in solidarity when discussing his age-induced inability to do a sit-up.

Sometimes I suspect I’m becoming a caricature of myself. All that reassures me the transformation isn’t complete is that this column isn’t a collection of book recommendations (but while it’s relevant: Joan Didion’s “Slouching Towards Bethlehem,” “Mrs. Dalloway,” Tom Stoppard’s “Arcadia,” “Infinite Jest”).

Still, it feels inevitable. Af-

SARAH NOVICOFF/CHRONICLE

CHRON LIFE: Presentations Editors Mazelle Etessami ’14 and Emily Segal ’14, left, A&E Managing Editor James Hur ’14, Sports Managing Editor Sam Sachs ’14 and Editor-in-Chief Jack Goldfisher ’14 share a laugh outside of Weiler Hall. To read their senior columns go to hwchronicle.com. ter wearing a grandpa sweater every day of the week or referencing “Mrs. Dalloway” yet again in AP Lit or using the word “mellifluous” in Facebook chat, I’ve despaired: how did I let this happen?

Harvard-Westlake let this happen. Because I wouldn’t be the person I am if I hadn’t come here, right? HarvardWestlake sculpted me into this predictable conglomeration of bookishness and sarcasm, yes? The point of this column is to say goodbye to Harvard-Westlake, and maybe I’m eager to say goodbye to this place and the person I’m trapped into being here.

I’m leaving out something important about prom: I danced, and not for one reluctant song. I danced a lot, probably more than I’d danced the 18 years prior, as much as the teenagers caterwauling outside my window.

Predictable, crotchety-oldman me doesn’t dance. The socially awkward 12-year-old who entered seventh grade with a Beatles T-shirt wardrobe didn’t dance. But postHarvard-Westlake me dances.

And no one, not even me, could have predicted that.

Calabasas High wouldn’t have turned me into an occasional dancer. Harvard-

Westlake did. (Shout-out to the Latin program and, of course, Chronicle — Weiler is home.) There’re only two ways you know you’re ready to say goodbye to someone or something: if you’re wholeheartedly sick of it (e.g. this afterparty in my backyard), or if it’s fulfilled you in some crucial way. Fulfillment is different than love; even if you don’t love Harvard-Westlake, I hope it’s fulfilled a necessary part of you. Sure, I’m sick of the stairs and my cafeteria diet, but 3700 Coldwater Canyon has fulfilled me. Come June 6, I think I’ll be able to wave goodbye.

By Lizzy Thomas

column, what?), sophomore year, respectful of the difficulty of the transition and also the extremely competent/ scary Chronicle upperclassmen, was mostly just getting coffee, junior year was actually having to work for it and senior year was everything (I mean, I got to be Julia Aizuss’s ’14 partner in execution and advocating for the feature Wildlife on Campus).

So polite, and yet I almost quit it too, daunted by the interviewing (and class period) it required — I have also cried after a bad interview (/ about never having frees).

Friendships — and generous schedule accommodations from adviser Kathy Neumeyer — convinced me to stay.

They were both big on ultimatums. Track with races, Chron with layouts — sort of make-or-break, give-it-yourall-or-get-out type deals. And there were a few of these where I was surprised either would continue to have me — one early layout where I missed most of it (for running, of course), or almost every cross country meet, where I might as well have missed it — and yet they did. Which allowed the really beautiful moments — the senior year managing team post Monday night layout 11 p.m. Twain’s dinners, or this past weekend when track must have heard the Beyonce we always play and finally put a ring on it.

So would having devoted myself to just the track team or just the managing one mean that I could now keep it a bit longer? Nope, because high school is finite (thank God/your preferred religious icon, right?), and that is where this prolonged and already overstretched analogy promptly snaps. But would I have done it any other way?

Also nope — of course not.

Track and Chronicle, my high school loves

I SARAH NOVICOFF/CHRONICLE

TOP OF THE WORLD: Editor-in-Chief Noa Yadidi ’14, left, and Executive Editors Lizzy Thomas ’14 and Julia Aizuss ’14 sit together on the rooftop of Weiler Hall, the home of the Chronicle.

I’ll miss my family in Weiler Hall

By Noa Yadidi

S

ome things really never do change.

For example, reflective writing — I’ve never been a fan. I have so much to say about my Harvard-Westlake experience that I feel I will never have adequate words and space to express my gratitude. I’ve learned how to strive for my goals and have been pushed to find the determination, perseverance and independence within me.

One of the best choices, though, that I’ve made during my time at Harvard-Westlake is the very piece of paper you’re holding (or website you’re on) now: the Chronicle.

That’s another reason why reflective writing scares me — there’s no way I can sum up the lessons and memories from my time on the Chronicle in a few hundred words.

Having the opportunity to be a part of and lead the Chronicle (or be 2.0, as a certain section likes to call me) has given me a reason to believe in myself. It has done wonders for my writing, editing and design abilities, taught me how to ask questions and be fearless, take

risks and stand up for myself.

That’s a part of the reason why writing this column has been so difficult for me — because it marks a shift in my life, as I’m about to leave my Weiler Hall home and my chron family.

It’s a reminder that there will be no more hour-long editorial board meetings that go nowhere in terms of actually coming up with an editorial, but turn into a deep discussion on school life and values.

It’s that there will be no more packed layout weekends of constant transcribing, column writing and page editing.

It’s that there will be no more debates over AP style, headlines and oxford commas.

It’s that there will be no more pages in registration to fix just as the computers are shutting off (thanks, Opinion).

No more consolidation of the leadership in the sports room (it’s the best temperature, I promise!). No more midnight runs to Twain’s for eggs and underdone potatoes.

To my teachers — thank you for the sympathy and extensions when sleep was minimal and stress was high.

To my parents — thank you

for finally learning to stop calling on Monday night as the computers are about to shut off and we need to package A1.

To the staff — thank you for all the hard work, determination and innovation you all brought. The Chronicle is a team effort in every sense of the word and you guys have helped exceed every expectation and goal I ever had for this paper.

Finally, a special thank you to the few who were always there (even in the early hours of morning) to just listen and let me figure it all out. The people who were there through to Tuesday website uploading parties, who never judged me in my worst layout outfits and at my most-stressed out moments and most supported me through memories and laughs.

And while this may be the end of an era for now, family is meant to cherish one another forever and help each other out — which will be true for Volume 23. While I’m ready to turn the page and see what’s next, I’m going to miss the way things were (even the stress). Forever and always, #mlic.

’ve had two loves all throughout high school.

Okay, whatever, right? But I’ve been with both of them, at the same time. DUN DUN DUN. It wasn’t what it sounds like. They both knew of the other, and agreed to share, albeit begrudgingly, at times.

But now, faced with the inevitable impending end to both relationships, I can’t help but wonder if I had just chosen the one, might I be able to escape the loss of the two.

High school track was the volatile one, demanding everything I had, between three and four times a week. I was offput early on, I’ll admit — but encouraged by the friends it introduced me to and the promise of fast times, by the end of freshmen year, I was all in.

Which isn’t to say I was ready to be easy about it. Oh, how we fought, two, three times a week, when that dreaded word workout hung in the air and I lay exhausted on the ground when it was all over. Did I cry? (Uncountably) many times, to the palpable discomfort of all our mutual friends. Did I stop? Not-asmany-but-still-embarrassingly-a-lot of times, to the chagrin of our shared best friends, Coaches Jonas Koolsbergen and Tim Sharpe.

High school publications was the pragmatic one, asking for an article here and there, but really just for one weekend a month. It didn’t force itself on me all at once, but preferred to let me learn to love it, offering a bigger and more mature commitment each year. Ninth grade was all a naïve whirlwind of Spectrum fun (Lauren Sonnenberg ’14 and I thought we were qualified to write a political

May 28, 2014

hwchronicle.com

Seniors D9

It’s all the little things

By Beatrice Fingerhut

T

he Harvard-Westlake experience is unique to say the least. Often you will flounder, suffer and have an occasional breakdown.

Then a bright moment comes around when the clouds have cleared and rainbows and butterflies appear. To ensure more moments that bring joy rather than pain, I have taken inspiration from a former opinion section managing editor and compiled a list to attempt to bring some help to those in need.

1. Ice cream is your best friend. In times of serious stress, ignore your work for an hour and do what Lauren Sonnenberg ’14 and I did most of junior year: go to Menchies.

An original tart frozen yogurt with strawberries and caramel will help curb your tears after you fail an APUSH test.

2. Netflix marathons.

Re-watching every season of “Gossip Girl” is a fair way to spend your nights instead of finishing your common app essays. Considering a lot of us started watching this show in middle school, it seems like a good trip down memory lane.

For boys, I’m sure that you have some equivalent or can find a good show to bingewatch instead.

3. For underclassmen, once a month pretend you’re a second semester senior. Go to a movie on a weeknight and avoid thinking of the consequences of not finishing your work. By the way, to

indulge in such a night, spend all free periods of that school day doing all your homework.

It’s a win-win, right?

4. Coffee is the elixir of life. I truly commend all those individuals who are able to abstain from falling into the clutches of caffeine; however, if you’re like the most of us, do like Kelly Crosson ’14 does: have the barista know exactly what drink you want and have it be prepared the moment you walk in to your neighborhood Starbucks. Also, don’t feel embarrassed when the Starbucks or Coffee Bean next to school knows your name and order, it’s only more convenient for you.

5. Find your Chronicle.

When I was mad at the world and endlessly complained about test, essays or even layout weekends, Chronicle still always brought some laughter and happiness. It’s so important to find this small little community and if you’re lucky enough, three of your closest friends are part of it too.

6. This last piece of advice is borrowed from science teacher Larry Axelrod. Before distributing our awful graded AP Bio tests he would always tell us that in the grand scheme of things one poor test grade wouldn’t affect our lives. We’d still graduate, go to college, get married, live that white picket fence life. So thanks Axe for occasionally pulling me out of the vortex that is Harvard-Westlake.

I leave you now with a final good luck!

Living off the grid

By Sydney Foreman

T

SARAH NOVICOFF/CHRONICLE

GOOFING AROUND: From left, News Managing Editor Elizabeth Madden ’14, Opinion Managing Editor Beatrice Fingerhut ’14, News Managing Editor Lauren Sonnenberg ’14 and Presentations Editor Sydney Foreman ’14 hang out on Ted Slavin Field, top. The girls try to give one another piggyback rides, bottom.

Take a listen to a Harvard-Westlake mixtape

By Elizabeth Madden

I

’ve been known to give the people I love mixtapes as gifts over the years, and I thought the only fitting way for me to leave HarvardWestlake was to dedicate a mixtape to it.

So, Harvard-Westlake, this one’s for you.

1. “I’m Sticking with You” — Velvet Underground I was a new incoming sophomore at Harvard-Westlake, so I was super nervous coming in. For the first six months, I basically held onto my best friends from elementary school Jo Kremer ‘14 and Kristen Goldberg ‘14 and never spoke to anyone else.

Thankfully, I branched out and made new friends, but it definitely took a while.

2. “Please, Please, Please, Let

Me Get What I Want” — The Smiths Basically epitomizes my (futile) quest to get an A on any English essay. Not only is the song title self-explanatory, but the despair with which Morrissey delivers the lyrics mirrors my state of mind during one of the many all-nighters I endured while trying to attain the impossible.

3. “Say Yes” — Elliott Smith Let’s be honest: every high schooler goes through a “teen angst” phase, and Elliott Smith was (and still is?) a big part of mine. Whenever I got angsty and watching “My So-Called Life” or writing terrible slam poetry wasn’t enough, Elliott Smith’s albums (played on vinyl, duh) were my best friends.

4. “You Oughta Know” — Alanis Morissette

One of the best break-up jams of all time, obviously.

This song (along with chick flicks and good ol’ Ben & Jerry’s) has gotten me through a lot of boy drama over my high school career, and definitely deserves a place on this list.

5. “Who Am I? (What’s My Name?)” — Snoop Dogg This song will always remind me of the swagger I thought I had at the beginning of senior year. I was finally the big “Dogg” on campus, and as long as I was blasting this song as I was pulling into my senior parking spot, no one could touch me.

Then I realized that school was still just as stressful as it was before, and there were still plenty of underclassmen that were way cooler than me.

6. “Sorry, Blame it on Me” — Akon

Would you be able to kill a man?

By Lauren Sonnenberg

W

ould you kill a stranger? For most of us, we respond to this vehemently refusing.

Of course no rational person would elect to kill someone; that’s wrong. Our initial reaction is a strong one, because we’ve been conditioned to expect one right answer and one wrong answer. But let me explain the rest of the problem.

What if killing the stranger involved diverting a train that would most assuredly save five innocent people who otherwise would be killed?

The moral dilemma presented with this question is a typical thought experiment in eth-

ics, developed by philosopher Philippa Foot in 1967— known as the “trolley problem.” Most people surveyed would pull the lever and kill the stranger.

But now, what if you must push the stranger onto the tracks? The ethical dilemma is the same and the choice should be consistent, yet most people will not actively push the stranger onto the train tracks. The active role one must play changes the dilemma.

So now I’ll ask you again, would you kill the stranger, either through pulling the lever or throwing said person onto the track? Morality is a funny thing. Actually, funny probably isn’t the right word for it, but I guess that’s part

This song is dedicated to the two people I parked next to this year, Tom Thorne ‘14 and Liza Woythaler ‘14. I hit both of your cars upwards of four times. There’s a reason I won the “Worst Driver” superlative. You two bore the brunt of my driving ineptitude, and for that I offer my sincerest apologies.

7. “Modern Love” — David Bowie It only feels fitting that I end this playlist with my favorite song of all time This one goes out to teachers, friends, mentors or anyone else who has had a big impact on my high school experience.

You guys know who you are.

Thank you for making my time at Harvard-Westlake unforgettable. I know that I’ll carry a piece of you all wherever I go.

he grid dictates the layout of the Chronicle.

If I could explain it I would, but the section I spend most of my time working on, Features, is “exempt” from following the almighty grid lines. This is because not all designs lend themselves well to a series of predetermined segments. Similarly, not all people fit well between these lines. I think that I’m one of these people.

I’m a painter who doesn’t live in the valley or on the westside. I am horrible at most sports and I do not plan on pursuing business, law or medicine. These qualities deviate from the HarvardWestlake norm as dictated by a number of types of grids.

Having decided to attend art school, I’ve inadvertently removed myself from the Naviance grids, the series of lines and dots that supposedly indicate a student’s future.

My art school has one dot on its grid, while the University of Michgian’s has over 100.

The next grid I don’t quite fit onto is the housing grid.

This is the general map of Harvard-Westlake students’ houses. Although there were enough students in my neighborhood to have a Hancock Park bus, many of these kids live slightly further west than the name suggests. It was the lone Hancock Park bus compared to the four westside and five plus valley buses.

My inability to fit on these grids is no secret. This accounts for the question I am often asked: Why HarvardWestlake? I could’ve attended an arts high school downtown where I would’ve spent more time doing what I love and spent more time with people who share my interests. As appealing as this sounded a number of times during the dark days of junior year, it wasn’t quite right for me.

I ultimately liked not quite fitting onto any of the grids. I liked that kids who had never stepped foot east of La Brea ventured to my house. I liked that my peers performed science experiments I could never conceptualize. I liked that in return I could introduce them to Donatello as more than just a ninja turtle.

I will miss the grids. Although they weren’t necessarily designed for people like me, that made it all the better.

An ethics dilemma, developed in 1967 by Philippa Foot, provides fodder for questions of morality.

of what I’m trying to say.

When we were younger, right and wrong seemed so formulaic. Our teachers, parents, religious leaders all taught us to always do the “right thing.”

But it’s not always that clear.

Morality is funny, because as one experiences more of the world, it is clear that there is no single moral standard to which we all must adhere.

We’ve spent a lot of time pondering the future and what we will set out to do in the world. But I think something we need to focus on more is what kind of people we will become. What do we want to find important? To what standards should we hold ourselves? We are going to places that will certainly

change us, but we should be aware which parts of ourselves we want to be molded and which parts we want to preserve. How we change and to what extent depends on our awareness and willingness to better ourselves.

The easy moral decisions — like the prohibition of murder, rape and theft — are just that — the easy ones.

The other aspects of morality are harder. Morality is responsible for our ability to distinguish between what we perceive to be right and what we perceive to be wrong. How we formulate those theories and why we think one thing is wrong and another is right relates to how we will grow up and move on in our lives.

Being able to make the easy moral decision says little about one’s character.

We’re all going through this bittersweet time as we approach graduation, and we have the time to reflect on our experiences here. We’re lucky on Chronicle that, in writing senior columns to do just that, we have an opportunity to reflect on our time. HarvardWestlake has been a big part of our lives, but to date, the big moral issues have really only focused on whether to honor the honor code and whether to make social decisions that define who we are.

But as we grow, the stakes are greater. With that, we must be more aware and take our decisions seriously.

D10 Seniors

Words I never thought I’d say

By Claire Goldsmith

I

n seventh grade, I hated it here. When I got home from school, I would research different boarding schools, searching for some perfect place where I would feel more comfortable or find a different version of myself.

As I climbed up through middle school and then high school, I changed. I become more extroverted and began to appreciate more aspects of Harvard-Westlake. My classmates and I matured and my interests expanded. I’ve pursued what interests me in the classroom and through extracurriculars, made friends that support and challenge me and have been inspired by supremely knowledgeable teachers. It’s been percolating throughout the year, and now I’ve come to a conclusion that, six years ago, could not have been further from my mind.

I’m profoundly grateful to Harvard-Westlake. During the past six years, and especially the three I’ve spent at the Upper School, I have had the chance to pursue interests both academic and extracurricular that have shaped me as a person. I wouldn’t have had the chance to do much of this at any other school.

Yes, I’ve worked hard. But I’ve worked hard because I chose those classes and those activities (and again, because I had the opportunity to choose them), because I care about succeeding, because I motivate myself in an environment of similarly motivated people.

That’s what it boils down to. The fundamental reason why I like this school, why I think I’m prepared to go to Yale next year, why I feel like I have turned out to be a fairly capable person. This school strives for excellence, and it succeeds.

I think what I’ll miss most

about Harvard-Westlake is the general motivation that flows beneath the surface here. It’s something I usually take for granted, but, other than college and graduate school and maybe some jobs, there probably aren’t that many pockets like this, where the majority of people in the community are really trying.

The things I haven’t liked have been a function of high school rather than the institution of Harvard-Westlake.

If I had attended a different school, I would have been subject to the same tribulations (after all, there’s a reason teenage angst is a universal trope), but without the intellectual challenge and opportunity I’ve found here.

I like the ways I’ve grown because of this school, and that’s why I don’t want Harvard-Westlake to change. This year’s idea of focusing on community and character is valid, but I think the roots of the school’s pursuit for excellence should remain the priority.

Sure, I’ve been stressed at times, but I anticipate a few rough patches after I leave high school as well.

And of course there are things I would change about the school (please refer to my litany of prior columns for ideas) — most important of which, I think, is instituting voluntary exit interviews for the senior class — but overall, when my family and friends ask me what I’ve thought about the school on the eve of my graduation, I can honestly say that, in my book, Harvard-Westlake is a remarkable place.

In my younger and more vulnerable years, I searched for some elusive, better alternative; now, I’ve realized this school has been the best thing for me. I wouldn’t want to repeat the past six years, but I also owe them, and this school, so much. Thank you.

The Chronicle

May 28, 2014

EMILY SEGAL/CHRONICLE

MANAGE: Managing Editors Sarah Novicoff ’14, left, Jensen Pak ’14, Patrick Ryan ’14 and Claire Goldsmith ’14 gather outside Chronicle’s home in Weiler Hall for the last time at the final layout.

Learn from your experiences

By Jensen Pak

I

ber about me? What would I remember? Even though I’ve been in the Harvard-Westlake community for so many years, why am I so doubtful of what I would leave with?

It’s not hard to realize what Harvard-Westlake has offered me. The word is opportunity. Opportunity is supposedly what differentiates Harvard-Westlake from other rigorous college prep schools.

On the other hand, the word people don’t like to hear at Harvard-Westlake is challenge. However, we often fail to consider how, in another sense of the word, we are challenged to establish our own career among the limitless opportunities.

What I’ve learned in my time at Harvard-Westlake is that despite being offered so many options, it is up to you to find out what you want to do.

The truth is that I have had many regrets. There were opportunities that I wish I had taken. Times that I wish I had tried harder to be the best. That is not to say that I regret my six years at Harvard-Westlake. This school

has helped me to develop in ways I could not have anticipated. I am no longer the same small and carefree child I was when I first stepped onto the middle school campus. I never imagined that my class would ever consider me to be capable of serving on Student Council for two years.

I never imagined that I would ever become a lax bro, albeit only for a year.

Maybe you’re waiting for the indispensable wisdom that I can offer as a senior ready to head off into the world. I wish I possessed that wisdom. The advice I’ve probably heard most often is to follow my dreams. Sometimes it’s not that simple.

The most I can offer is to learn from your own experiences. The path we set for ourselves is hardly set in stone, and when we veer off the path in a new direction, the real challenge is making that direction our own.

I’m glad that I was able to find my own path at HarvardWestlake, with all the detours that came with it. After all, those are the things worth remembering.

Risk it for the biscuit

will spend the next four years of my life in a frigid, isolated corner of Massachusetts at a school I knew nothing about two years ago in what will certainly be the biggest transition I will have experienced in my 17 years.

As I leave, I have often reflected on whether my time in high school was worthwhile.

Last week I attended my elementary school reunion for high school graduates at the Mirman School. I was extremely excited to meet the people I had not seen for at least six years, but at the same time I worried my childhood friends would not recognize me. I realized that outside of sharing the same classroom, I had trouble connecting with the people who had shaped my life for years, simply because there were not enough noteworthy memories.

As I reflected on this, I recalled Jarron Collins’ ’97 conclusion to his speech at the Senior Boys’ Event: “How do you want to remembered?”

The question worried me — what would people remem-

A

What should I write my column about?

By Patrick Ryan

s my time at HarvardWestlake comes to a close and I’ve had some time to reflect on my experience, I wanted to give a few tips on how to make the most out of your time here.

First off, don’t get jealous. The competitive nature of the school fosters the idea that what college you go to is the be all and end all. That is simply not true. It is taboo to speak about college acceptances in the early decision period. Harboring envy for someone who got into your dream school is not warranted.

The last month or so of senior year has been refreshing.

Everyone is essentially set on their future plans and is excited about wherever they are going. I only wish it had been like this throughout the entire year, where we celebrate each other’s accomplishments.

My second piece of advice is to take risks. Going into Harvard-Westlake in seventh grade I knew very few kids and told my parents I would go out to play football on a whim. I had never played before, but I gave it a try.

During warm-ups on my

first day of practice, I tripped and fell over twice in a row, thoroughly embarrassing myself in front of my new teammates. But that first day of practice is when I met my first friends at Harvard-Westlake, who are still my best friends today. I played football for six years.

Going out for the team seemed like a risk, but it paid off for me. The idea that you shouldn’t waste your time doing an activity you don’t plan on continuing in college is bogus. Immerse yourself in something without any expectations and see where it takes you.

Going into sophomore year, I wanted to quit journalism but instead took my mother’s advice and joined the Chronicle. I’ve spent countless afternoons and late nights in Weiler Hall, which seems torturous for people not on Chronicle. But I and my peers on the paper have come to cherish those layout weekends we have had.

Audition for the play or try out for the sports team or even ask out the girl you like. If you take those risks, you will be rewarded and you won’t graduate with many regrets.

By Sarah Novicoff

I

’ve been thinking about my column for weeks, and every time I had yet another panic attack about what to say, I reached out to someone I trust and love to guide me.

After compiling their advice, I decided the best senior column would be theirs, a tribute to those who have made me the person I am and who continue to shape me.

My mom, texting me from my future home in Providence, advised I write about “how life is about trying to define yourself, but in high school it’s better to embrace a lot of different things and make your choices later.” So, mom, you’re right, which is what I know you love to hear.

High school was amazing, despite the stresses of a rigorous and diverse course load, but the best part was that course load. As the workload survey said, the thing I hated the most was also the best part.

To my dad, who said doing my column this way was a bad idea because “it’s inherently

convoluted to ask someone else what you should write about in your column. It’s supposed to be yours.” Dad, you were probably right too because this is not going as well as I hoped. You’re always right, which I suppose is the lesson I have to learn from you and the lesson I wish to impart through you — listen to your parents.

Some people, like my best friend Alisa Tsenter ’14 and my boyfriend Henry Muhlheim ’16 (yes, I’m dating a sophomore, get over it), wanted the column to be about them and spent a whole period arguing over it. So, to Alisa, Henry and all my other friends, thanks for being there for me. Friends are the only thing that has gotten me through the hardships of high school, and ultimately they’re what I will remember most.

To my friends on Chronicle (especially Emily Segal ’14 — there’s the shoutout you wanted), who were too busy writing their own senior columns to help me, I say thank you. I am proud of the 36 gray

pages that we craft from ink and pizza grease in the middle of the night. Some of my closest friendships have been forged in those late night sessions and during the midnight breakfasts that follow.

In the end though, I wouldn’t have made it to this point, graduating and writing my senior column, without those people. It’s those people that have made me the person I am — my parents and my peers, as well as my stellar teachers. People are what make Harvard-Westlake the school it is, and if I have any advice of my own in this column, it’s to embrace them (figuratively, if not physically.)

This is a big and confusing place, with more people than you will ever know what to do with. You will never know everyone well, and you will leave without having done everything. I’m resigned to that fact. But be happy that you had the chance to meet the people — your peers and your teachers — that make up the community here. You’ll regret it if you don’t.

May 28, 2014

hwchronicle.com/features

Confessions of a lifelong learner

By Morganne Ramsey

T

o my future self, This is the fourth one of these that I’ve written (the first ones were in sixth, eighth and 10th grade), and the first one that other people will read. I think that’s better, though, knowing that this has to be about the important stuff, and not what my favorite show is right now (“Doctor Who,” if you were wondering).

In case you’ve forgotten, it’s also my second and last column that I’m writing for the Chronicle.

In preparation for writing this column, I went back and read the other letters that I wrote to myself. All I really learned about my past self was that I was really anxious.

My letters were peppered with questions, hoping that I hadn’t changed in two years. Looking back, though, I learned just how much I changed over these years. So, this letter is not going to be a list of anxious questions, but a snapshot of who I am today.

I still haven’t found my one true calling, but I’ve found an activity I really love — Mock Trial. Doing Mock Trial has given me a sense of confidence that I didn’t have before — I’m not going to lie, taking a witness down on cross-examination is really empowering.

I’m still single, but I have a great group of friends, and we’ve seen each other

through the best of times and the worst of times.

We’ve travelled together and we’ve grieved together, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without them.

Really, this column marks the beginning of the end for me — it is the last thing I’m writing for the Chronicle, during my last layout.

After this week I won’t get to say “hi” to old teachers and acquaintances as I walk up the hill to the library each morning. It’s a weird thought that I’ll never spend another weekend holed away in the Features room, writing horrible sub-decks and trying not to freeze to death.

In fact, I almost didn’t join the Chronicle because I was so afraid of the intensity of layout.

But it turned out that working on the Chronicle has been so much like the rest of my experience at HarvardWestlake, really difficult, but I’m so glad that I did it anyway.

So, no, while I’m not graduating as valedictorian as my younger self hoped, I’m not going to berate myself for it.

Why? Because I’ve made the most out of this crazy school as I can, and that is what six years here has taught me.

I hope that when you read this letter in 2016, you’ve taken these lessons HarvardWestlake has taught us and maybe even learned a little bit more.

Seniors D11

SARAH NOVICOFF/CHRONICLE

CURTAIN CALL: Features Managing Editor Eojin Choi ’14, left, A&E Managing Editor Alex McNab ’14, Features Managing Editor Morganne Ramsey ’14 and Sports Editor Grant Nussbaum ’14 sit on the steps outside Weiler Hall during their final layout of their Chronicle careers.

Appreciate the unexpected

By Eojin Choi

D

uring a layover in Hong Kong for a flight from India to Korea one summer, I settled down at a café with a book. After a couple of hours, I checked my ticket. The flight left at 3:45, and it was 4:30. I had missed the flight.

I didn’t really panic. I definitely felt an adrenaline rush, but I knew I’d go home someday, and my parents didn’t seem too concerned when I called them. I ate noodle soup for dinner, studied for the PSAT, and waited hours until they told me there were no more tickets that day. I spent the night cold and uncomfortable on chairs before finding a ticket in the morning.

Despite losing time and sleep, this was an experience

I’m ultimately glad I had and even one I enjoyed having.

Looking back, the stressful situation was strangely similar to my time at HarvardWestlake.

Just last night, my sister tortured herself over finals, which I sympathized with.

But as a senior who has suffered through junior year, I have the perspective now to recognize those times as fundamental to who I am today.

My experiences have helped me realize what I love, and I know there’s so much more I haven’t discovered yet. I know, with a degree of certainty, that I will be learning for the rest of my life.

Stress is unavoidable, but I have grown to love learning.

And so I will try to enjoy, or at least appreciate, the pain associated with the process.

And Harvard-Westlake wasn’t all pain, either. My experiences with friends, which range from walking to Starbucks and watching “The Hunger Games” to making inedible, elastic brownies, have helped us grow closer together through shared memories.

I don’t know what more we’ll do in the future, but I value these relationships more than anything else I’ve gained.

As for myself, I can only try experiencing what I think I’ll love. After all, that’s why I decided to take a gap year.

At the end of the day, we all need a certain amount of unpredictability and, as English teacher Jocelyn Medawar phrased it, “a healthy respect for mystery.” Otherwise, missing the flight in Hong Kong would not nearly have been as exciting.

Maybe I should have gone to Brentwood instead...

By Alex McNab

I

almost went to Brentwood.

Harvard-Westlake waitlisted me. I guess there was something on my application that made them think I wasn’t up to snuff, wasn’t good enough so that, now, in the week before graduation, I wonder whether it was all worth it, whether I should’ve gone to Brentwood and what was meant by my initial failure to be admitted.

Week one. That was the only week I seriously doubted the value of a HarvardWestlake education. I was in English class when I received the first book of my HarvardWestlake English career,

“Freak the Mighty.” The back cover called it young adult literature. I was only 12 years old at the time, but I remember thinking that whoever this young adult the publishers were referring to was must’ve been a whole lot younger than I was because the development of Max and Freak’s friendship seemed overly juvenile, at least for a school as fancy and wellreputed as Harvard-Westlake.

Brentwood. I cannot say I’m glad I went to HarvardWestlake instead of Brentwood because I don’t know if that’s true. Brentwood could’ve been the best experience of my life. Their campus looks better. Their mascot is cooler. It’s 9.8 miles closer to

my home.

The waitlist. The waitlist made me feel reluctantly wanted, like I had to prove myself because, unlike the other students, the school didn’t know whether I was actually meant to be there or even if it really wanted me. I’m glad I got waitlisted.

The need to show the administration that when they thought waitlist they thought wrong has encouraged me throughout my time here to try to take advantage of every opportunity offered, in part to prove a point but also because I realize that all this, the campus, the teachers, the students, was so close to not being mine. I have to travel

more than 40 miles every weekday getting to and from school. I have to walk up and down more stairs than anyone’s willing to count during passing periods because someone thought it would be a good idea to put a high school on the side of a mountain. I have to wear sports clothes that proudly advertise “Wolverines,” an animal also known as the skunk bear, because I go to this school, but when I share these struggles with students from other institutions and they ask me, “Why would you ever go there,” I always tell them, “Because it’s worth it.”

“Freak the Mighty” was not a good book, but it was the perfect choice for my

first Harvard-Westlake read.

It is about two very different people, Freak, the smart weak one, and Max, the strong dumb one, coming together in an unlikely friendship to create, as one person comprised of two, a boy who is both strong and smart. Coming to this school as a boy with a moderate amount of strength and a moderate amount of intelligence, Harvard-Westlake has been my Freak and my Max, and as I prepare to depart, I can see now better than ever how mighty it has helped me to become. I almost went to Brentwood. It could’ve been the best experience of my life, but it wasn’t. HarvardWestlake was.

Master and Commander: Tales of a Wolverine sports editor

By Grant Nussbaum

I

t’s fair to say I was a bit of a nerd in middle school.

The hardcore sports fanatic and basketball player side of my identity was rivaled heavily by the video gameplaying, superhero-obsessed sci-fi lover in me. Growing up with posters of the Los Angeles Lakers’ Phil Jackson, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant juxtaposed on my wall next to others of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker and Han Solo from “Star Wars,” I feared as the only student coming from my elementary school that I was too much of a “tweener” to fit into a certain social sect.

After 25 Chronicles, eight Big

Red sports magazines and nine Spectrum news magazines, I think my affection for sports has become well established. So allow me to show my nerdy self some love in this homage to my six years at Harvard-Westlake.

If there’s one thing my 22 days played on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 in eighth grade taught me, it’s that — to quote the game’s antagonist General Shepherd — the more things change, the more they stay the same. Night after night I spent chatting with, chuckling with and competing alongside a small group of my classmates on Playstation Network. Wielding a plastic Playstation 3 controller, we

bonded on eliminating virtual hostiles in a military shooter we technically weren’t even allowed to play yet. Many a game of “team deathmatch” and “domination” were played, not infrequently at the expense of our homework assignments. Much a time was spent watching Call of Duty videos on the Youtube channel “Machinima” and studying what configurations would allow us to play the best.

Beginning my second year as a Wolverine, I started out as mere acquaintances with them – little did I know they’d become some of the most cherished people in my life.

If there’s one thing my 22 days played on Call of Duty:

Modern Warfare 2 in eighth grade taught me, it’s that the more things change, the more they stay the same. While our zeal for Call of Duty slowly faded, our brotherhood only grew, encompassing card games, Super Smash Brothers and even FIFA Soccer (though that one was mainly me). With a few new members who soon became closer to me than I ever imagined, I was a proud member of our “Valley Gaming Crew.”

If there’s one thing my 22 days played on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 in eighth grade taught me, it’s that the more things change, the more they stay the same. My love for sports has not only lived

on since my middle school gaming days, it’s flourished, and it’s bolstered who I am.

It’s fair to say I’ve been a bit of a nerd in high school. The hardcore sports editor and basketball writer side of my identity has been rivaled heavily by the video game-playing, superhero-obsessed sci-fi lover in me. You’ll often find me repping Kevin Durant, Rajon Rondo, Batman, Spider-Man, the Chronicle Sports Section and the Valley Gaming Crew.

While my looks, my setting and my situation may change, I’ll always be grateful for the friends I’ve made as both a nerd and a sports fanatic, and I’ll always be a Harvard-Westlake Wolverine.

prom2014

D12 Seniors

Suit and tie

May 28, 2014

Students dressed up and snapped photos before riding down in limousines and party buses to dance, eat and socialize at Prom at the Loews Hollywood Hotel May 17.

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PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF JACKIE CARR

PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF CHELSEA PAN

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PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF HANNAH KOFMAN

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PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF ANDREA TORRE

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3

PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF DAVID HARTMEIER

PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF EUGENIE LUND-SIMON

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PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF COVI BRANNAN

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PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF ELAINE LEE

THE LAST DANCE: 1: Angus O’Brien ’14, left, Brooke Bagnall ’14, Kirk Woo ’14, and Aiyana White ’14 enjoy an ocean-side afternoon pre-prom celebration.

2: Hannah Kofman ’14 and Conor Belfield ’14 share a laugh as Kofman presents his boutonniere.

3: Prom queen Eugenie Lund-Simon ’14, left, and prom king Tom Thorne ’14 show off their crowns.

4: Morganne Ramsey ’14, left, Covi Brannan ’15, Lizzete Medina ’14 and Kennedy Green ’14 pose, act silly and share a laugh before leaving for prom.

5: Divya Siddarth ’14, left, Chelsea Pan ’14, Jessica Johnston ’14, Madeline Kaplan ’14 and Sydney Cheong ’14 pose for a picture at a backyard party.

6: A group of seniors throw up their hands and celebrate before heading off to their senior prom.

7: Nicholas Brooks ’14, left and and a laughing Jacqueline Carr ’14 embrace in front of the camera.

8: Mara Goeckner ’14 concentrates on pinning a boutonniere on her date Davey Hartmeier ’14.